The Cat Lady GOG.com Trailer: Go “Crazy” With This Point & Click Horror Game…


 

OK, I’m not a fan of home invasion horror flicks (as noted a few posts down), but super-stylish brain invasion psychological horror games? Count me in, especially if they’re this odd and yep, creepy. GOG.com has this one up for 25% off, so check out that trailer above and check out the game proper if your skin has suitably crawled somewhere away from your bones. Remember, folks – a good game is like a good book. You’ll go through it once, it goes back into the library and you whip it out again every so often for a fresh read. Of course, the first time through this one will put some of you under the couch, so make sure there’s room for you (and perhaps the cat{s}?)…

Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut Random Screenshot of the Day: Art Appreciation (1)

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So, FBI Special Agent Francis York Morgan (just call him York) has a keen eye for intriguing and functional architecture, it seems. Given that Greenvale is a pretty scenic little sleepy town (and a bit of a tourist hotspot lately), you’d think he’d fall more in love with the gorgeous landscape including all those big trees and clean air. But, nope – he falls head over heels for a certain official-looking building in town… and you won’t believe which one (even though I gave it away – oops). Granted, it’s probably close to his heart because it’s related to his type of employment, but still, who wants to take their work home with them ALL the time. OK, granted he’s got a lot to take care of in town what with the Red Seeds Killer doing his thing and all, but I’d not even want to know what that special person in his life thinks of his obsession. Hmmm… then again, the special person in York’s life is is imaginary friend, Zach… but we won’t talk about that now. You’ll just need to see that for yourself…

DPDC PS3 US EFS 2D RealAnd guess what, folks? You can do exactly that if you grab a copy of Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut, coming exclusively to the PlayStation 3 on April 30, 2013. Updated HD visuals, PlayStation Move and 3D TV support, an all-new scenario and more await your own appreciation. You may not know about art at all, but you should know what you like, I say. Even if it scares the hell out you most of the time you’re playing it. But you LOVE being scared, correct? Well, that’s what it says on your social network profiles. I’ve been reading alllllllll about you lately. You should appreciate that, too…

swery65_igramSpeaking os appreciation, by the way, you buying this game and telling a friend or three would make Game Director Swery65 REALLY happy. If you ask me, I’d say that he’s sure to make a name for himself here in the US with his hot little interactive horror story and you can most certainly help out by snapping up a copy as soon as you see it at your favorite game emporium. I think he’s really on to something with this scary stuff, folks…

The Last of Us: American Dreams #1 (Another Dark Horse From Dark Horse Comics)

TLOS_AD_CoverDark Horse Comics gets its tie-in mini-series rolling into stores and if the first issue is any indication, the remaining three issues should be essential reading before the game hits retail in North America on June 14, 2013. Co-writer and artist Faith Erin Hicks has a style that’s very Harvey Kurtzman influenced (always a good thing) with a touch of David Mazzucchelli (another good thing) and there’s a nicely gritty feel to her brushwork that’s a great counterpoint to the video game’s hyper-realistic graphics.

The Last of Us art director and lead writer Neil Druckmann is also on the case, co-writing with Hicks a nicely paced tale that’s got some intriguing characters whose fates aren’t all clear nor tied into the upcoming game experience. Verdict: absolutely check this out if you’re a PS3 owner and comics fan looking forward to Naughty Dog’s survival adventure game – it’s out now at a comics shop near you.

Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut Random Screenshot of the Day: Take Care of Your Tools!

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Hmm. As you can see from the screenshot above, Greenvale’s deadly Red Seeds Killer isn’t exactly handling his axe with respect. This is a bit disappointing for a few reasons, but especially annoying to his future potential victims. ANYONE knows that if you’re going to lose your head (and not from blowing your top, mind you), you certainly don’t want it lopped off with a nasty, dull axe. To avoid future errors (and I do hope you’re reading this post, Mr. Killer), I’ve decided to use the Internet to help you out a bit:

Correct Axe Use

  1. A tool of the wrong weight or size is dangerous. The axe should be an appropriate type and size (head weight, haft length) for the job and for the user’s body size and skill level
  2. Warming the axe head before use in very cold weather may prevent blade chips
  3. Driving the axe into the ground will dull it and chip the bit (sharpened edge) – Use a chopping block
  4. Avoid glancing blows, overstrikes, and understrikes as these are apt to damage the tool (and the user!)

