The 7 Wonders of Crysis 3 Teaser Makes Me Wonder If I Can Afford to Actually Play It…

Crytek’s phenomenal PC games have always demanded the ultimate in hardware, and the upcoming Crysis 3 will most certainly be no different. While specs haven’t been announced just yet, I’m betting the harder core fans of the developer’s shooters have already updated their forum signatures with their new system specs (ha ha). Anyway, when you have a film director (in this case, Albert Hughes) making a series of online videos using the game engine and they’re looking as incredible as the teaser shown above, well… it’s time to start thinking about a new PC.

Hmmm, I understand humans can function with a single kidney and I don’t really need a few other body parts… so maybe (just maybe) I can actually play the game when it’s all done and in stores. Then again, I’m not a big graphics hound, so I’ll hold out for a console version. Yeah, yeah, I know – but hey, they’re made for a few reasons, one of which is to expand a game’s user base by allowing us poor folk to play (and become fans of) some really spectacular shooters. So, there (nyah!)…

Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath HD Is Vita Bound – That’s A Buy Right There, Folks…

Excellent. In case you missed it back on the original Xbox and last year, on the PS3 as a PSN download, well, here you go. Oddworld Inhabitants is getting Stranger’s Wrath out on Sony’s portable and I say it’s a buy because it’s still one of the best games you’ll ever play thanks to its innovative gameplay elements combining FPS and third-person action/platforming) along with a strong story that’s funny and touching. Oh yeah, and that Stranger is quite a likable fellow for being a bounty hunter and all. And the game is pretty darn long for what it is. And it sure looks mighty pretty in HD. And a whole lot more “ands” too. Keep an eye peeled for it soon enough…

DmC Eye of Dante App: Some Are Still Kicking Capcom Around For Mere Marketing

 

Oh, the internet can be a nasty little place for trying to push a product sometimes. Case in point, poor Capcom’s otherwise interesting app promoting the upcoming DmC through a bit of gameplay and site-hopping. If you go to the YouTube page and read the comments (which isn’t advised if you like your brain not flipping around in your head), they’re pretty mean and mostly not about the actual app. Ah well – I say if Ninja Theory’s new game coming out next year is good, all this green hot bile will dissipate like dust in the wind. Of course, the anti-DLC crowd is still not to be assuaged, so there’s always that fire to deal with…

This Ni no Kuni Behind The Scenes Video Will Make You Want To Make Games…

…Or hell, at least want to buy a PS3 just so you can play THIS one. Personally, I love this video because you can see the passion as well as dedication the team at Level-5 put into the project (and boy, do they have some nice offices in Fukuoka), with a “little” assistance from Studio Ghibli, of course. Kids, remember to show this to your parents so you can prove that all that time you spend in front of the TV will lead to something other than the need for glasses or contacts, a lust for caffeinated beverages and the occasional bandage to cover up those blistered thumbs.

NEOGEO X Gold LE: Delay of Game Equals More Anticipation (As Well As Some Rustproofing)…

 

Sometimes, delays are a good thing, provided you’re taking the glass half full approach. To wit: Best Buy notified me that my order would be delayed until the 18th, but no biggie. That gives me more time to practice playing a few games on that really fine PS2 collection from a few years back. After all these years I’m still absolutely, completely terrible at Magician Lord (and probably will still be), so I’m going to be spending a few hours trying not to die so much or jump up and down on a controller after losing that final life.

