Swedish band Ghost made some noise in the metal community with their debut album Opus Eponymous (2010) which saw a lot of comparisons to bands like Blue Oyster Cult and Mercyful Fate with a throwback to a vintage 70's sound. I played the band's debut rather heavily since and I really got into their sound and image. Now Ghost return under the moniker Ghost B.C. (due to legal issues) with their second album Infestissumam (Hostile, in Latin). If I was to compare Infestissumam to Opus Eponymous very quickly I'd say this one is a little more layered, more complex, longer songs, has heavy keyboard use, isn't quite as raw or maybe not quite as catchy but is probably a more consistent album overall and on this one there is no filler (not that the first one had lots of filler but this on Infestissumam I like all of the songs). There's plenty to like and with their second release Ghost prove that they are all about great songs and musicianship and that they didn't just strike luck with the debut which to me, validates the buzz they've been generating among the Metal community and why I like this band to begin with.

''Per Aspera Ad Inferi'' sounds a lot like ''Con Clavi Con Dio'' from the first release and it's song #2 as well. It's a strong, heavy song and is just as good as CCCD if not more, in some ways they're similar but this one I find a little more effect.ive. The two songs are similar yet different. ''Secular Haze'' is something, it's totally different from what Ghost has done before. This one is a longer, more structured song and keyboard driven. Very dramatic and I was surprised that it was the single of the album and initially I didn't like it very much. Yet with each listen it grew on me and now I really like it. ''Jigolo Har Megiddo'' is an upbeat, energetic rocker that is seriously catch, just listen to that organ harmony during the chorus. I really like this song. ''Gouleh-Zombie Queen'' is one of the most interesting song because it's split in two and on the first part they play a slow, ballad type song (not power ballad, but ballad) which you would probably not expect out of them. Then the band rips into Zombie Queen, surprising the satan out of the listener and it has a surfer music, Beach Boys vibe going on yet its still unmistakably Ghost and it rocks. ''Year Zero'' starts out with these powerful evil chants that will later become the chorus of the song and the way it's integrated is pure Ghost. It's one of my favourite songs of the album and was the second song revealed on the band's website. ''Boody And Blood'' is easily one of the most memorable riffs here and it grabs your attention and it has really has that vintage vibe I came to love from this band. ''Depth Of Satan's Eye'' keeps the album going strong, without missing a beat. One of the catchier song here with a pop-oriented chorus, it will get you singing along and will get stuck in your head like Ghost is known to do. Has that eerie evil vibe and is my favourite song so far. ''Monstrance Clock'' is heavy, yet has that really catchy pop-esque chorus that was present on many of the songs featured on the debut that was a trademark of theirs. It's undeniably catchy and the vocals melodies are absolutely great a terrific way to end what has been a great album. It's probably the catchiest and one of my top songs for this album.

The deluxe edition has a 24 page booklet and 2 bonus tracks. The booklet has cool evil ancestral looking pictures throughout. Ghost covered a Beatles song on their debut for the Japanese import ''Here Comes The Sun'' and One of my favourites on Infestissumam is the bonus track ''I'm a Marionnette'' a cover of the song by the Sweddish band ABBA. It was the second song I heard from the album and I felt in love with it. The urgency in Papa Emeritus II's vocals, Dave Grohl's pounding drumming and the lyrics… This was a perfect choice for Ghost and when it was announced in 2012 that they would be covering it, I could already see myself loving it.

The more I listen to Infestissumam, the more I enjoy it and with each repeated listen I find more to like. Opus Eponymous was instant for me. I found that when I went away the songs kept coming up in my head much like the first album did, This one is a bit more layered and complex which is great because they could have just handed in an album that sounded just like the last one. I was a little worried that the album wouldn't be able to measure up to the debut which I played a LOT and it does not disappoint. This one feels a bit more like a concept album with the longer pieces and they seem more connected whereas the debut had more individual songs that stood out. To me this would be a strong, 4 out of 5 stars, I really enjoyed it and it's an excellent follow up, no sophomore slump here at all. They brought that vintage vibe and sound back to Metal with a twist of theatrical and horror and I can't wait to see what they come up with next.

