Tag Archives: Square Enix

Tomb Raider: Guide to Survival #1 (Expect Lots of Running and Jumping, For Starters)

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Lara’s new adventure/origin story looks to be one of those reboots for the ages, combining a more mature story and solid visuals with more cinematic (and mature) storytelling and even a bit of scares here and there. Hopefully, the game will surpass every expectation and get the audience it deserves, as it’s quite clear that Crystal Dynamics is pouring everything they’ve got into making what could be their best game to date. Provided the story is complete and there’s not a ton of DLC coming afterward to wreck the continuity, I’d say even the most skeptical TR fan should give this one a shot.

Hmmm… I need to carve out some time to replay the original game before this one comes out just because it used to be a yearly ritual for me for a while until I got a bit too busy. Sure, it’s ancient, but some of the more memorable levels still hold up well thanks to those puzzles and challenging jumping puzzles.

 

Tomb Raider “Survivor” Trailer: Thankfully, Not A Damn Thing Like That Stupid “Reality” Show…

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I’m glad to see it’s looking as if Crystal Dynamics has pretty much kept the game they wanted to do as intact as possible during its long development cycle. Some are griping about it not being an open world experience, but I say go play the original TR and TRII and see why and how following a solid narrative overrides a need to explore at one’s whim in a game like this. The goal in the new game is to discover and survive the limited environments you’re dropped into primarily at the pace of how well you play the game, NOT to think you’re getting Skyrim meets The Hunger Games with a side order of Hostel II or whatever. So, shut up and either wait for a demo or the actual game to drop, learn some respect for storytelling and the fact that just because you want every game to be the same damn thing doesn’t mean a developer is going to listen.  Hey, they’ve got my money on day one, that’s for sure…

Tomb Raider: The Final Hours #2: Crystal Dynamics Gives Lara More Lift…

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Second part in the “making of” series collaboration between Crystal Dynamics games journalist Geoff Keighley and hosted Zachary Levi (one of those actor/gamer types you probably know from some TV show or movie. I don’t know him, as I’m too busy playing too many games to pay attention to Hollywood types). This time out, it’s a look at the game’s story and what went into creating it. The “survival adventure” element and new take on the character will be the draw for me (OK, the amazing visuals are nothing to sneeze at) and I hope that this “reboot” gets the appropriate praise for what it does right and the proper amount of criticism for anything it misses. Of course, if poor Lara misses those jumps too many times, it’s back down to the depths of the bargain bin, right? Then again, I’m betting this will be light years better than some of the lesser games in the series older days. Angel of Darkness, anyone?

 

Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary Box: Japanese Fans Get Lucky Again (and What Else Is New?)…

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Hmmm… and wow, this is a pretty spectacular collection. I’d say this HAS to come out here in one form or another, so what about it, Square Enix? While I’m not the biggest FF fan these days, I’d actually be interested in this just for the historical value. OK, that and the chance to play the redone FF I-VI on the original PlayStation. I’m still more fond of the first nine games over much of what’s come afterwards, but there’s no denying the huge impact the franchise has had on the JRPG scene over time. Again, it’s all about RESPECT and for the most part, Square Enix absolutely deserves it for keeping this flame alive for a quarter century (and still going strong). Feel free to check out that link below if you want to see this in all its bright white packaged glory before whining that you don’t speak and read Japanese and how unfair the world all is or whatever.

You have been warned – this thing is REALLY amazing.

http://store.jp.square-enix.com/special/ff25th

Sleeping Dogs Launch Trailer: As Long As It’s True To Itself (And Well Done), I’m Happy…

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I’m a story guy first and foremost, so I’m hoping the game has a well-written plot to go with all that expensive voice talent. I don’t care much for yet another open world urban game experience, so if I do review this one, it’ll be all about the story, characters and gameplay as opposed to how many billions of mini-games there are and how huge and accurate United Front’s version of Hong Kong is compared to the real city I’ve never been to. Of course, replay value also makes a difference, but for me, even if a game is relatively short and linear, I’ll play it a few times if it’s entertaining and yep, well done.

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

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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….

This Week’s Fan Events: The Dark Knight Manual Signing, Kingdom Hearts 3D Launch

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Hey! If you’re in the NYC area, have some spending money ready for a couple of cool new items and don’t mind a bit of queuing up, well, here you go: two events worth getting up early for (or skipping work for if you’re employed and can actually get away for a bit without getting caught by the boss). The first is at Midtown Comics’ downtown location this Thursday where author Brandon T. Snider will be signing copies of the just released (and pretty sweet goodie-packed collectible) Insight Publications book, The Dark Knight Manual.

 

The second event is this Saturday at the Nintendo World Store where Square Enix will unveil the newest in the popular Kingdom Hearts series of games, KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance]. Both events should be pretty hectic, but I’d say Nintendo has the edge here, as every event I’ve ever been to at the store has been packed with freebie-loving fanboys and girls ready for their close-ups. Anyway, get to both early and enjoy the day if you’re headed to either.

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

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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?

Tomb Raider’s Final Days In Development: Lara’s Makeover Is Complete

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Here’s a brief look at Crystal Dynamics’ upcoming reboot, courtesy of game journalist Geoff Keighley’s Final Hours series of ‘making of’ documentaries. It’s a great piece for those of you curious about what goes into making a game and heck, anything that gets people not into the medium to see the magic happening is all right by me…

E3 2012: Tomb Raider “Crossroads” Gameplay Trailer: Crystal Dynamics Goes For The Gold

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Now, THIS is a TR game I can get behind. Truth be told, I haven’t been much of a fan of Lara’s current-gen games despite their much better visuals and tighter gameplay than the Core-developed original series. For starters, saddling her with that crew of techies and such made things too chatty and all those gadgets turned Lara into a female James Bond more than a tough as nails solo explorer. This origin story with a survival adventure vibe just might be the best way to re-reboot the franchise, as I think we need more cool female game characters around. That said, I’d REALLY like to see Ms. Croft in some more sensible (and realistic) exploration outfits and gear should she return as an older, wiser spelunker in the future…