Update: Xseed Still Loves You, Wizardry Fans – You Just Need To Get With The Program…

Posted on April 3, 2011 by geelw

Well, it looks as if Wizardry fans in the US hoping to see the upcoming Labyrinth of Lost Souls as a retail release will have to go all in on the digital version instead. I poked a note Xseed's way a few days ago and got back this reply:

Hi Greg,

Good to hear from you, and please excuse the late reply as things have been pretty busy with the launch of TiTS.*

Didn't see this article of yours before our Wizardry announcement, how funny. Unfortunately, we have no plans to release it on disc right now so no use holding a survey just yet, but perhaps we can consider something similar to Japan where the first one did so well as a digital game that they released it and its sequel together on one retail package later (of course that means sales here will have to be above expectations too for us to consider this).

Thanks for posting the news, glad you liked our announcement.

*Er, for the record… TiTS refers to The Legend of Heroes: Trails in The Sky, the new PSP role-playing epic just launched a few days ago. That acronym is banned on GameFaqs, as i amusingly found out while updating a post there with this news. My evolving thoughts over this (which may be helpful to the resolute die-hards grumbling away about a download-only release) can be distilled HERE. Read more »

Gallery: Battle Slots

Posted on March 7, 2011 by geelw

Phantom EFX has a super-nice surprise for fans of the Puzzle Quest games and slot machines in its upcoming PC (and possibly console) release, Battle Slots. Yes, it's a hybrid game that mixes all the addictive fun of gambling and all the addictive fun of RPG's in one package. Or bacon wrapped butter dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with bacon bits to some of us.

More screens below the jump. the game is currently in development, so expect an update and new images as more info drops this way. I'm warming up my favorite chair as we speak and even thinking of installing a coin drop on the old monitor here.

Review: Baron Wittard: Nemesis of Ragnarok

Posted on March 6, 2011 by geelw

Platform: PC

Developer: Wax Lyrical

Publisher: Iceberg Interactive

# of Players: 1

PEGI Rating: 7+

Official Site

Score: A

Despite the market overloaded with fast-paced shooters and action games as well as plenty of licensed properties that get a lot more press coverage, point & click adventure games are far from dead. The genre, while not getting the massive ad budgets of the aforementioned “Triple A” action blockbusters, continues to forge onward with a number of excellent releases from publishers brave enough to slow things down to a more cerebral pace while giving fans the mystery, suspense and puzzles they crave. Wax Lyrical's Baron Wittard: Nemesis of Ragnarok is an excellent new game that features a nicely (and increasingly) unsettling atmosphere, brain-bending puzzles and a solid story that grabs you right from the start. From the photo realistic pre-rendered visuals, excellent sound design and music that will have you looking over your shoulder every so often, the Baron is a worthy addition to any adventure fan's library.

Hunted: The Demon’s Forge Hands-On

Posted on March 2, 2011 by geelw

Fans of tightly focused “old-school” hack & slash RPG’s as well as anyone looking for a hefty challenge should absolutely stick inXile’s upcoming PS3/Xbox 360 game on their to-do lists. At a recent Bethesda press event, I got to sit down with a final build of the game and was very impressed at the level of challenge in the game (and the presentation’s not bad either). While inXile has noted previously that Hunted’s cover-based gameplay is inspired by Epic’s Gears of War series, the fantasy trappings and two tough yet likable leads should appeal to both male and female gamers alike. I got a taste of both the single player and co-op story modes (with a fellow editor) and yes, you should click on down to read the real deal on what’s going to be a bit of a sleeper hit this June. Continue reading →

Bulletstorm TV Spot Pokes Fun At The Classics…

Posted on February 19, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/_Eookz_9BRI?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0

Duty Calls, indeed! February 22nd is (*BOOM!*) right around the corner and Epic, People Can Fly and EA have a nice kick in the, er, you know where for you shooter fans. Fun and funny stuff here (screw the Faux news fake “reportage” about the game, folks) – pick it up (er, provided you’re of age).

A Little Gifting Idea From Valve…

Posted on February 14, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/w5I3VnCHWsU?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0

Er, Happy Valventine’s Day (har har), Some hints from Valve on what and how. BTW, pre-orders for Portal 2 have started up all over the world (Yikes). Time to add your names to the list, I’d say…

Okamiden "Deities & Environments" + "Astroidean" Trailers

Posted on February 14, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/cMv249Siohs?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0

Two super-cute trailers from Capcom's guaranteed DS hit. With a March 15, 2011 release just around the corner, games such as this show Nintendo's popular portable system is FAR from dead. I'd say it's worth a but just for Chibiterasu's sheer cuteness alone…

Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY Barcelona Videos (Part Three) + WIN One on Facebook!

Posted on February 13, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/NW2EzdOyFMg?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0

Four more Xperia PLAY videos from the event earlier today. Full details (and that contest!) below the jump (except specs – those are coming), but my quick take on all this excitement: Pre-loaded with the Sims 3, Tetris and four other games, 50 titles at launch (or within the launch window). Loads of developer support from small to large studios. At this point, I won't even be making a single phone call, have ZERO time for Facebooking nor using that 5.1 MP camera – I'll be to darn busy playing all those new GAMES. Verizon, huh? Well, in terms of coverage and service, it's a hell of a lot better than AT & T, that's for sure…

Activision Shakes Up The Toy & Gaming Scene With New Spyro This Fall

Posted on February 11, 2011 by geelw

http://www.activisionvideo.com/flowplayer/flowplayer-3.2.5.swf

I've seen plenty of cool “interactive” toys before (most of which I recall from a few trade shows over the years) mainly geared towards kids that could be connected to PC's for online gaming. Then there were a few oddball Japanese toys I can also recall that could sync to game consoles which failed to take off outside of that country. This year, It looks as if Activision has taken that formerly nascent technology to the next level by blending old and new elements and taking the idea to the Wii (and eventually 3DS) starting this fall. Skylanders – Spyro's Adventure is a unique collaboration between Activision and it's Novato, CA-based studio Toys For Bob that looks to give kids a great reason to collect and hang on to a really cool set of figurines. What's here is being touted as “a wholesale change in the interaction between toys and video games, opening up new possibilities and revenue streams for both industries.” A bold statement, no doubt… but it just may be correct. This has been tried previously in gaming, but I'll surprise you all with that in a feature I'm planning in a few weeks.

Full press release, screens and an event video below the jump – Toy images to come in a separate posting. I'll get some hands-on time at Toy Fair over the next few days and get back to you folks with a report.

2K Announces The Darkness II

Posted on February 8, 2011 by geelw

Veteran developer Digital Extremes (the under appreciated Dark Sector) takes over from original developer Starbreeze Studios for this sequel, set to hit PC, PS3 and 360 this fall. My thoughts and more on this news later today, as I'm practically falling off my chair from being up all night writing stuff… and this game announcement. Wow.

Er, hey wait… is that Mario in that screen shot? Nah… couldn't be. I'm off to bed – back in a few hours! Press release below the jump – 'nite! er, morning!

Read more »