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.

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…

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.

Even More Malevolence Gameplay (And A Beta On The Way)…

Posted on October 27, 2012 by geelw

Here’s a longer look at Malevolence: Sword of Ahkranox along with some good news from the game’s blog. It looks as if we’ll be seeing a beta announcement pretty soon (once some kinks are worked out), which means I can hopefully play a small chunk of this game in preparation for the final build. It’s amazing how fast time flies under regular circumstances, but somehow it seems to be crawling along when it comes to this game winding down the development process and being as done as done can be. Then again, I’d bet that time is probably rushing by for the folks working hard on making this one of the better indie RPGs on the way. Oh yeah, the official game site is also supposed to get a redesign, so it looks as if the game is coming on schedule for that December 21 launch…

HAWKEN Basic Training Videos: Maintenance, Plus Making Sure You’ll Have No Control Issues

Posted on October 27, 2012 by geelw

Adhesive Games and Meteor Games continue to impress with their amazing-looking mech combat game, finally coming as a free to play experience at the end of the year. Of course, personally I think that with a good writer and some nice reworking, a solid story mode would help the game even more, but that’s not my choice to make. I just hope that the game does well enough that it doesn’t get buried under all those other F2P titles flooding the market. Of course, if it does do well, I can expect to see some smart developer make a more story driven game that has single player AND multiplayer content. As always, we shall see… in the meantime, feel free to sign up for the beta, play a chunk of cool modes and help make a great game much greater.

Lost Planet 3 Extended Gameplay (Now With Developer Commentary!)

Posted on October 13, 2012 by geelw

It’s probably a wee bit too late to change the name of this game, but perhaps Capcom should consider it because too many people out there seem to think the game erases everything that occurred in LP and LP2 when in fact, this is a PREQUEL that sets up events to come. Anyway, I’ll keep championing this game until it’s launched and beyond because from what I played, it’s Spark Unlimited at their best and it deserves a LOT more respect. Of course, some out there won’t be convinced, but I think the demo being at NYCC this year will convince some skeptics that the game is indeed quite amazing where it needs to be.

Gallery: Valhalla Knights 3 (PS Vita) – Could This RPG Sequel Be The Best Of The Series?

Posted on October 7, 2012 by geelw

I really thought this RPG series was gone for good after the flawed open world Eldar Saga on the Wii, but it looks as if Marvelous AQL is giving it a new go on the Vita with Valhalla Knights 3… in Japan at least. If you can read Japanese, definitely check out the official site for info on the game, which is still a work in progress, but expected to be released sometime in 2013. These screens look fine to me, showing off decent draw distance and some generic, but otherwise nice looking fantasy characters and environments.

My bet is if it’s good and what looking like a multiplayer component for up to six (or is that seven ?) players runs smoothly, we could see it hit North America at some point. Granted, that all revolves on the game being marketable here, as some gamers only have long memories when it comes to bad reviews. I’ve liked many aspects of the Valhalla Knights games so far, but hope AQL can pull it together with 3 and make something that feels complete in every area. If they do, I’s gather Xseed will be the ones to tackle the localization and publishing chores, as they’ve handled the other titles that have arrived in the US. More updates to come…

Tomb Raider: The Final Hours #2: Crystal Dynamics Gives Lara More Lift…

Posted on October 3, 2012 by geelw

Second part in the “making of” series collaboration between Crystal Dynamics games journalist Geoff Keighley and hosted Zachary Levi (one of those actor/gamer types you probably know from some TV show or movie. I don’t know him, as I’m too busy playing too many games to pay attention to Hollywood types). This time out, it’s a look at the game’s story and what went into creating it. The “survival adventure” element and new take on the character will be the draw for me (OK, the amazing visuals are nothing to sneeze at) and I hope that this “reboot” gets the appropriate praise for what it does right and the proper amount of criticism for anything it misses. Of course, if poor Lara misses those jumps too many times, it’s back down to the depths of the bargain bin, right? Then again, I’m betting this will be light years better than some of the lesser games in the series older days. Angel of Darkness, anyone?