Makashi Stance

Fables of Amalur

2012-01-27T20:21:00.004-05:00

Ea's pushing a new RPG, and honestly it's totally innovative. Kingdoms of Amalur:Reckoning is a visually enthralling interesting verson of a game that's kinda already been done. I know almost evey game has already been done before, but for some reason, I couldn't shake the feeling that KoA was a reimagining of a game I've already played.

The demo is out right now for both PC and console, and if you've played it, you know that you are a reborn "choose your race" and the only success of an experiment that primarily focused on combating an immortal race. Fan fiction aside, The game feels like it could be an extension of a story in the WarCraft universe. Perhaps that's because everything (everything) is vivid, and perhaps it's because of the large armor, dwarfs, and elves.

It's not bad to be honest, and copying a successful source is sometimes a good start.

The game also goes into an large "open" world that allows you to explore and quest. Penny arcade seems to draw a parallel between Amalur and Skyrim, but I think comparing the combat and exploration to Dragon Age 2 is far more accurate.

Similar to Dragon Age and Bioware levels in general, you can expect a fairly straight-forward level design, and your map will show you the road through. Don't expect alot of branching paths so far, from what I played it fairly linear. Now linear isn't always bad, but it definitely limits replay.

Secondly, Combat is fun and frustrating at the same time. Now yeah Dragon Age 2 had a similar real time combat, but here Amalur really felt like it was inspired by the Fable Series. We don't have Peter Molyneux hyping a concept that never reaches execution, but you do have a fairly fun action based combat with an interesting class based system. You'll need to pay attention, but there is the occasional (if by occasional I mean regular) desire to pull the camera back just a bit to see my other attackers.

Both Fable and Amalur suffer from that last sentence. I did however find that in playing the demo I was fairly able to get my block timing (which has a difference between blocking and timed blocking) and that helped when being attacked by groups.

The model for the world were pretty. That much I can say, and while the armor seemed to be fairly bulky all around, when you have Todd McFarlane involved, it's just something you expect.

Get More: GameTrailers.com,

If nothing else, it's worth it to jump into the demo since you get armor unlocked in Mass Effect 3, and even a weapon unlock if you play completely through the demo.

Shooting it out

2012-01-14T09:44:00.005-05:00

One of the things I missed reviewing last year was Battlefield 3. Another was Modern Warfare 3. I've played and had time to think about them both and there are some places were they are great an some where there is some serious work needed.

Starting with the former, let me tell you this. The people you play Battlefield with (your squadmates and or friends) will make or break your experience. Unlike Call of Duty, there is no way around it, you really need a squad in BF, to the point that the game will even put you in one, and if you don't play well with others, or the others are particularly dumb players, expect a frustrating time.

The inverse is the experience I had in Modern Warfare. I often found I had more fun playing the single player or special ops mode of Modern Warfare and playing that either solo or with just 1 friend (there really should be another option for spec ops, but yeah they limit you to 2 player co-op). I'm not going to say it's not possibly related to my general inability to have fun in multiplayer of Cod though, but the inclusion of bots made the game and it's predecessor much more fun.

Both games have a co-op, no deathmatch inspired mode, but here Modern Warfare really pulls ahead, because it allows you to play that content alone, not forcing you to either play with friends or randoms like in BF. Well that's mostly true. There are a few missions that require 2 players in Cod's spec ops, but there are enough that don't to make up for it. Unlike Battlefield, which seems to be trying to tell you a parallel narrative of the main story through the co-op missions. The problem is, all the BF missions aren't fun, only a few of them, and you have to play through all of the them multiple times to unlock the guns for multiplayer. It's not mandatory to complete, but if you're a completionist, or you want some different guns, then you'll take a stab at it.

Ultimately, you can only compare the two games on the things they try to do. It's easy to say BF3 is the better game, but then if Cod had BF3 sales Cod might be canceled. They're for 2 different audiences and there is some blend, but in my opinion, BF3 needs to stop trying to be COD in so many ways and give more content.

There's a tirade I usually go on, about the lack of consistent BF content updates (maps, weapons, etc), and I don't think Dice or EA are about to change anything about it.

Now I brought all this up for 2 reasons.

1) To get it out of my system
2) To mention Planetside 2 coming out later this year.

