Defiance “Great Place” Trailer+: Brave New Perspective…

Posted on April 6, 2013 by geelw

So, DEFIANCE is up and running mostly fine on multiple platforms (and with some of the usual MMO launch issues that settle out after a patch or two) and people seem to be playing and enjoying it, but it still looks as if many are waiting for the show to start up before taking that plunge.

I’d gather that there’s still some confusion about this being a “license” when in fact, the game and show were created simultaneously and meant to bounce off of each other in a way that’s new to both mediums. That’s not hard at all to wrap your head around, but we’re in the age of absolute skepticism about the wrong things, especially when there’s no big explanations necessary other than what you “get” once you open your eyes and look and/or pick up a controller and play.

Between the game, show and additional content such as the Ark Hunter Chronicles that add to the lore, it’s clear that DEFIANCE has been well planned and so far, executed to break new ground across the board in the TV and game space. Now, it only needs MORE people willing to see what it’s all about and hop into both the show and game with equal relish and respect for the team’s brave new worlds…

Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut Random Screenshot of the Day: Georgeus Interruptus…

Posted on April 6, 2013 by geelw

Yeah, yeah, we NORMALLY do our Saturday Evening Post about the swingin’ Swery65 Bar, but I just got an URGENT call followed by an email from Greenvale’s own Sheriff George Woodman, who’s a bit pissed off at me. OK, he’s REALLY pissed off at me and he’s probably got a good reason for that. Hey, I’m just trying to make these updates as entertaining as possible, so I tend to stretch the truth a little. Anyway, he’s mad because I’ve been portraying him as a bad-ass apple practical joker who’s mean, cranky and always going after FBI Special Agent Francis York Morgan (just call him York!) in some not so good ways. Anyway, George wants you to know that he’s a really nice guy and has a VERY sensitive side few get to see because he’s SUPPOSED to be a tough no-nonsense sheriff and isn’t supposed to be a super “nice” guy when he’s ON the job. Anyway, a few more things about George you should know (according to him):

To all the single ladies in the house, he likes long walks on the beach, classical music and fine dining (despite Greenvale not having a beach or wine being served at the A&G Diner where he can be found nearly every day – those home fries are killer!). George also writes the occasional poem or song and, hey… he even sent along an email with some sample lyrics from something he’s done recently to show he’s got a good sense of humor about himself:

Some people call me the space cowboy, yeah
Some call me the gangster of love
Some people call me Maurice
Cause I speak of the pompat…

HEY, wait a minute there! Those are the opening lines from that classic rock song The Joker by the Steve Miller Band! Damn you George… you almost got me, too. Hmmm. I just got another email from him with a picture – he’s giving me the finger and sticking his tongue out in it. Yeah, he’s a TOTAL jerk after all, folks…

Still, don’t let that stop you one bit from pre-ordering your own copy of Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut, coming exclusively to the PlayStation 3 on April 30, 2013. Featuring updated visuals, PlayStation Move and 3D TV support, new content and more, you’ll absolutely love the game for the stuff outside of Woodman’s little power plays for your undivided attention. I think he’s just ticked off that York is getting more attention than he ever has. Personally, I really do think there’s something wrong with the guy, (but don’t you DARE tell him I said that as I think he’s got quite a mean streak)…

Still, I guess it was fine working for a famous big shot Game Director like Swery 65 (shown here with another famous big shot game director, Suda 51), as I can’t recall ANY reports of on-set problems while the game was being made. Sure, a few makeup and catering people went missing (and have never been found), but you know how it is in this business with a high turnover rate among certain types of low-level employees, right? Hmmm… maybe I should do some more digging on this Woodman character, as York seems like he’s a bit tied up with that Red Seeds Killer case and I think he could use some assurance that ol’ George isn’t a suspect…

Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut Random Screenshot of the Day: Looking Forward…

Posted on April 5, 2013 by geelw

It’s Friday in Greenvale and it’s been a long, long week for Emily, York and George as they’ve been dealing with the rather annoying Red Seeds Killer and his murderous ways. You can’t have a successful tourism business if people who show up in town never leave. Granted, you DO get friends and relatives from other areas coming in for funerals or to claim the remains, but that’s not what your otherwise sleepy town needs to be known for, I’d gather. Anyway, in this screen, Emily is looking forward to getting home and out of that uniform into a hot bath with a good book and a glass of wine. York is looking forward to getting to the bottom of this damn case and putting the killer (or killers) behind bars or in a nondescript pine box. And George? Well, he’s looking forward to when York gets back to his hotel room and finds out he’s had a ~~KICK~~ KILL ME sign taped to the back of his jacket all day. If this were a sitcom, that scene would play out something like this:

Interior: YORK’S motel room, Greenvale.
YORK comes in, shuts door and takes of jacket. Hanging it on the door he sees the taped on sign George put there that morning when he slapped him on the back.