Proper Axe Storage

  1. Do not leave an axe laying on the ground
  2. Keep the axe in a dry place, preferably in a shed where porcupines can’t gnaw the handle
  3. For the sake of conservation, do not store an axe by driving it into a live tree
  4. An axe may be stored temporarily by driving it into the chopping block (preferably in such a way that nobody will walk into the handle)
  5. Keep the head lightly oiled when not in use to prevent rust
  6. For safety (and to keep the blade sharp!) mask the blade when the axe is not in use

From Suite101: How To Maintain an Axe by Thomas Alan Gray

DP_PreorderThere, I feel MUCH better. As for YOU dear reader, it’s time to put your How To Get Away From That Killer With The Very Well-Cared For Axe skills to the test in Rising Star Games’ upcoming PlayStation 3 exclusive, Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut. Featuring upgraded HD visuals, PlayStation Move and 3D TV support, new content and more, you’ll hop into the suit and shoes of FBI Special Agent Francis York Morgan (just call him York) as you attempt to solve the messy murder mystery of the aforementioned Red Seeds Killer (and hopefully, his better cared for axe). April 30, 2013 isn’t too far away you know, so I’m recommending a bit of cardio and at LEAST a mile of running a day. And that’s a minimum recommendation, as I’m betting our killer is doing a bit more working out now that I’ve got an eye on how he’s been taking care of his tools.

IMG_2148Granted, Game Director Swery65 SHOULD have been noticing that axe getting dragged about like that would mean it was going to be less effective, but he was going for effect over realism and yes, an axe being dragged on that stone flooring does make for a pretty scary image. Not to mention the nails on a chalkboard sound effect with a few bumps and dings for good measure. Hell, I’d go hide in the closet now, but I’m sitting in the local library typing this, safe from Mr. Killer unless he’s going to beat me to death quietly with an encyclopedia.

Dragon’s Crown Gameplay Trailer: Not Your Typical Storybook Fantasy Memories…


 
DC display packsAs you can probably guess from that video above, Vanillaware sure isn’t making Dragon’s Crown for the little kiddies… well, other than that happy dancing mouse that cracked me up because *BOOM!* it’s just THERE for a second or two in the middle of things before the next visual hits your eyeballs. Yeah, this gorgeous 2D side-scrolling fantasy chase ‘n chop is destined to get the fans raving about the lush art and maybe a few raging about the generously-endowed ladies (hey, that’s George Kamitani’s style at work and working well), but it’s all good.

I’d say that Atlus most certainly has a hit here for the PS3 and Vita, so set your sundials accordingly and maybe even think about pre-ordering this one, as I can see it going out of print fast as a physical copy when the otaku snap it up on day one. Yeah, yeah, digital is the big deal, but some of us like hugging our software a bit tighter whenever we can and for as long as possible…

Capcom Arcade Cabinet 1985-II Trailer: Three More To Make You Feel Young (Or Old)…


 

OK, my poor twitch reflexes are tingling, but that’s either good or bad depending on the game that needs playing. It’s good if it’s a slow jammer I can play half asleep, but not so good if it’s these three latest downloads for Capcom Arcade Cabinet on the PS3 (via PSN) and Xbox 360 (via XBLA), which you should be able to snap up right about now. Savage Bees, The Speed Rumbler and Commando are this week’s quarter-munchers, so grab them and prepare to see how the old folks got it done. Hey, wait… I’m ONE of those old folks, so perhaps I should show myself some more respect. Or maybe not, as that would be a bit too pompous – I kind of wasn’t so good at some of these games back in the day. But practice makes almost perfect, right? Off to get some training in before I fire this one up. 50 push-ups should do. If I survive that part, I’ll be back…

KILLER IS DEAD English Dub Trailer #2: Mondo Zappa’s Badass Adventure Continues…


 
XSEED CONTRACTLovely. There’s really not all that much to say here except Kadokawa Games, grasshopper manufacture and of course, Suda 51 are all on point and of course, Xseed Games NEEDS to be profusely knuckle-smooched for localizing this beautiful mess of a must-buy. Like the rest of Suda’s games I’ve played, I’m looking forward to that off-kilter style and humor that works so well when your head is in the right places. Some fans over-analyze his work so much that I wonder how they can enjoy it. Then I see that they don’t enjoy it as much as they SHOULD because they’re wasting time with all that analyzing. Key to a grasshopper/Suda game? Jump in feet first, controller in hands and enjoy the ride from beginning to end. You wouldn’t get off a moving roller coaster or bungie cord mid-fall to point out every spot where you think those could have been more fun, right? Well, I sure hope not, Superman…

Grand Theft Auto V Cover: Meet The New Neighbors (You’ll Be Seeing A Lot Of Them Soon)…

GTA_V_CoverAnd here you go, your time-eater for the month of September (and beyond for some). September 17, 2013 is the big day, so expect some “sick” people at home with the GTA flu (TM) for a few days. Hilariously, there’s actually been some needless ire out there in Internet-land that Rockstar Games’ last two GTA games have been “too serious” when despite the open world shenanigans that can be pretty funny (well, in a slapstick-y gory way) that deeper, story driven narrative has been part of the franchise since the first games back on the PC and older consoles.

