The Minish Cap

Where is this guy?

Himekawa, Akira. The Minish Cap. San Francisco, CA : Viz Media, 2009.

Plot: After being snubbed for a yearly swordsmanship competition, Link meets a bizarre but strong man. The character, later known as Vaati, releases a casket full of monsters by destroying a sacred sword and turning Princess Zelda to stone. Link must seek out the legendary Minish, tiny, helpful folk capable of reforging the sword. Early in his journey, Link rescues Ezlo, a talking, bird-like cap capable of wielding magic. Link finds himself on a journey through the entire land, discovering more about Ezlo, Zelda, and Vaati in the process.

Genre: Manga, Graphic Novels, Video Games

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Majora's Mask, Kingdom Hearts, Pokemon Adventures

Personal Thoughts: The title offers rapid action, creative illustrations, and believable diction. However, it falls a bit flat. As previously mentioned, a lot of video-game based graphic novels expand on the story offered by the original media. However, instead of making the world more comprehensible and believable, the title chooses to fall on clichés such as the misunderstood teacher, transformed guardian, and sympathetic villain. While none of these are bad by themselves, they effectively smudge much of the game's original charm. Most of the changes seem to occur merely to add drama instead of expansion. For example, a helper character in the game becomes a hostile one in the manga to add more conflict. Unfortunately, he still looks and speaks like a helper, so the behavior does not match the portrayal. Yet, several "boss" characters are excluded, even though they could supply the necessary situations. As a result, while the title is beautiful to read, it lacks many of the actions and characterizations of the original title, leaving the reader bewildered by the missing characters and conflicting characters.

Mega Man: Volume Three: Return of Dr. Wily

Comics, comics, commmiiiiicccccsssssss

Flynn, Ian. Mega Man: Volume Three: Return of Dr. Wily. Mamaroneck, N.Y. : Archie Comic Publications, 2012.

Plot: Following the triumphant capture of Dr. Wily, Mega Man and company feel ready to return to a life of peace. Unfortunately, the evil doctor is not easy to stop. He gives the heroic robot five hours to prevent his latest plan, or he will destroy the city and everyone in it. Mega Man takes the challenge, but he may be playing into a much larger plan.

Genre: Comic Books, Video Games

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Worlds Collide, The Shadow Saga, Astro Boy

Personal Thoughts: Like its predecessor, the comic explores and expands on the original game. However, at this point in the series, the artists and writers seem to have a better grip on the comic and make it more into their own story. Old allies intervene unifying the series, new technology advances the plot, and modern humor adds much needed relevance to the game's bare original story. As such, the comics suit the interests and needs of modern readers.

Mega Man (Volume 1): Let the Games Begin

A metal man in a wooden sea...

Flynn, Ian and Spaziante, Patrick. Mega Man (Volume 1): Let the Games Begin. Mamaroneck, N.Y. : Archie Comic Publications ; London : Turnaround, 2011.

Plot: A re-telling of the first Mega Man game in comic form, the title consists of the first four books in the series. The story begins with the opening of Light Industries, a new robot development facility. While Dr. Light eagerly reveals his newest creations, the Robot Masters, his assistant and fellow roboticist, Dr. Wily, remains frustrated outside the limelight. Determined to make the world recognize his genius, he reprograms the Robot Masters and threatens to take over the planet. Rock, a small housekeeping robot offers to fight the evil doctor and restore the Robot Masters. With the help of a creative upgrade and supportive family, Rock becomes Mega Man, the fighting robot.

Genre: Comics, Video Games

Reading Level: Intended for younger readers, but the nostalgia will tempt older ones as well.

Similar Titles: Sonic comics, Super Mario Adventures comics

Personal Thoughts: Archie Comics, longtime producers of the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series, branches out to an older video game. Working with games from the eight-bit era often presents problems, since most of the plots of such games displayed limited plots and loose, if any, characterization. As such, comics from such games often add a variety of details that do not always correspond to player experiences. This series, though, manages to effectively build on the basic story of Mega Man while branching out in a believable manner. The idea of Dr. Light and Dr. Wily's original relationship, for example, is explored, and explains why the doctor suddenly became a megalomaniac. Some additions to the original story are also given, such as characterizations for the Robot Masters and Rock's struggle with his new powers. Bright illustrations consistent with the original game designs also enhance the story. Some of the pacing seems unnecessarily quick, but for the first four books in a series, the collection manages to establish characters, plots, and settings for future titles.

