VideoGamer.com Plays

What we've been playing this week.

Welcome to VideoGamer.com Plays, our weekly feature where we give you the inside track on what's been whirring in our disc drives this week. We'll be honest (so if we've been playing Superman on the N64 we'll tell you). But if we've been hammering the latest billion-selling blockbuster we'll let you know about that too.

Tom Orry, Editor - Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, PS3.
There's been a bit of a lull in the office this week. After the near constant excitement of the past two months, with new releases coming thick and fast, a normal week just doesn't cut it. But I have been playing Sony's final piece of its Christmas line-up puzzle. Uncharted: Drake's Fortune from Naughty Dog is every bit the blockbuster title Sony would have wanted it to be, and does more to sell the power of the console than any other game I've played for it. Sadly it's not quite the game I wanted it to be, simply being a thoroughly good game and not a masterpiece, but it's absolutely recommended for PS3 owners. I also found myself strangely attracted to the virtual female eye-candy, despite her strange teeth and awkward man-ish jaw. If only 'that' Mass Effect scene could be included in all modern video games.

Wesley Yin-Poole, Deputy Editor - Smarty Pants, Wii.
I didn't expect much from Smarty Pants, the Wii's answer to family quiz game Scene It?. But it's surprisingly good fun. You buzz in by flicking the Wii Remote up, then pick an answer from four choices against the clock. We had a blast on it four-player here in VideoGamer.com towers, and I'm happy to report that you will too. Just don't play it on your own and try not to act like a complete fool when spinning the wheel.

James Orry, News Editor - PES 2008, Xbox 360.
OMG, the other night I scored the greatest goal ever to grace the PES series. I kid you not. Using a newly crafted technique in which I use a chip shot as a lofted forward pass Robbie Keane played through a ball which tore the Chelsea defence to pieces, with Berbatov sliding in at the back post to convert from an acute angle. It was 'what dreams are made of' kind of stuff and I made sure my opponent knew that. Sadly, for reasons unknown to me but I'm sure it had something to do with my bitter opponent, the saved replay only shows Berbatov running away in celebration after the goal, himself clearly amazed at the brilliance of what just happened. There's even the first sign of a smile on his face.

Will Freeman, Staff Writer - Super Mario Galaxy, Wii.
After storming through CoD4, Assassin's Creed, Kane and Lynch and Ace Combat 6, I've finally found time for completely loosing myself in Super Mario Galaxy, and as I near my hundredth star, I'm happy to say it's one of the best games I've ever played. Call me a Nintendo fanboy, which I probably am, but I'm just swept off my feet by its innovation and charm. I love the way it introduces me to a new trick every five minutes, long before the awe at experiencing the last begins to fade. I love its character and humour, even though its narrative is substantially streamlined in comparison to Sunshine. It feels like being lost in an enormous dream far more glorious than my simple mind could concoct, and I can't remember more blissful escapism.

Nick Peres, Video Producer - Commander Keen, PC.
Last time I played this I was still loosing my milk teeth. Now I return to this title some years later with a full set of dentures and keen to relive the experience. Booting this classic up in a sweet dos-box, the recognisable midi theme and 16 colours kicked in. I quickly started jetting through the campaign, zapper and pogo-stick in hand. It was good to return to this classic that's now offered on Steam. The game is just that quick hit of nostalgia you sometimes need. Though I'm afraid my patience isn't what it used to be and I was unable to complete this one again, another indication that I was at my peak when I was seven. I'll give up now.

Simon Hunter, Associate Video Producer - Mass Effect, Xbox 360.
Who hasn't been playing mass effect this week? (and if not, why not?!) Everyone is loving the story, but the massive effect it had on me was the whole moral thing. When presented with one of the numerous tough decisions in the game I'm always trapped deciding what I should do, what I want to do, and which choice will ultimately lead to the reported in-game nudity. This has led to a rather morally misguided character, who will do your mission for you, but expect a hefty reward.