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Topic: PSP Game Division Review by xCHRISx (Read 1772 times)
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xCHRISx
Newbie
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Posts: 12
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xCHRISx's REVIEW OF THE NEO SUMMER CODING COMPO 2008 (PSP / GAME DIVISION)
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The Scoring System:
Introduction
First off let me say it was a privilege to be able to play these games. The developers all did a great job and no one should give up on these projects. When scoring these games I tried to be as honest and fair as possible even though there were many different genres. I believe my scoring system was fair, and I was correctly able to sort these games by the best overall game to the worst overall game. In any category a score of 0 could have been given if necessary.
Scoring System Used:
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CATEGORY POINTS
Menu.......................(1)
Strength of Menu......(1-3)
Audio.......................(1)
Strength of Audio......(1-3)
Graphics..................(1-5)
Gameplay................(1-10)
Replay Value...........(1-5)
Bonus.....................(1-2)
TOTAL....................(30)
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Scoring System Explained:
Menu
1 point was awarded if any sort of menu exists.
Strength of Menu
1-3 points were awarded depending on the strength of the menu. Presentation and Menu Options were what I was looking for.
Audio
1 point was awarded if any sort of audio exists.
Strength of Audio
1-3 points were awarded depending on the strength of the audio. SoundFX and Background Music was what I was looking for. However, I made exceptions for games where audio is not necessary (minesweeper). I awarded 1 point for audio and 1 point for strength of audio for these games.
If more games were in this situation, I would have perhaps made up a better way to handle this scoring issue. However, because minesweeper was the only exception, and there were at least 5 other games the held a higher value and were just flat out better in general, I scored it so it would have the correct score.
Graphics
1-5 points were awarded for the graphics. By graphics I am referring to the visual graphics of the games. This included the background images.
Gameplay
1-10 points were awarded for the gameplay. This included all aspects of the actual game itself. Controls and Performance as well.
Replay Value
1-5 points were awarded for replay value. Was the game fun, and would I ever want to play it again?
Bonus
1-2 points could have been given as a bonus. Points were given for originality, motion plug-in support, original entry, and any special qualities the game had to offer that went above and beyond.
Lets begin, shall we...
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NEO SUMMER CODING COMPO 2008
PSP / GAME DIVISION
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-Top Ten-
1. PolygunWars..............(27/30)
2. Geometry Wars..........(27/30)
3. PSPBilliards................(21/30)
4. Newton Powered.......(20/30)
5. Box Destroyer............(20/30)
6. Stacker......................(19/30)
7. X-Pired.......................(19/30)
8. Minesweeper..............(17/30)
9. Super Methane Bros...(17/30)
10. IPong........................(16/30)
--------------------------------------------------
REVIEWS:
Games are reviewed in the order I tested (Random).
If scores were tied I broke them first by the Replay Value Score and if necessary by the Gameplay Score.
X-Pired - mk2k
Description:
X-pired is an action packed puzzle game where your goal is to reach the exit square on each of the 42 levels. Use exploding barrels, wooden crates and many other movable and unmovable objects as well as metal, icey, flammable and teleporting grounds to reach your goal. Of course avoid being killed ;-)
My Take:
X-pired is a puzzle game, no doubt about it. It kind of reminded me of that old game "Chip's Challenge", you know, the one where you walk around collecting keys and solving the 140+ levels all from a beautiful birds-eye view! Obviously when creating a game from this camera angle you don’t need the most exciting graphics as it is unnecessary and you are quite limited. So granted there was not much one could do with this type of game. However, I honestly felt mk2k did a good job from a visual aspect. There’s not much more he could do and it turned out quite well in my opinion.
Now on to the rest of the game. I really struggled with this puzzle game. I would like to say that the puzzles were so hard I could not beat the first couple of levels, but really it seemed like the controls of the game that were preventing this from happening. Pushing flammable barrels into walls is fun, but not when I can’t turn around fast enough to keep from dying. I found the green messages that would pop up were unnecessary and annoying. Maybe they could have been implemented into a different section of the screen or some where else but it was not pleasant in the middle of screen. The game still needs some work, and a better menu as well. Overall, I found this game challenging, but definitely not "action packed".
