Commentary: Why We ALL Need Wizardry Back!

Posted on January 14, 2011 by geelw

Sometimes, I just hate Japan, but in a decidedly more “grrrr… how come they get THAT game?” manner (and not anything more overly dramatic than that, mind you). While the Wizardry franchise hasn’t seen a new Western-developed PC game in the states since the ill-fated, (but mostly well-rated) Wizardry 8 (back in 2001!), since the late 80’s, Japanese gamers have had nearly 40 ports or completely original Wizardry games and side-stories created by an assortment of developers for a number of consoles, portables and even cellphones.

More recently (as in a big, fat “what the what?!”), the Nintendo DS in Japan has gotten their own original Wizardry games in the form of three titles that will probably never, ever see the light of day in English unless they get fan-patched translations (*grrrr!*). You can keep your Angry Birds, and other “casual” games, folks – I’d rather play something with real meat on its bones.

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The Cursed Crusade Trailer #2: "Ambitions"

Posted on January 14, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/LgqqMfqmZOI?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0

Atlus and developer Kylotonn Emtertainment have what’s looking to be a guaranteed hit with this upcoming PS3 and Xbox 360-bound Action/RPG. Given that nearly everyone seems to be comparing it to Demon’s Souls, there’s going to be an immediate audience for the game that should propel sales no matter what the reviews say. Based on available info, the game is quite a bit different (and it should be) in terms of story, gameplay and a few other major elements, none of which should stop any fan of From Software’s hit from checking this one out. Hell, here’s nothing like being pleasantly surprised by a game you thought was going to be something entirely different (or all too familiar), right? More on The Cursed Crusade shortly…

Radiant Historia Time-Traveling Walkthrough Trailer Radiates Historically…

Posted on January 14, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/QFFPfgujnGw?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0

Yes, this walkthrough was released a few days back, but I’m just now getting to it (Hey! I’ve a LOT of stuff on my plate!). Atlus USA just keeps it coming with yet ANOTHER fine Nintendo DS/DSi RPG, Radiant Historia, set for release on February 22, 2011. I’m still playing Shin Megami Tensei Strange Journey and SMT: Devil Survivor, but as I’m winding down the many, many hours spent on those, it looks as if I’ll be getting a bit busy with this one. As usual, expect a nice deluxe package complete with a CD soundtrack and more gameplay than you can shake a stylus at… back with more in a bit.

Resistance 3 VGA Trailer (Director’s Cut)

Posted on January 14, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/R4iMYXT75DM?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0

I already posted the VGA trailer a while back on the other blog – for comparison's sake, here's a look at both that one (below the jump) the extended version (above) of the live-action trailer which should get you even more excited about Insomniac's upcoming shooter in what's looking to be a key year for Sony's console.

Spare Parts: Concept Review Trailer

Posted on January 14, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/r4CJe2HJviw?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0

Ever wonder where game ideas come from? Well, take a gander at this latest Spare Parts trailer and see for yourself as members of the dev team lets their brains do the talking – enjoy!

Tiny & Big in: Up That Mountain – Black Pants’ Instant (Even As A Work In Progress) Classic

Posted on January 14, 2011 by geelw

I absolutely love independent games and this year's crop of IGF 2011 entrants and finalists just may be the most creative to date. From the super-popular and amazingly successful Minecraft or Super Meat Boy, innovative gems such as Desktop Dungeons, Amnesia: The Dark Descent and more, there's something for every taste (as well as plenty of games a non-gamer would try). A few of the nicer surprises have been the as yet unfinished projects that show off some amazing innovation in visuals as well as gameplay.

For me, the best example of this is the beta demo of Tiny and Big in: Up That Mountain, developer Black Pants Game Studio's wonderfully fresh and funny episodic 3D adventure/platformer (for PC, Mac and Linux) that features stunning comic-styled visuals and excellently implemented game mechanics that are simple to understand while allowing for a number of ways to tackle environment navigation. The current demo build is a bit raw and definitely needs more work, but what's here will make you crack a smile that lasts for as long as you're playing.

LBP2 Goes For Guinness World Records Next Week

Posted on January 14, 2011 by geelw

Sony is certainly planning to launch Little Big Planet 2 in style. Next week down at the Sony Style Store's PlayStation Lounge here in NYC, a bunch of dedicated gamers are going to attempt to set and break a number of Guinness World Records. Hell, someone should have told yours truly this, as my own personal gaming record is 52 hours straight playing Shining Force 2 on the Sega Genesis back in the day. Granted, my old-timer butt would probably pass out after three hours and no Geritol supply, but hey – I'd go down fighting, dammit! Press release below the jump – I'll be at the event next week for a bit of coverage.