Now Planetside is one of the best ideas for a FPS I've ever played. It goes past just deathmatch and basic objective to through you into a persistent world of guns and objectives. Planetside, also happens to be about a decade old, and it's successor Planetside 2 is shaping up to evolve the game in interesting ways.

In case you were wondering, of course I have a video about it. This one is a bit older, but it definitely explains what to expect from the upcoming free to play shooter.

Yep, Free to Play. You can register now for the beta at Planetside2.com.

A New Day

2012-01-03T22:07:00.004-05:00

It's been a while since I posted and quite a few things have changed.

First, and perhaps most permanent, Galaxies has sunset.

I won't kid you, if you've ever been apart of a MMO for a while and watched it close, then you know that it's not something you easily move on from. Perhaps it' the time investment, or the community, but either way, it's a part of you retiring with the game. I hadn't been an active member of the Galaxies community for over a year, and had missed alot of the really groundbreaking additions like atmospheric flight (I know right) and the really cool GCW, but I did re-up and was there to watch my screen log me out for the final time.

Now i want to break the .tre files and get the music. There will never be anything like the login server music for me, and while the game is gone, it's long from forgotten.

Secondly, having been away from the posting game for half a year, I've decided to move to a less rigorous schedule. You can expect new posts once and week, hopefully every Tuesday before last call. That's right, I'm calling it a new 52, and I'm hoping to have more substantive content than before, or at least more of me talking about gaming and gaming culture.

Yes, there will still be videos, and I may even comment on them!

Thirdly, in case you were wondering, I also am playing The Old Republic. My wife-to-be got a fantastic idea and gave me the Collectors Edition for Christmas (Merry belayed Christmas, btw), and while I couldn't bring myself to play as either a jedi or a sith, I can say I am thoroughly enjoying the Commando story.

(Side note: the jedi and sith from Bioware tend to be waay to petty for my likings however the trooper and bounty hunter decisions (which will be my first 2 storylines) are also totally inspired by Karen Traviss' work.)

It must be said again, that while I can see they have some MMO design, and I hear from some long term WOW players that it is a very similar game, The Old Republic can definitely be played as a Single Player RPG. Weirdly enough, I'm not finding a lot of weird names like you would in most MMO's, though playing on a medium population server might be affecting that as well.

Just for fun and old times, here's a nice overview trailer.

I think that weird fact alone would make the game seem unappealing to non RPG fans, but once you start playing you'll see how this is going to go. The fairly intuitive light/dark decision meter is back, and you'll be saving puppies and finding immigrants all over the galaxy like you did in KOTOR. Also there will be alot of lore to catch up on if you missed Bioware's first run in the Star Wars universe with Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR), from which this is a definite sequel.

There are/were a ton of games that I missed saying anything about from Batman to Saints Row and all the Battlefields in between and a lot of upcoming games that I will want to talk about so please check back in weekly, and in the downtime feel free to check out the FirstWorld comic from a friend of mine at www.tangent1985.com

A new lineage

2011-07-11T23:08:00.002-04:00

There is alot of opinion about Bioware's Dragon Age 2, but of all things, they have always fleshed out the Dragon Age series with it's DLC, and this one is looking to be no different.

Tags: GameTrailers.com, Dragon Age II - Legacy Trailer, PC Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Happy Independence Day

2011-07-04T20:23:00.003-04:00

A big thanks to all our troops, and here's hoping you and yours have a happy Independence Day!

This is why it rules!

2011-07-01T20:33:00.003-04:00

The summer Steam sale is in full swing, and by that I mean offering really great deals on games you probably recently wanted, or at least thought about wanting at a discounted price. Take Shogun 2 for example. Feudal Japan, strategy, new release, all at $29.99, which is 40% off it's regular $49.99. Great buy for a game that just launched like 2 months ago, and has a 90 metacritic average.

I bring these deals up for a reason. Valve is a game company, well really, they're an online retailer that also makes great games. But they provide a service and an incentive. They bring the prices down if you wait, and continue to offer a variety of games throughout the year with their daily and weekend deals.

Vastly worth it.

Plus they add in an online always downloadable library and cloud storage, and the ability to manage and play along with friends easily, as well as direct voicechat.

Origins lets us download EA games, and there's really only one thing about it that bothers me and this is from the Origins FAQ:

Q: Will my game download ever expire?
A: Digital download rights remain available for at least one year after purchase. Origin typically doesn’t retire games, and we’ve only retired around 10 of the 150 games we sell, and these have generally been because of the expiration of licensing rights. If you come across an issue, simply contact Origin Help and we'll reconfigure things for you.

