Category Archives: Updates

Wii U: Nintendo Changes The Game (AGAIN)

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Well, who DIDN’T think they weren’t going to blow minds at today’s conference? Showing off the new controller while not babbling about the console’s tech specs (or showing the console itself) was an excellent move that baffled some editor-types and online posters. YES, the unseen actual system does HD 1080p graphics and based on the slick teaser videos and live announcements, we’ll be seeing the same SKUS on the PS3 and 360 for some key upcoming titles with Wii U functionality.

I like the HUD moved to the tablet idea (more real estate on your TV screen for game action) in some titles, the sketchpad (yes!) and other cool things. Sure, the console’s price point (and additional tablet controllers) will be the wallet kicker for most folks, but we won’t get that information until sometime next year, I’m thinking. I’m sure it’s not going to be cheap, but Nintendo has a way with showing tech that has many consumers more than eager to pay up. Cue Miyamoto saying “ITEM GET!”, a live orchestra playing some Zelda music and people reaching for their wallets.

EA jumping on board so strongly is a big plus for sports fans (and maybe Dead Space 2 is headed to the console along with Mass Effect at some point) and seeing Ken Levine’s eyes twinkle means I bet there’s a Big Daddy or three coming to Nintendo’s new system at some point. As well as a LOT of other stuff to appease the hardcore, Nintendo die-hards and others. Skeptics beware… this is going to get REALLY interesting as developers start peeling back the covers on their Wii U projects over the coming months…

More later – I’ve got some more games to see…

Random E3 Thoughts…

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Yeah, yeah, some of these are goofy or short enough to be tweets, but I'm old school (and low tech, as I'm still a poor bastard). In no particular order: AND after the jump, hah!Read more »

E3 Day 1 – Sony: Apologia et Vita (or Something Like That)

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Sony's press conference was exactly how I thought it would be in terms of tone, but that's a good thing. No Kevin Butler this year to joke it up with the crowd. a lot of announcements, a lot of exclusives, a re-naming of the NGP and even more solid-looking games for the new handheld. Jack Tretton was almost sheepish in laying out Sony's apology to gamers and publishers who've been suffering with all this hacking nonsense since April. But after the frowny times for a minute or two, things got rolling with plenty of first-party power.Read more »

E3 Day 1 – Microsoft: Surprises and No Surprises Balance It Out…

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So far, so good, I suppose. Microsoft kicked off the day with a pretty cool conference that revealed a much stronger focus on Kinect that in this writer's opinion, should have been last year's approach. Sure, 10 million plus units were shifted at retail since the launch, but many “core” gamers have ignored the peripheral for a few reasons (most of them based on misconceptions). Microsoft set out to change that big time and seems to have succeeded thanks to integrating Kinect functionality into nearly everything they showed off. More precise Kinect functionality (for the most part).Read more »

Some Quick Thoughts on "Transfarring"

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OK, so we all know Hideo Kojima is a genius. My question is: why the heck didn’t Sony think of this idea when the PSP was initially launched? As soon as I heard they were doing a portable unit, one of my top wishlist items was the ability to either link PS2/PS3 content to the unit for on the go action or have new games where portable versions had data that could be transferred back and forth between consoles. Anyway, now that “Transfarring” is not only a reality, but a new “word” gamers worldwide will be speaking whenever they hit the road with a Sony handheld, let’s hope it’s adopted by as many developers as possible as soon as possible.

Oh, and ANY sort of data transfer system NEEDS to be offline enabled as well just in case the PSN hacks never stop rolling out on a regular basis. Just a thought…

Dark Souls Collector’s Edition Makes Me Do A Double Take

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…along with a half-assed backflip (I’m SO out of shape). In case you didn’t hear the news, both the standard and “limited” editions of the game are the SAME price. Interesting, considering the trend of charging MORE for that extra stuff by most other publishers. I hope this is the beginning of a new deal for gamers, particularly in an economy that’s still quite lousy for many.

Here’s a quick clip from the press release:

The Dark Souls Collector’s Edition can be pre-ordered for $59.99, the same price as the standard edition while supplies last, and will include a limited edition art book containing premium illustrations of characters and environments from the game, a mini-strategy guidebook, behind-the-scenes videos from the development studio detailing various stages of game concept, design and building, and the game’s soundtrack for digital download. All of this will come packaged with the standard edition game in a custom-designed metal case.

In the words of the great philosophers: They got my money already. Of course, you might want to stock up on foam bricks to throw at the TV, a few boxes of Kleenex for those crying jags and a pillow to bite down on hard when the game kicks your butt all over the room, but that’s all optional.

E3 2011: El Shaddai Gets July 26 Release Date, More Lovely Screens

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Looking at UTV/Ignition’s upcoming El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron in screenshots, concept art and wallpapers these past months has been like walking through a museum made of dreams (and a few wicked nightmares), but seeing the game in motion makes things click a bit more into reality. Of course, I’m one of those cranky, crusty old-schoolers that doesn’t believe EVERY game needs to be 110% innovative in EVERY area to be pure fun. Therefore, even if it turns out to be a straightforward third-person experience, the outstandingly bizarre visuals go a long way in carrying the rest of the game. Granted, the overall narrative is certainly groundbreaking in terms of subject matter and how it’s been translated from a “That might not be a good game idea” chunk of religious text to “Holy Hell on a stick, I really NEED to play this just to see how the story turns out!” slice of current-gen awesomeness. July 26, 2011 is the release date – let’s just call this an instant classic in the making for now and leave it at that.

Konami’s Pre-E3 Video Is Brilliant Stuff

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Absolutely one of the best and funniest presentations I’ve seen, Konami provided a pre-E3 showing that was informative and innovative while showing off a number of upcoming titles. I’m absolutely grabbing that Metal Gear Solid HD collection, the Silent Hill HD collection, NeverDead and a few other games. Kojima’s got a great sense of humor as you’ll see, but his “Transfarring” idea is one of the best uses of PSp/NGP and PS3 connectivity to date. Amusingly enough, I’d thought of this when the PSP was announced, but I don’t make games. Still, why Sony didn’t do this (or think of it) is a bit odd. Nevertheless, it’s a phenomenal idea I can see other publishers jumping on, particularly in this day and age of people whining about games being too short or not getting enough value out of that sixty bucks. Anyway, go watch the video and enjoy the cool surprise at the end…

PrE3: Sega Lineup Packed With Aliens, Hedgehogs & Other Warm, Fuzzy Stuff…

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Yeah, yeah, Thor wasn't all that hot (except for the DS version, which rocked in an solid, reliable old-school way – go WayForward!), but let's move on, shall we? It looks as if Sega has a pretty smoking 2011-2012 lineup, as you'll see from the long list below the jump.Read more »

PrE3: Bethesda: RAGE & Prey 2 Trailers

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Yes, they both look amazing so far and yes, they’re both quite different in terms of what they bring to the VERY crowded FPS market. And yes, I’m planning on sinking a lot of time into both at some point. Someone STILL needs to make a damn time machine so we can actually play EVERYTHING that’s coming out…