This will be the last Mega Man title I will review.  

Mega Man: Robot Master Field Guide

 The charming tale of a robot boy and his robot dog

Udon. Mega Man: Robot Master Field Guide. Richmond Hill, Ont. : Udon Entertainment Corp., 2012.

Plot: The text offers a visual guide to the robots and humans involved in the Classic Mega Man franchise. Each entry includes the robot's creator, biography, and weakness. Additionally, the entries include artistic illustrations and in-game graphics.

Genre: Video Games

Reading Level: Grades 5-10

Similar Titles: Megaman Battle Network: The Complete Works, Mega Man: Official Complete Works

Personal Thoughts: This, surprisingly, is not a completely self-serving read. True, the franchise is over 30 years old, is no longer particularly aimed at tweens, and tends have a simplistic plot. However, Nintendo recently announced Classic Mega Man as a character in an upcoming Super Smash Bros. game, bringing the blue bomber back into the public eye.

Book of Elements: Magic and Tech

Book of Elements: Magic and Tech. New York : Grosset & Dunlap, 2012.

Plot: A world-building title for the popular Skylanders video game series, the text offers background information on the Tech and Magic based skylanders. Each character gets its own profile, as well as a two-page story of its adventures. Additionally, the book offers information on a particular element's effects on Skylands and its inhabitants.

Genre: Video Games, Fantasy

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: The Machine of Doom, Pokemon Adventures, LEGO Ninjago

Personal Thoughts: Unlike The Machine of Doom, the Book of Elements series does not offer a full novel. Instead, it offers an-image heavy, world-building title for readers. The book reflects a growing trend in video games. Many series, including those aimed at older users, such as World of Warcraft and Halo, use traditional media to convey information about nontraditional entertainment. It seems like an ideal compromise, since users with a desire for more information can learn more about the series while play-focused participants do not need to spend excessive time clicking through explainations.

Personally, I enjoy the text's imagery and humor. Many of the illustrations occur in-game, encouraging readers by offering familiar sights. The jokes in the book follow the style of those in the game. For example, one epic battle reportedly lasted one hundred nights, but only thirty-nine days. Such quips display the text's willingness not to take itself too seriously.

A Few Side Notes: The title is the first in the series; the next will come out in January. No, I will not review anymore Skylander titles. Yes, I have played the games. No, I will not exchange game codes with you. Drobot is my favorite, but Whirlwind is my strongest. I only bought one figure through special-order. For the rest, I learned to look and wait for in various stores, which taught me patience and self-control. The end.

The Machine of Doom

Scott, Cavan. The Machine of Doom. New York : Grosset & Dunlap, 2012.

Plot: Spyro the dragon regularly faces zombies, monsters, and supervillains to protect Skylands. Now, his adventures take him and his friends to face...flying sheep. Based on the popular video game series, the text expands on the magical world of Skylands, a land protected by a group of warriors known as the Skylanders. The seemingly unimportant inspection of a marketplace shattered by soaring ewes launches the heroes to a new challenge. They must stop the evil sorcerer Kaos from stealing the legendary Chattering Key and unleashing an ancient war machine upon Skylands. Yet, the diminutive villain's actions hint at a much bigger plan.

Genre: Fantasy, Video Games

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Book of Elements: Magic and Tech, Battle for Skylands

Personal Thoughts: Video game novels typically receive criticism for their lack of originality, trite characters, and mediocre writing. However, I was pleasantly surprised by The Machine of Doom. True, it has some corny moments, such as the reference to one hero's poor singing skills, but it redeems itself with funny metaphors, consistent characterizations, and unexpected plot twists. The book uses popular characters to tell a good story, so it is highly recommended to fans of fantasy and video games.


Side Note: Dragon vs. dragon.

 

Warcraft Legends: Volume 2

Lewter, Troy. Warcraft Legends: Volume 3. Los Angeles, Calif. : Tokyopop, 2009.