I was a fan of Sam Dunn's previous documentary works (A Headbanger' JourneyGlobal Metal, Iron Maiden Flight 666, Rush Beyond the Lightest Stage) and like many of us, thrilled that someone out there is covering this music and the bands I love so much in such a way. Of course I was going to check out Metal Evolution. I watched the show when it aired and I liked Dunn's near scholar approach to Metal and how genuinely fascinated he was and his enthusiasm was apparent as well. In a lot of ways it's very much like his first documentary where he explores the genre and its roots except it chronicles the music, the sub genres etc. with more insight. Many of the popular genres of metal are covered and there are also two episodes that cover the pre-metal years with Blues, R&B, and early 50's American Rock and Roll.

If I was going to liken Metal Evolution to any of the previous Headbanger films, it would be the very first, A Headbanger's Journey. In that documentary film Dunn traces down some of his idols like Ronnie James Dio. He conducts interviews with some of Metal music's most important and celebrated figures and asks them questions relevant to metal and tried to get answers to some of his questions. The setting of the show is basically the same, but the reason I liken it to Headbanger's Journey is the Heavy Metal family tree that many of us thought so cool. I don't think anyone will say it was a complete tree, but it's probably the closest thing and encapsulates most of Metal. At least gives a general idea of its roots, evolution and sub genres. For Metal Evolution Sam Dunn gives 11 of his listed 26 sub genres of Metal an episode dedicated to its origins, history, evolution and musicians which makes for remarkable viewing a learning experience for fans. I think even some of the most intellectual metal heads will learn something watching, absolutely.

As a whole the concept works really well and it's what we've come to expect from Sam. He has a good range of guests and legends from every sub genre and the coverage is fantastic. He asks interesting questions and truly wants to understand the roots behind the movements or certain aspects and he tries to understand and decipher things for all the metal fans. Of course we all have our favourite genres that we want to see covered (and not everything is here either so maybe yours isn't included) but despite my favourites I can't say that there wasn't an episode that I enjoyed. For instance I'm not into Nu-Metal but the episode was interesting and showed great insights into the music and musicians and behind the movement. Every episode is like this and it just shows how every genre has roots or is linked to Metal in a way, even Grunge whose relation to Metal is questioned which made for a great episode. I'm not particularly a Progressive Metal fan but that episode was one of my favourites and did a good job of going deep to understand the motivation behind the music. The only real let down is that you feel like there could have been more episodes.

Dunn goes all the way from the pioneers of Metal from the obvious bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple to American Rock and Roll like Elvis, Chuck Berry and Little Richard and then some more with other genres of music with bluesmen like Robert Johnson, Howlin' Wolf. He also goes into how genres of music like classical, jazz and blues were influences on Metal. There's nothing like hearing it from the artists themselves and it helps that Sam is willing to ask valuable questions and focuses on interesting subjects (the science of anger while listening to metal was excellent I thought) . Some of this has been only glimpsed at in A Headbanger's Journey and he further expends here. I think Metal music deserves to be celebrated and have a show representing and examining it under a microscope.

The DVD includes the eleven episodes of Metal Evolution on 3 DVD. I feel like there could or should have been more episodes as I would've loved to see the series last longer. This will probably not be for the one with a passable interest into Metal but for the fan who lives and breathes the music it's very recommended. With all the legends interviewed like Alice Cooper, Lemmy, Bruce Dickinson and the musicians it's a fascinating look at a genre of music that is so rich, vast and filled with talents, yet unfairly looked down at.

