Asura’s Wrath US Launch Trailer: This Year’s GOD HAND, I Say…

Posted on February 21, 2012 by geelw

CyberConnect2’s masterpiece mash-up is in stores NOW for the PS3 and Xbox 360, so grab it. My review copy is on the way, so I can’t wait to see how it turned out. I played the demo to death and back, so I have a good idea of what’s coming. Still, I always go into a review with NO expectations, as it helps judge a game based on its own merits and not stacked up to something completely different. Yeah, yeah, I made a GOD HAND reference in the title above, but I meant in terms of how quirky, funny and flat out insanely creative both games ended up.

Hitman: Absolution VO Interviews: Marsha Thomason

Posted on February 21, 2012 by geelw

Here’s a excellent interview with one of the voice talent behind IO Interactive’s upcoming game. Actress Marsha Thomason lets you in on a few cool things about her character, Diana Burnwood as well as what goes into performance capturing for the game. It’s been far too long since Agent 47 has appeared on the scene, but from what I’ve seen so far, everyone’s favorite bald (and bar-coded) assassin is coming back in fine form indeed in a game that looks spectacular. I’d say Square Enix has another hit on their hands as a publisher…

Young Justice: Legacy Announced for PS3/360/Wii/DS in 2013

Posted on February 21, 2012 by geelw

Well, well… someone realizes that a LOT of gamers still play Nintendo DS games (he said, not at all facetiously). Little Orbit is teaming up with WBIE to bring a video game version of the popular cartoon series to current generation consoles in 2013. The game is an action/RPG with an online/offline multiplayer focus (which wisely means a kids in a family can play together on the couch if need be). More details and screens to come as they fly into the inbox here. In the meantime, check out the official site and Facebook page, which are both up and running, although the official site is slim pickings for a good reason – not all those character boxes? Reveals, folks.. reveals. With a dozen playable characters, a ton of guest star cameos and a dozen villains, this is going to be fun in terms of seeing who’s going to be in the game.

Belated Valentine’s Day Game Greetings (Because I’m Lazy Like That)

Posted on February 21, 2012 by geelw

Well, OK. I’m not really THAT lazy, but I do have an overactive spam filter that occasionally eats stuff it shouldn’t. Hmm…. maybe I’ll start a trend here by publishing late holiday cards at random just for fun. Besides, if you’re happy and in loooove with whomever, every day should be Valentines Day is some way, shape or form. So I guess you can consider these cards a friendly reminder you need to remember every now and then. Er, except if you actually kiss like Grimlock. Then, you’d probably end up putting your sweetie in the hospital because you keep chomping his or her face off (ouch!)…

Toy Fair 2012: Areaware – Fun & Functional Artwork For The Masses

Posted on February 21, 2012 by geelw

Just when you think you’ve seen everything, along comes someone who shows you a cool wooden robot that folds away into an equally cool-looking cube or a silver baby rattle that can double as an art piece. These were just two items at Toy Fair from Brooklyn, NY-based Areaware, a producer of some really interesting products from a wide range of talented artists and designers. It’s impossible to take a look at their web site or online catalog without a smile crossing your face thanks to the selection of everyday objects given a fresh and often amusing spin. A quick (and goofy) example: Say you’re allergic to pet hair, have too many animals in your space but crave more, just like collecting unique pillows or any combination of the three. Well, say hello to a few pieces from Ross Menuez’ Fauna line:

That’s only a few of the about 40 currently available designs (and you’re grinning already, right?)…

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Holding Pattern: Back In A Bit (Now, With Random Art)

Posted on February 20, 2012 by geelw

Eeek. We’re experiencing some annoying issues with Flash and Windows updates not quite cooperating, so I’m futzing around with my PC trying to set things right. This has naturally, slowed down my usual updating, but I’m still forging ahead, grrrr! Anyway, here’s some random art to ogle that I did the other day while you wait patiently for things to get back to normal. Which shouldn’t take too long (I hope)…

Hey, Sony? Where The Heck is PANEKIT On The PS3 and Vita?

Posted on February 20, 2012 by geelw

(thanks, akiha777!)

I’ve been on the hunt for a reasonably priced copy of PANEKIT for ages and I’m still surprised that Sony has passed up on localizing this seriously awesome game for the U.S. of A. while also never updating it for a home or portable console since its release*. And you’re now asking me: “What’s a PANEKIT?” Basically, it’s a toy construction kit where you get to build whatever you want out of metal “parts” and set it in motion (if you like) in a 3D world. Sure, it’s visually “dated” by today’s standards and DEFINITELY a niche title, at that. Nevertheless, in this age of all sorts of junk games on phones and tablets, anything that allows you to create and share digital toys with others without losing pieces or worrying about dropping what you’ve built (and seeing it smash into a million pieces) deserves a new shot…

*Yes, the game was popular enough in Japan to get a PSN reissue not too long ago, but it STILL wasn’t even looked at for a more worldwide release (which is too bad)…

SSX Gallery Mini-Update: The Only Snow Some Of You Will See All Year. Yikes.

Posted on February 19, 2012 by geelw

So far, “winter” here and in a few other places has been a complete bust, but thankfully, EA is on the case with way TOO much snow and a bunch of fearless boarders you’ll soon get to play around with. Inside, where it’s warm, at that. I’ve played a few chunks of the game at press events since last year and at the Spotlight EA event earlier this month, this slick reboot was looking amazing and is definitely headed to fans as a fantastic addition to the hugely popular franchise. Run out and grab it, I say, but If there’s still no snow on the ground by the time the game reaches a retailer near you (it’ll be in stores on February 28 for the PS3 and Xbox 360), just keep a few windows open in the house so you can at least catch an ice cold breeze while you’re playing.

Note: Diving face first into a big plastic bucket of ice cubes to simulate falling in the digital snow isn’t at all recommended. But, hey… it’s your living room (and your face).

Escape Plan: The Vita’s Fun, Funky Puzzler That Needs To Be Played…

Posted on February 19, 2012 by geelw

What, another Vita hit? Yup. Escape Plan’s black & white “comic noir” visuals, easy to learn, tricky to master puzzle/adventure gameplay and just pure sense of fun make this a memorable launch title. Sure. it’s probably not going to make some of you “hardcore” gamers get all gushy (you’re getting your shooters, don’t worry!). Nevertheless, it’s great to see all sorts of games coming to the Vita that just aren’t the usual ports or other truncated “casual” experiences derived from a social network page. More, please!

Toy Fair 2012: DIY Nation – littleBits & Big Plushies

Posted on February 18, 2012 by geelw

There were a ton of really cool DIY items at Toy Fair along with a few companies that could knock out custom products for all sorts of occasions or organizations.No matter the age range, there was something for everyone at this year’s show that allowed for free expression of just about any creative urges. Here’s another “Best Of” look at a few more upcoming or already available items or services that really caught my eye…