Review: Obscure: The Aftermath

Posted on October 1, 2009 by geelw

Platform: PSP/PSPgo

Developer: Hydrovision

Publisher: Playlogic

# of Players 1 (Wi-Fi: 1-2)

Rating: M (Mature)

Even if you’ve never played the original Obscure on the PC, PS2 or Xbox, Obscure: The Aftermath makes for a great slice of survival horror now available in portable form on the PSP. This scary single or co-op experience puts you in the shoes of a handful of college-age jock, loner and babe types who set to put an end to a deadly plague of sorts brought on by ingestion of some rather nasty black flowers. There’s a lot more to the plot than that, but this is one of those games where telling too much kills a few key plot twists. Despite a few visual bumps in the code, the game both looks and plays great on the handheld and overall, it’s a hellish ride well worth taking… provided you don’t mind the “B” movie silliness some of the dialog provides.

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Gallery: Dawn of Heroes

Posted on September 30, 2009 by geelw

I thought this one sounded familiar… Montreal-based developer Wicked Studios’ DS exclusive Tactical RPG was initially announced for a June 2009 release, so I thought I missed out on it entirely. However, It turns out Majesco is actually publishing it on December 1, 2009, so here you go: the first game trailer and a nice batch of screenshots – enjoy!

I’m really liking the character customization aspects as well as the nice character art, which looks a little inspired a bit by the great Susumu Matsushita’s work. Hmmm… I feel another developer interview coming on. It looks as if I’m off to bug some PR folks…

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Namco Bandai Announces Enslaved for PS3, 360

Posted on September 29, 2009 by geelw

It looks as if Namco Bandai has figured out one more new gaming equation: Ninja Theory + Andy Serkis = one hell of an interesting game experience. Enslaved is the next game project the respected Heavenly Sword developer is currently working on for a 2010 release on both the PS3 and Xbox 360 and based on the concept art and early screens, the game is looking mighty fine indeed.

Aesthetically, I’m not sure if the Jak meets Wolverine look of Monkey clicks until I see the game in action, but it’s a definite “Yes!” in my book for Trip’s athletic yet “normal” figure (i.e., no pudding-filled pontoons stuck to her chest). Also, the bigger questions in the end to some may be this: can Ninja Theory deliver a second killer game, this time out, successfully as a cross platform release while making sure it looks equally good on both consoles? My money says yes they can. Anyway, to the press release!

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Review: Bleach: The 3rd Phantom

Posted on September 28, 2009 by geelw

Platform: Nintendo DS/DSi

Developer: Tom Create

Publisher: SEGA

# of Players: 1 (Wi-Fi: 1-2)

Rating: T (Teen)

Official Site

Score: B

I may not know much about the Bleach anime, but I have enjoyed the different US localized games from Sega I’ve played over the last few years. Being a huge Strategy/RPG fan, I was surprised to find that the series has ventured into that well-traveled territory with a fun to play, albeit pretty basic turn-based game experience. Bleach: The 3rd Phantom mysteriously showed up via Fed Ex with another bunch of games, so out went Dirt 2 and in went this new game for a good chunk of review time. While what’s here won’t topple the giants of the genre, there’s more than enough solid hours of gameplay, over 50 potential party members and even a bit of Wi-Fi action if you’ve a friend who happens to have a DS and a copy of the game.

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Gallery: Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble

Posted on September 28, 2009 by geelw

In case you didn’t know it yet, Atlus really wants all your money… and they know how to get it while making your gamer grin grow wider in the process. This year has been especially prime for the publisher, thanks to everything from the wacky fun of 101-in-1 Explosive Megamix to the upgraded classic RPG Shin Megami Tensei: Persona to the upcoming instant classic for the ages masterpiece Demon’s Souls (which is so spectacular, it’s worth buying a PS3 for).