Menu......................(1)
Strength of Menu......(1)
Audio......................(1)
Strength of Audio.....(3)
Graphics.................(4)
Gameplay...............(6)
Replay Value...........(2)
Bonus.....................(1)
TOTAL................(19/30)
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PSPBilliards - slicer4ever
Description:
it's billiards on the psp, what else can I say?....o yea it's got ad-hoc to and a fairly good ai
My Take:
"Bill, would you like to play some Billiards?"...
When I first saw that this game was submitted, I had my doubts. After I downloaded the file and plopped it in my memory stick I realized, its not half bad, it’s half good! Plus a little bit more good. As I continued to play it actually was a pretty impressive piece of brew. Well maybe it’s somewhat of a sight for sore eyes, but the computer A.I. is quite good. I literally wrote down on my notepad when grading this game "very impressed with A.I.". I found myself playing a few games before checking out the rest of it. The menu is fantastic. The extra features are great as well and overall I find that this game is actually worth keeping on my psp. However, I'd like to see some updates to the visuals, load times, and gameplay.
Menu......................(1)
Stength Of Menu......(3)
Audio......................(1)
Strength Of Audio.....(3)
Graphics..................(2)
Gameplay................(7)
Replay Value............(3)
Bonus......................(1)
TOTAL................(21/30)
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Super Methane Bros. - deniska
Description:
Puff and Blow each have a Methane Gas Gun which fires a cloud of immobilizing gas.
If this comes into contact with a bad guy he will be absorbed into the gas and then float
around the screen for a limited time. Bad guys are harmless in this state. Puff and Blow
must suck the floating gas clouds into their guns and blast them out against a vertical
surface. Bad guys then turn into bonuses which can be collected. Be warned! - the gas
cloud dissolves with time after which baddies become active again and extremely annoyed.
My Take:
I found myself laughing at first when I started playing. Super Methane Brothers is such a fun, ridiculous game. The developer must be an old school programmer as the original game must date back quite some years. These types of games I usually find fun for a short amount of time, after that I tend to lose interest unfortunately. I thought for what the game is it was put together quite well, just not much replay value.
Menu.......................(1)
Strength Of Menu......(0)
Audio.......................(1)
Strength Of Audio......(3)
Graphics...................(3)
Gameplay.................(7)
Replay Value............(1)
Bonus......................(1)
TOTAL................(17/30)
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Minesweeper - SG57
Description:
Here is a Windows Minesweeper clone featuring complete random minefields and includes the same difficulties as the one found on Windows, it also sports the same UI and colors and they work great on the PSP.
My Take:
Well, it’s Minesweeper. It plays like Minesweeper, and sounds like Minesweeper. The graphics weren’t as good as the original but hey, it’s still same old Minesweeper.
Menu.......................(1)
Strength Of Menu......(1)
Audio.......................(1)
Strength Of Audio......(1)
Graphics...................(2)
Gameplay.................(8.)
Replay Value............(2)
Bonus......................(1)
TOTAL................(17/30)
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Shooter - slasher
Description:
Shooter takes place in the ordinary world of a young teenager. You're just minding your own business playing with some buddies at a park when a familiar face approaches you. Jimmy asks you if you want to go get a bite to eat, and so you say "sure". As you begin to walk away with Jimmy, something unimaginable unfolds. After being pushed into a puddle by Jimmy, and being knocked out, your world gets turned upside down. You are pushed into a fictional world full of dangers, monsters, and mysteries. You must push on to survive.
My Take:
So I start the game, I'm blown away by the menu, and then greatly depressed by the actual game. Right away I get stuck after what I thought would be surely suicide by jumping off of the "LOL". I had to restart the game after playing less than a minute.. "LOL" jokes on me! I wasn’t impressed with that and not with the rest of the game either. I like that the developer tried to incorporate a story in to the game, but the visuals need much improvement, as well as the gameplay.