Other than that, it seems like it a perfectly valid service, but not something I'm going to leave Steam over, especially with Team Fortress 2 being free to play.

The longest goodbye

2011-06-29T23:45:00.002-04:00

I don't know why, but I couldn't imagine Galaxies actually closing. Even though I hadn't played on for about a year, it just felt like something that would be around for a while. I imagine I just convinced myself of that. I will miss alot of things about that constant in my life, but I'll always have the player made video to remember fondly.

That Island Heat

2011-06-24T10:24:00.002-04:00

Tropico is one of those series that's been around for a while, but you either know about it or you don't. I have the games in my library (thank you Steam sale), but I haven't gotten around to playing them, and I happen to like me some city sim. If this can take the place of what SimCity4 should have been for me, then it's already on the right path.

Tags: GameTrailers.com, E3 2011: Trailer, PC Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Dead Island

2011-06-23T13:27:00.002-04:00

Often we take games for granted, assuming they are only made for kids or are kid friendly. That's not the case, and parents should be involved in every aspect of the entertainment that is presented to the kids. I say that, because this trailer for Dead Island, is probably one of the best trailers for a game I've ever seen, and it is in no way kid appropriate, and if you are a parent, after watching this, I'm sure you understand their pain.

Great looking game.

Tags: GameTrailers.com, GDC 11: Cinematic Trailer, PC Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

For as much flak as the Prequel Trilogy gets

2011-06-21T10:44:00.002-04:00

It never really fails to amaze me hot much people hate the Prequel Trilogy in Star Wars. Episodes 1-3, for (in some cases good reason) are panned as the worst thing to come out, yet people love the content that is directly based on them. Take this trailer for TOR for example: Naboo looking interiors, Prequel Trilogy plot, clone trooper designs, tons of lightsabers, Qui-Gon looking jedi masters.

Not one thing in here looks to be influenced by the original 3 movies, unless you count space rocks, but even those look more like the Boba/Obi-Wan fight than the Han/Boba fight.

Who knows. It's a great trailer, and the game is all but confirmed to be exactly what I thought (single player MMO, which is fine for me), so I'll take my prequel trilogy influence and sit in the corner.

Tags: GameTrailers.com, E3 2011: Return of the Empire Trailer, PC Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Infinitely BioShock

2011-06-17T10:37:00.003-04:00

BioShock was a huge letdown to me. Maybe it was because it was a mediocre shooter/puzzler, and all the hype about it being an open world where your decisions affected the outcome really were more in concept than in execution. It had some great environments, and a solid concept setting, but it just didn't deliver for me, and I realize that I'm in the minority in that respect.

That's why I'm taking Bioshock:Infinite with a huge grain of salt. I didn't get Bioshock until it was like less that 20, so I couldn't be too outraged, and honestly, I may not get Infinite unless Steam does a great sale on it. Video's like this walkthrough, help setup the setting, but not the narrative and this game is vastly brighter and less gloomy than the original, which inspires me to be more interested.

Tags: GameTrailers.com, Factions at War, PC Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

What did we learn

2011-06-15T08:28:00.002-04:00

Tags: GameTrailers.com, E3 2011: Game Features Preview, PC Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

So this trailer for The Old Republic honestly puts the game in a decent light. If I'd never played an MMO before, I'd really want to play this, and would think it's the next greatest thing.

Perhaps it is, or perhaps I'm bitter, or biased. I can accept all these things.

My problem with TOR right now is that too many people are talking about it, and what they say isn't revolutionary. There's a video from E3 where one of the devs does a walkthrough on Tatooine. He shows speeders and some cool things, but there are some things in there that well, they concern me for a MMO. I'll link to it here in a bit, but focus on this.

The game allows you to make irreversible decisions. I'm for that, when I can make them. It's enticing and allows you to really bond with the character you've made because of those choices. I'm against it when they can be made by people in my part on my behalf because those people got a higher score on an invisible roll. See the difference. I'll mention that Bioware cleaned that up for me in the following trailer, where they explain that you will receive points based off yoru intentions despite the outcome of the decision. That might be cool, but it still puts me off on wanting to group (unless I know the party.