P.S. The Alliances DVDs sold trough Amazon are legit and the real quality TV thing, in case you were wondering.

ome comics have incredible artwork that help make a story come alive; in Wolverine Origin the art looks like paintings at time, just so rich and developed with magnificent colours. It's the first thing that jumps out. The art has been likened to illustrations from children's book and that isn't too far off, but it's magnificent in my eyes. Once I picked it up flipped through it and stared at the sheer splendour of the art I had to bring it home. The best part is the story is captivating and there are few comics that I was into as this one. It's so rich in storytelling and emotion for a comic book that at times it's almost a novel. The art helps make it a detailed and complete book, the character's emotions really come through thanks to it.

Ok enough about the art for now! It's incredibly easy to get into the story and lose yourself. I really didn't have any set expectations for Origin and I'm not particularly a big fan of the X-Men but Wolverine has always been one of the coolest characters in the Marvel Universe in my opinion. The 1880's and Canadian setting I thought was an idea that worked very well and it brought up a certain unique charm to the series.

In case you may be wondering, it's nothing like the movie Wolverine Origins as the comic and the movie have very little if anything in common at all which is not a bad thing as far as I'm concerned. The story told is different and feels more authentic but the comic and the movie really shouldn't be compared to one another. I won't go into the story itself as to not ruin it for anyone interested, but the story, the characters and the art all come together to make the complete package. One of the best comics books I've read in recent years for sure, ok technically it collect issues 1-6 f the series in a neat book and makes you want more.

There are plenty of origin titles in the superhero world and Wolverine Origin is just about as good as it gets. Marvel could have screwed up big here. Some fans were not quid enthusiastic as part of the appeal of Wolverine was his secret past, but overall I found that although not perfect it worked rather nicely. I don't quite see how someone could be disappointed with origin. Highest rating and very recommended.

In a way I Want My MTV is very much like the reality shows their air on the channel now: everyone talks in each other's back, we sometimes know too much details and even though there's no actual music it manages to be entertaining at times. A lot of it is marked by ridiculous excesses and demands and egos from both the artists and the people who worked at MTV (and that goes for the people who directed videos as well). Simply put there is a lot of dirt on everyone, some of it is funny and some of it is downright disgusting and filthy. Those were the days of MTV, the employees were living the life just like the artists that appeared on the channel. If you were around when all of this really happened in the 1980's and early 90's you'll be enveloped in nostalgia, if not it's a great look at a truly unique and memorable era in music, fashion and television.

I Want My MTV is in a quote by quote format. There is very little else than quotes in the book in terms of text. They'll talk about a certain topic and then we get a page full of spaced quotes with who said them. In a way it's perfect for what the book was going for. However, it gets hard to remember who says what because they interviewed just about everyone right down to that girl who was in a video for four seconds but was ashamed because she didn't like how her butt looked. It can get boring reading page after page of quotes and I feel it's really more of a flip through book (the index is a nice touch, the book is over 500 pages). The good though is even though I sometimes got lost remembering everyone and who did what (some big names are mentioned throughout) they really did cover just about everything and everyone who has ever worked is interviewed (or close at least). Some of those quotes are unnecessary and will make you go ''they REALLY interviewed even so and so?'' but I know some people will absolutely dig those little facts and stories.

There are great stories told here. How MTV was seemed as racist several times for various reasons. Michael Jackson's rise on MTV opening doors for black artists. The Billy Squier video that literally ruined and stopped his career etc. The New Wave bands from England, the Hair bands that ruled MTV, the rise of Grunge and alternative… Just about everything you can think of is in here. Stories behind videos, excess stories, VJs staying up all night on drugs, the partying, Stevie Nicks not liking her hair wanting to reeshoot a video, modifying Heart's videos so as the make the singer appear slimmer, who used plugs and wigs, the change of direction, introducing game shows to the network….it goes on and on. I wished they would have featured a little more of the VJs as they really *lived* MTV but I can't say that I'm disappointed with their coverage here.

Overall it's probably not the perfect MTV book and if you don't like the quotes format you're pretty much screwed. I know I got tired of it a few times and put it down in favour of something else. Everything MTV is in here, the dirt revealed, the great stories told: it's really all you wanted to know and didn't want to know about MTV in the same book. It's a bit much at times but it's entertaining and I learned a LOT for sure and I have interesting anecdotes I can tell people about MTV and their favourite artists. Not essential reading by any means but if you're even nostalgic or curious about what MTV used to be before reality shows on teenage girls and the Jersey Shore, then this should be of interest to you. You'll want your MTV too.