Another cool-looking game headed your way (on November 10, 2009, to be more precise, so go pre-order the game!) is Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble for the PSP, a portable beat ’em up that should remind a few of you classic gamers out there of the good old days of River City Ransom and other non-stop knuckle-fest titles. I have a couple of these sort of high school beatdown games in my Super Famicom collection, but I’m too buried under new games and such to go dig them out. Anyway, seeing these screenshots made me laugh, but for all the right reasons – this one looks like it’s going to be hilarious. Take a look for yourself…

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Review: DIRT 2 (PS3)

Posted on September 25, 2009 by geelw

Platform: PS3/Xbox 360

Developer: Codemasters (Racing Studio)

Publisher: Codemasters

# of Players: 1 (Online: 2 – 8)

Rating: T (Teen)

Official Site

Score: A

Accessibility is the prime mover DIRT 2 uses perfectly to keep players of all skill levels coming back for more. Whether you’re a rally newbie interested in the sport thanks to the X Games or a grumpy veteran player shaking his or her fist at Codemasters for “Americanizing” the game in the past two installments, there’s definitely something for you (and everyone in between those two extremes. Stick a controller in your hands or sit in front of your expensive steering wheel setup, lock in your difficulty and take the phone off the hook – you’re not coming up for air unless it’s your virtual ride taking to the skies on an awesome jump. Fantastic visuals, near perfect handling and a solid racing experience await anyone looking for one of the best racers this year. A few bumps in the road keep this from sheer perfection, but the Joe Gamer crowd will barely notice the problem areas.

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Dragon Age: Origins Update: Meet Zevran!

Posted on September 25, 2009 by geelw

In this latest Dragon Age: Origins character reveal, we meet up with one of the game’s more interesting personalities and yes, he can be part of your party, i hear. Check out the bio on this guy and check to see if you still have your wallet afterward…

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Gallery: F1 2009

Posted on September 25, 2009 by geelw

Codemasters’ upcoming Wii and PSP exclusive licensed racing game F1 2009 is coming this fall, so here’s a look at some beautiful screens from the Wii version. I can almost heat the whine of those engines! It’s certainly great news to see the Wii is finally getting more realistic racers. PS3 and Xbox 360 F1 fans interested in this one may have to make the jump, especially with the upcoming $50 Wii price cut this weekend. If the game is as good as (or better than) Paradigm’s stellar F1 World Grand Prix back on the N64, Codemasters will have a hit among Wii-owning Formula 1 fans.

Of course, buying a console for ONE racer isn’t a smart idea. Thankfully, there are a load of other titles in different genres that you might like. go do some research after you ogle these screens – I’ll wait…

Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising Goes Gold

Posted on September 25, 2009 by geelw

Just a little bit longer… Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising has gone gold and is set to hit retail on October 6, 2009. Naturally, Codemasters is going all out with a bunch of cool stuff happening on the game’s official web site. Peek below for a few screens, boogie on over to the game’s site and go pre-order what’s looking to be one of the best modern tactical military games to date.

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Review: The Beatles: Rock Band

Posted on September 23, 2009 by geelw

Platform: PS3/Xbox 360/Nintendo Wii

Developer: Harmonix Music Systems

Publisher: Electronic Arts

# of Players 1 – 6 (Online: 2 – 6)

Rating: T (Teen)

Official Site

Score: A

You don’t need to be a die-hard Beatles fan, hardcore Rock Band groupie or even a blazing fast Guitar Hero to appreciate The Beatles: Rock Band. Harmonix has come up with a supremely accessible Magical Mystery Tour through some of the best of the Fab Four’s catalog and thanks to the stellar presentation, this is one Ticket to Ride that will leave you Feeling Fine up to Eight Days a Week. If you’re a Rock Band fan looking for the game to be a big step forward, you may find Something lacking. The experience isn’t quite the Revolution you’re probably expecting, but after A Hard Day’s Night of rocking, you’ll find the game has its ways of making you Twist and Shout ’til the cows come home.