Review: Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Posted on August 29, 2011 by geelw

Platform: PS3 (also on Xbox 360, PC)

Developer: Eidos Montreal

Publisher: Square Enix

# of Players: 1

ESRB Rating: M (Mature)

Score: A

Eidos Montreal had a lot to prove with Deus Ex: Human Revolution and thankfully, the long development cycle has paid off with an exceptional single player story driven role-playing game that’s an instant classic. Fans of the original will find this prequel sets up events to come flawlessly while those new to the franchise will absolutely want to play this one and seek out the two other titles just so they can see how well the game fits into the trilogy. For those who crave non-stop action, you have the choice to go in guns blazing all the time if that’s your thing, but you’ll definitely want to see how the entire story unfolds because it so well done. As in previous Deus Ex games, you’re also able to play through the entire game without killing anyone (except a handful of mandatory bosses). No matter how you play, every action or conversation has a consequence that reverberates through the story in one way or another. Some minor presentation hiccups and a bit of age-old boss battle issues aside, what’s here is a brilliant game no true gamer should miss.

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CS:GO Trailer Brings Back Memories, Brings In Consoles

Posted on August 28, 2011 by geelw

Valve’s upcoming online shooter Counter-Strike: Global Offensive will not only finally bring the supremely popular game up to speed for today’s gamers, the game will also be playable on consoles with the PS3 version getting PlayStation Move as well as USB keyboard/mouse support. Not only will this allow for cross-platform gaming between PC and PS3 owners, it just may put to rest the notion that consoles get the shorter end of the stick when it comes to control. Sadly, Xbox 360 owners are out of the cross-platform loop not because of Valve wanting to piss off that user base, but due to certain Microsoft’s policies that probably aren’t sitting to well with those who want to see the game playable across anything it can be played on. Continue reading →

Final Fantasy XIII- 2 Japanese/English PAX Prime 2011 Trailers

Posted on August 28, 2011 by geelw

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

Of course, Square Enix’s hallmark franchise is tops on the list for plenty of longtime fans and this new trailer really shows that the game is going to deliver where it counts and then some. Take a look at the official PAX Prime trailer for the game, presented here in both English and Japanese. No doubt there are going to be those who prefer the original language, but the dub sounds great to my ears. The game is set to hit PS3 and Xbox 360 in January 2012, so clear out your calendars – this one’s going to be huge.

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/7Q8h81O6ZXg?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0

Elevator Action Deluxe: Taito & Square Enix Hit The Right Notes With A Retro Reboot

Posted on August 27, 2011 by geelw

Wow. This actually brought back a ton of memories and made me laugh at the same time. I can remember spending way too much money on the original Elevator Action, Front Line and many, many other Taito arcade games back in the day, so I’m happy to see EA making a return. Granted, I’m sure some of you would rather have the more realistic-looking Elevator Action Returns make a comeback instead, but I’ve always though that game was closer to a Rolling Thunder clone (and a good one at that). Anyway, after you finish dancing to the beat (Go, Zuntata!), click on over and keep an eye on the currently PSN-only game’s progress HERE.

Twisted Metal To Arrive On 2/14/2012, Love, David Jaffe

Posted on August 26, 2011 by geelw

Thanks to an exclusive video on the PlayStation Blog, we now know when Twisted Metal will arrive on the PlayStation 3. I figured Jaffe was up to something cool based on a few tweets last night/early this morning, so this looks like what his presentation was after all. Having played a tiny bit of the insane multiplayer and seen the amazing Iron Maiden boss battle presentation a few times, I can safely say that the wait will indeed be worth it and TM fans will be in complete bliss (hand cramps and all from gripping those PS2 controllers so tightly). All I’ll say to the dejected significant others reading this is you;d better learn to play some TM, because you’re not seeing your partner for a while once the game ships…

Ico & Shadow of the Colossus Classics Trailer (It’s Art, Alright)

Posted on August 26, 2011 by geelw

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

A pair of classics that always get mentioned whenever the subject of games as art pops up, this HD remastering of the two Team Ico titles will please longtime fans of the originals as well as those new to both works. The added bonus of (optional) 3D is another excellent addition that enhances the experience and overall, this is looking to be one of the best deals PS3 owners are getting this year. Now, if only there was a demo of The Last Guardian somewhere on the Blu-Ray. That would indeed be pretty spectacular given the huge interest in the still in development game…

Uncharted 3 Collector’s Edtion Unboxing Video

Posted on August 26, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/RKIrROJsw3k?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0

The game isn’t even out yet, but as unboxing videos are all the rage for these more expensive limited editions, here’s what the Collector’s Edition of Drake’s Deception looks as it’s stripped down to its assorted parts. Very nice indeed (and thanks for Sony for posting it on the PlayStation Blog). I’m more of a standard edition guy myself, but I’d not turn down one of these if it happened to drop on my doorstep.

Sony @GamesCom 2011 (Parts 1 & 2)

Posted on August 26, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/ySXekn8C8Kc?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0

Yes, I know PAX is right around the corner (I’m not there this year) and I’m STILL writing stuff about Gamescom? Hey, I’m buried in Deus Ex: HR at the moment, so you get to watch a couple of really nice videos from Sony’s press conference last week until I post my review and free up some time. By the way, so far, it’s a spectacular game…

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

The Revolution Will Be Televised (Or: I’m Going To Be Pretty Busy)…

Posted on August 24, 2011 by geelw

I just completed a replay of the PS2 port of the original Deus Ex in record time (well, for me), as my PS3 review copy of Deus Ex: Human Revolution arrived today. Nice. I generally skim through most review guides, but the design plus some of the amusing writing in the guide (sample quote: “DE:HR is not an arcade shooter – there, I said it.”) kept me reading until the end. OK, enough yapping – off to install and play so I can get a review done. This is going to be supremely thrilling, that’s for sure. Oh, PC gfans – skip buying the game at GameStop if they try to sell you an open box without the OnLive code! You’re paying full price for it, so let GS know you should get EVERYTHING that’s supposed to come INSIDE the box.

Sega Announces Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown Playable at PAX

Posted on August 23, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/p_qjJ6eI1Og?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0

Yes, this is truly awesome news, but we NEED this on a disc, Sega!!! Check out the Sega Blog for huge details and a chance to play the game at PAX. Since it’s not officially coming out until 2012, that gives you hardcore VF fans plenty of time to practice (and new players plenty of time to practice losing to them online). Sure, a Virtua Fighter 6 would be a far better announcement, but this is one of those great games that still has legs five years after its release thanks to the incredible depth and fantastically precise controls. Of course, I’m still terrible at VF, having moved on to other games that require less mastering, but I’ll definitely give it a go as soon as it drops into NYC at a Sega press event.