I came to defend the fifth Friday film because it's really not as bad as most claim it is. In fact I tend to consider it one of my favourite Friday The 13th films. I think many are aware that in this one Jason Vorhees is not the one committing the murders but rather a copycat killer. This is interesting because it's only the second and final time that Jason isn't the one doing all the work, with the other of course being the original Friday which had Mrs. Vorhees in action. The first film was iconic and became a classic of horror cinema even with a multitude of sequels. Part V continued the series even thought Part IV: The Final Chapter was supposed to bring closure (so much for that huh? I guess when something is profitable) to the franchise. I think the idea that someone picked up the Jason mantle and continued the work was a good one at the time and it kept this fresh and it did indeed bring a new chapter in the series which I thought worked well. The title ''A New Beginning" was supposed to be just that, new beginning for this series.

Although not great actors by any stretch I found the cast likeable for the most part in this one and there is even a real ''Vorhees'' in this one: Debisue Vorhees! The story was constructed in a way that makes you understand how a person can lose it and become a murderer. It has a different setting also, it's not camp Crystal Lake, it's isolated yet all the teenagers are together in a youth development centre for troubled teens that helps rehabilitate them, making this an easy playground for the killer.

It's by no means perfect or the best Friday The 13th movie, but I think it's been getting unfair treatment by fans who obviously seem betrayed by the fact that Jason is not the villain in this one. Objectively I think it's a good Friday and it deserves a chance but some just can't get over the copycat killer. I thought the story was well executed and the killer in this one had good motive and the kills were well constructed around it. I get that the ending is disappointing considering how the next film, Part VI: Jason Lives nullifies Part V and renders it obsolete as if it was a chapter in the series that never happened and send the new murderer concept to the garbage. That's the main flaw with Part V; the fact that it has nowhere to go in the series' timeline and that it can be considered a ''dream'' and nothing more. Overall it's an enjoyable Friday and a good story with likeable characters. 3.5 out of 5, not a benchmark, not a high point for the series but truly not bad for what it is.

I've never done a review of a single comic book before so it's fitting that my first be one of my favourites and one of the Dark Knight's most memorable adventure: The Killing Joke. The reason why TKJ is praised so highly is because of the excellent story behind it and the magnificient artwork it boosts. Origins stories are far from rare in the world of comics but it makes sense that perhaps the greatest villain character of all gets his own origins examined. It can be considered a stand alone issue which is really what it is; it doesn't belong to any particular series, isn't part of a multiple issue story arc and has a story of it's own. This 2008 hardcover reissue brings a fantastic re-colouring and what was state of the art in 1988 is even more delightful and pleasurable to look at now. The story itself is widely acknowledged to be one of the best Batman comics and the ultimate Joker history. The backstory of the Joker is very well explained and detailed and believable. This time around even Batman tries to understand the Joker. It's a Batman-Joker chapter that requires reading.This was one comic worth reissuing and the brilliant job they did with the colouring is nothing short of amazing. The intro and outdo are not too bad either. I can't praise the artwork enough and the story is ultimately memorable. I think it's great that for once the character of the Joker is not looked at as just a deranged lunatic and we see and understand more. There were plenty of possibilities for a Joker origins story but this one made him seem human, relatable, we certainly see him in a different light. I'd say the graphic novel hardcover version is worth adding to your Batman collection or repurchasing if you own the original; the new colouring with colder colours make it a different comic book entirely. One of my all time favourite comics for certain. stars.

