Weekly wrap-up 4/27/2012

The end of the week is here, and we're all very ecstatic to get some much needed weekend gaming done. Today we look back at the top reviews, previews, and original content on GameZone. Miss that review of Prototype 2? Maybe you want a quick look at some upcoming games. Or perhaps you would rather see what we have to say about the world of gaming and share your opinions. You'll find all of the week's content right here.

Reviews

Shifting World review (3DS)

Based on the browser game Shift, this 3DS puzzle platformer ultimately fails to deliver a solid experience, and it is hampered all too often by glaring design flaws.

Prototype 2 review (PS3)

The sequel to Prototype delivers on all fronts and offers an experience that's more polished and overall better than the first.

The House of the Dead 4 review (PS3)

The popular light gun zombie blast-fest returns to the PlayStation 3, but sadly, the game isn't the outstanding arcade experience it should be and falls flat.

Spiral Knights review (MMO)

Though it's best when played with others, this hack-and-slash MMO is a fun romp for fans of the genre, and even after a year, it deserves to be played.

Bloodforge review (Xbox 360)

Blood and guts are always good elements in a video game, and while Bloodforge certainly delivers that violence, it also suffers from some poor camera issues and unpolished gameplay mechanics.

Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention review (Vita)

The PlayStation Vita finally gets a worthy JRPG, and while many of us already played this game on the PlayStation 3, there's no denying that Disagaea 3 is still impressive.

Game of Thrones: 'Garden of Bones' recap and review (TV)

Great story progression and awesome character interactions make the latest episode of Game of Thrones one of the best yet.

Previews

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier co-op impressions

Ubisoft's upcoming tactical shooter is nearing its May 22 launch, and so far it's looking pretty good. If you're a fan of the genre and the series, watch out for this one.

MechWarrior Tactics preview

The MechWarrior series returns, and the next entry looks to be a stellar one rife with action and, well, a bunch of mech awesomeness.

Sleeping Dogs hands-on impressions

Square Enix gives us a close look at Sleeping Dogs, and from what we gathered, it seems as though the action-adventure game will have plenty to offer most fans of the genre.

GZ Originals

The 8 coolest video game heroes who wouldn’t be any fun to actually hang out with

What video game stars would be flat-out party poopers in real life?

Interview: Ryan Payton uncovers the AAA iOS experience of République

We talk Republique with developer Camouflaj's Ryan Payton. Check out this exclusive interview and see why this "AAA iOS experience" is worth watching out for.

Five games that should go the Assassin's Creed 3 route

The problem with long-running franchises is that their settings can get pretty old fast. What five series should take a page out of Assassin's Creed 3's book and switch things up?

A Valley Without Wind interview with developer Arcen Games

GameZone chats with Arcen Games founder Chris Park about the studio's non-linear Metroidvania title.

The Wii's got a nasty SD problem

Did Nintendo make a huge mistake by not making the Wii an HD console?

One last hurrah: Let's play some Demon's Souls

One of the most brutal and beloved RPGs of this console generation will soon lose its innovative online component. Let's band together and enjoy Demon's Souls to its fullest one last time.

1997: The most notable year in video games?

GameZone looks back at one of the most iconic, memorable, and important years in all of gaming.

What's next for Street Fighter?

What should Capcom do to keep its popular fighting franchise alive and well when the inevitable Street Fighter V launches?

Interview with Katsuhiro Harada, Chief Producer of Tekken Tag Tournament 2

Ballin'. That's what Tekken Tag Tournament 2 director and producer Katsuhiro Harada is. You probably won't be as much of a baller as he is (ever), but why not learn a thing or two from this interview?

Why Journey is the best survival horror game in recent memory

Tense moments and a constant fear of the unknown combine to make Journey one of the creepiest games of the last few years.

Today's top 10 tweets from the gaming industry – 4/24/12

Today's top 10 tweets from the gaming industry – 4/25/12

Today's top 10 tweets from the gaming industry – 4/26/12