It’s all about collaboration for both Alicia Keys and Ke$ha. Joining forces with performers like Bruno Mars and Iggy Pop is a sure-fire way to broaden the buzz for their latest albums—and give some old dogs a chance to show off their vocal tricks. Missing the Dark Knight? Brady Games has just released Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition—not only does the game offer new modes and battle techniques, it also includes all of the previously released “Arkham City” adventures. It gives you a lot of bang for your gaming bucks!
Girl on Fire, Alicia Keys (RCA)
Alicia Keys, a 14-time Grammy Award–winning singer and songwriter, has recently released her fifth studio album, Girl on Fire. Consisting of 13 tracks, the album is a lively mix of material that proves she’s more determined than ever to stay on top of the charts. This impressive effort features intimate ballads and powerful anthems, all steered by Keys’s soulful voice and moving lyrics. Collaborating with Babyface, Bruno Mars, Krucial, Jeff Bhasaker, Gary Clarke Jr., Pop and Oak, Maxwell, Emeli Sande, and Jamie XX has certainly upped the ante here on Fire. This album has a little bit of everything—from Keys’s trademark piano, heavy drums, and electric sounds to reggae and future soul. It’s definitely an inspirational mix of tracks that shows how mature and multitalented Keys truly is. Favorite tracks include “Fire We Make,” “De Novo Adagio,” “New Day,” and “Tear Always Win.”—Claire H., grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School
Warrior, Ke$ha (RCA)
Warrior is Ke$ha’s second album and has been well-received by the music industry. Her loud musical style is mixed with a ’70s rock sound, drowsy rapping, and cutting-edge electro-pop—all rolled up into one. Warrior documents Ke$ha’s improbable journey—from being a waitress to becoming a musical sensation. One would think this wouldn’t translate well, but Ke$ha has invented her own genre and the success of this new sound is pretty evident. The tracks on Warrior feel authentic, and the listener understands that Ke$ha is what she says she is—whether you like it or not. The crass and raw lyrics coupled with a catchy pop music sound are quite refreshing in today’s music market. Her collaboration on “Dirty Love” with legendary punk rocker Iggy Pop is pure genius and the two are wonderful together. Other great tracks include “Supernatural,” “Only Wanna Dance with You,” “Thinking of You,” and “Die Young.”—Geena G., grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School
Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition (Brady)
Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition isn’t a totally new game—it’s a sequel to Arkham Asylum, which was released more than two years ago. The game begins with the arrest of Bruce Wayne, and his placement inside Arkham City, a sectioned-off part of Gotham City full of criminals and thugs. Assisted by Alfred, Wayne escapes and becomes Batman. After putting on a Bat-Suit, the player is prompted for a fingerprint scan to authenticate that you are truly the Batman. So cool! Then Batman does what he does best—he takes out the many villains that plague Gotham. Like its game predecessors, Arkham City AE uses awesome controls and battle tactics. Using the large variety of takedown moves keeps the game fresh and exciting. And since it covers a large section of the city, players get to explore and uncover missions and solve puzzles along the way.
The Wii U version really makes this game rock because of the gamepad’s touch screen. It acts as a wrist computer on Batman’s new armored suit (the female version was stolen by Catwoman). All updates, radio communications, maps, audio surveillances, and gadgets are here and heighten the player’s sense of being Batman. Also new is BAT (Battle Armored Tech) mode, which gives Batman a surge of power to dish out some massive damage. Not only does the main campaign provide hours and hours of action-packed fun, but Arkham City also contains all of the downloadable content that was released on previous versions. Players can take on the roles of Catwoman, Batman, or Robin. There are Combat and Predator Challenges that deal with your stealth and strength. This is truly a great gaming experience, and I highly recommend it to those that are familiar with Arkham Asylum and to those that aren’t. Platform: Wii U. Rating: T for Teen.—Eugene K., grade 12, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School
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