Alien Isolation “Lo-Fi Sci-Fi” Trailer: The Future? Same Problems As The Past (You Need Four Hands For Everything!)…

Posted on May 5, 2014 by geelw

Eeek. I actually MISSED posting the Alien Isolation update from April. Oops. Hey, it happens with all these games coming out, kids. Anyway, how fitting that this video is about the low-tech equipment used in the game and the lower tech methods developer The Creative Assembly used to get parts of the game looking quite analog. I love this behind the scenes stuff and you have to appreciate that old techniques work as well as (or even better in this case) than just doing everything on a computer to FAKE video footage that looks garbled and yep, “lo-fi”. October 7, 2014, folks. Carve out some time for this one – it’s turning out really special…

Alien Isolation Update: The Sounds Of Nostalgia Recreated For Your Screaming Pleasure…

Posted on April 4, 2014 by geelw

What’s looking like the best Alien game to date is getting even better thanks to the development team’s focus on getting every element right as rain. Jerry Goldsmith‘s score to Alien was and in not only one of his best works, it’s one of the best genre soundtracks ever created (even though the original film drops a chunk of it in favor of cues from Goldsmith’s score to Freud and some classical tracks). I could write an entire post on the score alone, but I’ll wax poetic on it at some point in the future, as I’m kind of otherwise occupied with a living pile of work shuffling around the room here and making a nuisance of itself. Anyway, as you can see and hear here, Alien Isolation will get an additional layer of creepy thanks to the sound design and as a huge fan of the original film, I couldn’t be happier.

Alien Isolation lands on PC and PS3/PS4, Xbox 360/Xbox One on October 7, 2014. back with more once Sega hits the inbox with an update…

Alien Isolation Gets October 7, 2014 Release Date

Posted on March 29, 2014 by geelw

Wow, I need to pay more attention (Part XVIX), as I didn’t know that Alien Isolation was being made for the PS3 and Xbox 360 as well as PC, PS4 and Xbox One. Well, now… that changes things up considerably as I can live with the game on the PS3 as long as it’s got a solid frame rate and has the same content as the new-gen versions. Sure, I like fancy graphics and all, but my PS3 still gets a load of usage and I’m not about to knock Sega or The Creative Assembly for thinking smart and realizing from the outset that casting a wider net on this game means MORE people will play it if it gets great scores and they still don’t have a new system in their homes. Granted, as a system SELLER, it’ll work quite well indeed for those looking for a reason to snap up that nice new console or upgrade their gaming rig. On the other hand, those who can’t buy into the newer systems yet will appreciate not being let out of what could be the best Alien game to date. As usual, we shall see… but as I’ve said previously, I trust the CA to do this one up right (and then some)…

Alien Isolation “Creating The Alien” Trailer: Shaping Your Fears Is Tough Work…

Posted on March 13, 2014 by geelw

So, that’s how it’s done, hmmmm. Okay, now we need to see the underwear factory churning out adult-sized diapers with the Alien Isolation logo on them that will be packed in that Collector’s Edition of the game along with a pocket defibrillator and smelling salts. The folks at The Creative Assembly seem to be making the Alien game to end all Alien games because it’s closer to the first Alien film than a few of the more action-packed sequels ever were. Granted, there’s something to be said for those awesome Rebellion-made Alien vs. Predator PC games and yes, a few of the other games in this long running franchise have been quite well done and thrilling. But this may be the first game that feels frightening thanks to it looking to capture what made the original work all too well. Pre-alpha footage means there’s a long way to go before this one’s all wrapped up, folks. I’m betting it’s a big fat face-huggy surprise when it’s all done.

As usual, we’ll see…

VGA 101: Running the Gauntlet to Get Gauntlet IV Running…

Posted on February 4, 2014 by geelw

Sometimes, the simplest things can take way too long but the payoff is well worth it. I was recently in the mood to dig up a classic and had Gauntlet on the brain. Not just ANY Gauntlet, mind you, but Gauntlet IV on the Sega Genesis. That version of the game is not only four players, but has a few game modes not in the original arcade hit including a story-based RPG mode with a bunch of element themed levels and an ending that’s a total corker. Imagine my surprise when I went to my bookshelf full of Genesis and Mega Drive games and… there was no copy of Gauntlet to be found.

Eeek. Just when my eyebrow was shooting up over my forehead, I recalled that I’d traded my cardboard box version of the game for a second manual-less copy of Shadowrun (which I still need a manual for) and something else I needed a cart of that I had a box and manual for. Oops. So, I now needed a replacement and thanks to a bit of quick hunting around, I found a plastic-boxed version in really nice shape for $16 shipped. NOW, I could get playing…

Or not, as I soon found out… Continue reading →

Alien Isolation “Transmission” and “Origins”: Puzzle Pieces Falling Where They Need To…

Posted on January 10, 2014 by geelw

Hmmmm… As predicted, with The Creative Assembly on the case this time out, Sega’s upcoming Alien Isolation is looking pretty impressive in this introductory teaser and developer diary. Hopefully, the story will work as intended, as I can see some folks not being all aboard the playing as Ellen Ripley’s daughter thing. Me, I’m a wait and see guy myself because I trust The CA to do their best and they’ve always done just that when they make their games. I do like that it’s turning out to be NOT a stupid shoot everything that moves experience and seems to be focusing on story and characters first and foremost.

The only major sticking point to some will be the lack of a Wii U version as the gameplay seems perfect for that GamePad, but such is life in this generation of consoles I suppose. Someone HAS to get a suitable Alien game out on that system one of these days, I say. I’m not sure who, but it would be nice to see one at some point…

Alien Isolation: The Creative Assembly Plays The Role Of Redeemer Quite Well Indeed…

Posted on January 7, 2014 by geelw

So, here we go folks – once more into the breach with Sega and the somehow tougher to make it work right as a video game Alien license. Can you name a decent game made this century with the license that’s not only on PC? I thought not.