YORK (pulls sign off jacket, looks at it, makes a face and shakes his fist at the jacket hanging on the door): “Woodman!” (cue laugh track)…

Oh, that George! What a cut-up…

Of course, you can make sure you keep a good eye on George Woodman and his antics when you pick up 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 will all help you make sure Woodman’s less of a pest than he normally is. Then again, I’m betting you won’t care much about what George is trying to put ON your back than you will be about the Red Seeds Killer trying to put IN your back. Paying attention to the big picture means a lot more living to look forward to, I’d say.

And of course, Game Director Swery 65 is DEFINITELY looking forward to all of you enjoying his game or not enjoying it, then debating with DP fans about what makes it so great. I’d say the fans of this one will outnumber the haters, who will be squeaking away like mice about holes in their cheese as everyone else is enjoying the ride. And playing the game all over again once they’re done. I say we should all make him a happy guy, as happy guys who make games make more good games afterward…

Ride to Hell CGI Trailer (NSFW): Va, Va, Voom Meets Bing, Bang, Boom…

Posted on April 4, 2013 by geelw

Hmmm… sooo, the “grindhouse” revival isn’t quite dead yet, huh? Well, I don’t mind a GOOD exploitation flick (or game, in this case), so this new game coming in June for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC should be worth keeping an eyeball on. Or someone’s eyeball you happen to have well-preserved in that leather jacket pocket from an old bar brawl a few years back, ewww. Provided it doesn’t take itself TOO damn seriously, that tagline of “Two Fists, Two Wheels, and No Rules” might make this one worth a few laughs of the “definitely NOT for the kiddies!” variety. Deep Silver has been developing and/or picking up some fun stuff to publish lately, so hopefully this one plays well and doesn’t wear out its welcome in terms of longevity. The best “B” flicks don’t explain everything they shake your way and it looks like this game won’t either. As always… we shall see.

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

Posted on April 4, 2013 by geelw

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…

And 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…

Speaking 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)

Posted on April 3, 2013 by geelw

TLOS_AD_Cover Dark 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!

Posted on April 3, 2013 by geelw

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

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
Warming the axe head before use in very cold weather may prevent blade chips
Driving the axe into the ground will dull it and chip the bit (sharpened edge) – Use a chopping block
Avoid glancing blows, overstrikes, and understrikes as these are apt to damage the tool (and the user!)

Proper Axe Storage

Do not leave an axe laying on the ground
Keep the axe in a dry place, preferably in a shed where porcupines can’t gnaw the handle
For the sake of conservation, do not store an axe by driving it into a live tree
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)
Keep the head lightly oiled when not in use to prevent rust
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

There, 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.

Granted, 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…

Posted on April 3, 2013 by geelw

As 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…

Puppeteer Story Trailer: Press the Button, Pull The Strings – This PS3 Game’s Got Some Wings…

Posted on April 2, 2013 by geelw

Another fine (and original) PS3 exclusive, SCE Japan’s super stylish adventure platformer Puppeteer, should hook in those core gamers (and yes, Sony fans) who crave nicely rendered (and slightly dark) fantasy worlds and characters to play with. This one tickles me because it’s doing the storybook come to life thing in a fun way without screaming “FAMILY GAME!” in huge neon letters. You really have to appreciate that Sony’s not letting the PS3 die off slowly (or quickly) with a bunch of crap budget titles and third-parry shovelware to remember it by, but I hope there are more exclusives like this to come. Frankly speaking, the PS4 absolutely needs to hit the ground rolling into 2014 with as few duds as possible from both first and third party developers who want their work to have long shelf lives and gameplay that’s more than the usual suspects doing the usual things.

As always, folks… we shall see…

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

Posted on April 2, 2013 by geelw

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…