GTA V Reveal Trailer: Yes. And Yes, Indeed.

Posted on November 2, 2011 by geelw

For the hell of it, I stuck it on my lower-traffic blog even though it’s not really “Mature”. I hate the ESRB’s goofy, puritanical and needless restrictions on this stuff, by the way. I’;; rant about that some other time, though. Anyway, Well, well, well. And who DIDN’T think the trailer wouldn’t be spectacular stuff. Expect to hear some news at or around E3 time, if not before. If I really HAD to venture a release date guess, maybe holiday 2012? As for the rumors of a download-only GTA V, I hope the hell not, given that 100 percent of GTA players probably don’t all live in areas with stable (or any) broadband connections. One reason this rush to digital-only stuff is so annoying to me. Hell, that and who doesn’t want that usual big color map and manual combo. My suggestion to Rockstar: do a standard retail edition and make a TRULY limited collector’s edition as a DIRECT purchase from an online shop you set up. Keep the production run reasonable (take pre-orders so you know how many to produce ), make them worth the price and once they’re gone, that’s that.

Grand Theft Auto V Is (Of Course) A Go…

Posted on October 25, 2011 by geelw

As you can see, it’s on. Expect a November surprise, courtesy of Rockstar Games. No, the game isn’t coming next month, folks (the Internet would break if that was the announcment), just what’s probably going to be a pretty cool trailer (and a Double-Wide Airflow, at that). Now, all those folks screaming madly about it can perhaps pipe down a little with the ALL CAPS rants online and maybe think about also pre-ordering Max Payne 3 when its release date is announced. Rockstar is working hard on that game as well and you SHOULD enjoy it as equally as you do any GTA game, I say…

Grand Theft Auto III Is 10 Years Old…

Posted on October 20, 2011 by geelw

It’s truly amazing how fast time flies sometimes. I can remember getting to review GTA III for the late (but not lamented) Foul Magazine. I stayed up for about 43 hours straight playing to blow through the story and the reason it took so long was that I got sidetracked a few too many times by the game’s many non plot related diversions. Anyway, the great news is the game is finally coming to the iPad (and “other mobile devices” says Rockstar) soon and it looks spectacular. For me, GTA III is like that pair of old jeans or sneakers you find in the back of the closet. You slip them on after far too long and not only do they fit perfectly, you get a wave of memories that make you grin all day long. Happy Anniversary, GTA III – I think I need to play you once more for old times sake…

Max Payne 3 Preview: Rockstar Does It Again (But Better)

Posted on October 18, 2011 by geelw

At this point, you can pretty much bet on anything Rockstar Games does turning into an instant hit and Max Payne 3 looks to continue the solid streak of titles coming from one of the most consistent studios working today. Bringing Max into the current generation of consoles after too many years away, four of Rockstar’s studios are carefully crafting what’s looking like a genre classic in the making. Last week at New York Comic Con, I had the great opportunity to sit in on a “hands-off” demo that showed off some truly impressive visuals and spectacular animation, refined gameplay and an all-new cinematic style that combined graphic novel and film techniques using the in-game engine to its fullest. This isn’t a “reboot” or a re-imagining at all – it’s the next chapter in Max’s story and he’s going through some major life changes… Continue reading →

Max Payne 3: First Trailer

Posted on September 14, 2011 by geelw

Rockstar’s take on Remedy’s modern noir character goes for a really intriguing mix of elements for its third installment, set for a March 2012 release on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. I’m liking the visuals, color palette and overall tone of the trailer. As usual, Rockstar KNOWS how to sell a story with a trailer that also shows off their latest tech in action. This definitely isn’t the game some are “expecting” but it’s sure as hell going to be washing the taste of that film out of the heads of anyone who paid to see it. I can’t wait to get some hands-on time with this one and see how it plays. So far, I’m betting it’ll be a hit (in part due to the pedigree). The trailer can be viewed by clicking on the image above. On a side note, someone needs to sue the ESRB (or at least make them see the light) so they can stop this nonsense about restrictive age gates and such.

Gallery: Max Payne 3 (Remedy Gets Even More Real)

Posted on September 10, 2011 by geelw

After a long wait (and still ongoing development cycle), Rockstar is finally bringing Remedy’s modern noir detective back, and this time he’s looking both better and worse for the wear. Better as in the game is taking the stellar visuals and phenomenal attention to detail the developer is known for to new heights of realism. Worse in terms of the presentation of a down and out Max Payne as an alcoholic, pill-popping gun for hire living in Sao Paolo. Of course, the game is not just about his decline well off the grid and whatever rotgut and cheap drugs he can score to feed his bad habits. There’s plenty of gunplay, bullet-time sequences and what’s looking like the most spectacular use of the Euphoria Engine to date. Rockstar is set to reveal the game’s first trailer next Wednesday, so expect that to get posted (most likely on the other blog, as I’m expecting it to be nice and violent).

Some in-progress screens are below and more are on the way (most likely next week with the trailer I’ll bet)..

L.A. Noire "Orientation" Trailer (Yes, MORE Stunning Visuals)

Posted on February 11, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/0yZ0T_t5j4s?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0

Team Bondi’s hard work is bringing a new level of cinematic and visual punch to the crime game scene. As noted earlier, I’m thinking a lot of folks will be surprised at this one in terms of overall plot and some of the gameplay. I’m thinking it’s not going to be a mere GTA, 1940’s version at all, but we’ll see…

Rockstar Games Celebrates The Year of the Rabbit With A Little iOS Sale…

Posted on February 3, 2011 by geelw

Pssst – hey, buddy. yeah, you… get over here. Keep it quiet, but it’s the Year of the Rabbit according to the Chinese Calendar and like the header says, Rockstar Games is putting the iOS version of Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars on SALE. Got an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch? Well, Starting today, February 3rd until midnight on Sunday, February 6th, you can grab this amazing little gem for 50% off in the iTunes App Store. Got it? Good. Now go slink on over to that App Store… you know what to do when you get there…

L.A. Noire Website Now Live

Posted on January 30, 2011 by geelw

Rockstar’s game site designs are always great, and the newly-launched official site for Team Bondi’s upcoming crime drama is no exception. Poke around the age-gated site for a look at the character file on Coroner Carruthers as well as a look at the Homicide Desk lead character Cole Phelps works in. Nice screens, game art trailers and even a few film noir recommendations for those gamers who want to expand their horizons a bit before the game ships in May. My own noir choices will be the subject of an upcoming article next month, so check back in for that…

Gallery: L.A. Noire

Posted on January 27, 2011 by geelw

Oops. I'd forgotten to post these lovely screens of Team Bondi's crime drama a few days back, so here you go. I think a LOT of folks will be surprised when they play the game, as Rockstar is known for shaking things up. I hate speculation and “expectation” in most previews, but as a fan of classic noir films myself as well as updated takes on the genre such as Chinatown and L.A. Confidential, I have a feeling this one's going to be a great deal more about story than too much open-world rambling about. We'll see…