Granted, the games were more intentionally cartoon like in their character designs, but the evolution in visuals has been a natural thing thanks to Rockstar wanting to go in that direction as means to pull off more mature storytelling. THAT said, the game, like GTV IV, should be hilariously funny in terms of the assorted in jokes in everything from car names to radio spots that pop up as you’re driving around. The more of a “sophisticated” gamer you are, the more of these amusing references you’ll appreciate, I say. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go polish my pipe and air out my smoking jacket. With my pinky out.

Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut Random Screenshot of the Day: Don’t Inhale!

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According to Guinness (no, not THAT other Guinness, silly – we don’t go back to the Swery65 Bar until Saturday’s post), the longest time spent holding one’s breath underwater was 22 minutes flat by Stig Severinsen of Denmark at the London School of Diving (which is in London, of course), on May 3, 2012. While I don’t think FBI Special Agent Francis York Morgan (just call him York) and his young charge are intending to break that record any time soon, YOU can certainly feel free to make that attempt on your own. Just set a timer and stare at this screenshot while holding your breath and see how long you can last. Simple, no? Um, you MAY want to practice for a bit before you go contact the Guinness people (no, not THOSE Guinness people!), but you SHOULD be able to do quite well because you won’t be underwater at all (unless you’re reading this in the bathtub while holding a tablet). That and if you need to give up, gasping for air doesn’t get you two lungs full of water (or dirty soapy water if you’re in the tub). If you do happen to break that record, let me know and/or give me partial credit – I like to know I occasionally inspire people to do great things.

By the way, you’ll also get plentDPDC PS3 US EFS 2D Realy of practice gasping and holding your breath when you play Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut, coming exclusively to the PlayStation 3 on April 30, 2013. This update to the former Xbox 360 game features updated HD visuals, PlayStation Move and 3D TV support, new content, DLC that extends the game’s lifespan and more. Feel free to pre-order the game now or face the fact that you may not get a copy when you really want one. I predict your breathing practice will get quite a workout because you’re not coming up for air for some time once you fire this game up.

Swery65_dYou’ll also make Game Director and part time eye wear model Swery 65 a VERY happy man. He’ll be able to finally buy those Bootsy Collins sunglasses he’s been eyeballing on eBay or maybe even that cocktail table Ms. Pac-Man he saw at a bar here in the US when he attended this year’s GDC. Of course, he could also buy himself an airplane ticket to come shake the hands of everyone who picked up a copy of this game, but (wait for it…) don’t hold your breath…

The Last of Us Redband Trailer: Now With 100% More “Ewww, I Get It…”

TLOS_survival editionI’ve always found the concept of the Redband (or Red Band) trailer a bit stupid when all is said and done. YES, I understand that this stuff isn’t for the wee bairns, lest their dainty eyelash hairs catch fire from the heinous evil that they see, but hell. I mean, you can easily see this stuff on YouTube and so can little kids who can search for violent stuff like this, but whatever. For some reason, the ESRB keeps an iron fist on this type of content despite broadcast TV being much MORE violent. Oh – click on that pic of the Survival Edition to see the video. I don’t want the ESRB to come by and break my legs…

Speeeeeaking of breaking legs… (this just in!):  As for ACTUAL violence and nasty gore NO one should see, er… how about some nice and gory NCAA basketball action, hmmm? I didn’t see that shocking video, but I certainly couldn’t get away from people talking about it all damn day.  Double hmmmm. Maybe that sort of thing, nasty as it is, should go into the next EA Sports hoops game, so fans of that sport know it’s not all slick tattoos, hottie cheerleaders and fatty signing bonuses that net you an automatic sneaker contract that turns you into a multimillionaire a blown knee or worse away from no career before you’re 30 or so. Anyway, Naughty Dog’s new masterpiece, The Last of Us, which has NOTHING to do with sports or real violence hits retail on June 14, 2013. Get it and be prepared to hole up for a while.