For newbies, let me very safely state that NeoGeo games aren’t for rage-quitters at all. Nope, if you get all Hulky and throw that big ol’ heavy arcade stick down, you’ll probably break a toe (and need to go spend a small fortune replacing it. Er, the controller, not your toe). The X’s replicated arcade stick seems to be of similar quality (and not inexpensive either), but I’m definitely NOT going to be tossing it around when I lose. Now you know why they call throw pillows THROW pillows. Just aim for something non-breakable (and not the family pet, lest you get that toe you didn’t break earlier chewed on while you sleep)…

Far Cry 3: I Haven’t Played It Yet, But I’m Already Hooked In…

Thanks to having so many other games to play through this month, I know I won’t get around to playing Far Cry 3 until next year. However, from what I’ve seen so far (a friend has it and is having a total blast), I’m going to be REALLY busy in Crytek’s massive open-world shooter. I spent an hour or so watching someone play and it looks as if the game allows you to do what you want on those islands outside the main story line (a great thing). Sure, you’re still killing men and animals by the boatload, but the story sections are compelling from the beginning and you can get your character’s motivations and grasp his rather insane situation thanks to some excellent writing and motion captured performances. Hmmmm… maybe I’ll skip a few games and pick this up sooner than later after all… we shall see.

The Last of Us Story Teaser: Naughty Dog’s Survival Epic Means Business

With the so-called “aging” PS3 heading into its last year or so as a viable console, it’s really great to see developers like Naught Dog keep forging ahead with key AAA titles for the console that will absolutely be worth that $60 price tag. The Last of Us just may be one of the best console games of this generation as well as one more example of how story-driven games will always be superior to the usual multiplayer madness that’s about as deep as a broken teacup. Keep your eyes on this one, folks – it’s going to be quite special…

Review: TANK! TANK! TANK!

tanktanktankPlatform: Wii U

Developer: Namco

Publisher: Namco Bandai Games

# of Players: 1 – 4

ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)

Official Site

Score: B (80%)

As a launch title for the Wii U, Namco Bandai’s TANK! TANK! TANK! may not look like a system seller, but look past its colorful arcade visuals and initially simple gameplay and you’ll find a fast-paced (and 100% tank focused) party game shooter that owes more than a little credit to Sandlot’s always fun Earth Defense Force series of games. In fact, the game manages to play almost exactly like an arcade version of EDF would, streamlining the experience down to timed stages, random weapon pickups that you can use instantly and a mix of assorted enemies from giant robotic spiders and wasps to some pretty wild bosses that need to be taken down as quickly as possible. Granted, blowing monsters into scrap metal over and over is all you do here in the main game whether playing in solo or co-op, so those seeking something deeper should look elsewhere. On the other hand, given that this is a rather enhanced port of an arcade game that offers much more than the original version, you SHOULD expect and respect the repetitive nature of the game to the fullest by diving in and shooting up the scenery as much as possible.
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Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Demo Arrives on PSN Tomorrow

Ni_No_Kuni_CoverNice. Namco Bandai is giving PS3 owners and JRPG fans an early holiday gift with the release of a two level demo from the upcoming (and eagerly anticipated) Level-5/Studio Ghibli game. In the demo, players can expect two tough boss battles against the Guardian of the Woods and Moltaan along with a load of absolutely gorgeous visuals and animation guaranteed to bring a smile to just about any face. Seriously – the game looks quite spectacular in screenshots and movies online, but when you see it in motion on an actual TV, it’s quite incredible. The full game arrives next month for the PS3 in North America on January 22nd 2013 and in Europe on January 25th 2013.

Review: Nintendo Land

Nintendo Land_CoverPlatform: Wii U

Developer: Nintendo

Publisher: Nintendo of America

# of Players: 1 – 5 (offline)

ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 +)

Official Site

Score: B+ (85%)

As a launch title for the Wii U (or more precisely, the included pack in for those of you who are interested in or have very wisely purchased the black Premium version of the console), Nintendo Land is, much like Wii Play and Wii Sports, a collection of mini-games that shows how versatile the new GamePad is. Nintendo’s new system has a controller that’s been misunderstood by some in the gaming press and too many people who hang on every word some of those sites print. Fortunately, the game not only mostly delivers the goods where it should, some of the mini-games here end up being memorable enough that one hopes Nintendo decides to expand upon some ideas on the disc in the near future.

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