Lost Planet 3 Pre-Order Bonuses: Triple Threat, But You Can Only Choose ONE…

Posted on April 9, 2013 by geelw

I’m not a fan at all of this pesky practice of slicing pre-order bonuses up to different goodies unless the content advertised shows up at some point for EVERY player who has ANY copy of the game in question and wants those goodies unlocked through playing normally. This isn’t Capcom’s “fault” entirely, as the big three shops here all want YOUR pre-order, so how better to do so than to tempt you into a three-way that’s impossible (hey, just like real life!). Ugh.

Well, hopefully Lost Planet 3 will sell well enough to warrant a Game of the Year edition so everyone who wants this DLC can get it. Of course, you can definitely complete the game without ANY of this content – it’s just a pain to see two versions (or three if you don’t use Steam, PSN or Xbox Live) of bonus gear that’s inaccessible unless one has a decent connection and the proper accounts set up.

And by the way, the game’s release date has dipped into August, as I just noticed way at the bottom of the press release Capcom sent along (eek). According to that last line, Lost Planet 3 arrives on August 27 in North America and August 30 in Europe for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. That’s actually a good thing on this end, as it will give me more time to complete a few epics I’m playing or haven’t fired up just yet…

The Last of Us “Wasteland Beautiful” Behind the Scenes: Art Class Is In Session…

Posted on April 9, 2013 by geelw

A quick lesson in art direction and how Naughty Dog created the destroyed but stunningly gorgeous game world from their upcoming PS3 exclusive, set to hit retail and PSN on June 14, 2013. As I’ve said previously, Sony’s not leaving this generation with a bunch of shovelware to remember the system by, so fans should be more than pleased the the console is still getting a number of key releases at least for the rest of this year and possibly into 2014.

Defiance: Preaching to the Converted Always Works Pretty Well…

Posted on April 8, 2013 by geelw

So, next Monday is the “Big One” (Part Two) for Trion Worlds, syfy and any fans of the game as well as soon to be fans of this show. All signs point to it doing well, but it’s the ridiculously fickle nature of how viewership naturally swells and dips that can spell doom for any show, no matter how well done. Personally, I say ANY show should get at least a season the breath and find a fan base, but TV, movies and games work under the most unrealistic of expectations all too often. For my money (and I’m a cheap bastard), Defiance really does look like it’s got longevity going for it as far as the dedication to the project from its creators, cast and crew. Let’s see if the viewers agree and keep those ratings up, as it would be a shame to see all that time and money go down the drain after a single season…

Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut Random Screenshot of the Day: The Right Profile(r)…

Posted on April 8, 2013 by geelw

Say, where did I see this guy?
In Red River?
Or A Place in the Sun?
Maybe the Misfits?
Or From Here to Eternity?…

The Clash, The Right Profile (1979)

It just hit me a few days ago that Francis York Morgan (just call him York!) looks a little like the late film actor Montgomery Clift. Now, I haven’t mentioned this to him just yet, as he’s been out and very busy on this Red Seeds Killer case, but it’s a striking near-resemblance, don’t you think? Well, OK, the hair is different, but it’s raining in that screenshot. Here’s something tragically hip, though. Just as Monty had a terrible auto accident in 1956 that left scars and forever changed his life, York arrives in Greenvale thanks to a car wreck of his own. He’s unhurt, however… but like this real-life Hollywood actor, he’s got some demons to deal with both inside and out on his strange journey in and around that sleepy little town plagued by a vicious killer. Hmmm. I wonder if there’s a movie being made about this particular incident and who’s going to be cast as the handsome, troubled profiler with an unusual past? I’d bet it would be Monty Clift if times were shifted and he was around today looking like he did in this photograph… “There I go again shaking, but I ain’t got the chills…”

Before you get to the debating of the validity of working time travel and how it could affect classic Hollywood stars here, make sure to pre-order a copy of Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut, coming exclusively to the PlayStation 3 on April 30, 2013 from Rising Star Games. Featuring no actual Hollywood stars, but updated HD visuals, PlayStation Move and 3D TV support, over 100 tweaks and changes to the original Xbox 360 game and more, this is bound to go down as one of the modern classics to be long remembered as years roll by.

