This former big deal Wii U exclusive getting delayed from launch window status to September 3 just so it could be ported to other platforms as an equally big deal release (and all launched simultaneously) seems to be well worth the wait, although it also seems that Nintendo’s console is the best way to play this one based on what I’ve heard from a few folks. Nevertheless, the combination of outstanding visuals, breakneck pacing and an amazingly wacky and varied soundtrack make this one a must buy for anyone into “old school” gaming bliss. I hear the game is also pretty challenging if you have terrible reflexes, but that’s par for the course with games such as this. Well, that’s another one for the library once I get around to getting it. That Wii U library is slowly getting better, folks…
Hmmm. I knew some of the critics would be harsh of Suda 51’s new game, but yeesh. When did a bunch of juvenile puritanical prudes get in the entertainment reviewing business? Granted, I’ve only read an industry site post that had a few links to other reviews and some quotes that ranged from complimentary to downright baffling, but still. Between the hand-wringing about the game’s overuse of sexual themes (as if one needs to defend a work of OBVIOUS fiction and offbeat fantasy from a creator well known for his bizarre games) and this latest trend for critics to take on the mantle of defender of feminism or whatever whenever there’s a side-boob in a game, I’m getting tired of hearing the latest paid persecution of a game creator by some who should just quit writing and maybe go join an abbey or convent.
Hey, Xseed! I know I didn’t request a review copy, but that doesn’t mean I’m NOT interested in this game. I’ll buy this one shortly and whip out a non-biased opinion for you guys. Yes, I’ll poke it in the eye for stuff it gets wrong on a technical front, but as for the content? Hell, Suda and developer grasshopper manufacture together on a game mean you’re getting WEIRD and FUN as well as something NOT for the kiddies who don’t “get” it that’s going to go over the heads of those who play and trade or play and don’t respect because they know no better. Damn kids (and overly skittish adults)…
I’m still working through a ton of stuff here (as in among other things, I’ve piles of old artwork stacked or spread out on nearly every flat surface in the home office), but I’ll need to grab a copy of Lost Planet 3 to play through soon. I haven’t read any reviews (which is helpful when you’re going to write one yourself eventually, in case you hadn’t guessed), but someone sent me an email with two links I didn’t read and noted that one was positive and the other not so positive, which is what I expected from the usual suspects out there in review-land. I liked what I played on the two occasions I got some hands on time, so I know I’ll enjoy the final version warts and all. I’m more of a story guy than a back of the box bullet point person, so I’m in this for the whole package, not just seeing if the game is as good as other games released this year or whenever.
Yes, it’s a few more Grand Theft Auto V screens below and below the jump, info on the game’s Special and Collectors Edition extras some of you Standard Edition buyers will want to shake your fists at before canceling your old pre-order to upgrade to either the Special or CE version for all the goodies they’ll has. Or if you’re feeling particularly self-generous (or are naturally that way) you can just buy all THREE versions of the game and make Rockstar even happier, right? RIGHT?
With Capcom and Spark Unlimited’s PS3, Xbox 360 and PC sci-fi action game Lost Planet 3 finally headed into stores August 27 here in the US (August 30 in Europe and Australia), I had the great opportunity to shoot a few questions over to WIlliam “Bill” Watterson, voice and motion capture actor for lead character Jim Payton (who by the way isn’t related to THAT Bill Watterson, which is why he’s called William here). You can probably call him Bill if you run into him in person (just don’t ask him to draw you a picture of Calvin or Hobbes).
Anyway, below the jump he discusses voice acting (with a few tips for you thespians out there), music, LP3’s western influences, booze and how to get social with the man himself in a few places online…
Airtight Games and Square Enix are going to be dipping a toe into the supernatural with the upcoming PS3 and Xbox 360 game, Murdered: Soul Suspect, set for a 2014 release. If you’ve been around the gaming block a bit, this one looks like a cross between L.A. Noire, Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective and a couple of cool PC adventure games from way back when. I like that the video plays like a little hint book of sorts and there will be more to come that will no doubt aid games who snap this up in uncovering a few important clues as they go through the game. Of course, I tend to avoid spoilers and tips before or while I’m playing, so I’m probably only going to watch each of the rest of these trailers once and hope my short term memory gives out like I’m starring in Memento II or something. Er, pretend I didn’t type that – I can see some lousy straight to video sequel popping up in what, two weeks from now…
Every time I see more of this game, I have to run to the nearest closet, get a hat, put it on and tip it in the general direction of developer MercurySteam’s offices. These guys and gals are knocking it out of the park and onto another planet with this sequel to the first LoS and February 2014 can’t come soon enough. What’s all the more amazing is the game is looking so great on what’s considered “old” hardware by many, but that’s been the Spanish developers very strong point since their first game. As noted previously, this is their final chapter as far as their run on the Castlevania series goes, so anyone else taking over in the future will have a hell of an act to follow, that’s for sure. Of course, the diehard fans of the classic 2D Castlevanias who didn’t like any of the 3D games in the franchise are most likely going to miss out on this one as well, but I don’t think Konami needs their approval these days unless they have something more constructive to offer other than hating the LoS games for their success.
