Not-quite-review Review of The Fancy Pants Adventures

To be honest, I'm not quite sure what to make of The Fancy Pants Adventures. I first got a look at it at the EA Showcase and it seemed like a lot of fun. Then again, I played for about 20 minutes with four players and only touched on the story mode. Instead, we saw challenge rooms and alternative modes such as King of the Hill.

The Fancy Pants Adventures does not seem designed for playing single player, which makes it difficult to review and also difficult to pin down. As a 2D platformer, it looks well but it isn't overly challenging. There are bundles of collectibles but it's like collecting rewards from cereal boxes; it comes down to dumb luck and persistance.

The only reason to play on your own is to get the extra "squiggles" and go for the 100% completion or rewards. However, the levels are designed for multiplayer. Some squiggles are unobtainable unless you work with other people to reach higher platforms. So, while you get to explore more at your leisure in single player, you may not be able to get to places that you find.

This is where the game falls down. It can be a blast playing four player locally. There are some excellent game modes. But, if playing with the wrong crowd, it comes across as a boring title. If you can get the mix of co-operation and competition right, it works out brilliantly. But considering that you need to assist one another to get some squiggles, if people take the competitive element too far then the wheels come off the chariot.

I picked it up instantly when it came out after my impressions at the showcase. My friends haven't been won over so it may only get played locally for short bursts of time. On top of that, it hasn't quite gripped me enough to play through of my own accord.

Why I'm excited about Portal 2

Portal 2 looking great! Got a chance to try it at the EA showcase. Played first chapter...

Sense of humour is still there (if not ramped up a bit). Personality companion that you meet at the beginning of the game, and who teaches you the basics, is great. Witty, helpful and calm throughout  :)

Those who have played Portal will know what to expect. Manipulate your environment through the use of portals to get somewhere else. Apparently the difficulty has been changed - if you know the solution, you will be able to complete the level. This is because they took a look at STEAM stats and saw that people stopped at the 2nd last level. They just weren't dexterous enough to get through.

Unfortunately, nothing can be done to help me. At least twice, I confused myself only to find that the solution was to walk through the gap in the wall beside me or turn a corner. I'm a special breed of gamer...

Graphics aren't going to blow people away, but when timed so close to the delicious Crysis 2, you're probably best not trying to do all you can do; all would be in vain anyways. The Aperture Science facility has changed since the last outing. Now, there are some outdoor environments. Helps mix things up a little.

GLaDOS is back...and she's glad (*cough*) to see you. You must like testing; she does too...This relationship has to work out right? Right?! Well, she could take care of you Pulp Fiction style but we'll have to wait for release to see what happens.

Portal 2 is going to be excellent. I like that they're trying something new with the co-operative play (though I didn't get to give it a go). Witty, charming and puzzling as ever; Colour me excited.

Sims remains at forefront of EA strategy

The Marketing Director for EA UK & Ireland has confirmed EA's committment to The Sims franchise. He highlighted its success across a number of different platforms.

He said, "The Sims continues to be a major priority". He also made reference to the expanded content successfully taking the "concept of playing with life into new and exciting areas".

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So, good news Sims fans - The series is here to stay for another while yet! No mention was made as to what the future will bring and there was nothing explicitly showcased. What would people like to see, or has anyone a guess?

We've seen the present and the past - will we have "SIMS IN SPACE!" (to the tone of the intro to the muppets)