Stories by Julian Aidan
Multi-faceted 'Torchlight II' thrills and compels
- Runic
BY JULIAN AIDAN
All in all, “Torchlight II” provides a stimulating and intense adventure through a beautifully detailed world ripe with secrets waiting to be discovered while remaining playable by both the casual and hardcore gamer.
'Ys Origin' melds tough gameplay with superior storytelling
BY JULIAN AIDAN
“Ys Origin” is a great game for anyone looking for fast-paced action, and with roughly 60 hours necessary just to fully uncover the plot, five difficulties to conquer and an Arena mode that provides nigh-limitless new tests of skill, has a very large amount of content to explore and master.
Intricate gameplay in 'Diablo' pushes third installment to next level
- Blizzard
BY JULIAN AIDAN
The third installment of Blizzard’s “Diablo” series arrives after 12 years of development with promises of an intense and unforgiving dark fantasy adventure, and delivers a single- and multiplayer experience whose chaotic combat is second to none.
'Blades' makes lackluster transition to PC
- Gaijin
BY JULIAN AIDAN
Gameplay offers little opportunities for individualized experiences, and the number of available spells and items makes for personalizing your character next-to-impossible. “Blades of Time” is NOT a roleplaying game, though, and succeeds in its aim to provide high-octane combat that’s easy on the eyes and the mind.
PlayStation handheld gaming console fails to find its niche among competitors
- NAMCO Bandai
BY JULIAN AIDAN
Sony’s PlayStation Vita attempts to fill a niche that’s too small with a library that’s too dull while going against some tough competition. It’s an awesome system that lacks the support and demand needed for serious success, and until the Vita gets its own set of high-octane releases, I’ll stick to Words with Friends.
Best New Business: Bongz & Thongz
- Marlene Lacasse/Daily
BY JULIAN AIDAN
Despite getting off to a rough start, Bongz & Thongz has managed to root itself in slightly off-campus downtown Ann Arbor with its menagerie of smoking accessories and adult novelties.
Step into the Salon: Battling over the awesomeness of 'Pokemon Stadium'
BY JULIAN AIDAN
Pokémon Stadium gives Pokémon lovers 3-D action featuring their favorite video game characters. But is it too repetitive to be enjoyable?
Notebook: The 'Dark Descent' into the terror of a survival-horror masterpiece
- Frictional
BY JULIAN AIDAN
Playing “Amnesia” is an experience literally unlike any other, and causes an adrenaline rush that I’m pretty sure you’d only feel when actually running for your life.
'Deep Black' has muddled, shallow gameplay
- Biart
BY JULIAN AIDAN
“Deep Black: Reloaded” isn’t without some merits. For example, the game looks good, if a little dated. There are some cool melee and stealth executions that almost start to make up for the fact that playing feels more like an exercise in masochism.
Emotional core and eerie storyline create compelling gaming experience in 'Dear Esther'
- Thechineseroom
BY JULIAN AIDAN
It was without much hype and while being completely overshadowed by typical Valentine’s Day insanity that “Dear Esther” was made available for purchase on Steam last month.
