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)…
(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)…
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).
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!
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…
Yikes. I’ve a LOT of Toy Fair 2012 stuff to write up, but it’ll get done over the next week. I got a nice laugh earlier because I’d initially planned to do about five big articles that covered everything I saw that I liked. Of course, those plans got steamrolled once I started going through my note, then sorting out catalogs and contact info. Anyway, there will be at least one huge article and a bunch of smaller ones coming, so just watch your inboxes if you’ve subscribed for updates. Anyone else (meaning new folks I ran into at Toy Fair), you’ll be hearing from me directly. That is all – I’m going to sleep, as I’m over my word count for the day…
And so it begins! CGE 2012 Registration kicks off with an excellent pricing whether you sign up for Early Bird, Advance or even at the door tickets. Additionally, the lovely and newly renovated Plaza Hotel is the venue and the special CGE rates are quite affordable at $65 per day for a Deluxe room. Of course, you’ll need to do something about transportation to and from Las Vegas (road trip!) as well as any sightseeing options. As for food, well you’d be surprised (or maybe not so surprised) to find way too many options in Vegas to make sure you’re not going to starve at any hour of the day.
Back with more CGE 2012 updates as they’re announced…
Despite all the skeptics (professional and otherwise) out there predicting all sorts of astronomical failure for the product, Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventures was a massive hit for Activision and veteran developer Toys for Bob across multiple platforms, transforming the gaming landscape with a crossover product that combined a solid, fun video game with collectible figures. At Toy Fair 2012, the next wave of Skylanders was rolled out to what looked like pretty positive overall response. Skylanders: Giants introduces eight new characters into the fold including four huge elemental hulks that change up the gameplay considerably. If last year’s success caught Activision off guard, this year they’re loaded for bear and ready to rake in even more of your gaming and collecting dollars…
thatgamecompany’s fantastic new title, Journey has been a game I’ve wanted to dive into ever since I saw those first screenshots and movies about two years back. Heck, I even started my preview by breaking out in song (well, sort of). Anyway, the PSN/SEN exclusive game finally has a concrete release date, which is March 13, 2012. Without saying too much (other than BUY IT – when has thatgamecompany ever made a bad game?), let’s just say a lot of you reading this with PS3’s (and a PSN account, as this isn’t coming out on a disc) will be amazed and absolutely in love with what the team has crafted. The word “innovation” is highly overused in the game industry, but here’s a case where you’ll get to see, hear and more importantly, PLAY a game that goes above and beyond the call. Hopefully, a Vita version is in the cards, as this is far too great a game to be confined to the home space…
Nintendo’s biggest (or at least most wanted by many) first-party 3DS game of 2012 is soaring toward its release – here’s the latest trailer bound to get fans thrilled (and me wanting to see an sequel on the Wii U). Of course, I’d also love a new 3D Metroid game at some point, but I guess we’ll have to see what’s what at E3 this year…
"DESTROY ALL FANBOYS!" 