GTA V Trailer: Rockstar Proves (Yet Again) Single Player Games Aren’t Dead…

Posted on November 14, 2012 by geelw

One thing you’re always going to get from Rockstar Games when it comes to their open world experiences is a damn fine story and some of the most memorable characters in gaming. Even if Grand Theft Auto V comes to retail packed with DLC and other online content, for many (if not most) who play it, it’s all going to be about the story and storytelling the company is well known for. So, yeah – Spring 2013 is certainly going to be quite busy with people calling off dead from work for a few days so they can dink around in the fictional Los Angeles and the surrounding area Rockstar North is working so hard on. I say if you’ve got a console or PC that can run this game in your home (and you’re of age to buy M-rated games, of course). You should be putting money down on this one as soon as possible.

DmC Gets DLC Already (But You KNEW It Was Coming, Right?)…

Posted on November 13, 2012 by geelw

Ah, poor Vergil! He gets relegated to DLC (which has pissed off the Capcom haters once again) rather than an unlockable bonus section, but hey, that sort of thing has been the law of the console land for a bit now. Unfortunately, those who can’t access the content thanks to no online accounts or willingness to pay more than the retail price for a game (for some people it’s still a poor economy) will need to hope the game sells well enough to net some sort of reissue down the road.

DMC “Home Truths” Vignette: Dante Gets Something Big To Swing

Posted on November 10, 2012 by geelw

More nice cinematic joy from Ninja Theory’s upcoming reboot. It seems that the game has gotten a lot more respect over the months since Capcom has had playable versions at conventions and some decent coverage on other outlets, but of course, you can’t please everyone. Me, I’ve been on board the project from the beginning, as I trust Ninja Theory to make a compelling experience no matter what they do. Well, unless they do a kart racer. No one can make one of those interesting without getting compared right away to Mario Kart and its other successful derivatives…

World War Z Trailer: Zombie Apocalypse, Now?

Posted on November 10, 2012 by geelw

OK, so I never read the acclaimed 2006 Max Brooks novel nor his 2003 Zombie Survival Guide, as hell, I’m too busy these days and know there are no such things as roving packs of undead (science is good for proving this). Also, I really think zombies are getting way too much exposure as the “go-to” thing for instant mass media interest (that said, The Walking Dead will always have my undivided attention).

Of course, given that the upcoming film deviates greatly form the book (according to an irate friend who recommended I read it and NOT see the film), I’m betting the film still does well at the box office because the masses who will line up like slow-moving zombies will be made up of those who haven’t read the source material. Anyway, Here’s the trailer for WWZ, which has Brad Pitt stepping into the suspense/horror genre once again after a bit too long away from it. Then again, he’s an actor you can’t typecast at all at this point in his career – you just show up and know you’ll get a solid performance from the guy.

Now, will I get off my lazy ass and go track down the book? Probably not (well, not yet). I still have too many games to play and plenty of other zombie-loaded entertainment here. But I may just go see the film and if I like it, well… maybe that book will get a read one day after all…

The Elder Scrolls Online Introduction (Gameplay Included)

Posted on November 9, 2012 by geelw

OK, I may not be much interested in an online Elder Scrolls game, but YOU might be. So, here you go – a fine nine-plus minute look at the upcoming MMO that shows off its excellent visuals and yes, actual gameplay for the first time. That said, IF I were going to be jumping back into the MMO space, it’s now a toss up between this game, RIFT and Guild Wars 2. But of course, a nice new gaming PC and an even better online connection are needed… as is a working time machine, as I already have WAY too many games to play that aren’t online time-sinks…

Divinity: Original Sin Update – Hey, At Least Larian Studios Is Working Today…

Posted on November 7, 2012 by geelw

This latest in-progress video shows the team at Larian is toiling away merrily on their new baby and at this point we can leave then alone because everything is looking great. Still, I think the developer should consider getting all the Divinity games out on PSN or XBLA at some point in the future because all are worth playing if you happen to be a RPG fan or happen to like well-written stories that have a decent amount of humor sprinkled throughout (sort of like that perfect raisin bagel). Granted, that would take a lot of time, a lot more money and perhaps a studio stepping in to help out with the crazy porting process. Nevertheless, I think it’s worth all that effort at the end of the day because MORE people would be playing these great games.