The game also allows you to have companion NPC's, which is fairly cool for those of us that want to solo (SOLO MMO is another post), but in his trailer, he has a hard time getting a group (at E3 no less). I combine that with the original design philosophy of waving at people is social, and the dancing from the video above, and I wonder, how much of the game is actual gameplay, and how much of it is watching people talk.

Ultimately I wonder how much of this game is going to be something they couldn't do when they made the NGE for Galaxies. I have alot of pent up frustration toward LucasArts for how things were implemented, and I'd hate to see Bioware do the same, but well, who knows at this point.

Tags: GameTrailers.com, E3 2011: Tatooine Walkthrough Featurette, PC Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Way2Fail: A Late to the Party Post

2011-06-13T19:26:00.003-04:00

I mention this, because well, it's a first for me. I installed Hitman:Codename 47 after getting it a while ago in a Steam Sale. Sure the game is from 2000, and it's a lotta bit rough, and PC exclusive but man.

That is the worst keyboard control setup ever. I'm not one to quit a game, but when WASD controls have S for moving forward and W for running, you know you're off to a bad start. I say that considering Half Life and many other games were out by then with the setup you wanted and layout that works for what you were going for.

I know, obviously,Hitman as a series has expanded and grown to not have such a shabby start, but I actually decided Codename 47, might be another game I don't finish (especially since I already started something else.

Mass Effect

2011-06-10T22:09:00.003-04:00

Let's get a few things straight. This is why you pay the entrance fee.

Tags: GameTrailers.com, E3 2011: The Invasion Begins Trailer (Stream), PC Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

I know a few people who have never been able to chug through ME1, and that's fair, because that game really didn't know what it wanted to be, but Mass Effect 2 fixed that, and the third is looking to tell you something you didn't know.

This is interactive storytelling at its finest.

Hit this

2011-06-08T22:25:00.004-04:00

The Hitman series has been hugely successful, even spawning a moderate movie. For a franchise with only about 3 games, that's pretty big deal, and now we're receiving a new trailer for the upcoming game Hitman:Absolution. I must admit, I haven't played any of the previous games yet, though I do own them, and I'm hoping for some solid stealth play here as well.

Tags: GameTrailers.com, E3 2011: Hot Shower Trailer, PC Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Game of the year contender

2011-06-06T21:27:00.004-04:00

Yeah, among other things, there is Battlefield 3, Modern Warfare 3, Mass Effect 3, Batman: Arkham City, etc, but really if you're an Assassin's Creed fan, then this trailer is putting Revelation on that list.

The great part is there's nothing in the trailer that isn't reflected in the preceding games, so expect some great story and new location, and mad fun by all. Now it's time to enjoy some E3!

Tags: GameTrailers.com, E3 2011: Trailer (Stream), PC Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

The biggest Row

2011-06-03T20:44:00.001-04:00

Saints Row 3 is looking to take what GTA started and amp it. Saints Row 2 was a really fun game, and yeah this is a trailer, but it's following the GTA/Saints formula of start with gangsta and make it extreme.

Check it out!

Tags: GameTrailers.com, E3 2011: Debut Trailer, PC Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

I care out this for Bioware

2011-06-01T09:25:00.003-04:00

For me, it's been a slightly disappointing year for MMO's. I'm not playing Rift and maybe I should be, but there have been an amazing amount of quality titles available this year, plus a backlog of previous games to finish. Which is part of why I'm finding myself not fully caring about The Old Republic. I've been a part of the Star Wars culture, went to SW Weekend this year, and played Galaxies for years (in addition to other SW games), but something about TOR doesn't feel fully realized, and I don't think it's just the art.

It's obvious Bioware is putting alot of time into the game, considering we don't know when it will be released, but equally obvious is that it's their first MMO, and voice acting alone won't save a game. I also am not a fan of the Clone Wars visual style, but no changing it now. But even with all of that, I must say the end of this video made me laugh. Sure it's alot of the same throughout, but something about that stab is hilarious.

Tags: GameTrailers.com, Trooper Character Progression Trailer, PC Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Revelations

2011-05-27T11:23:00.003-04:00

Assassins Creed got off to a bit of a Rocky start in the first game. It was beautiful and different, if a bit repetitive. AC2 cleaned that up and Ubisoft has continued to make each release better, which is why I'm definitely looking forward to the 4th game in the series this fall.

