Video Game Appreciation 101: PlayStation Evolution Part 2 (US/Japanese): The Plot Thickens!

Posted on February 16, 2013 by geelw

OK, I’m too busy to comment on this cool bit of educational game history, so you get a bad poem instead – er, enjoy?

Well, part two means a clue to the future, it’s clear.
A new Sony console – no news when or where.
I’m betting not ’til mid-next year at best
as it gives time to put PS3 to rest.

We’ll find out on Wednesday, I’d say that’s for sure,
but I’ll guess not all is revealed or pure.
Hopefully, games will be shown at the event
and any new system won’t cost two month’s rent.

A price cut for the PS3 might drop too,
but I doubt that, as there’s still titles new
first party, third party, all for this year
So much going on (there’s no time for beer!)

(Hey, I never said I was good at this poetry stuff!)

BioShock Infinite “Lamb of Columbia” Teaser: I Bet There’s No Mint Jelly on the Side…

Posted on February 16, 2013 by geelw

Nope, none at all. In fact, I’m betting if you have an appetite, the game proper will make you lose it under the sofa somewhere and you won’t get it back for a few hours afterward. Not because you’ll get sick to your stomach or anything, mind you. You’ll probably be so immersed that you’ll simply forget to eat something until someone conks you on the head and drags you away from that TV. “Violence is a very horrible thing!” you know. Anyway, short teaser, short post. The rest of the trailer drops on the 19th – leave that mint jelly on the shelf when you come back to watch it…

Video Game Appreciation 101: PlayStation Evolution (US and Japanese Versions)

Posted on February 15, 2013 by geelw

With Sony getting ready for next week’s big worldwide reveal, their Japanese branch is doing a bit of nostalgic reminiscing on YouTube. Here’s part one of what’s looking to be a fun little series (those quick bits of Japanese PlayStation ads are hilarious and make me wish Sony would devote a channel to the MANY awesome TV ads for PlayStation systems that have been shown there since 1994). Given the console’s huge impact on the gaming scene, I’m hoping we get to see this series show at some point on a Blu-Ray or online in full with additional focus on how the system hit North America in an equally spectacular manner (er, Polygon Man, the whole ENOS campaign and those silly Toshinden “Sofia Says” ads aside).

Thanks to dionisio for the Sofia ad!

Soul Sacrifice Update: More Aural Fixation (Or: There’s An Orchestra in Your Vita)…

Posted on February 15, 2013 by geelw

Here’s a tiny bit of Wataru Hokoyama’s stirring score for the upcoming (and eagerly anticipated) PS Vita action/RPG exclusive plus some interview time for your listening pleasure. Hey, we’re cultured around here despite the name of the site. Hang around here long enough and that’s me drinking a cold beer with my pinky out in the corner. Anyway, Soul Sacrifice will be out soon, so keep an eyeball peeled for it. Of course, if you’re REALLY cultured, you’d have someone peel your eyeball for you, painful as it may be – it’s the classy way to do things…

BioShock Infinite Columbia/Icarus Trailer 2: The Mystery Deepens (With Candy!)

Posted on February 15, 2013 by geelw

Who says Irrational Games doesn’t love you? You get a Valentine’s Day card (belatedly, as I just got around to checking my other inbox, oops!) with your new Columbia video! Anyway, BioShock Infinite is hopefully going to be one of those games where the long dev cycle and loads of pre-release hype make it worth the wait. Hmmm. in looking at that card again closely, I’m not sure I’d want to eat any of those chocolates, especially if they had squishy liquid centers. If Elizabeth has found a way to miniaturize the game’s deadly enemies and dip them in yummy milk chocolate, That might not be a cherry cordial you’re chomping… Ewww..

Well, ladies first, I say…

System Shock 2 (Finally) Available on GOG.com. You SHOULD Buy It. Now.

Posted on February 15, 2013 by geelw

Well, provided you own a PC and not a Mac that is, as the game is only compatible with Windows XP, 7 and 8. Anyway, this one’s a true classic, it’s frequently scary as hell and has some fine writing to boot. I still have my original disc version in the collection, but it’s a hell of a pain in the neck to get running from the discs, so this one’s a no brainer purchase. grab this while it’s on sale for ten bucks, turn out the lights and get ready to immerse yourself into one of the best games you’ll ever play, period.

Urban Trial Freestyle Trailer: Trials of A Man on The Iron Horse…

Posted on February 15, 2013 by geelw

Now available on PSN for the PS3 and Vita, this slick-looking moto game from Tate Multimedia might LOOK verrrry similar to Red Lynx’ worldwide hit, but the gameplay shakes things up a chunk by making stunts a huge part of the fun. I’ll have a review up sometime next week, as I’m just getting around to downloading my copy and there’s an embargo until the 19th. OK, I’m off to check my insurance and go grab a helmet and pads. I’m not as spry as I used to be, so I’m taking extra precautions!

Nintendo Direct 2.14.2013: A Whole Lotta Love Coming Your Way…

Posted on February 15, 2013 by geelw

If you don’t get a little thrilled and amused from these Nintendo Direct videos (who can resist Mr. Iwata and his smile, dashing green cap and freshly pressed suit?), you have no heart. Well, maybe you still need some convincing that the company’s direction (they tend to follow their own path rather than go with the flow) is sound and solid. Yes, they’ve had some bumps in the past few years, but their fan base is loyal, broad and by every metric I’ve seen, growing. Some things will take time (Wii U sales are OK, but not Hollywood blockbuster weekend huge), but the company knows that seeds don’t NEED to all sprout and bloom at the same time. Anyway, sit and have a look – then go cuddle up with your 3DS, Wii or Wii U knowing they’re getting a whole lotta first and third-party love (and more to come)…

Star Trek: The Video Game – Making The Game (Part 1): “Deflectors Full Intensity!”

Posted on February 15, 2013 by geelw

Here’s the first of a few video peeks at the making of Digital Extremes’ upcoming Star Trek game, which is looking pretty cool. Three years of hard work just might pay off for action gamers as well as Star Trek fans who don’t mind a lot more action than sitting around discussing plot points while a star field zips by in the background. Of course, if this does well, it would e nice to see a deeper more RPG-like experience in the Mass Effect vein. Then again, Bioware’s hit series was in part inspired by the Trek franchise, so it would be a case of taking the crown and passing it around the galaxy for a bit, I say…

Sniper Elite: Nazi Zombie Army: February 28 Is Now D-Day For The Undead…

Posted on February 15, 2013 by geelw

Three words used together that will either make you laugh like a lunatic, run screaming for the hills (or dive under the couch) or let out an “Oh Yeah!” are Nazi Zombie Army and it seems that developer Rebellion has not only figured this out, they’ve cooked up a new standalone co-op themed Sniper Elite V2 expansion for PC that’s coming out at the end of the month. I like the story idea the guys thought up, as tossing together four soldiers from a few sides of the conflict who’d probably be trying to kill each other and having them work together after things get a wee bit too supernatural thanks to a certain infamous would be great dictator and his final push to win the war in Europe.

Check out the rather gory trailer if you dare here, boogie on over to Steam to pre-order it for $14.99 and if you’re a PS3, 360 or Wii U owner, hope this comes out on consoles at some point at a similar budget price point. Yeah, it’s not for everyone, but i can’t think of too many folks who actually like Nazis or Zombies, especially in armies coming at you with intent to chomp on your brains. Don’t blame those bath salts, either…