Black Veil Brides certainly have not been wasting any time making an impression or they name known. The band helped bring back the idea of theatrical bands with a visual image and they've been working at a fast pace releasing albums and touring in a quick succession. BVB are receiving a lot of love and hate but they've been making their name known regardless and moving up the ladder. After debut We Stitch These Wounds (2010) and follow up Set The World On Fire (2011) the Brides have returned with this time a concept album. I think a concept album is certainly a bold step for the young ambitious band, instead of delivering another 12 rock songs they went in a different direction and added elements of storytelling and orchestration that make for a grandiose project. Today's bands aren't exactly doing concept albums that much anymore and to the younger audiences a concept album may seem like a farfetched idea and you run the risk of alienating your fan base. I for one, am happy about the band not playing it safe and it makes me respect them that much more. Suffice to say, it isn't exactly a straightforward Rock effort like the first two but I think it gives the band a larger musical scope and it adds dimension to the music proving concept records can actually work (Pink Floyd's The Wall, Queensryche's Operation Mindcrime, The Who's Tommy and the list goes on…). I applaud them both for daring to attempt this and for the collect of songs they have given us in Wretched and the Devine: The Story of the Wild Ones.

The album starts with the introduction of ''Exordium'' but truly begins with ''Bulletproof'' a fast, hard driven song with a hearty and fierce chorus that sounds like a blend of the band's last album, very effective. ''New Years Day'' to me is not quite a let down but it just doesn't really do anything for me. ''Wretched and the Divine'' the title track is more adventurous but fails to excite me. Thing pick up from here. “Devils Choir” is one of the highlights of Wretched and Divine for me because it introduces orchestral instrumentation which makes the song go in an unanticipated direction that works surprisingly well, yet still rocks. Major thumbs up on this one. ''We Don't Belong'' is one of my most played songs so far; it's uplifting, infectious, strong and ridiculously catchy. It almost instantly makes you feel better. It has that Industrial Metal type of introduction before kicking into high gears, definitely one to watch for. “Resurrect The Sun” is another excellent track and I rank this among the catchiest on the album and of the BVB catalog to date, I could see this as one of the potential singles and it is one I keep going back to. ''Overture'' is the lengthiest instrumental or non spoken track. The violin is beautiful and haunting and it replicates ''Resurrect The Sun'' while giving an entirely different feel and not being repetitive, this one works to full effect. ''Days Are Numbered'' is a noticeable track and has some great verses. ''Lost It All'' is one of the album's obligatory ballads. I enjoyed the band's previous ballads and this one is no exception (although I prefer ''The Mortician's Daughter'' and ''Saviour'' still). It may be a ballad but it's one of the most powerful songs on the album. I like the violins and the woman's voice towards the end they really bring the song in another dimension. ''Done For You'' is another ballad, more personal this time and works very well except that it's a little too short for me to be really effective. The single “In The End” is fantastic and extremely catchy with a chorus straight out of the 80s Glam bands, a real fist-pumper and crowd pleaser it sticks in your head, rocks, and has a hard driving beat.

Then there are brief spoken and instrumentally driven tracks who tell part of the story and helps set up the songs. Some of them are very short and don't add a whole lot or cannot really be considered what most of us would call songs but overall Wretched and Divine works with this. “Overture” particularly shows flashes of brilliance with Jinx playing the violin. (classically trained as it turn out). Some may be taken aback a bit by some of the orchestration found on this record. “Violins and orchestration on a BVB album?” , I say why not? I doubt that even if fans don't enjoy certain of these, they can't overlook them and enjoy the rest of the album. Personally I think the “F.E.A.R Transmission” tracks add a certain mood and create and atmosphere that enhances the listening experience as a whole. I think what the album is missing is a great ballad. We Stitch These Wounds had ''The Mortician's Daughter'' and ''Carolyn'', Set The World On Fire had ''Saviour''. I just don't think that ''Lost It All'' is quite on par with those .but that's just my opinion I could very well see other loving this one.