While its last two attempts were decidedly of the “mixed results” and “missed opportunities” trains, this time out it’s veteran developer The Creative Assembly at the wheel and Alien Isolation is looking pretty darned scary where it counts (as you’ll see in Three… Two.. One.):

Of course, the boo-bird naysayers are out in force on this thanks to the critical mass that was Aliens: Colonial Marines, so Sega has a lot to live up to and live down even if Isolation is indeed the best game using the license to date.

I trust this team quite a lot as in addition to the incredible Total War franchise on PC, they’ve also had fun making more action-heavy game experiences such as the excellent Spartan: Total Warrior (which is being remade as a PlayStation 4 exclusive!) and the solid Viking: Battle For Asgard (which could use a nice remake or sequel one of these days). So an Alien game from these guys and gals should be (wait for it…) a “walk in the park” to some extent.

Of course, we shall see what the future brings and of course, I’m hoping that people aren’t all screaming into space for all the wrong reasons again. But again, I trust The CA to not go where man has gone before and deliver an Alien experience that’s truly memorable and frightening for all the RIGHT reasons. More on this as it develops…

Tommo Mobile’s Sega Hardware Series: Retro (But Modern) Gear For Your iPhone and More…

Posted on November 7, 2013 by geelw

Of course, I got a mighty (but appreciative and respectful) chuckle at Tommo’s really cool new iPhone accessories because as far as I know, there not a legal Sega Genesis emulator on the device (but Sega does have a bunch of games you can play if you’re an owner of Apple’s big deal popular everyphone). The iPhone 5/5S cases below cost $24.99 each and come in Genesis Controller, Genesis System, Game Gear and Saturn variants, all with a free themed screen protector. And yes, there are also clear cases for all the aforementioned consoles as well as a clear Sega Dreamcast case for those of you thinking that system would get passed over (nope- Tommo is on it, folks!)

As for those two Power Partner chargers below, as I don’t own an iPhone, but DO own many other devices that can use a charge from something worth showing off, yeah – I want one (or both!) of these babies. Just LOOK at them:

Yeah, I figured you diehard Sega fans would be licking your monitors and reaching for that wallet again. Anyway, each one is $69.99, comes with a free silicon case, has 2 USB type A outputs, up to 9000 mAh power, a Li-Polymer Lithium battery and PTC Smart Protection Chip to prevent overcharging. Nope, it won’t make you better at any games you’ll be playing on whatever you’re charging, but again, it sure looks really cool!

And how about that Genesis-themed Bluetooth speaker ($89.99)? It also looks incredible and made me laugh out loud because I imagine that kind of booming stereo sound would have made the Genesis or Mega Drive even more awesome with assorted game tunes and sounds warbling out of that Z80 chip from speakers that were better than those on TV’s of the era. Of course, given that it’s 2013, you can expect Bluetooth 4.0 compatibility and headphone jack support, NFC and aptX support, multi-pairing, A2DP Stereo Audio Streaming, AAC Audio Format as well as a built-in rechargeable battery. if this were 1989 or ’90, all that stuff would mean a set of speakers the size of a TV and the cost of a car engine most likely. So aren’t YOU lucky to live in the future?

Hmmm… that said… it would have been absolutely hilarious to have an AV output so those of us who still own a Genny could run a cable into that box and blow out a window or two playing Streets of Rage or Sonic and Knuckles, but I suppose that will be a DIY hack someone will get to eventually. Hmmmm… I wonder who could do that? Oh, right! *Crackle, Pop!* Paging Dr. Heckendorn!

The Typing of the Dead Overkill Now On Steam: Shaky Hands May Actually Help…

Posted on October 30, 2013 by geelw

…and some really BIG keys to type on if you’re really a scaredy-cat. Granted, Sega’s hilarious offshoot of it’s popular classic arcade game series is more fun to play for fast typists with nerves of steel who aren’t squeamish about a bit of digital blood and guts, but the game is fun no matter what your typing skills. Now, I’m from the two-to-three finger school myself (using more makes my hands confused because they all want to hit the same keys (stupid fingers!), but I’ve played the classic Sega Dreamcast game The Typing of the Dead with my untaught tapping skills and did pretty darn well.

Anyway, this gory great little game is on sale NOW through Steam for a measly $9.99 and yes, comes highly recommended if you’re camping out at home on Halloween and want something different to do besides the usual scaring the crap out of kids stalking your doorway for candy. Of course, in a perfect world, parents would get this game for their kids and keep them at home where it’s nice and warm, but hey – you can’t stop those little monsters from wanting to go on the prowl for free treats on NON-holidays, so I guess tradition wins in the end…

Review: Sega’s GO DANCE: Your iOS Device Makes You An Instant Party Machine…

Posted on September 12, 2013 by geelw

Got two bucks handy and an iPhone or iPad? Of course you do! Like to dance? Absolutely (even though you only do it when no one is around. Yes, I do KNOW these things). Good. Go get GO DANCE, Sega’s new app that’s a pure blast of fun bound to liven up any get together with some cool dancing and plenty of competitive action.

While that budget price point means only two songs are included with the app (LMFAO’s Party Rock Anthem and Nicki Minaj’s Super Bass, more tracks are available (Flo Rida’s Wild Ones and Avicii’s Levels) as in-App purchases and more are on the way. The game uses the front-facing camera on your device to scan and track your face and torso allowing for some great and realistic dance action from your customizable onscreen avatar.

Continue reading →