Gallery: Xbox Library (US)

Here you go, minus about 80 or games I sold off to make room, so some key titles are gone (but most of them are dirt cheap if I ever want to repurchase them at some point). It still amazes me that a lot of what’s here wasn’t made backward compatible with the 360, but that’s why I have a few original Xboxes around here for. Like any marriage, you have to take the good with the bad, so yup, i have a bunch of not so hot games. For me, everything is worth playing once, as playing bad games can help one understand what shouldn’t go into better ones. That and you can often find likable aspects of almost any game if you look hard enough.

Gallery: Xbox/Xbox 360 Demo Library

I’m missing a few Official Xbox Magazine demo discs as you can see, but overall, I’m happy with what’s here. Actually, I have disc 31 in a slim case buried in a stack of games here (and possibly a few other demo discs), and disc 2 was supposed to come with the second issue a few years back. However, all I got after I subscribed was the mag itself and NO disc (grrr). As for the later discs I’m missing. I’ll dig those up at some point, as I see small to medium size lots floating around a few places for cheap. I actually want more single game demo discs as well as kiosk discs, as I know there are a bunch out there I don’t have yet. One day, one day…

Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City Has A Versus Mode, After All…

A-ha… So that’s what Slant Six Games has been up to. I was wondering what else they had planned for multiplayer in REORC, and well, here you go. I normally don’t go for the usual running around and shooting each other in the face MP modes, but I like the heroes vs villains vibe here. Of course, this will be one of those games where the hardcore RE fans go at it in teams to see which of their favorite characters is the best. Sort of like Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, but with more a lot more guns, zombies and room to run around in, ha ha.

Syndicate Trailer Twofer: Agent Tech/Agent Tools

Two more excellent trailers from Starbreeze’s upcoming reboot of the PC classic, set for a February 21, 2012 release on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. I actually broke out the 3DO version earlier this week for a bit of nostalgia and as noted in my preview, both the old and new game feel like very close relatives, but from a different perspective. I kind of like the whole not worrying much about how the game plays part and hope some of the more stubborn folks out there decide to PLAY this rather than criticize the game unfairly because it’s not the same genre (when in fact, it slyly IS)…

A BioShock Infinite Twofer: More on Characters + VGA Trailer

One of 2012’s most anticipated games is BioShock Infinite and it’s clear that Irrational Games has an(other)instant classic on its hands. Here’s a pair of videos to fill you in on a few things you need to know about the game’s characters (courtesy of the two actors in the lead roles) and another fine game footage trailer, this one from the Spike VGA show last weekend. Enjoy!

DiRT Showdown: Codemasters Takes Demolition Derby To Smashing New Heights…

Lovely – there hasn’t been a REALLY good demolition derby game in years on a console, so I’m glad to see Codemasters take on the sport while adding the DiRT license and EGO engine-powered visuals to the mix. This one’s on my radar for sure and I’m hoping it also includes some regular rally stuff just for us fans of the Colin Mac Rae games. We shall see, but even if it doesn’t, it should be a hit amongst racing fans who want a bit more crashing in their driving games without feeling guilty about crunching up a ride or three…

 

Rainbow 6 Patriots Trailer Is Disturbing Stuff (But UbiSoft Is Intentionally Going For That Vibe)

While I’m not the biggest fan of the Tom Clancy games, UbiSoft’s upcoming Rainbow 6 Patriots managed to get my eyebrow up (and interest piqued) a bit higher than it normally goes. The whole idea of a game revolving around home-grown terrorists taking on the government as well as the big banks is intriguingly innovative, yet is also clearly going to ruffle some feathers amongst a few non-gaming TV talking heads. who often turn to games as a sign of all things evil when they need a quick ratings rush. This should be  especially true once they get wind of the game not being made here in the U.S. of A. at all. Continue reading

Review: Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3

Platform: Xbox 360 (also on PlayStation 3)

Developer: Capcom

Publisher: Capcom

# of Players 1 – 2 (Online 2 –  Eight)

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Official Site

Score: A-

Featuring a dozen new characters, eight new stages and  a number of excellent balancing fixes, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 makes one of the year’s best fighters even better. Capcom’s creatively insane development team has pulled out all the stops here and yes, this one’s a must-buy even if you’ve already sunk time into mastering the original. Although this super-enhanced update is as good as it gets, the exclusion of he original’s DLC characters is a tiny bit of a cheap move that may disappoint some hardcore players. That and a few other missing features that would have made this deal even better keep the game from a perfect score. However, warts aside, there’s more than enough here for fighting fanatics of any skill level to get their thrills in offline or online play. Continue reading

Review: Dark Souls

Platform: PlayStation 3 (also on Xbox 360)

Developer: From Software

Publisher: Namco Bandai

# of Players: 1 (Online: 1 – 4)

ESRB Rating: M (Mature)

Official Site

Score: A (90%)

If Dark Souls doesn’t scare you silly at some point, you’re either fearless, slightly to moderately insane or so jaded that nothing can faze you. Like 2009’s PS3 smash sleeper, Demon Souls, what’s here is a purely terrifying blend of old school difficulty and current gen tech that’s beautiful yet brutal and definitely not for those looking for an easy ride. From Software has created one of the most compelling game experiences to date (and if you’ve been a fan of the developer as long as I have, you could see this coming) that’s an absolute essential for any gamer willing to take the plunge. While the lengthy solo campaign is superb, it’s in the innovative online mode where many will see the game’s full range. That said, the dev team has wisely made sure that folks who can’t play online can still complete the game. It’ll just be a bit harder at times thanks to the punishing difficulty and intentionally vague storytelling that requires a bit of thought (and a lot more exploration and combat) to fully comprehend. Continue reading

Rayman Origins “10 Ways To Win” Helps A Lot (But You STILL Need To Buy The Game First!)

UbiSoft wants to assist in any way they can, so here you go. From what I played, the game is gorgeous, laugh out loud funny and at times, hard as hell in a joyous old-school manner. Pinpoint platforming, multiplayer action, tons of levels and ridiculous replay value are all here on the game disc, so what are you waiting for? If you say “Um, a few hints on how to win the game?” You get a tin cup and some dark glasses, kid. Now get off my lawn…