Of Orcs & Men Gameplay Trailer: One To Watch While It Cooks…

Shaping up to be quite an interesting surprise in an overcrowded genre, Cyanide Studios and Spiders’ upcoming Of Orcs & Men is looking to be one of those games RPG fans will want to keep an eye on. This first gameplay teaser shows off some gorgeous visuals and as it’s coming to consoles as well as PC next year, both camps should be happy, provided the game looks and plays similarly across all platforms. I’ve got my fingers crossed that this one’s got a story as good as the visuals as well as enough gameplay depth to keep me busy for a while and coming back for more.

The Last of Us: Cryptic, Indeed. And A PS3 Exclusive…

I usually avoid Spike TV’s Video game awards (and hell, ANY game awards shows) like the plague (you pretty much always know who’s going to win in this skewed “Popular = Good!” scenario that crops up year after year) but the teaser trailers and mysterious website for the upcoming PS3 exclusive has me maybe wanting to break my self-imposed stubborn streak. Then again, I’m supposed to be immune to this sort of marketing (and maybe I am after all), but I really want to find out more about this upcoming game. I’m getting a modern survival terror vibe from the site and trailer, but we’ll see what’s what. The Spike VGA’s are on TV December 10. Maybe I’ll watch them this year… maybe not…

Gallery: Mega-CD Library

Not as large as the other libraries (and nope, nowhere near complete), here’s some Mega-CD titles to pore over. I have a bunch of Sega CD and UK Mega CD titles as well, but I’d sold off most of the core titles, so it’s a shadow of its former self. It’s too bad Sega or any other publishers didn’t have enough time to localize MORE of the RPG’s for the add-on, as games such as Shadowrun (an all-new version created for the platform), Record of Lodoss War, Shin Megami Tensei, Illusion City, Fhey Area, Cosmic Fantasy Stories, Death Bringer and others here would have made for a much more impressive lineup. But, hey – we DID get the fighting/RPG hybrid Battle Fantasy here as Revengers of Vengeance, so THAT makes up for a lot (he said, eyes rolling in his head)…

Nano Assault Blasts Into Stores

Shin’en’s third game in the Nanostray series has finally landed on the 3DS this time out and yes, you SHOULD run, drive, hop, skip or jump to your favorite game shop to snap this one up. Nano Assault takes things to the third dimension in style, so expect to fall off your bus seat when you’re bobbing and weaving like a formerly sleepy salaryman on a caffeine high. Majesco has another portable winner for the holiday season – review incoming.

Minor Update: Brainache Edition

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Yep, that Skyrim review is still incoming. I spent a chunk of yesterday writing and editing down, but woke up with a HUGE headache that’s lasted the better part of today. I’m feeling a bit better, but I don’t recommend one of these unless I happen to not like you very much and know where you live. Anyway, back in a bit with a few reviews, maybe a few gift suggestions and  perhaps some artwork…

Dark Horse’s Comics For Christmas: A (Graphic) Novel Idea!

Dark Horse Comics always has some awesome reads each month, but here’s a list of books they recommend for your holiday gift needs. Personally, I say grab them all, as some folks on you gift list probably don’t even know what actual PAGES feel like (and they haven’t yet invented a “new graphic novel” scent for the iPad, Kindle, nook or other readers and devices).

Resident Evil Revelations Updated Story Trailer

Fear not, fans of the franchise who want a more traditional RE game that hearkens back to the classic trilogy you’re so fond of. Granted, you’ll need to have a 3DS in the house, as this is an exclusive for the handheld. But my, doesn’t it look fantastic? Gameplay is slower, more methodical at times and yup, zombies WILL get up in your face if you get caught off-guard. Of course, the gloomy, scary atmosphere and limited ammo (from what I played in the demo version) add to the tension and some of those undead don’t go down without a fight. Anyway, keep your eyeballs peeled for this one, as it’s coming on February 7, 2012 in the US and January 27, 2012 in the UK (lucky!).

Classic Gaming Expo Is BACK!

Now, I just need to be able to afford to go, grrr! I got this note in my inbox and did a happy dance (despite my lousy finances, it’s great to see the show hath returned!):

YOU WERE THERE FIRST. Not enough time to get this to all of our outlets or properly document it on our website, so those of you here get to hear it first: Classic Gaming Expo 2K12 is ON, it’s August 11th and 12th in Las Vegas at our old stomping grounds, The Plaza Hotel. The Plaza has completely renovated everything from its rooms and casinos to the ballroom itself. We loved it, can’t wait to do this again! More details to follow.

And yes, I’ll be posting those details when I get them. Woo and hoo. Off to find some pennies!

Review: Tekken Hybrid

Platform: PlayStation 3

Developer: Namco

Publisher: Namco Bandai

# of Players: 1 – 4

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Official Site

Score: B+ (80%)

 

One of the most underutilized features of the PS3 has been the ability to play Blu-Ray and game hybrid discs, which is quite strange in my opinion. Considering how licensed movie games could have a second life if bundled with the films they’re based on at a reasonable price point, it’s a no-brainer to me that MORE game/movie discs haven’t been produced. Tekken Hybrid manages to do a pretty decent job as a package, although a few more bonuses would have been cool to beef up the replay value somewhat. For $40, you’re getting the CG movie Tekken: Blood Vengeance, an HD version of Tekken Tag Tournament and a brief demo of the Japanese arcade version of Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (all with optional 3DTV support), plus a few interviews with a few folks behind the games and film. While this package is geared more towards hardcore Tekken fans, those new to the long running fighting franchise can pick it up and have a blast, provided they’re not looking for online play or tons of bonus content (other than the newly added Trophies). Continue reading

Gallery: 3DO Library

More of my game collection madness for your viewing pleasure. Actually, of the three galleries posted so far, this set of games was the easiest to photograph as almost all of them are stored right next to my PC in a CD tower and the others are in a nearby bin. Enjoy!