Ridge Racer Unbounded Launch & Environment Trailers: Bugbear’s Worked It Hard So You Can, Too!

Posted on March 31, 2012 by geelw

Looking super sharp and like a ton of fun in these videos, Namco Bandai’s not quite reboot but re-versioning of its classic arcade racing game should be in stores (and hopefully, in your hot little hands) as you read this. Will Bugbear’s expertise at racing games where stuff wrecks up quite well be accepted by the masses, or will even the awesome-looking City Editor fail to capture the attention of the jaded RR maniacs who ONLY want ONE type of game in their libraries? Suspense!

(But I’m guessing the former will win out amongst those with half a head full of common sense)…

Review: Ninja Gaiden 3

Posted on March 31, 2012 by geelw

Platform: PlayStation 3 (also on Xbox 360)

Developer: Team Ninja

Publisher: Tecmo Koei

# of Players 1 (Online 2 – 8)

ESRB Rating: M (Mature)

Official Site

Score: C+ (75%)

Team Ninja set itself up with quite a paradox-shaped pickle when they set about designing Ninja Gaiden 3. The particular problem plaguing them? How to make a game for new casual players (and those who hated the supreme challenge of the older Ninja Gaiden games) and while pleasing the more hardcore fans of the franchise (some from the arcade and NES days) who wanted something brutally difficult that took a great deal of effort to master. Now, some of those more loyal hardcore Ryu Hayabusa fans would simply say “screw the noobs!” or something far less print-friendly. However, these days it’s getting much harder to sell some “core” games so far within a niche and make a decent profit. Yes, that’s pretty awful if you think about it, but broadening the base has worked well for certain other franchises and genres, right?

Continue reading →

Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes Cover Art (What, No PSP Version?!)

Posted on March 30, 2012 by geelw

And a nice trailer for good measure (in case you haven’t seen it yet). I’m liking this sequel a lot based on the stuff I’ve seen and heard because it has actual voice acting and what’s looking like a pretty cool story. Of course, that it doesn’t look bad at all helps out quite a bit. Traveler’s Tales Is doing what looks to be its most polished work for current gen platforms, but the game is also hitting nearly every other platform (except the PSP). So, if you’ve got something to play games on that’s not a phone or tablet, you’re DEFINITELY covered.

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron Gameplay Videos: Full Metal Everything (And Then Some)…

Posted on March 29, 2012 by geelw

While Transformers games have been hit or miss with the ones based outside the films being superior to the ones tied directly to them, it’s pretty clear that Fall of Cybertron will be the all-out killer app fans have been dreaming of (unless they’re still in cheesy 80’s Transformers mode, then they just need a cookie and a nap). High Moon is doing some pretty impressive work as you can see here and below, and with a Fall 2012 release creeping up, I’d say there’s not all that much to be worried about unless the game somehow misses its ship date and drops into 2013 (which shouldn’t happen, right Activision?). Back with more later…

“Back” In The Swing Of Things, Thanks To A Few Upcoming Games…

Posted on March 29, 2012 by geelw

(mild ouch): Well, I’m up for about an hour already and my back is a bit better (whee!). Going out to see a new game (in this case Sniper Elite V2) always helps ease the pain when it strikes. I’d also forgotten that Xenoblade Chronicles ships out next week for the Wii, so I ended up putting in a pre-order just now, Thank goodness I came into a little money out of the blue (Whee!), so at least one of the last important Wii titles will be winging my way shortly… OK, enough gloating and preening (moderate ouch!), off to be productive. Back in a bit, ladies and gents…

Capcom Digital Collection In Stores Now (Grab It If You Don’t Have An Xbox Live Account)

Posted on March 28, 2012 by geelw

Eight great Capcom games from classics reworked for HD to XBLA-only titles that are worth a spin all for 39.99? Not a bad deal if you’re new to them and want to have something handy for that next game party or for when friends drop in and you want to keep them busy while you’re cooking them dinner. What, you can’t cook at all (except for maybe just being able to boil water for tea)? Well, er… it’ll give you all something to do while you’re waiting for that takeout meal to arrive. I say learn to cook, though – it’s FAR cheaper (you’ll have MORE money for games) and can impress almost anyone who thinks you’re not fully domesticated. I can’t help you out with any messy closet advice, though, as I’m still taking that class…

Asura’s Wrath DLC Packs Quite The Punch (And Needs To Be Put On A Disc)…

Posted on March 27, 2012 by geelw

Wow, It really stinks to be an Asura’s Wrath fan without a decent online connection, that’s for sure. Capcom has launched the first of a few killer add-ons for CyberConnect 2’s manly muscle-bound masterpiece that in the coming weeks will include some pretty amazing content. Starting today over PSN (and tomorrow over Xbox Live), “Episode 11.5” launches, followed next week (April 3) by “Episode 15.5” hitting PSN and XBL. Each episode will sell for 1.99 over PSN or 160 MS Points over Xbox Live. April 24 hits even harder with a four-episode content pack for 6.99 (560 MS Points) and finally, May will be the big killer month for many AW fans. Why? Capcom plans to pit Asura up against two of Street Fighter’s legendary combatants, Ryu (May 9) and Akuma (May 16). Each content pack will be 1.99 over PSN and 160 MS Points through Xbox Live.

Hey, Capcom! I’d actually pay a little extra for a expansion disc with ALL that content and I’d bet a lot of others would too. Think about it.

You Won’t Need A Sweet Tooth To Ride The Lollipop Chainsaw Schoolbus…

Posted on March 27, 2012 by geelw

Wait, that sounds kind of perverted in a way, but whatever. I’m just thrilled that I finally get to see and play the game next week, as it’s coming to NYC with a few other WBIE-published titles I’ve been really looking forward to. I’ll post impressions of everything once any embargoes are lifted, so pop back in from time to time (or just watch your email if you’re a subscriber) and see what’s what with Juliet. I don’t think that magic school bus in the video will be along for the tour, but if it is, I’ll snap a few pics and post them here. Maybe I’ll even throw myself under that bus (while it’s not moving, thank you much) for added oomph…

Capcom Fans Go Mad For Asura’s Wrath (But Not Quite Like You’d Expect)

Posted on March 24, 2012 by geelw

Always vigilant, Capcom (through its Capcom Unity blog), does its part in keeping some gamers off their usual slippery soapboxes griping about stuff by asking them to submit a rage-filled video clip to YouTube to support Asura’s Wrath (go buy it, it’s awesome stuff and original as hell in terms of a few things). Here are the best of the best (and some others you’ll want to check out. Enter the Rage Cage, sit back and prepare to laugh (hopefully you have some earplugs handy and don’t mind screaming)…

Disney Epic Mickey 2 Is Multiplatform. Now Everyone With A Console Can See How Much Fun They Missed…

Posted on March 24, 2012 by geelw

Yes, the original Wii game had it’s quirks, but it was also a breath of fresh air for the “mascot” platformer thanks to Warren Spector’s guidance and Junction Point’s solid programming. Of course, Peter David’s wonderfully dark script and James Dooley’s stellar music score helped as well. Anyway, I’m happy that PS3 and Xbox 360 owners will get to see the sequel (my own Move and Navigation Controller are shaking the dust off of each other and smiling crazily), but I wonder how those HD versions will address the first game/ Hopefully, we’ll see some sort of special prologue or perhaps a brief playable segment that highlights what went before. Below is a super-short Spike TV segment with Spector kicking his new baby off. I can’t wait to see this sequel in HD…