Tags: GameTrailers.com, The Fate of Ezio Teaser, PC Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

An interesting argument for PC Gaming

2011-05-25T23:26:00.002-04:00

There is always one thing that PC Gaming will have over console, and that's the ability to put out a free online game with multiplayer support. Realistically it should be something that consoles cold do easily, but you probably aren't going to see a developer making a title for free. Which is definitely why it's wierd when Ubisoft takes one of their big titles and makes a free online version.

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Online is a third person shooter set in the near future. First EA launched Battlefield Play4Free, now Ubisoft, considered the third big developer, is doing the same with this upcoming game. Beta should be opening soon, and for a game that being built to run on a range of systems and is free, it's not looking to bad.

Tags: GameTrailers.com, Debut Trailer, PC Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Either way, it's an offering more developers should invest in.

A Modern Choice

2011-05-24T11:53:00.002-04:00

There's a reason Modern Warfare and Battlefield can never really be directly compared. Mostly, it's because they aren't the same game, and EA would do well to remember that. Battlefield is about huge maps, teamwork and epic destruction, and Call of Duty is about playing an action movie, with all that entails. Don't believe me, check out the trailer.

Tags: GameTrailers.com, Debut Trailer, PC Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

How to Kill a Witcher!

2011-05-18T13:24:00.003-04:00

I've been playing the original game for a bit now, and while it is rough, I can see where it got it's accolades. The sequel, The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, is looking to pull a Mass Effect 2 and refine the entire experience while keeping the same story. The trailers definitely make it look that way. It's a totally PC only experience, so check you specs, and then go get it on Steam since it just

Tags: GameTrailers.com, How to Kill a Witcher Combat Trailer, PC Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

How much do we care?

2011-05-16T10:40:00.003-04:00

The following is interesting, because on one hand, I'm still a fan of the series, and I know I will end up getting the game, but on the other hand, it's up against some stiff competition, and the studio that made the excellently polished prequels isn't what it once was.

Also, why use the same marketing campaign? Who knows whats going on over there at Activision?

Tags: GameTrailers.com, American Soil Debut Teaser, PC Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

This

2011-05-13T14:17:00.002-04:00

I can't (and don't) hide my love for Nvidia cards. I've just not had a bad experience, and this card might be in my next machine (or my current one)

Tags: GameTrailers.com, GeForce GTX 560 Launch Trailer, PC Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

A bit of realism

2011-05-11T13:59:00.002-04:00

K, so Brink may not be living up to it's overall potential. I don't know, I haven't played it myself yet. But I can say that L.A. Noire is looking pretty good. Another real game, based on real life, and I wonder how long it takes before Rockstar adds Zombies?

Tags: GameTrailers.com, Launch Trailer, PC Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Brink (R)evolution Begins

2011-05-09T14:13:00.002-04:00

There s a certain beauty to Brink, and it's freeflowing gunplay that is attractive. That much is easy to see. Which is kinda surprising when you realize there are no female models. I suppose it could be due to something important, but honestly, when you have builds that range from slim to heavy (like they do), I can't figure out why you left girls out at all.

There is also that little thing about headshots not being insta-kills which of course is a design direction (grenades disorient, not kill as well), so everything about this title seems to be slightly off center, which is definitely interesting.

Pretty looking game coming out tomorrow though.

Tags: GameTrailers.com, Launch Trailer, PC Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

On the Brink of Release

2011-05-06T13:43:00.003-04:00

Lazy, perhaps, but this video covers all the details of the upcoming shooter Brink.

I'm torn on being excited about the game, because it looks fantastic, but it's definitely doing something that's been done. It's already being referred to as Team Floatress for it's TF2 similarities, but that isn't enough to sink a game alone. In fact, being smart enough to build off a current great game is a great starting point.

I think my main concern is how the story plays out, as well as how large and open the multiplayer is. The other concerns previously mentioned also applied to Homefront, and I can say that's a fantastic game for it's multiplayer. Here's hoping to a successful launch.

Tags: GameTrailers.com, Brink - Preview, PC Games, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Recommendations from the past

2011-05-04T14:01:00.003-04:00

There is a new batch of games coming out that you may have heard of. Everything from Duke Nukem Forever (maybe), to Deus Ex: Human Revolution, to Brink and Skyrim. There's really only one thing they have in common.

3 year old specs.

