Review of Top Computer Games
The computer games industry is on a path of perpetual growth, with titles receiving higher budgets, bigger audiences and greater mainstream media interest. There are always going to be some stinkers, but 2010 has been a bumper year for top line launches which actually live up to the hype. Here is a look at the different computer games that have made an impact.
Super Mario Galaxy 2
It would have seemed impossible to improve on the excellent original, but Nintendo has managed to squeeze more day-glo joy from its little Wii than ever before with Super Mario Galaxy 2. This is gaming in its purest form, with excellent platforming action, clever gravity manipulating tricks and the barest smattering of a story to hold the whole thing together. Although it may look like child`s play, SMG2 can also be extremely difficult when required, so there is plenty for the adults to enjoy.
God of War III
In stark contrast to the friendly brightness of SMG2, the third in the critically acclaimed God of War series is not for the kids, or even for adults who get offended by a bit of blood. By making the leap to high definition and the PlayStation 3, GoW III has given a new level of realism to the violence and gore. It also has the most epic storyline of the franchise, with antihero Kratos attempting to try and kill his father Zeus once more, resulting in some of the most excessive set piece battles ever committed to Blu Ray.
Red Dead Redemption
Developer Rockstar Games has found fame and fortune with its Grand Theft Auto seriesand it decided to take the bare bones of this concept and switch the setting from modern, urban America over to a more desolate nineteenth century Wild West backdrop. That means stealing cars is replaced with breaking in wild stallionsand the health previously replenished with ease at a burger bar needs to be carefully preserved as you hunt and fight for survival against the elements. Red Dead Redemption has a killer story, great voice acting and an insurmountable atmosphere unmatched by any of its peers. It is also great fun, which makes it a gaming essential.
Alan Wake
The survival horror genre has been dominated by the Resident Evil franchise for many years, but Max Payne developer Remedy has taken an atmospheric stab at redressing the balance with Alan Wake. You play the titular character, a thriller writer with a serious case of writers blockand you must struggle against dark forces using only a flashlight, a handgun and a dwindling supply of ammo in a uniquely terrifying game.
Medal of Honour
Ever since the Call of Duty series ditched the World War 2 setting in favour of a near future contemporary storyline, its rivals have been attempting to copy the lucrative trick. Medal of Honour is a series reboot for the venerable franchise that started life back on the original PlayStationand it too has chosen to overhaul itself with a modern twist. Hopefully the first person shooter fans are still willing to part with cash for the promise of more epic single player plots and extensive online action.
If you are wondering what video games to buy it is always worth checking out independent online reviews at www.crowdstorm.co.uk
I'm a self-confessed musical nut with an eclectic taste ranging from lo-fi indie to crushing heavy metal. I also make a blizzard of noise in my band Final Coil (recently seen deafening audiences in the midlands area). I also like cheese. Cheese is possibly the single greatest food (if one excludes bacon). Sometimes I write songs about cheese... but not often 