I won't delve into the story behind the album as some have already done that, but I have noticed that there definitely seems to be a religious theme throughout. The concept of the album is basically what the band has always been about: standing up for yourself, facing your bullies, not giving up and finding inner strength. Except this time it's wrapped around a story. Also the band's sound has become slightly more commercial with time and each album, they go for the big choruses and singles and there is nothing wrong with that. as long as the music continues to be this good

What could have been a left turn for the band went very right. I still have a special attachment to the Brides' first album but Wretched and Divine is amazing, has terrific songs, a concept that actually works and it all ties in together nicely I'd say if it isn't their best it's a great effort. Some of their fans might have preferred a more straightforward release but I think this was the band's chance to do something really special and perhaps even gain more credibility. In the few weeks I've owned and listened to it I ended up enjoying the album immensely so therefore I will give it a high rating, not full marks but darn near close 4.5 out of 5. I was really impressed and surprised.

This review is coming from a 21 year old who is huge fan of 80's music, fashion and culture that borders on the obsession. After hearing about the Rock of Ages project I feared it would be a big Hollywood production that would end up as a B film as best and wouldn't pay proper tribute to the 1980's, the music and the scene it attempts to tribute. This is more of less exactly what happened. There are some nice moments and entertaining parts, and some versions of the songs are actually decent but it fails to be a modern day Grease or whatever it was that they attempted it to be. It's as if they didn't know what they wanted to do with this except have some popular 80's tune, a bit of a throwback to the fashion of the era and try to hold it together with songs, Grease and some of the other musicals I've seen had heart.

Rock of Ages is set in L.A. on the Sunset Strip in 1987, to start it has the time and setting properly set. The look and atmosphere is just about right which are sure to bring back memories. The song selection is for the most part very good and much of what you would expect musically wise: "Don't Stop Believin'" (Journey) "Wanted Dead or Alive" (Bon Jovi), "Pour Some Sugar On Me" (Def Leppard), 'Hit Me With Your Best Shot' (Pat Benatar), "I Wanna Rock" (Twisted Sister), "Sister Christian" (Night Ranger) and many others.

Tom Cruise as Stacee Jaxx is one of the few actual things that does work for Rock of Ages. His performances and duets were the more enjoyable ones due to his given Rockstar character and his portrayal of Stacee. Cruise's character comes off as a true rockstar of the 80's and it looks like he based his performance on the rockers of the era (Axl Rose mostly in terms of style and fashion). It's not amazing acting but he is likeable as the sleazy rockstar. I like Russel Brand usually but even if he almost always looks like and carries a rockstar vibe was lame in this film. His character's interactions with his bar owner friend are homoerotic and almost uncomfortable to watch. Julianne Hall and Diego Boneta as and Sherrie and Drew the two stars are likeable and well cast and Rock of Ages really revolves around their story.

I started watching Rock of Ages with little hope of it actually good, but with an open mind and expecting at least to be entertained. It more or less succeed at being a 'good' film in my opinion and misses in some areas I thought. To me the big problem with Rock of Ages is that it doesn't tell a story to which you can relate or get into land as a musical, that's not good. I love the 80's but my friends who saw this couldn't get why or what I like about the decade and it does't make it look cool and I don't think it would make any audience want to live them just for one day. It somehow misses and doesn't connect with it's audience because it's too self-obsessed with being a parody to create genuine feelings that can be related to, it just doesn't work all that well.

Overall, it comes off as karaoke with some interesting versions and some rather poor ones and what seemed like a potentially good story was thrown away. It's a big production with big names to appeal to the general public but it fails to pay proper tribute to the 1980's which was the main goal unfortunately. I'm sure there was a market for this film just as I'm sure there are quite a few 80's enthusiast and nostalgics who are downright embarrassed by Rock of Ages. It lacks heart an substance and was very Glee-like. Towards the end it was getting a little to painful to watch for this viewer as it was getting long. I like that they wanted to pay homage to the 80's and the music but the story wasn't anywhere near captivating and although some of the musical numbers are fun and entertaining, Rock of Ages falls short of what it hopes to be. It doesn't translate to film so well. 2.5 out of 5.