The market for building a computer is incredibly competitive and while hardware manufacturers are making sure to let you know how fast their product is, soft isn't fully keeping up. It happens like this quite often, and it's not a surprise. The recommended system requirements for most of the games I've mentioned are something along a Core 2 Duo processor, 1 GB of ram, and and Nvidia 8800. All products from a few years back.

Whether or not this is good news though is up to you. If you haven't rebuilt in a few years like me, then you can still game on, though not with retina blurring framerates. If you're in the market to rebuild, then you can easily knowing that the upcoming titles won't push your limits, and if you're in the opinion that most PC Game makers are just making PC ports of their console titles, then you're probably being justified.

Though it doesn't matter as long as they are good.

More important than games

2011-05-02T14:02:00.002-04:00

There are a few things more important to life than games. Food (barely), family, and real life acts of courage and heroism. It was officially announce that Osama Bin Laden is dead, and despite how you feel about a killing, it's a done deal.

The world is a better place without him, but the war against terror continues.

For all our brave soldiers, in every battlefield in the world, we salute you, and offer our thanks for your continued vigilance.

This

2011-04-29T10:46:00.001-04:00

Video Games | LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean | Dead Man's Chest Trailer

Making comparisons

2011-04-27T20:07:00.004-04:00

Originally I wanted to say something about the entry cost for PC gaming. I eventually will get to it, but something caught my eye.

EA is talking trash.

Again.

This time, they're boasting Star Wars:The Old Republic as taking down the World of Warcraft. It's one thing to be proud and sure of your product. It's another thing to make comparisons. Yeah, WoW has 12 million subscribers, and that's something to definitely go for monetarily, but why mention it. For some reason, EA (of all companies) is thinking it's an underdog this year, and calling out all the big titles they're going after.

Battlefield 3 will take down Call of Duty. Star Wars:TOR will beat WoW.

It's insane.

I think Battlefield 3 will be a great game. I hope it brings some team based objective fun to the genre, and I hope they learned to add some maps (something Bad Company 2 didn't learn soon enough). But EA made a direct shot at CoD with Medal of Honor (a series that used to be a top dog as well), and it was a bad shot. TOR's not looking much better.

Why, because they're losing focus on what they should be doing, which is making the best of their product. Say what you will about Black Ops, Treyarch packed that disc to the gils with content, and people love it. EA on the other hand some content that should have been unlocked on the disc, and never as a DLC, and while Vietnam is fun, 5 maps is weak, especially since you didn't add maps for all the original DLC type (which would have extended the offerings' value.

The biggest claim that The Old Republic has is voice acting and an immense storyline. I just can't get behind that as the solution for an MMO. Star Wars is a huge vehicle... for George Lucas, but it alone doesn't just jump into other media and make it great. Bioware is a great developer, but what's the endgame for ToR (this is their first MMO).

I'm sure someone has thought about all these things (I hope), but it sounds like the people who are talking to the media, have forgotten all the other things,

like gamers don't just play one game.

And the only game EA should be playing are mentioning is their own.

Shockingly, not that surprising

2011-04-25T19:10:00.002-04:00

Nintendo finally got around to announcing their upcoming console. While we don't have a name yet, we can expect to see (and play if you sign up) this new console at this years E3.

So why is this special? Well, it's that magical 5-6 year period for Nintendo, where they do their console upgrade dance, and well, how do you follow a chart topping 89 million units sold and a Guiness Book record?

I suppose we will find out here in the next year.

Look at my face

2011-04-22T17:36:00.002-04:00

There are apparently some real reasons why, L.A. Noire may never see a PC release, and I can deal with that since I own the other console. But this trailer describing the game's story shows you how far Rockstar has moved from some of the playful, ridiculous antics of GTA (that I love).

Video Games | L.A. Noire | Gameplay Series: Rising Through The Ranks

Portal 2, everything you need to know

2011-04-21T23:28:00.003-04:00

First, get it. Like everything Valve makes, it's worth the money. It's got great puzzles that will make you feel stupid for overthinking them and it's about 3 times as long as the first one.

Second. It's hilarious. While there is no flat out quotable (The cake is a lie) internet meme, that I can see from this one, the dialogue from everyone is hilarious and magnificent. This is why games are made, and definitely how games get better.

Third, pay attention. Apparently, this game is set 200 years after the first one, which is nice. It also explains the basic technology for the surface required for a portal, as well as tells you alot about Aperture Science. Half Life fans, should enjoy learning about Black Mesa's "rival".

