Trying to keep up with all of the downloadable games and content that's out there these days is enough to make a person cry. But cry no more, because Download Lowdown is here to help. Each week I'll sift through the good, the bad, and the weird to help you get the most from your game system of choice without leaving your house. Plus, if you read now I'll also toss in some choice (usually less-than-helpful) quotes from folks around the Internet at absolutely no extra charge!
This week I play me some Madden, get fast and furious with Wipeout HD Fury, blow stuff up with Splosion Man, and shed tears over a busted version of Mega Man 2.
Madden NFL 10
System:Â Xbox 360
Price:Â Free demoÂ
The Lowdown: I'm not even going to go into my whole rant about offering exclusive demos to people who preorder a game through a certain retailer -- it's an absolutely insane trend that needs to stop. Anyway, if you're looking to see how this year's Madden is shaping up and you own an Xbox 360, and you've got a gold account, you can download a short demo featuring the Cowboys and the Giants.
You won't get a great sense of the gameplay during the one-minute-quarters, but you can see how the T.O.-less Cowboys and the Plaxico-less Giants are shaping up this year. You're also sure to notice the improved presentation and graphics. EA has done a great job with the pregame warm-ups and the cutscenes between plays -- they look fantastic. But don't just take my word for it, go get the demo and have a look for yourself.
What Major Nelson's fans say:
I_Hope_You_RROD gets the "American Football is better than all the European sports" talk started early :Â "They probably didn't think this football game would be popular outside of North America since there is no diving involved."
Olimite follows with the classic "Rugby players are tough ‘cause they don't wear pads" response: "Ever seen rugby? A sport for real men who don't need to wear pads to stop themselves from getting hurt."
MacPh1sto has seen this all before and just wants everybody to get along: "Ugh why does EVERY Madden post on here always have to devolve into a ‘My football is better than yours!' argument? Seriously, grow up already you guys!"
Wipeout HD Fury Add-on
System:Â PlayStation 3
Price:Â $10
The Lowdown:Â Before you run off and buy this, be sure to note that this is an add-on and requires (the quite good) Wipeout HD to play. What will your $10 get you? How about a new single-player campaign, 13 new ships, 8 new tracks, 3 new game modes, new l music, and new Trophies.
I like what Sony is doing with Wipeout HD; this is a nice amount of content for the price and the original game is inexpensive as well. I think this update is coming a little later than most people would have liked, but other than that, kudos to Sony for bringing good content and strong value to consumers.
What GameFaqs' posters say:
Dragon91978 is tickled pink over this new content:Â "I was not expecting it to be almost a sequal! If ur a fan of WHD then I think you will love this , you get a lot for your money."
Patman2769 doesn't own a television, but... you know, I can't get past the part about him not owning a TV: "Really really wish that I had a TV right now... But I don't, whence I cannot play Fury. "
Patman2769 finally explains to us why he owns a PS3 but not a TV. Mystery solved! "I just now moved across the country. I therefore do not live with my parents anymore. I figured it wasn't worth the cost to ship over my crappy TV, so I didn't. My girlfriend has a TV, but it's really old since she never watches TV, old enough to where it doesn't even have a composite in. Therefore, I do not have a TV. First, I need to get a job. Then, a car. Finally, I will get a TV and be happy and play Fury when no one even cares about it anymore."
Splosion Man
System: Xbox 360
Price:Â $10.00 (free demo available)
The Lowdown:Â Remember back in the day when Sonic the Hedgehog didn't suck? No? It was a long time ago, so don't worry if you don't remember. Anyway, Splosion Man is kind of like an old-school Sonic game -- lots of running and jumping, and lots of fun.
The trailer I've included below kind of makes you want to punch Splosion Man in the face because he's kind of annoying, but when you're playing the game he's less obnoxious. Or maybe he's just as obnoxious, but you don't notice because you're busy trying not to get dead. I dunno.... there's a free demo on Xbox Live, so you can check it out for yourself.
What the gang at MajorNelson.com says:Â
LoRN is all about Splosion Man:Â "This game is just the pure greatness. I didn't even try the demo. Instantbuy. It's a very speedy jumpnrun. I like it."
Chitwood7412 tells us he has plans for his points, but doesn't tell us his plans? Not fair! What could they be? "I have plans for my points, but may buy this in the future."
Danowat32 discovers hidden bonus content in the form of dumbasses playing the game online: "Excellent game, throughly deserving of the 9/10 IGN score, multiplayer is a bit crazy in public games, a fair bit of lag, and some dumb-asses!!!"
Mega Man 2
System:Â iPhone
Price:Â $4.99 (free demo available)
The Lowdown:Â I'm honestly hard-pressed to come up with a series that requires more precise controls than Mega Man. It's a good thing then that Capcom ported Mega Man 2 to a system with no d-pad or buttons. I'll let you guess how that worked out...
You're right, it didn't go well. The game feels like it's running in slow motion on my 3G, but the big problem is that it's too easy not to hit the onscreen d-pad and buttons where you intend to press them. I was constantly missing them or hitting both the jump and shoot buttons at the same time. Don't be fooled into buying this game -- it's busted and janky. Capcom, feel free to use that quote in your next ad.
What the App Store reviews say:
Ssoltero has the only review you need to read:Â "Sluggish controls. Lots of slowdown. Just a travesty when compared to the original."
FoundFlame loves what he has played so far:Â "Mega Man 2 was, and still is a great game, until Capcom decided to throw in motion blur, sluggish and unresponsive controls, jumps that are fart too slow going up and far too quick coming down, and bullet speeds as fast (slow) as walking speed."
WESTCOASTIN!! Thinks we're all a bunch of haters. He LOVES crappy gameplay it seems: "So wut if itz a lite version quit bitchin bout it n buy Tha whole game!!! I'm gon git it I ruled thizz game wit Tha game genie hahaha all u need iz contra n mitke tysonz punch out!! Yea boi"
That's it for this week's Download Lowdown. Thanks for reading and I'll see you next week!
