Dear Esther: Mystery No More (And Let The Waiting Begin)…

Sometimes, you see a game that makes you smile and nod knowingly, not for anything amusing, mind you, but because it’s a solid case where a developer gets things down perfectly and the project is coming together like a dream. Dear Esther is one of those games and with its February 14, 2012 release date coming up, here’s a quick look at two work in-progress trailers that show off quietly spectacular detailed visuals powered by  Valve’s “ancient” Source Engine (which goes to show it’s not the years, it’s the mileage a great developer gets out of it). It’s hard to believe that this game started life as a Half-Life 2 mod back in 2008 before a major reworking, but that’s the wonder of inspiration for you, folks… Continue reading

The Last of Us VGA Trailer: Survival. Instinct.

Naughty Dog’s been busy it seems (and what else is new?) and I, for one an actually really pleased that they’re not doing a Jak & Daxter reboot or showing off Uncharted 4 (just yet). Instead, the developer has moved into a more survival horror vibe with its latest PS3 exclusive. The Last of Us is looking pretty intriguing based on this brief peek and given the developer’s pedigree, it’ll be a sure-fire hit when it’s released. Radar has been activated, now I just need to wait for SCEA to shoot an invite over so I can see this up close and personal…

Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock Coming to PS3/PS Vita

According to a posting on the PlayStation Blog by Simon Harris, Executive Producer for BBC Worldwide, Supermassive Games is working on a new Doctor Who game for the PlayStation 3 and PS Vita. No info was released as to what genre the game will be, although in the past two years, there have been two previous games featuring The Doctor made for the Nintendo Wii and DS that weren’t received too well. This new game looks to turn the tide as it’s being developed by a different studio and while no gameplay info or footage has been revealed, I’d imagine it’s going to be a mix of adventure and puzzle elements while being light on the action (given the good Doctor’s penchant for non-violent actions). We’ll keep an eyeball peeled for screens and updates as they become available. Fingers crossed that this one’s solid, as I’d actually love to see Torchwood get the video game treatment at some point on a console. Oh yeah… let’s HOPE this one comes out in an actual retail package, as too many digital-only games just get buried after a short time on PSN even with decent review scores.

Hyperdimension Neptunia* Mk2 Trailer: Fan Service, Plus Tax (Where Applicable)

Yikes, Nippon Ichi is doing it again (and doing it again sooner than you think). Yup, the beloved (and mildly insane) Hyperdimension Neptunia is getting a sequel and yup, it’s looking like another otaku dream game come true. OK, I bought the first game and it baffled me mightily (I must be getting too old for certain things, eek!), but I just might give this sequel a chance just because the promised improvements look, well, promising!

As usual, NISA is pulling out the stops with a slick Limited Edition Premium Box at an excellent price direct from their Online Store (The best place to buy any Nippon Ichi games, I say). Yup, it’s NOW available for pre-order (as is the standard edition). Did I mention the NISA Online Store has FREE domestic shipping? No? well, it does!  Hmmm. I bet February 2012 can’t get here fast enough for some more of you, right?

*And yup, it SHOULD be Neptuniaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa *cough!* aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!, but NISA probably hates when I do that…

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…

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.

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

Review: Fusion: Genesis

Platform: Xbox 360 (via Xbox Live Arcade)

Developer: Starfire Studios

Publisher: Microsoft

# of Players: 1 (1 – 4 online)

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Official Site

Score: A (90%)

For a first game, Fusion: Genesis is outstanding, but what would you expect from four ex-Rare team members who got together with the express purpose of making great games? Starfire Studios’ beautiful, addictive and deep space combat game combines elements from shooters, MMO’s and RPG’s in a solid blend of twin stick action, loads of loot and a nice range of customizable spacecraft. It’s too bad this is a 360 exclusive, as what’s here would do well as a Games for Windows title or even a cross platform and handheld release. Nevertheless, if you have an Xbox Live account and want something deep and thrilling that won’t be over in a weekend and has replay value to spare, this one’s got your name all over it. Continue reading

Nintendo Gives Gamers A ‘Real’ Super Mario 3D Land In NYC (Along With A Bit Of Gametime, Too)

Nintendo of America, as always, REALLY knows how to throw a party. Turn a tiny bit of Times Square into a virtual Mario Land set, invite a ton of kids and see what happens? Good times for all, no problem! All this super fun stuff was for a pre-launch Super Mario 3D Land party where gamers got to play the upcoming 3DS exclusive before its 11/13/11 street date. The weather was definitely perfect for the event and it looks as if everyone had a total blast. It looks as if there’s yet another great reason to be a 3DS owner this year and with the holiday season rolling up fast, you’ll want to absolutely add this latest Mario game to your gift list.

WIN FREE STUFF! Fusion: Genesis Code Giveaway – ACT FAST!

Hey, you DO like free stuff, don’t you? Well, listen up: I have TWO codes here for Starfire Studios’ upcoming XBLA exclusive (the game launches tomorrow) and yes, you can grab one for your very own. All you need to do is follow DAF here on WordPress, reply to this post, THEN (and this is the important part), send me an email at geelw2@gmail.com so I can reply back with your code.

Don’t post your email in the reply here or I’ll give it to the troll in the basement who will ship you a box of smelly socks instead of a game code. Um, having an Xbox Live account as well as a working Xbox 360 in your home would be a good idea as well. Anyway, get moving, as I know these won’t last an hour…  Read the rules below the jump BEFORE you enter. Continue reading