Plot: A manga-style comic collection based on the popular online game, World of Warcraft. This volume begins with the continuing saga of a cursed Tauren seeking redemption and discovering courage from an unlikely source. Two sisters must also discover courage and purpose when they discover their secret past. The collection takes a comedic turn when a smart but stubborn Tauren begins a quest she can only complete with the assistance of a fiery (but still tiny) gnome. Finally, a disillusioned Orc must decide between assisting a weak orphan or following his powerful brother in an unending war.

Genre: Video Games, Manga

Reading Level: Rated T for violence and language

Similar Titles: Starcraft: Frontlines; Warcraft: Shaman

Personal Thoughts: Readers will most likely absolutely hate or absolutely love the series. Despite following the traditional manga style, this collection was designed, written, and illustrated in the United States. Some diehard observers of the genre have very strong feelings against such items. In addition, many of the stories end on a "downer," so do not recommend the title to someone seeking a collection of happy endings. Still, the characters follow their in-game counterparts accurately. Also, the illustrations are creative, action-oriented, and attractive. Fans of the game will likely approve of the manga, but it may not be suitable for everyone.

Pokemon: Rise of Darkrai

Takamisaki, Ryo. Pokemon: Raise of Darkrai. San Francisco : Viz Media, 2008.

Plot: Ash, Dawn, and Brock find there way to a new town. However, the town's Pokemon garden seems under assault. Most of the town's occupants believe Darkrai, a shadowy and powerful pokemon, is responsible for the damage. As the city's strongest trainers challenge the dark creature, the disturbances town expand, affecting people and pokemon alike. A pair of citizens, however, suspect Darkrai may be innocent of the accusations. Their suspicions are confirmed at the arrival of two dueling monsters. The fight between the two threaten to break the town into the realm beyond time and space. Ash and friends must find a way to stop the two creatures, but they have an unexpected ally.

Genre: Movies, Graphic Novels, Manga, Video Games

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Personal Thoughts: The novel is a manga version of a film released in English in 2008. As a rule, novelizations are tricky to review, since they rely on a completely different medium than the original source. Also, the original plot determines the value of the story determines much of the novelization's capacity, limits, and direction. That said, this manga presents the plot rather well. The style, while more simplistic than the anime, fits the medium well while following the story accurately. Fans of the Pokemon anime will probably enjoy it, although it will not convert any anti-Pokemon players/watchers/readers.

Side Note: Tee hee. I took a picture of a Pokemon reading Pokemon.

Golden Sun: Dark Dawn (Prima Official Game Guide)

Stratton, Stephen. Golden Sun: Dark Dawn (Prima Official Game Guide). Roseville, CA : Prima Games, 2010.

Plot: A game guide for Golden Sun: Dark Dawn for the Nintendo DS. The book provides maps, insights, and tips for the widely-anticipated game (the previous incarnation was published about seven years ago).

Genre: Video Game Guides

Reading Level: The game is rated E10+

Similar Titles: The Prima game guide collection

Personal Thoughts: The guide is useful, but has room for improvements. The maps clearly note locations of important items and offer much-needed guidance through the complex dungeons of the game. However, the guide also consists of many spoilers (excessive notes about the plot) and notes on all encyclopedia entries. While the entries are useful, particularly to series newcomers, they do not assist with game completion. Notes on move availability or class statistics would be much more beneficial. So, while it provides useful guidance, it could offer more.

Nintendo Power

Nintendo Power, published by Nintendo

Plot: The magazine reviews various Nintendo merchandise, including games, systems, toys, and clothing. Typical issues include Pulse (letters to the editor), Previews, Power Profiles (interviews with programmers), and Reviews. Usually, the issues also include three or four additional articles addressing details on upcoming games, walkthroughs, and new systems. Overall, it manages to engage the readers through bright visuals, interesting diction, and goofy humor.

Genre: Magazine

Reading Level: Aimed at ages 10 and older, but younger readers may enjoy it as well

Similar Titles: GamePro, Game Informer

Personal Thoughts: Some readers fault the magazine for showing excessively positive reviews towards Nintendo games. I wonder if such readers bothered to read the title of the magazine before making such comments.

Anyway, the magazine, in print for over twenty years, testifies to the power of adapting to its audience. While video games were initially considered childish, time has changed the gamer base. True, many players are children, but many adults, tweens, and teens play games as well. The magazine manages to appeal to most gamers by producing a variety of relevant articles while adjusting to the requests of its readers.