Lollipop Magazine

Starflyer 59 – The Changing of the Guard – Review

August 27, 2010

The Changing of the Guard is the weakest effort during the last nine years. But even a less-than average Starflyer 59 record is bestowed with highlights.

Kataklysm – Heaven’s Venom – Review

August 25, 2010

A record that smashes conventions and just rocks out. Not Sunset Strip “rocking out,” but more groove-based than one would realistically expect from the genre.

Mafia – II – Review

August 25, 2010

As you guide Vito Scaletta from small-time thief through the mob underworld, the seasons, color palette, and even the weather change to shape the mood.

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light – Review

August 24, 2010

Easily this year’s Shadow Complex, since it pushes the boundaries of what is expected from a downloadable XBLA game, both in terms of presentation and depth.

Hero Destroyed – Throes – Review

August 23, 2010

Nothing sounds labored or painstakingly tweaked, just lively and aggressive. It’s an enviable trait, to sound like you just plugged in and went with it.

Early Graves – Goner – Review

August 13, 2010

I thought the new Exodus record would be unmatched in 2010 for pure, condensed hatred, but Goner has it beat by a mile. It’s gnarly, ugly, and ferocious.

Dragon Ball – Origins 2 – Review

August 12, 2010

There are children with monkey tails flying around on clouds who get shot down by rocket launchers. One must find the time to jump into this bizarre world.

Mar De Grises – Streams Inwards – Review

August 11, 2010

A trump card during your next metal exchange. Their brand of Chilean progressive death/doom is fantastically polished yet still adventurous.

Tournament of Legends – Review

August 10, 2010

A fully-realized fighting game, with colorful characters and flashy combat, attractive battle arenas, and authoritative narration from the heavens.

Decrepit Birth – Polarity – Review

August 9, 2010

Their sound is close to the technical insanity that is in vogue, but it’s performed with a clarity that puts it far above the dregs of show-off wankery.