Hmmm… One of these days I’ll need to ask Game Director Swery 65 about his cinematic influences when creating this game. I know it started life as an homage of sorts to David Lynch’s amazingly weird and wonderful Twin Peaks, but once you play the game, you’ll see other elements pop up. Hmmm… how does the man find the time to watch movies when he’s got all of Greenvale to watch over to make sure only the strange stuff that HAS to happen there happens when it needs to happen? Oh well – I’ll let him finish that beer before I bug him about this. I don’t want to interrupt anyone enjoying an adult beverage with any silly questions…

Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut Random Screenshot of the Day: Sunday’s Cool…

Posted on April 7, 2013 by geelw

Sundays at the A&G Diner are usually pretty quiet unless it’s about and hour or so before or after church when everyone holy rolls in to have breakfast, lunch or an early dinner. On those days when the sermons are truly soporific, sometimes you’ll spot a someone in their Sunday best along with a few fancy hats a bit earlier than usual popping in for a Sunday Sundae. And by the way, it’s THIS Sundae and not THAT Sundae (the A&G’s cook isn’t that well-versed in many ethnic cuisines). Granted, some of these dashingly dressed deity-fearing diners have heard some of that practiced polished proselytizing plenty of times in the past. Nevertheless, religious or not, everyone loves a tale well told at the end of the day and yep, they’ll be back to routine next week – just you watch. Of course, heathens of all types are more than welcome to stop in at the A&G any day they want to. Money is after all, non-denominational in its own special way.

I’m not sure if FBI Special Agent Francis York Morgan (just call him York) is one of the converted flock, but there’s something really weird about the guy in a strangely spiritual way. I hear he talks to himself in public or something, which isn’t TOO weird (everyone does this at some point, right), but that’s not really my business. If you’re also a happy heathen, you can spend a Sunday with York in Greenvale when you play Rising Star Games’ PlayStation 3 exclusive Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut, headed to stores on April 30, 2013. Updated HD visuals, over 100 improvements from the original version, PlayStation Move and 3D TV support, new content and more, all of which will have you singing this game’s praises to the heavens. Don’t be surprised if you actually see some angels at some point during your time with the game – it may not make sense, but they’re in there…

Oh, when you do stop by the A&G on a slow Sunday, keep an eye peeled for Game Director Swery 65, as he tends to drop in from time to time when he’s close by the town. I think Greenvale has no “blue laws” in place, as you’ll probably spot him having a cold beverage or two that ISN’T a Sundae. Hint, it happens to go REALLY well with more afterward and is even better with a good burger and side of really awesome hot hand-cut fries. Hmm… now I’m REALLY starving all of a sudden. Off to get some dinner that’s not as much of a “guilty” pleasure (but it WILL be a miracle if I can whip it up before Game of Thrones starts up – back in a bit.)..

Young Justice: Legacy Gallery: Little Orbit & Freedom Factory Are Doing It Right For The Fans…

Posted on April 6, 2013 by geelw

Fans of this freshly canceled (or hopefully just “on hiatus”) Cartoon Network show will have one really cool thing to comfort them in these desperate times: Young Justice Legacy is coming along REALLY nicely. While my overall impressions are embargoed for a few more days, I can safely say that fans of games like Marvel Ultimate Alliance, X-Men Legends and yes, even Justice League Heroes should be pleased with what’s coming from Little Orbit and Freedom Factory. That trailer shows off an older build, as the HUD is now different (it’s in a corner now) and anything else you want to know will have to wait (sorry!). As for looks, the stylized 3D visuals mimic the show’s 2D art style well enough and I like that the dev team didn’t go for the overused cel-shading some probably wanted or expected.

Of course, the BIG question is will the game do so well at retail that the powers that be over at Cartoon Network and DC want to kick things back into production? That, dear reader… is all up to YOU. Petitions are groovy and all, but buying the game and telling as many friends with a PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, DS and 3DS (Hey! Where’s the Vita version?) as possible and making sure they also vote with their wallets is the best thing to do if you want to see something positive come from all this hard work. Hey, even if the show never gets a second chance on TV, I’d say the game deserves a solid sequel that addresses that cliffhanger finale, right?

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…

Black Rock Shooter: The Game Trailers: Girl Power, PSP-Bound…

Posted on April 5, 2013 by geelw

FINALLY, after a long delay, this 2011 PSP anime action game from developer Image Epoch is coming stateside courtesy of Nippon Ichi Software America. It’s one of those imports I’ve been waiting to play in English just so I can find out what’s up with the story and characters without having to dig out a few dictionaries and translation aids. Anyway, April 23, 2013 seems to be the date to watch out for on PSN in North America (and April 24 overseas), so I’ll do just that. Update! NISA just posted a new trailer right after the one above, so you get another look at more of the game (and some gameplay!):

Now, I just need to decide WHICH of my three PSP’s to download the game onto. I’ll probably end up using the newer model and/or my Vita if the game is compatible.

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…