Matteo Anelli

Despite the Final Fantasy push, this episodes is where the saga start feeling stale, self-celebrative and a bit too much fan-oriented. FF VIII story is just a mess, full of FF VII stereotypes and convolutions, that leaves the gamer confused and badly directed.

Artistically, the game is top-notch, that is exactly what you expect from a Square game.

The RPG system is solid but marred with a lots of micromanagement that is constantly aggravated by frequent party switches, most of them happening without player control. Some other mechanics, like weapon upgrades and card combat are there but they are so marginalized in respect with the core gameplay to feel a bit less than a diversion.

The constant event scripting and the dozy storyline devoid the player of one of the most key factor in a huge RPG: control. It feels more like a sluggish micromanagement-oriented adventure game than an open ended RPG.

If you are acquainted with the awesomeness of God of War, this inferior PSP episode could really let you down with a lot more repetitive gameplay and too few and uninspired boss fights.

Entertaining game, especially for WWII fighters fans. Poor balancing on the late levels.

Solid PvP and RvR action and not really too demanding on your social life like many other farming-oriented MMOs.

The concept of Open Quests is nice but game mechanics (in particular the Tiered approach to world exploration) let the lower level zones a bit underpopulated.

On many servers the Open World PvP is deserted by ex-battleground farmers of WOW fame. Sad for them, because the real nice gear and powerful stuff can be found only conquering Keeps and battling for territorial control.

Unlike many other MMOs, this one require people to think, plan and create their own game play. If you are a player bent to explore and invent, this is the game for you.

As said before, the only real gripe is the Tiered approach to zoning: while you are allowed to join higher level zones for PVP, receiving a level buff, but retaining your sub-par skill set, the inverse is not possible, so higher level players won't be scaled down to a lower level. I wonder how many games need to release borked social components like this one before accepting that the ability (with some caveats) to play with anyone is a must for many MMO players.

A no frills open world action shooter, Crackdown is one of the first game that gave justice to the world "Next Gen". The game is really fun, thanks to the sense of liberty that it transmits.

A must-have for any Sci-Fi and Action RPGs fans.

The best GTA ever.

Not much gangsta-oriented like previous titles, much more a modern noir with lots of sarcasm and pessimism inbetween. A real adult game without too much abuse on sex and violence themes (that appeal more the teenager demographics).

Liked the game, more polished than PSO, great graphics and nice action-based roleplay mechanics. The Online support is great on X360, and the game really shines when played with other people.

The single player is not that bad, the combat sequences are just a bit too long for many tastes but at least they offer several challenges, compared to the average JRPG.

A visionary tale, with lots of innovation about storytelling and character presentation. When it was released it was mildly received by press and critics, but as for today, it's a classic of the genre and it stands of the beacon for mature-oriented (not only about sex and violence, but a mature storytelling with mature motives) adventure games.

One of the few games I can play forever. Just a perfect mix of cinematic action and, finally, FPS gameplay and controls fitted for consoles.