Oof… yesterday was a loooooooong one and I didn’t get much done in the way of writing up a few things I wanted to. So, I’ll distract you all with this insane trailer from the upcoming Naruto game, which is coming along quite nicely. I played the demo a few weeks back at the Namco Bandai event here in NYC and was surprised at how chaotic and cinematic the opening sequence was. It’s definitely the most ambitious Naruto title in terms of attempting to bridge the gap between anime and gameplay, and if the dev team can pull off everything they’re going for, this could be one of the best games in the franchise to date. Another fine 2013 release from Namco Bandai? Sure, why not?
Tag Archives: Commentary
Necropolis: Grab This Retro RPG Before It Vanishes Forever
I’ll write up a longer review on this awesome RPG Maker 2003 instant classic in a week or so, but check out the video above (ignore the debug stuff at the beginning) and definitely get the game over at RPGMaker.net before its creator, Jude, takes the game down. He’s turning it into a commercial release using MonoGame/XNA, so at some point the currently cancelled version up at RMN will be gone for good. Trust me, the custom 8-bit graphics (which need to be seen full screen, NOT in a window), innovative combo-based battle system (in a turn-based RPG? What the what?!) and overall level of polish make this one of the best NES style RPGs I’ve ever played. OK, let me shut up before this turns into an actual review – go get this game!
Lost Planet 3 TGS Gameplay: Spark Versus Snark (And Spark Needs To Win Big)
I’m one of those few waving the flag about how damn good Lost Planet 3 is turning out to be, but par for the course on the internet, there are too many whiners living in the past griping about how the game isn’t EXACTLY point for point like the first two installments. Reading is fundamental, but let me break it down a bit for those who aren’t up to speed. Given that it’s a PREQUEL that will most likely set up some of the events of the other two games, once you get some hands-on time, it’s easy to appreciate the effort developer Spark Unlimited has been putting into the project for a few years now. I liked what I saw in terms of the single player story, the gameplay is pretty tight and the use of Unreal tech is very solid, particularly in the well done cinemas that draw you into the frozen world and the miners who work there. I say a bit more appreciation and a lot less being jaded just to be jaded would help here, but you can’t control others’ intent to somehow NOT enjoy what’s being done to expand their horizons (as well as the potential for future installments in the series). In any event, I’m holding out hope that this dev team and Capcom get some actual credit for what’s going to be a pretty cool experience (at least for me) when the game is released in 2013.
Rise of the Guardians Trailer: If THIS Is Coming Out, We HAVE To Get EDF 3P and EDF 4, I Say….
OK, D3Publisher… this looks like fun in a Fairytale Fights meets a more polished overall product kind of way, but it’s still a big risk of a game to some out there. And it’s a movie license, so I’m sure there those who will automatically trash it even if it’s good. That said, let’s make a deal: I’ll buy this and review it if you folks promise to bring out EDF 3 Portable for the Vita and EDF 4 here at some point. Of course, I’m not promising anything other than a fair review, so this isn’t like a bribe or anything even CLOSE to that. Hell, i just want Sandlot to get the love they truly deserve as it looks as if their two upcoming EDF games will be the best in the series to date and YES, they’re what each console they’re on needs to break up the monotony of all the “me-too” shooters and action games. There’s just something compellingly chaotic about an EDF game that HAS to be experienced (as you should know, right?)…
F1 2012 Singapore Hot Lap Video: A Burning Query…
Hmmm… given all the restrictions on stuff like walking and chewing gum in public (or more precisely, spitting out that gum onto the street there), I wonder if you can get a fine in Singapore for speeding on a race track? Ha ha. Anyway, before i cause an international incident, let me point you to the lovely video above provided by the fine folks at Codemasters, makers of some mighty incredible racing experiences for quite some time. The game is out now, by the way, so while you’re dashing off to the store to snap up a copy, I shall make good my escape… into the future! *Poof!*
Random Indie Game of the Week: The Frozen World
Yes, it’s somewhat ancient for a RPG Maker game, but Lys86’s brilliant The Frozen World is still one of my all-time favorites made with the 2000 version of the popular game creation software. While fairly short (you can complete it in under ten hours), the combination of a unique battle system, memorable plot and some great use of music helps lift this one into the heights of great fan games. In fact, the game feels like something you’d have played back on the SNES or Genesis, but the combat has a nice and rewarding Nintendo DS/3DS “touch screen” experience I’ll get to in a bit.
F1 2012 Launch Trailer: Going For The Flag at Full Speed
Codemasters’ absolutely gorgeous racer should be in shops as you read this. Buy it for the mind-blowing visuals alone and you’re only getting half the story. From playing the demo, this one could be the best console F1 game to date. Even if you’re not big on F1, I say rent the game, dive into learning the ropes and experience a new type of track burner that will eat up your spare time.
Dragon’s Dogma Gets New Content in 2012, Dark Arisen Coming in 2013
Excellent. Not only does one of my my favorite action/RPGs of 2012 get new content this year that includes Speedrun and Hard difficulty modes, we’re all getting a new installment in the franchise in 2013 called Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen. Now, THAT deserves an exclamation point! Lovely. Three measly screens, though… C’mon Capcom! Tease! Anyway, Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen looks like it’s going to keep me even busier. and YOU, too if you were a fan of the first game. More details to follow shortly… or when Capcom drops them in my inbox.
Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary Box: Japanese Fans Get Lucky Again (and What Else Is New?)…
Hmmm… and wow, this is a pretty spectacular collection. I’d say this HAS to come out here in one form or another, so what about it, Square Enix? While I’m not the biggest FF fan these days, I’d actually be interested in this just for the historical value. OK, that and the chance to play the redone FF I-VI on the original PlayStation. I’m still more fond of the first nine games over much of what’s come afterwards, but there’s no denying the huge impact the franchise has had on the JRPG scene over time. Again, it’s all about RESPECT and for the most part, Square Enix absolutely deserves it for keeping this flame alive for a quarter century (and still going strong). Feel free to check out that link below if you want to see this in all its bright white packaged glory before whining that you don’t speak and read Japanese and how unfair the world all is or whatever.
You have been warned – this thing is REALLY amazing.
Midway Arcade Origins Trailer: The New Version of Nostalgia For Today’s Consoles
Over 30 classic Midway arcade games, most of which bring a huge grin to my face? Check! Llocal co-op multiplayer, achievements, and Leaderboard support? Check! The hard part here is getting some of today’s gamers who think all those indie games they play that rip off a bunch of these ACTUAL classics are “better” to realize that if it weren’t for a bunch of these awesome arcade hits, they’d not have a good chunk of what they’re paying pennies for today. Respect! Anyway, PS3 and Xbox 360 owners are going to be in for a real treat, I say. Long live the arcade hits! OK, WB- Where are the Vita and 3DS versions?