If you’re a big Dark Souls fan, you’d better pay very close attention to the game’s facebook page. Namco Bandai is going to be running an exclusive closed Beta for the PlayStation 3 version of the game over Sony’s PlayStation Network starting October 5, 2013 for players in North America and Europe. From the press release, it sure looks as if developer FromSoftware is going to be showing off an all-new area packed with death in every corner, but don’t take it from me – get a load of this snippet:
The depth of the DARK SOULS II Closed-Beta experience will truly test players’ skill, intestinal fortitude, and their sheer will to survive. The DARK SOULS II Closed-Beta will delve into one of the most treacherous areas of the DARK SOULS II world; players will not only get an opportunity to explore an entirely new area of the game, but also experience overwhelming enemy encounters, diabolical challenges, and the unrelenting difficultly that only the developers at FromSoftware can deliver.
Yeah, that sounds like a double-dog dare with a side of fries and cheese (the cheese coming from the game’s notoriously vicious and crafty enemy AI – trust me, it’s BRUTAL on the unprepared player!), so you know what to do if you accept that challenge (and you’ve survived being slapped upside the head with that metal gauntlet you just got served up fresh and hot). “Prepare to Suffer” needs to be the slogan for that Beta, I say…
As I noted yesterday, Microsoft also stormed Gamescom with a bunch of new titles, but I can’t even look at anything the company is doing with its Xbox One thanks to the seriously mixed messages they’ve been sending. Sure, that new console looks pretty awesome, but between the enforced evolution thing they wanted to dump onto their user base, then the backtracking and in between, insulting anyone who didn’t have the proper connection to be always online or didn’t want to use that new Kinect or maybe wanted to sell or lend the games they owned to anyone at any time (and so forth and so on), it’s been a nightmare they need to wake up from soon.
Sure, some of you out there have VERY short attention spans and tend to forgive anyone for even the most blankety blanket of minor apologies. But there’s been a nice swell of pissed off gamers kicking Microsoft around who have little interest in the system, which seems to be forcing the company to do some insane stuff like give Europe a free (digital) copy of the FIFA game while stiffing US buyers because we’re dumb enough to pay full price for Madden every year (well, I don’t anymore).
So, the abusive relationship will continue between Microsoft and its die-hard fans with some great games on the new system, less draconian mandates (for now… but they’re coming back bit by bit, mark my words) and All sorts of exclusive content. Hopefully, that new system will be a LOT less prone to dying randomly like the Xbox 360 (I went through FIVE, dammit!) and people aren’t griping about not being able to access some stuff because they don’t want to turn on that new Kinect and it’ll be mandatory for some games or services we’re not yet informed about. I’d have to say this is the FIRST time I’m not excited for a new console cycle since I started gaming back in 1972. I’ll probably pick up an Xbox One eventually… but I certainly won’t miss it this year at all…
Yup, I’ll be diving into these cartoon dungeons because… TRY AND STOP ME! I happen to like dungeon crawlers, comic or not, so this one will get a workout here at the home base. With the fine folks at WayForward Technologies on the case, it’s a guaranteed great time for fans of the show and tourists who happen to be passing by and own a PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U or 3DS. Hmmm… if I had to choose a platform, I’d have to go for the Wii U version just because that’s a system that needs more good games and yes indeed, I want to see what WayForward does with that GamePad (don’t disappoint me, guys!).
November 12, 2013 is the day, so mark those calendars. Wait a minute, now… FIRST, go take down LAST YEAR’S calendar, go to the nearest supermarket, barbershop or bank, get a NEW calendar and mark that one. Yeah, I know you forgot (again), but you need to be more on top of things!
"DESTROY ALL FANBOYS!" 