I still have Divine Divinity installed on my PC here and every time I see a new update from Larian, I have the urge to play it. I think it would be mighty fine If I could indeed play it on my Vita or PS3 or 360 (perhaps with a few Trophies/Achievements HD tweaks for those who crave that stuff). Hey, I’d even accept a Wii U version of any of the games as Nintendo’s new console can run them just fine if you go by specs alone. OK, let me stop procrastinating and get back to some reviews…

Updated Update! EDF 2017 Portable Gets A February 2013 Release At $39.95

Posted on November 6, 2012 by geelw

As I noted last week, D3 is bringing out the Sandlot-developed action game sooner than later and at a very good price point at that. While it’s a premium price point, that $39.95 is actually an incredbly GREAT deal for this one, as you’re getting online play for up to four, all new weapons, dozens of hours of play (and even more replay value if you become a hardcore EDF fanatic) and yes, Pale Wing to play around with for the first time in the US. Anyway, go buy a Vita if you don’t own one yet – it’s been a good few months for Sony’s handheld and there’s a lot more to come. Hmmm. I suppose I should ask D3 about a digital release for those of you who prefer downloading everything, but let me finish doing my happy dance around the room that we’re actually getting this one localized first…

Puppeteer Halloween Trailer: It’s Not Out Yet, But I’ll Be Lurking Nearby…

Posted on October 31, 2012 by geelw

Meh, I’m still busy working on some reviews and such, so here’s a fun Halloween trailer for Puppeteer, Sony’s upcoming PS3 platformer. The game is still in progress, but as you can see here, it’s progressing nicely (even if this is just footage done up just for the “holiday”). Anyway, it’s another one headed to my want list, one of many PS3 games coming that should keep the console doing well into 2013.

Hands-On: Crytek and Trion Worlds Want You to Put On Your WARFACE

Posted on October 27, 2012 by geelw

Sitting down with Crytek’s Peter Holzapfel, Producer on the upcoming FPS WARFACE, one gets the immediate feeling that he’s more than happy with the upcoming AAA free to play shooter coming from Crytek through Trion Worlds in North America. We talk about the game’s worldwide appeal to shooter fans, F2P junkies looking for a quick fix and how the game is being published in different territories by different publishers for a few minutes, then we get down to the game proper, which is pretty fantastic and quite fun. Note that this is coming from a guy who doesn’t play shooters heavily. I’m more a fan of story-driven games and not multiplayer focused group shooting each other in the head games, but I do know a well-made game when I see and play it. What’s immediately apparent (aside from some more amazing CryEngine 3 visuals) is how accessible the team-based shooter is. Yes, it borrows elements from Team Fortress, Call of Duty and Crytek’s own games, but the experience is a more contained and faster paced game than any of the Far Cry or Crysis games, making for a perfect online experience.

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Iron Man 3 Trailer: Next Summer Is Looking Up Already…

Posted on October 25, 2012 by geelw

OK, I’m a little late to the party here in terms of getting this posted (hey, I’m a busy man!), but this actually looks a lot more fun that Iron Man 2 in a few areas. Granted, this is probably the second best franchise going in terms of super-hero flicks for Marvel (The Avengers is going to hold the crown for a while), but it also looks like we’ll be seeing a spin-off or two coming out of this. Given that the film version of the Marvel Universe is expanding exponentially these days (Ant-Man? OK, I’ll bite – it better be good, though) with more titles on the way, there’s the chance that more of these future flicks will be much better than they were a few years back. Or more recently, if you count that last Ghost Rider film (blargh, but it was funny watching Nic Cage eat up the scenery). Well, as long as Disney/Marvel (or is it Marvel/Disney) don’t get too carried away and bring us a Dazzler movie or worse, ROM Spaceknight (eek – showing my age there)…