P.S. there's a great bonus feature 'Legends of the Strip' mini documentary of the era with major rock artists that lived the 80's and tell tales and stories about the Sunset Strip, the music and the fashion. that's worth watching

WWE 13 is at the core much like its predecessor WWE 12 but it improves in that it kept the basic controls and other aspects and game modes/options but adds the entertaining attitude era factor and mode which elevates it. It's nice to be able to relieve one of the greatest era of the WWE with several memorable superstars. I know that some fans who have shied away from past titles will pick this one up specifically due to the strong emphasis on the attitude era. I can't blame them, the attitude era is perhaps my favorite and it has many of my favorite matches and moments in WWE history so of course I was looking forward to see what THQ would bring to the table this year. For the past few years these WWE video games have been little more than yearly roster updates with added or removed contents as the years went by, 13 offers something else and is worth taking a look at.

I found the addition of the attitude mode rather challenging and welcomed the challenge. Certainly more difficult than previous titles'storylines. This time around you play historic matches from the era and there's a list of accomplishments you have to achieve during a match in order to continue and unlock wrestlers and arenas. You think it'd be easy but it can be particularly tricky if you want to do all the achievements (the tag team fight against the Road Warriors is tricky but its part of the fun... or frustration I suppose). It's all continuous as you go from one storyline to another and there's animated sequences as well complete with vintage footage and introductions. Fans of wrestling from the mid 90's to early 00's are in for a treat and a great experience. As for other modes it's what we're used to: you have your exhibitions will all the matches types, the WWE Universe where you schedule matches and foresee the WWE as you please (for me it's what adds replayability, and this time around you have those great attitude superstars which makes it even better), online mode of course and Create a wrestler.

The roster just about includes who you'd expect to be there in terms of the attitude era, Stone Cold, The Rock, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, even the different Mick Foleys, but there are surprises and it's great to be able to play as those legends and make those iconic matches come alive yourself. I was surprised at some of the wrestlers you could unlock. There's also the current roster superstars and the divas more or less all of whom you'd expect is there which makes for a better roster than WWE 12 or any WWE title in quite some time at least.

In terms of controls, THQ kept most of it from last year and there is only one really noticeable change. The reversals are now harder to execute so the player has to be more precise (and luck might play a part as well) if not you get a "too early" or "too late" script and you know you're getting whooped. Otherwise the controls worked fine last year and there seemed to be no reason to adjust much.

The graphics seem a little more cartoonish this year compared to the realism of last year, slightly but it's noticeable I thought they were better in previous titles (and it's obvious if you compare with last year's) and I don't know what happened here. They're good but much more cartoony. The wrestlers appearance, the entrances, the rings, the old logos etc. have all been replicatedvery faithfully and beautifully I may add. In fact it's hilarious, because during one the animated sequences they talk about the WWE when it was the WWF and they say "WWF" but due those legal issues it's censored. At first I thought this was some odd in game bug. As for bugs, unfortunately I can say that they do happen. They happened in '12 and they're in '13. So far they seem less present in this year's title and usually they're not big issues, just annoyances really. They happen but it's not really often but usually it occurs during special matches like a Hell In A Cell or Elimination Chamber. It's annoying but it doesn't happen as often as some would have you believe and so far they've never had any impact on a match's outcome in my experience. I just thought that issue should be addressed. It's really too bad that at this point and time THQ still has those bugs and glitches in their games, when you buy a game at full 60$ price it doesn't feel professional for a video game company.

Is WWE 13 a perfect wrestling game? Of course not. However it's an improvement over the past few years and it's my personal favorite and the one I found most enjoyable since Smackdown Vs. Raw 2006 more than six years ago now and even further, some of the earlier PS2 titles like Here Comes the Pain. The attitude era focused gameplay is at the core of the experience. If you're a fan of the attitude years I honestly think you'll get a lot of enjoyment from this, if not well you still have the current superstars and the WWE manager mode so you can do as you please. With THQ it's sometimes hard to like what they do but this year they delivered a very solid WWE title that I will be playing for some time (not that I hated '12), it'll be interesting to see if they can top it. 4/5 stars I'd recommend this one.