Menu.......................(1)
Strength Of Menu......(3)
Audio.......................(1)
Strength Of Audio......(2)
Graphics...................(1)
Gameplay.................(4)
Replay Value............(1)
Bonus......................(2)
TOTAL................(15/30)
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Ipong - tanos
Description:
iPong is the newest game released by Tanos, some says its "an excellent way of reinventing Pong". The reinvented Pong has a unique and new way of playing, also it has a challenges section and multiplayer gaming.
My Take:
"Reinventing Pong"? I think not. Although it did contain some unique aspects that other pong games do not have, there have been just so many other pong clones on the psp that play, feel, and look better than Ipong.
Menu.......................(1)
Strength Of Menu......(3)
Audio.......................(1)
Strength Of Audio......(1)
Graphics...................(2)
Gameplay.................(5)
Replay Value.............(2)
Bonus.......................(1)
TOTAL................(16/30)
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Newton Powered - mr_haricot
Description:
A small game based on flash game Gravity Pods. You have to reach the black hole (purple) and go to the next level.
My Take:
Right away I could tell that this was a work in progress. It’s a very promising game but at the moment lacks in the Audio department as well as the menu. Newton Powered is a really interesting game, and had me playing up till the last level. The visual aspects of the game are good, but I know they could be better. In my opinion this is a very original game and an enjoyable one as well. The possibility of a must have homebrew is there, just not at the moment. 1up for originality.
Menu.......................(1)
Strength Of Menu......(1)
Audio.......................(1)
Strength Of Audio......(1)
Graphics...................(3)
Gameplay.................(8.)
Replay Value............(3)
Bonus......................(2)
TOTAL................(20/30)
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A Warrior Journey - leviadragon
Description:
A Small Shot-em-Up where the hero , Galag , do a travel in an island full of monsters for become a real warrior.
My Take:
SIDE SCROLLING ACTION PACTION! Well maybe im being slightly sarcastic. AWJ is far from good, im not saying that someday this cant be a great brew, it’s just far from that state. The constantly repeating sprites aren’t such a good thing either.
Menu.......................(1)
Strength Of Menu......(1)
Audio.......................(1)
Strength Of Audio......(3)
Graphics...................(2)
Gameplay.................(4)
Replay Value.............(1)
Bonus.......................(1)
TOTAL................(14/30)
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Stacker - j
Description:
A stacking stuff game
My Take:
It’s actually not a bad game. From a visual aspect it’s not too bad, and the general concept behind the game is.. well, delivered. I suppose this project is so bland its hard to miss the mark, but id still have to say well done.
I found it to be quite enjoyable given the monotone brew that it is. If you ask me, the developer seems like a monotone kind of guy as well. His description gives it away..
Menu.......................(1)
Strength Of Menu......(2)
Audio.......................(1)
Strength Of Audio......(2)
Graphics...................(3)
Gameplay.................(6)
Replay Value............(3)
Bonus......................(1)
TOTAL................(19/30)
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Abe's Amazing Adventure - zack
Description:
Abe's Amazing Adventure is a scrolling, platform-jumping, key-collecting, ancient pyramid exploring game.
My Take:
It turns out "Abe's Amazing Adventure" isn't so amazing after all. It may be the biggest game, in terms of the file size, but it is definitely the worst. The game lags more than CoD online with a 56k connection and 64MB SDRAM. Yes, that bad! Not only that but the load time is horrendous. There may be a decent game in there somewhere, but I can’t see it.
Menu.......................(1)
Strength Of Menu......(3)
Audio.......................(0)
Strength Of Audio......(0)
Graphics...................(3)
Gameplay.................(2)
Replay Value............(0)
Bonus......................(1)
TOTAL................(11/30)
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Blob Volleyball - slasher
Description:
Blob Volleyball is a heavily physics-based volleyball copycat using the incredible JelloPhysics library in which you must fling the ball over to the opponents side of the net.
My Take:
Despite the ridiculousness of this brew it’s actually quite challenging. The gameplay is smooth and the graphics are, well not very good. However, the game plays well and is challenging. It still needs major work as it currently has low replay value in my opinion, but im very glad it has the multiplayer mode on the same psp. It’s a very basic demo and I hope to see future updates. The game is in some odd way, promising? Maybe I just like the thought of sweaty flubbery goo bouncing around my psp.. yep.
