Weekly Wrap-Up 7/8/11

How was your fourth of July? We really hope you had a great time, enjoyed some good food, and played some awesome games. Now that Independence Day is behind us, let’s take a look at some of the biggest stories in the week in gaming. We’ve plenty of new reviews for you, as well as some cool features and a handful of interviews. In case you missed anything this week, check everything out here in our Weekly Wrap-Up.

Alter Ego Review

There’s no denying the adventure genre has seen better days. Alter Ego takes a stab at the formula by delivering a point-and-click experience and throwing in puzzles for good measure. Is this the adventure game that will reignite the genre? Read our Alter Ego review and find out.

iShot Pirates Review

Simplicity can go a long way at times. Unfortunately, that’s not the case with iShot Pirates. The game is far too simple for its own good, delivering an experience that’s borderline mediocre on all grounds. Check out GameZone’s concise review of iShot Pirates if you’re an iPhone gamer and see just why you should avoid this game.

Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion Review

2D fighters seem to be popping up more and more lately. What do you get when you mix arcade fighting gameplay with the characters and charm of the Cartoon Network brand? Our review of Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion delivers the details on this new fighter. Is this one solely for the kiddies, or should fighting diehards check it out, too?

Dual Pen Sports Review

The sports party genre seems to be ever prevalent, slowly growing tired and stale with each iteration. Dual Pens Sports for the 3DS attempts to bring some excitement back to the genre. Does it succeed? Does it fail? Or does it simply offer some good ideas and a decent portable experience? Check out our Dual Pen Sports review and see for yourself.

Magic: The Gathering – Duels of the Planeswalkers Review

Magic: The Gathering returns in video game format. Offering precise gameplay and satisfying mechanics, the game certainly fares well with the exception of a few hitches in presentation. Should Magic fans shell out the cash for Magic: The Gathering – Duels of the Planeswalkers? Read our review and find out.

Dragon Nest Beta Impressions

Dragon Nest is slowly but surely approaching its fall release date, and GameZone’s Vito Gesualdi managed to get a quick hands-on with the MMO. What does he think of the title so far? Should you be watching out for Dragon Nest? Check out our full preview of the game and see if this is a title worthy of your attention.

LA Anime Expo 2011 – Hakouki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom Interview

GameZone is live at the LA Anime Expo. In this exclusive video interview, Vito Gesualdi takes the time to ask some important questions regarding Aksys Games’ visual novel Hakouki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom.

LA Anime Expo 2011 – Skullgirls Interview

It’s safe to say that we’re pretty excited about Skullgirls. The 2D fighter seems to have a unique charm with its crazy character designs, and the gameplay looks like solid fighting fare. GameZone presents another interview with the Skullgirls team.

LA Anime Expo 2011 – Disgaea 4 Interview

We haven’t been getting as many awesome RPGs here in the west as gamers in Japan have, but we are getting Disgaea 4 on the PlayStation 3, and that game looks pretty damn badass. Check out GameZone’s in-depth interview with Steven Carlton and learn more about this highly promising tactical RPG.

Kirby’s Got Two New Games

Kirby is preparing for a lot of action as he heads into two new games. Kirby Wii and Kirby Mass Attack are on their way to the Wii and DS, respectively, and you can bet there’s a lot to look forward to in both of these titles. Check out our feature on these two titles to see why Nintendo gamers should be looking forward to Kirby’s next endeavors.

Halo: Combat Evolved Retrospective

GameZone looks back at the first entry in the beloved Halo franchise. How well does the game hold up? Does it have enough action and substantial qualities to make the upcoming remake a notable game to watch out for? Should gamers be excited? Check out our Halo: Combat Evolved retrospective and get the facts.

The Future of Tetris: Henk Rogers Tells All

Tetris is closing in on 27 years of gaming goodness. GameZone talks with Henk Rogers, a man who was there during the early development of the renowned puzzler. What are his thoughts on the series as of late, and what can gamers expect down the road? Tetris fans, don’t miss out on this very special interview.

Top 10 Movies to Get You in the American Spirit

Were you feeling especially patriotic this past fourth of July? Did you watch any cool films that breathed nothing but American spirit? GameZone presents the top 10 films that are sure to get you in a patriotic mood. Even though the fourth of July may be behind us, you should definitely check a few of these movies out.

Top Five Games You Should Play on the Fourth of July

Some games are perfect for national holidays. Independence Day might have already passed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t profess your patriotism by checking out some awesome games. GameZone gives you five stellar titles worthy of your attention.

Daily Motivational Posters 7/6/11

Feeling down? Under the weather? Well, we’ve got just what you need: motivational posters. Check these quirky images out and get a good chuckle as we, well, pretty much make fun of people and characters for your enjoyment.

Top 10 Reasons to Keep Your GameCube

The GameCube was bashed plenty during its time on the market, but we genuinely believe that this little box was a good gaming machine with some excellent software. Why should you hold on to your GameCube? GameZone gives you 10 reasons.

Top 10 Sonic Games of All Time

Sonic the Hedgehog has been around for 20 years, and we thought it would be a good idea to present an in-depth look at the mascot’s greatest games. Here are the top 10 titles to showcase the Sonic name.

Friday, Y U NO Saturday? – 7/8/11

We all love memes. Even if you think you don’t like them, you actually do. That’s just the way the world works. GameZone presents a handful of memes for you to enjoy as the week comes to an end.

Master Chief: Discharged Office Bully

Perverted. Reckless. Lazy. These aren’t exactly the words that define a hero, but they sure define Master Chief. Check out this very special video feature and see why Halo’s protagonist isn’t always as heroic as you might think.