BioShock Infinite: Meet Booker & Elizabeth 1

Posted on November 8, 2011 by geelw

Irrational Games’ Ken Levine “hosts” this really cool video in which we get to see the faces behind the two main characters in 2K Games’ upcoming BioShock Infinite, set for release next year on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. It’s great to see two actors dedicated to bringing gamers such solid performances feel something about their work other than “It’s a paycheck…” Pay attention, especially if you’re thinking of getting into voice-over work yourself…

XCOM Gameplay Video: Why 2K Games Deserves More Respect…

Posted on August 30, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/nAmvP4w2ts0?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0

There's SO much hate for this game from people who haven't even played it yet or worse, have such a death grip on their beloved (and indeed, absolutely classic) PC game that they're unwilling to let the dev team make the game they're trying to make. I say let 2K Marin and 2K China do their job and enjoy their take on XCOM on its own merits. The team has already bowed to an incredible amount of pressure from some of the more vocal “fans” out there, making tweaks to the gameplay to add more 'tactical' elements. But I think that's all that needs to be done to appease some that still don't seem to understand that every story needs a beginning. Hell, something as huge as the X-Com organization you know and love didn't come from a vacuum. I see the new game as laying the groundwork for a more complex future that includes all the other turn and action-based games in the series. Bending over backward and taking do or die orders from a mostly mean-spirited bunch that's not even interested in touching the new game will only strip away what the developers are trying to create.Read more »

Ken Levine On Bioshock Infinite & PS Vita

Posted on August 19, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/3qtzQFUhFdQ?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0

Super cool and informative video from the Playstation Blog that reveals Irrational has some major plans for Sony’s upcoming handheld. Right now, there’s not much to worry about in terms of Vita getting sunk by not having enough good games, that’s for sure. 2012 is certainly going to be a deciding year for “dedicated” handheld platforms. I think too much emphasis is being placed on pure casual experiences on devices over more well-rounded gaming experiences that might cost more, but deliver MORE for that money. Let’s hope that the core gamer base can prove me right while allowing Vita to also cater to those who want less “serious” games.

Gamescom 2011: Borderlands 2 Screens Tease More Greatness…

Posted on August 18, 2011 by geelw

2K Games and Gearbox Software are set to deliver an even bigger blasting bonanza with this upcoming sequel to everyone's favorite post-apocalyptic shooter that already had too many billions of possible weapons combinations. Nice new environments, new characters and as mentioned, way too many weapons to count. Full press release below the jump and yes, you can now dual wield anything you like, which should make online play SUPREMELY cheap when everyone's packing twin sniper rifles or some sort of crazy homing weapons that means they can camp and prey on unsuspecting newbies. Good thing I'm only in for the single player campaign. Still, this one will be a major smash for 2K and Gearbox (which is having a pretty darn good year so far)…Read more »

Review: Duke Nukem Forever

Posted on June 27, 2011 by geelw

Platform: PS3 (Also on Xbox 360/PC)

Developer(s): Gearbox/Piranha/Tryptych/3D Realms

# of Players 1 (online 2-)

Rating: M (Mature)

Official Site

Score: B-

With an on and off development cycle lasting over a decade through a few different studios, when all is said and done it's pretty much the Duke Nukem sequel many die-hard fans were expecting. On the other hand, In terms of gameplay it's also so intentionally nostalgic that its more vocal critics will feel it really should have been in stores over a decade ago. If you're in the proper frame of mind with a decently twisted sense of humor, it's both a backhanded compliment as well as a recommendation. At the end of the day, your full enjoyment of Duke Nukem Forever revolves VERY highly on whether or not you've played and enjoyed Duke Nukem 3D and can set your expectations to hover around a reasonable enough level. Pretend it's been a year or two later and not fourteen and the game will be a decent amout of fun. On the other hand, if you're expecting DNF to be some sort of benchmark for gameplay, visuals and storytelling, you'll more likely than not be pretty disappointed.Read more »

Duke Nukem Forever Shows Up, Hell Does Not Freeze Over (Details at 11)…

Posted on June 13, 2011 by geelw

Of course, I was away when UPS dropped my PS3 copy off. Twice last week. Oops. Fortunately, I did get back in time today to grab it and will finally get some quality time with the man himself shortly. As I’m in the process of still winding down from E3 and need to pick up my prescription, I’m not settling down with the game ’til later when I can set up everything I need, ignore the phone and other distractions and dive in. Based on the notes from a few fellow editor-types who’ve already played a chunk of the single player (and my own hands-on time with earlier builds), I can already predict this one’s going to be a total blast, old-school warts and all… back in a bit with a review.

XCOM E3 Trailer: 2K Australia Needs A Little More Respect!

Posted on June 3, 2011 by geelw

There’s a LOT of hate for this game and that’s too bad. I’m a longtime huge fan of the PC original (and some of the sequels and clones such as the UFO Afterlight series), but I’m also a bigger fan of developers that take chances with well-known series that haven’t had new entries created in quite a while. So, props to 2K Australia for tackling this and fingers crossed that it’s not only NOT another by the numbers FPS experience, but a game that defies the more vocal criticism and becomes a modern classic in the vein of the Half-Life series. Remember, some gamers were pissing in that pond until they actually played it…

Trailer has been moved to the M-blog HERE.

Duke Nukem Forever Trailer (Broadcast Version)

Posted on April 23, 2011 by geelw

Nice… I want a dozen to go, hold the cheese (as there’s plenty here to choke a horse twice). The uncensored one is going up on the other DAF blog later.

Duke Nukem Forever "Balls Of Steel" Edition Revealed

Posted on February 11, 2011 by geelw

Yikes. 2K Games is rolling out The Man Himself in style with a big ol’ “Balls of Steel” limited edition that’s ONLY going to be available at GameStop and Amazon. I’m usually not to crazy about some of these premium packs, but this one has some pretty cool stuff that’s worth a look (and a read, in the case of that hardcover book). Daddy want. Pore over that pic above (click to make it grow!) and scope out the contents list below.

* Collectible bust of the greatest alien ass-kicker of all-time
* Numbered, limited-edition certificate of authenticity
* 100-page hardcover book: The History, Legacy & Legend: Duke Nukem Forever – Art from the Vault
* Duke Nukem Forever postcard series
* Duke Nukem Forever radioactive emblem sticker
* Duke Nukem Forever collectible comic book
* Duke Nukem Forever foldable paper craft
* Duke Nukem Forever poker chips
* Duke Nukem Forever mini-card deck
* Duke Nukem Forever radioactive emblem dice

The release date is May 3rd, by the way… To paraphrase Sir Duke: “Go Get some…”

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 »