Menu.......................(1)
Strength Of Menu......(1)
Audio.......................(0)
Strength Of Audio.....(0)
Graphics..................(2)
Gameplay................(7)
Replay Value...........(2)
Bonus.....................(2)
TOTAL................(15/30)
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Polygunwars - ahrimanes
Description:
PULYGUNWARS is a clone of the BIZARRECREATIONS 360 arcade shooter..
My Take:
Polygunwars is a great homebrew shooter. Although it is apparently just a 0.65 release, the excellent graphics, music, and explosions carry it to a near finished build. Polygunwars took home second place in the Spring Competition (2008), and to be flat out honest, looks like it may win the gold this year. The improvements to the game are superb. The amount of enemies that spawn on this release are making the game far more exciting and challenging. With the addition of the high scores feature the game is becoming a competitive one and it is now a definite must have on your psp. High replay value this time around. And to think, its still just 65% completed! 1up for high scores feature. Great job ahrimanes!
Menu.......................(1)
Strength Of Menu......(3)
Audio.......................(1)
Strength Of Audio......(3)
Graphics...................(4)
Gameplay.................(9)
Replay Value............(5)
Bonus......................(1)
TOTAL................(27/30)
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Box Destroyer - walar
Description:
Box Destroyer is a PSP clone of the flash game "Totem Destroyer" by Gabriel Ochsenhofer. It's a physics-based puzzle game with 14 levels (no time to do more), to win you must destroy the required number of blocks in each level without letting the little white block fall into the ground. Click on a red block to destroy it (blacks blocks cannot be destroyed).
My Take:
I've been waiting for a Totem Destroyer clone for some time now, so im psyched that it’s finally here. The game plays just as it should and is just as fun as the original, which is great. However the physics sometimes seem a tad off and I can not stand what its doing to the pieces when they are all stacked on top of each other. The non stop convulsions that the boxes are having in the game make it frustrating to play. It’s very irritating to the eyes. If it wasn’t for the seizures, this brew would have scored at least 2 points higher. It’s a shame, its so close to being great!
Menu.......................(1)
Strength Of Menu......(3)
Audio.......................(1)
Strength Of Audio......(2)
Graphics...................(2)
Gameplay.................(7)
Replay Value............(3)
Bonus......................(1)
TOTAL................(20/30)
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1945 The War Is Now - gefa
Description:
1945 The War Is Now is a simple shooter game clone of the arcade game "1945"
My Take:
This game may look similar to the classic, but it’s far from it. Needs a lot of work all over, but hey, at least it seems like it’s on the right track.
Menu.......................(0)
Strength Of Menu......(0)
Audio.......................(1)
Strength Of Audio......(1)
Graphics...................(2)
Gameplay.................(4)
Replay Value.............(1)
Bonus.......................(1)
TOTAL................(11/30)
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Geometry Wars - sturatt
Description:
This is my attempt at cloning Geometry Wars to the psp. I have tried to get the gameplay as close as possible to the original game.
My Take:
Wow, two submitted clones of the same game. Not only that but they both are solid games. The graphics on this clone are great as well and Geometry Wars delivers a unique map to play on. I was really impressed with the way this game is set up. It took me by surprise how good this game is. I found myself playing it for quite some time. The graphics are real smooth and you present the game well. At this point in time, I do not believe the game is better than Polygunwars. However, what I do believe in is that this game has the potential to be greater than that game when both projects are completed. As it is right now it’s real close to being better but still needs a little work. I do have one suggestion though, I think you should expand the boundaries of the map to about twice the size it is now, while keeping other aspects the same. Good job!
