So here we are at the start of the minis chain this week with a free download of the Echoes mini. Also on offer in this episode are reviews of Skate 3 and UFC Undisputed 2010 and a preview of Red Dead Redemption. On top of that are screenshots of LEGO Harry Potter and White Knight Chronicles 2 as well as some tips to score Free Kicks in FIFA. I’m sure all of you know the drill by now, we’re here to give our verdict on the episode as well as detail what’s inside. So fasten your seatbelts, because this is a whirlwind of an episode.

HD REVIEWS AND PREVIEWS

As stated above, this week’s Reviews and Previews section includes reviews of both Skate 3 and UFC Undisputed 2010, and for our movie-lovers there’s also a review of book adaptation The Road. If that doesn’t whet your appetite then FirstPlay have also got a great preview of Red Dead: Redemption. In the adverts compartment, there is a repeat performance of last week with appearances from Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (Movie), Sky TV, Just Cause 2, and God of War III.

First up, we have the Skate 3 review. FirstPlay launches the review by praising the comedic value of Coach Frank, as well as the variety of tricks including the addition of brand new tricks. They also like the intuitive gameplay mechanics which the Skate series is famous for, as well as the improved Park Editor which made its debut in the last instalment of Skate, but this time, you can do so much more. One thing FirstPlay didn’t like though, was the lack of change between Skate 2 and Skate 3, they felt that although it was a leap forward, it wasn’t a big leap forward like many were expecting.

Skate 3, built to improve upon its disappointing predecessor Skate 2.

Next we have the UFC Undisputed 2010 review, which FirstPlay though was near on perfect as a game. They loved the addition of the sway system which gives the game a sharper tactical edge, and the new fighting styles which give the game a bit more variety. As expected, the graphics seemed top notch and the animations smooth and slick.

Next in this section, we have the headline feature: the Red Dead: Redemption preview. It was a little disappointing to see only a preview of this when its so close to release, but what is there to see really does blow your mind away. The preview gives you the chance to see the lush environments which incredible vistas and impeccable graphics. You also get to see a glimpse of the Dead Eye Shooting Mode, and the use of horses as transportation. FirstPlay highlights the point that shooting whilst on a horse make for some really good firefights, whilst also stating that the multiplayer is shaping up to be phenomenal.

Lastly in this section we have a Blu-ray review of The Road, a movie-adaptation of the book so it seems. According to FirstPlay, the movie is slow and depressing and not nearly as good as the book, but the relationship between father and son brings out a lot of emotion.

SCREENSHOTS

This weeks gallery sees some fantastic shots for your viewing pleasure of LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 and Test Drive Unlimited 2. For those that aren’t into driving or wizardry, then there’s the fantastic RPG sequel White Knight Chronicles 2 and an attempt at a football game by Ubisoft in the form of Pure Football.

First we have Test Drive Unlimited 2, which includes a batch of about fifteen screenshots. Here you’ll find shots of the open-world style gameplay (which is set in Ibiza) with a glance at the damage system. Mainly though, the screenshots focus on the cars, namely the Zonda and the Dodge Viper.

Next we have LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4, which includes a look at the co-op sections of the game, as well as some views of spellcasting, potion making, and more. There’s also mention of brief interludes to the gameplay with optional areas such as Diagon Alley, and Hogsmead.

Will the videogame capture the magic of the books and films? Let's just say videogames aren't renowned for great film adaptations.

Thirdly, we’ve got White Knight Chronicles 2. The shots featured here are from the Japanese version of the game which is currently in development, but you get to see a bit of combat, and some of the improved battle system. Also on the list is a look at characters old and new with some more big enemies to take down in the mix as well. Online play also features briefly in this collection.

Lastly, there’s Pure Football. Developed as Ubisoft’s answer to PES and FIFA, Pure Football seems to focus on more simplified gameplay rather than the technical simulation which is found in modern day football games. You’ll get to see various environments, none of which feature a stadium, and you’ll also be able to create your own character in the final game.

NETWORK HIGHLIGHTS

In this, the PlayStation Network Round-Up section, we’ve got another varied set of content. First up is a countdown of the best Just Cause 2 Chaos and another How To… guide for FIFA: How To… Score A FIFA Free Kick. Elsewhere in this section is a round-up of the latest and greatest PSP Comics and a tour of the best PSN Shooters with a PSN Shooter Round-Up.

The Just Cause 2 Chaos feature is a countdown of the top five videos of Chaos that the FirstPlay team could find, with some impressive feats achieved including a random plane crashing into a hill, a cartwheeling car, and (by far the best) a person attempting to jump out of a helicopter and then re-enter it before it hits the ground.

Next is How To… Score a FIFA Free Kick which give you tips on how to… well… score a free kick in FIFA. The feature gives you tips on how to score a short range free kick by shooting over as well as under the wall, and also how to score a lay-off shot. FirstPlay suggests techniques like how much to fill the power bar, where to aim the ball (which is generally at the goal) and which players to use.

In the PSN Shooter Round-Up video, FirstPlay covers the gorgeous PixelJunk Shooter, the fiddly Gravity Crash and the downright incredible fireworks display that is Super Stardust HD. Lucy Porter (the narrator) also hints at the implementation of 3D into Super Stardust HD (for those of you who don’t already know).

Super Stardust HD, incredible graphics, incredibly addictive. What more do you want?

In this portion of PSP Comics, you get to see snippits of Echoes, The Ghoul, Dark Mists, Groom Lake, and The Immortal Iron Fist. For those of you who’ve yet to try the comics, this feature can be a great insight to what you get for your money.

FEATURED DOWNLOADS

Last but by no means least this week is the Featured Downloads section, where you’ll be able to get your hands on a free PS mini – Echoes. If you’re crazy and freebies aren’t for you then there’s also a Dead Or Alive Theme (which is displayed in the screenshot below).

Get this Dead Or Alive Theme free with this week's episode.

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ECHOES MINI-REVIEW

The Echoes mini is a really addictive game which turns ‘ghosts’ – former versions of your past self – into enemies. In Arcade Mode, the aim is to pick up the required number of crystals within each level. The catch is, with each crystal you pick up, you create a ghost of yourself picking that crystal up. Make sense? As you get further through the levels, more mechanics are introduced to spruce up the gameplay. There are other game modes which put different spins onto this concept including Survival mode (explains itself really), Jackpot mode (a timed game where picking up crystals without hitting ghosts nets you bigger points) and Clockwork mode (each Crystal you pick up creates a stationary ghost near the previous crystal).

Also included are in-game trophies (no, not proper Trophies) which challenge you to beat levels in certain times or get a certain number of ghosts on screen at once etc. which prolong the experience greatly. As you can probably tell, there is huge variation in this great little mini, and it is well worth downloading this episode just to get it.

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FINAL SUMMARY

It was so tempting to give this episode a ten out of ten because of the amount of content in it, but something doesn’t feel quite right which seems to be holding back most of the FirstPlay episodes so far – and that is, timing. It seems that FirstPlay are getting the reviews in a little late, and to be honest Red Dead: Redemption should have really been a review instead of a preview considering the game is out in the same week. Other than that though, this episode has been one of the best yet, with a ton of content and lots of freebies too. 9/10


NEXT WEEK

In next week’s episode is a review of Split/Second: Velocity and the continuation of the Free PS mini marathon. Episode 008 of FirstPlay will be available in bothe the UK and Ireland on Wednesday 26th May.

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