Capcom Keeps Dragon’s Dogma Going With New PS3 Demo, Content and Contest

Posted on August 9, 2012 by geelw

Now this is how you make a great game even greater. In addition to the recent announcements that a sequel is in the works and the company is looking at turning the series into a franchise (I want a Vita side story!) Capcom is turning its sleeper smash action/RPG Dragon’s Dogma into even more of an “evergreen” title thanks to more cool content coming soon. Fans can expect a new PS3 demo, an Easy Mode update for both PS3 and Xbox 360 owners and a fun contest using the game’s photo sharing feature over at the hugely popular fan community site, The Gran Soren Times.

The new PS3 demo, which features the Prologue, full character creation and a bit of play time (up to the Hydra boss battle) will also allow save data to be transferred to the full retail version. PSN users can expect to see the demo soon on the PlayStation Store starting from from August 15th in Europe and in North America on August 21st. I’ve already sunk a few hundred hours into the Xbox 360 version of the game, but now I want to dive into the PS3 version at some point, as DD is one of my favorite game experiences of 2012. I’d say it’s going to be one of yours as well once you give the game a play.

Papo & Yo Launch Trailer: Touching A Few Key Points And Making A Point Simultaneously

Posted on August 8, 2012 by geelw

What makes this trailer really unique is that it’s not the usual hype wheel stuff showing off how flashy and thrilling things will be once you get your hands on a controller. I like the deeper elements explored here and it’s nice to see a game take on this sort of subject matter in quite an interesting manner. I still think SCEA should have put this on a retail disc with some other PSN exclusives, but eh, we’ll see how the game does as a digital download, I suppose.

Incoming RPG! Unchained Blades: Xseed’s All-Star Manga/Anime Artist Dungeon Crawler

Posted on August 8, 2012 by geelw

As a big fan of all things dungeon crawler, I’ll have to pick this one up soon. I’ve been a bit occupied with a few other games and projects, so yes, I’m a wee but behind on newer reviews. Anyway, I’m happy about Unchained Blades for the mix of famous anime/manga artists for the character design, the old school grind-fest gameplay (a la Wizardry) and the fact that the game is PSP and Vita compatible. Now I’ll have to decide which portable to play it on and when to go snap this up. It’ll most likely be downloaded at a Starbucks nearby, as I can’t access my PSN account on my terrible home connection. This digital-only stuff is making me nuts sometimes… Ah, well.

Sleeping Dogs Official Site Goes Live With A Bit Of Hidden Object Fun

Posted on July 26, 2012 by geelw

I’ve been quietly following United Front’s work on this one since it was announced and yes, I’m pretty happy with how this is coming together and hope it does great when it ships out. Amusingly enough, after watching all those gameplay videos and taking in the scope of the game (it’s going to be huge), I noted to a friend that all the game needed was puzzle or hidden object game elements to appeal to the super-casual crowd. Of course, Future US and Square Enix have kicked off the official site with… you guessed it, a hidden object mini-game that, while not for the casual crowd at all, does unlock a cool new gameplay video once you find all four objects in the rather cool interactive “marketplace” complete with people and items you’ll see in the game proper. Go on, check it out (you know you want to). August 14, 2012 is the big day, by the way – so get ready….

Sleeping Dogs Voice Talent Video: It’s A Casting Cornucopia!

Posted on July 20, 2012 by geelw

United Front Games isn’t skimping on the voice casting in their upcoming (and eagerly awaited) action game. Take a look at a veritable who’s who of familiar faces (and voices). Even the people you haven’t heard of are doing a fine job from my perspective. It doesn’t hurt at all that the game is looking quite good as well. That August 7 release date is rolling up fast, isn’t it?

Splinter Cell: Blacklist ‘Pop-Up’ Video: Ubisoft Might Want To Shoot A Few Of The More Irate Fans, Too…

Posted on July 18, 2012 by geelw

Boy, try and make a new game in a hugely popular series without dragging along EVERY element from previous entries and watch the more stick in the rear fans fearful of change scream and struggle as if they’ve been tossed into a burlap sack, then the back of a moving black van. Maybe Michael Ironside was unavailable, wanted too much money or hell, wanted to move on from the character he originally voiced for a bunch of games. Maybe Ubisoft wanted someone “younger” sounding for this installment. Eh, whatever. all this reminds me of is how things often work out in Hollywood in terms of sequels. Keeping in a Tom Clancy vein, how about that Jack Ryan? Anyone?

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Tekken Tag Tournament 2 “Girl Power” Trailer: Er, If You Say So…

Posted on July 16, 2012 by geelw

Hmmm. Since when did Tekken turn into Dead or Alive? While it’s really cool to see live-action versions of some of the gals from the game and for those that want it, there’s a crazy pre-order deal where you get 150 swimsuits for the ladies, I’m not at all interested in the game for collecting bikinis and ogling digital cuties. Eh, maybe I’m complaining too much and maybe we’ll see an even mix of trunks for the guys in that lot, as I can see some female fans of the series getting a bit ticked at this. Then again, it’s great for a bit of competition as any new Dead or Alive game will probably want to beef up the ante significantly by adding even more swimsuits and perhaps (ack!) bringing back Zack Island and those awful mini-games in some sort of open world format. Oh, it’s going to be pure hell for those of us who just want a decent fighting game…

Borderlands 2 ‘Wimoweh” Trailer: Now, That’s What I Call Confidence!

Posted on July 12, 2012 by geelw

You just know Gearbox Software and 2K Games KNOW they have a hit when they can take a hit song recorded from before most of the game’s target audience was even a twinkle in their parents’ eyes (and hell, was old as the hills before their parents had even met) slap it into an awesome trailer and make a must-see many times instant classic. Of course, to the kids that think that tune is corny, well, so much for knowing much about music, I guess. Now I can’t get the tune out of my head (nor the image of Claptrap rolling along repeating “Wimoweh” in his own way. Ah well, ring me up, 2k – that’s another sale your way!

Remember, Borderlands 2 hits retail on September 18 in the US and September 21 everywhere else.

Atlus Is Having A Half-Off Sale On PSN This Month. Yes, You Should Grab A Bunch Of Games While You Can.

Posted on July 4, 2012 by geelw

OK, you’ve got a few short weeks to get in on some cool games for your PS3 and PSP (and you should be able to run these downloads on your Vita), so get to it. North American gamers only on this deal, so that’s another cool Independence Day deal, I suppose. Hmmm… I may have to get Hexyz Force and Crimson Gem Saga as both are insanely tough to find cheap as UMD releases. Speaking of… Hey, Atlus! Put Monster Kingdom: Jewel Summoner up on PSN as well at some point, as hell, someone stole my complete copy a few years back and it’s impossible to find another one (that’s not going to cost me an arm and a leg), grrrr!

Assassin’s Creed III July 4th Trailer: A Bit of Flag-Waving From A Few Directions…

Posted on July 4, 2012 by geelw

How amusing that US ad agencies make stupid “patriotic” commercials with stuff like the founding fathers driving Detroit muscle cars into battle (Um…. oooookaaay?), while a non-US based company like Ubisoft does stirring stuff like this that manages to draw interest to both their product and a traditional American holiday in a more inspiring manner. Anyway, enjoy the rest of the holiday and please try not to blow anything off you’ll need for work (or play) later on.