Menu.......................(1)
Strength Of Menu......(3)
Audio.......................(1)
Strength Of Audio......(3)
Graphics...................(4)
Gameplay.................(9)
Replay Value............(4)
Bonus......................(2)
TOTAL................(27/30)
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Thank You for taking the time to read my review of the PSP / GAME division for the Neo Summer Coding Compo 2008!
xCHRISx
Proud Member of,
www.ConsoleSpot.net
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« Last Edit: August 23, 2008, 10:47:58 PM by xCHRISx »
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mr_haricot
Newbie
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Posts: 10
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i agree ! very precise reviews !!
to xCHRISx: I am sorry but i did a mistake (shame on me  ), my game is an original entry 
so if you want...you can change my score
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xCHRISx
Newbie
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Posts: 12
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wooo,nice review 
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it =]
to xCHRISx: I am sorry but i did a mistake (shame on me ), my game is an original entry so if you want...you can change my score
alright, just make sure you change it in on the game entry. I dont want it to look like i gave you a free point for no reason.
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Sturatt
Newbie
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Posts: 18
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thank you so much for the kind words xCHRISx, they really encourage me to keep working on and improving this! 
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xCHRISx
Newbie
Offline
Posts: 12
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If that was the case then a higher authority should have notified the submitter and denied the games entry.
My job was to review what was submitted and i did
..but still, thats a shame if people really do that =/
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xCHRISx
Newbie
Offline
Posts: 12
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hmm, is it required i review the psp apps as well in order to be considered for a prize? Because i do not plan to do so. School just started up again and i have an advanced c++ class this semester. My time is quite limited now
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deniska
Jr. Member
Offline
Posts: 59
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No offense, but some parts of the review seem to be skewed..
For example, how can ipong beat the Methane Brothers in the replay value department (2:1)? SMB has 100 different levels to complete vs same one board for ipong with somewhat repetitive game dynamics...
Below is the "One Amiga" magazine review of the game, giving SMB 84 ot of 100 in the "Lastability" department... (that's about 4 out of 5 on your scale)
http://amr.abime.net/amr_popup_picture.php?src=the_one/magscans/one66_1994_03/061.jpg&c=84643
Also, I don't really get the part about taking points off for the lack of the menu. For example, most of the arcade games don't have one - you just drop a quoter to start a game.. With your scoring system an accurate arcade game port would never be able to score 100% no matter how terrific the original game was.
And btw, there is nothing in the rules stating that the entry must have a menu ;-)
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xCHRISx
Newbie
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Posts: 12
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Oh come on man, be original. Just because its an arcade classic does not mean you cant make it new. Reinvent the game! Think of the possibilities on the PSP, dont clone a game, and then get mad when I say the replay value is bad. Maybe in 1985 the replay value would have been a 4/5, but there is no way it is today.
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deniska
Jr. Member
Offline
Posts: 59
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@xCHRISx: see my answers in bold:
Oh come on man, be original.
>> this is a coding and not originality contest.. if you think ports are bad - prepare for disappointment - 90% if commercial content on PSP are ports from other systems...and if you think porting is an easy road - double check with devs, responsible for porting QUAKE engine, all emus and other stuff that makes the headlines...
Just because its an arcade classic does not mean you cant make it new. Reinvent the game! Think of the possibilities on the PSP, dont clone a game, and then get mad when I say the replay value is bad.
>> - unlike a fan game - a port needs to be as close to it's target as possible...
- about cloning: I would say that 95% of the entries are clones of the existing game ideas: pong, geometry wars clones, stacker, etc - they all have been done before ;-))
yet you award more replay value points to most of them..
Maybe in 1985 the replay value would have been a 4/5, but there is no way it is today
>>First - It was a 1993 commercial magazine review...
Second, comparison to ipong should still stand, no matter if it's 1985,1993 or 2008.. Sorry but ipong, as it is, is not that rich on the content, or technology innovations
Once again you may want to re-consider your scaling system:
blindly taking off point for no menu or no audio make little or no sense...
after all, the most successful game of all time, solitaire (feel free to google this fact) does not have much of the audio and most of classic arcade games have no menus... ;-)
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xCHRISx
Newbie
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Posts: 12
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Well were just going to have to agree to disagree. Its my review, and i believe that the possibilities are endless on the PSP when it comes to a port of an arcade classic. You should of updated the classic to 2008. Example...
Space Invaders Evolution
Space Invaders Extreme
Space Invaders CLASSIC
Im not saying I expect to see 3D objects and what not, but this is just to show you how much more potential there is, of which you did not capitalize on. These are my opinions, and i believe they are accurate as is my review.
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