WWE 13 is at the core much like its predecessor WWE 12 but it improves in that it kept the basic controls and other aspects and game modes/options but adds the entertaining attitude era factor and mode which elevates it. It's nice to be able to relieve one of the greatest era of the WWE with several memorable superstars. I know that some fans who have shied away from past titles will pick this one up specifically due to the strong emphasis on the attitude era. I can't blame them, the attitude era is perhaps my favorite and it has many of my favorite matches and moments in WWE history so of course I was looking forward to see what THQ would bring to the table this year. For the past few years these WWE video games have been little more than yearly roster updates with added or removed contents as the years went by, 13 offers something else and is worth taking a look at.

I found the addition of the attitude mode rather challenging and welcomed the challenge. Certainly more difficult than previous titles'storylines. This time around you play historic matches from the era and there's a list of accomplishments you have to achieve during a match in order to continue and unlock wrestlers and arenas. You think it'd be easy but it can be particularly tricky if you want to do all the achievements (the tag team fight against the Road Warriors is tricky but its part of the fun... or frustration I suppose). It's all continuous as you go from one storyline to another and there's animated sequences as well complete with vintage footage and introductions. Fans of wrestling from the mid 90's to early 00's are in for a treat and a great experience. As for other modes it's what we're used to: you have your exhibitions will all the matches types, the WWE Universe where you schedule matches and foresee the WWE as you please (for me it's what adds replayability, and this time around you have those great attitude superstars which makes it even better), online mode of course and Create a wrestler.

The roster just about includes who you'd expect to be there in terms of the attitude era, Stone Cold, The Rock, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, even the different Mick Foleys, but there are surprises and it's great to be able to play as those legends and make those iconic matches come alive yourself. I was surprised at some of the wrestlers you could unlock. There's also the current roster superstars and the divas more or less all of whom you'd expect is there which makes for a better roster than WWE 12 or any WWE title in quite some time at least.

In terms of controls, THQ kept most of it from last year and there is only one really noticeable change. The reversals are now harder to execute so the player has to be more precise (and luck might play a part as well) if not you get a "too early" or "too late" script and you know you're getting whooped. Otherwise the controls worked fine last year and there seemed to be no reason to adjust much.

The graphics seem a little more cartoonish this year compared to the realism of last year, slightly but it's noticeable I thought they were better in previous titles (and it's obvious if you compare with last year's) and I don't know what happened here. They're good but much more cartoony. The wrestlers appearance, the entrances, the rings, the old logos etc. have all been replicatedvery faithfully and beautifully I may add. In fact it's hilarious, because during one the animated sequences they talk about the WWE when it was the WWF and they say "WWF" but due those legal issues it's censored. At first I thought this was some odd in game bug. As for bugs, unfortunately I can say that they do happen. They happened in '12 and they're in '13. So far they seem less present in this year's title and usually they're not big issues, just annoyances really. They happen but it's not really often but usually it occurs during special matches like a Hell In A Cell or Elimination Chamber. It's annoying but it doesn't happen as often as some would have you believe and so far they've never had any impact on a match's outcome in my experience. I just thought that issue should be addressed. It's really too bad that at this point and time THQ still has those bugs and glitches in their games, when you buy a game at full 60$ price it doesn't feel professional for a video game company.

Is WWE 13 a perfect wrestling game? Of course not. However it's an improvement over the past few years and it's my personal favorite and the one I found most enjoyable since Smackdown Vs. Raw 2006 more than six years ago now and even further, some of the earlier PS2 titles like Here Comes the Pain. The attitude era focused gameplay is at the core of the experience. If you're a fan of the attitude years I honestly think you'll get a lot of enjoyment from this, if not well you still have the current superstars and the WWE manager mode so you can do as you please. With THQ it's sometimes hard to like what they do but this year they delivered a very solid WWE title that I will be playing for some time (not that I hated '12), it'll be interesting to see if they can top it. 4/5 stars I'd recommend this one.