Kivi’s Underworld takes players through a world that is under attack, but the only one that knows the world is under attack is Kivi. He takes it upon himself to save his world. Kivi sets out on one quest, in a role playing (RPG) setting, at a time and each quest progresses the story line. 

Kivi’s Underworld is a RPG, but it is a bit different from other RPGs. Players still have their characters and have the ability to upgrade their character stats, but this RPG is arcade based. Each quest has a definite ending and  the player has the option to stop that quest when it is complete. The other difference with this game is points are very important. The more points you can accumulate through a quest the more ability points you will receive at the end of your quest. Of course, ability points allow players to upgrade their character’s stats, such as health, defense, offense and such.

Each quest is almost like a level. Players complete the objective of the quest and can opt to be done with the level, but if they stop there they will probably only get 1 ability point. Each quest has multiple secrets to find and players should attempt to find the secrets because they will increase your score and you can progress your character quicker.

Players can choose to play Kivi or any of his companions. Kivi and his companions each have different abilities or classes. Kivi is good with the sword (warrior). Kivi has many companions, such as Warlocks, Ninjas and even Battle Mages, which are good with swords and magic. Players pick a character and start out on an adventure.

On each of the quests the characters have to navigate around the underworld and they are helped out by a min-map in the corner of the screen. The mini-map will show green dots for things that won’t hurt you and red dots for enemies on the screen. Players can break open barrels and discover chests. Some barrels and chests contain power-ups, but only three power-ups can be held at one time. The power-ups are on the side of the screen and can be used by clicking on them. The power-ups are standard role playing power-ups, such as stone skin, haste and regeneration.

The graphics in the game are awesome. The characters contain enough detail to tell them apart when you choose a different character. The enemies are easily discernible as well. Players can easily tell the difference between a skeleton and a zombie. The level art is dark and menacing. Exactly what you think a dark underworld would look like.

Kivi’s Underworld is a great game that offers lots of fun and challenge. Players get to play an RPG in a casual setting. Players can choose to continue playing or stop when the quest is done. The game offers plenty of game play and a world worth exploring. Kivi’s Underworld is a great game for any RPG fan, but would also be a good game for someone looking to discover the magic of an RPG game. I recommend that everyone check out Kivi’s Underworld for a great casual RPG.

The Guinness World Records is the source that most people turn to for crazy people that have broken crazy records. Guinness World Records has a gaming edition where they rated the top fifty console games of 2009. Super Mario Kart took first place.

To determine the winners of the coveted award, Guinness World Records took into account the initial impact the game had and how long the game lasted on the shelves. Given those two criteria it is no surprise that Super Mario Kart won. Mario is one of the biggest mascots and many many people like the Mario Kart Series.

Super Mario Kart was the best selling racing game on the N64, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), the Gamecube and the Nintendo DS. No wonder it took the top spot in the Guinness World Records. The game even beat out Tetris, which is another great game and has been around for quite some time. Tetris is available on 59 different game platforms and Super Mario Kart still managed to win, thats saying a lot.

Super Mario Kart is a great game and even though it is simple and doesn’t really change from version to version it is still addicting. There is just something about that game that makes me purchase it for every Nintendo console.

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Valve announced an agreement to distribute Braid via Steam. Braid has won numerous awards, including the casual game of the year. The game was originally released on Xbox Live, but now PC gamers can download the game via Steam.

Braid is a platform and puzzle game that has players manipulating time to solve puzzles. Each puzzle is different and will require players to think creatively to solve the puzzles. There are seven unique worlds that players are guided through by the story line. The version available through Steam will have acheivements and other Steam Community features.

“Braid is arguably the strongest example of what can be accomplished by an independent game designer,” said Jason Holtman, director of business development at Valve. “From GDC to DICE, the title has deservedly collected numerous accolades and, along with World of Goo, Audiosurf and many others, is redefining the way people think about ‘Independent Games.’”

Braid will be available March 31st via Steam.

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Peggle Nights is the second game released in the Peggle series. The game came out a while ago for the PC, but now it is available for the Mac as well. Now Mac owners can experience the fun of Peggle Nights. Peggle was a great game and Peggle Nights keeps that tradition going. 

Peggle Nights has sixty new levels for both adventure mode and challenge mode. All new levels to keep the biggest peggle fan entertained. PopCap has added “Peggle Master”, a new kind of power up, new kinds of shots and achievements. Players have to play through levels of dream lands. Each peggle master has a dream of what they would like to be and how their life turned out.

There is also support for downloadable expansion packs. There is a free spring themed pack planned for release next month. The Spring themed pack will contain 10 free levels and is the second free expansion pack released for the game. PopCap seems dedicated to putting out new level packs for Peggle Nights.

Peggle Nights for the Mac will be available for download on February 27th.

Get your reflexes ready because you will need quick reflexes for Triple Shot Sports. Triple Shot Sports is available for the iPhone/iPod Touch. The goal behind Triple Shot Sports is to hit the target, sometimes a moving target, before time runs out and accumulate the most points possible. Players shoot at the target with a bow and arrow, shotgun and a hand gun. The quick reflexes comes in the controls of the game. Players take aim by touching the screen and sliding their finger from side to side to aim. Players take their fingers off of the screen to fire the weapon at the target.

There are two ways to play the game, quick play mode or tournament mode. The tournament mode has players competing in all three different events; archery, running target and rapid fire pistol. Both tournament mode and quick play mode have different levels to compete at. The different levels are rookie, pro and advanced. Of course, the rookie level is the easiest and the advanced level is the hardest and pro falls somewhere in between.

The different events in the tournament test the players reflexes and skills. In the very first competition, the player has to shoot the target as quick as possible until time runs out. The player has to be quick, but has to aim well too. The aiming controls are a bit touchy because you need to drag your finger across the screen. A little movement can shift your weapon off of the target. It took me a little bit to get use to it, which also meant I came in last that event.

Players compete against other countries to be the best. Like most competitions, there are three places to be won, first, second and third. The places are based on the number of points you can accumulate throughout the event. Even on the rookie setting it is challenging to beat the artificial intelligence. The game can be challenging, but there are small goals players can achieve, such as trying to beat their best score. There are awards that can be won too.

The graphics in the game are crisp and clear and it is easy to aim at the targets and see what you are aiming at. The screen will zoom in when aiming to make it easier to position the target. There is even animation before the event begins. The animation is of the player loading the arrow into the bow and such.

Over all, Triple Shot Sports is fun and challenging. Reflexes play an important part in the game and players have to balance being quick and accurate all at the same time. Players can shoot as quick as possible, but have to take the time to slow down to aim properly. Any level of gamer will have a fun time shooting the weapons and after a little time of playing will get use to the controls and be on their way to victory.

If you are into shooting style games set in a competition atmosphere, check out Triple Shot Sports in the Apple App Store.