Fourth, get it. Again, I can't tell you how worth it this is. Get it on the platform it was made for (PC), and buy it through Steam. Barring that, I would have to say get it on PS3, since you get a copy on Steam with the PS3 purchase, and you can play across platform with your PC friends, then if no other option exists get it for X360. But either way, get it.

Fifth, get a friend and play the co-op once you finish the main game. It's extends the fun of the single player!

SPOILER ALERT VIDEO: This video shows some a few of the first co-op levels. They aren't hard to figure out, but if you want to see them fresh, then don't watch this. Also, this is displaying PC/PS3 crossover play

Video Games | Portal 2 | PS3/PC Crossover Gameplay

After...

2011-04-18T16:52:00.002-04:00

Who am I kidding, you should have seen this by now, and if you haven't then you better have been playing the potato sack to unlock some Portal 2. Battlefield 3 is getting out early in front of CoD, and getting some great video in as a result. Here's the full Faullt Line trailer (not the bullet damage to in game objects.

Video Games | Battlefield 3 | The Complete Fault Line

If there's one thing Aperture Science know (p2)

2011-04-15T19:10:00.005-04:00

Fancy video's showing the puzzles?

Check!

Indie games released with vague references to upcoming title?

Check!

Fooling the public, by slipping vague reference containing indie games into plan to release the PC version of the title early?

Brilliant! and Check.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, the geniuses at Valve, the company that makes Steam, and the upcoming Portal 2 game, released a small bundle of games about 2 weeks ago. Steam is an online content delivery system. You purchase PC games from them, and in turn they are associated with your account and downloadable to your PC. And Steam offers great sales, especially if you keep an eye out.

So they make a game and market it (Portal 2), then they take other games they already sell (potato sack deal), and sell them at a reduced price. But they also tie in some vague hints and puzzles in the games. Then they subtly inform you that by playing those games, you can unlock Portal 2, (which can already be pre-loaded on your PC) early. Brilliant way to market their game, other peoples games and please fans.

And if we don't unlock it early, then it still comes out on Tuesday.

If you want to see how we're doing, then check out the update page. And of course, head to Steam, setup an account and get to gaming.

If there's one thing Aperture Science knows...

2011-04-13T23:37:00.001-04:00

Video Games | Portal 2 | Investment Opportunity: Boots

Pre-load your Pre-order now!

Looking like a good start

2011-04-10T22:33:00.002-04:00

Considering this is made entirely from the in-game engine, I'm really interested in RockStar's latest offering L.A.Noire. Remember that as you watch this, and then brush up on your observation skills.

Video Games | L.A. Noire | Official Trailer 3

Too good to pass up

2011-04-06T23:47:00.003-04:00

If you're a fan of Bioware games (and you should be), and you purchased a copy of Dragon Age 2 (and you should) then you qualify for a free ($0.00) copy of Mass Effect 2 for the PC from the Bioware site.

Yes, free. True it's a game you should already have, but in case you don't, then now you can get it for the low price of nothing, if you already bought another game you also should have.

I'm probably not selling this the best, but just head over to social.bioware.com/me2offer and enter the online pass for the Black Emporium DLC that comes with the new game.

Yep, that's right, you have to buy a new copy of Dragon Age 2.

Enjoy!

Comparing the two

2011-04-05T00:10:00.002-04:00

For some reason the console vs PC debate has flared itself again. I've found myself reading articles, mostly from PC sources, going on about how consoles are threatening the livelihood of PC gaming, and honestly it's all fluff.

There's a market for that

PC gaming is on a high nowadays, driven by digital sales mostly, with no refunds. Retailers like Steam, Direct to Drive and Games for Windows sell upcoming, current and older titles for the same cost as brick and mortar stores with no refund policy. Most PC magazines fail to mention that fact. For the determined game publisher, there is a ton of markets to get your games into paying customer's hands. Sure consoles, offer digital download, but honestly you can trade in console games in exchange for other console games. I don't know a place that takes a PC trade anymore.

There's a pirate for that

The one primary downfall however of most PC games, is their ability to easily be pirated by experienced PC users. Digital download is great for honest users, but you can look at the raoid theft of Crysis and see that when left to their own devices, there is a large amount of people who would rather steal a product than support a developer. If PC magazines want to be serious about the state of PC titles, then they also need to be serious about their support of anti-piracy and the development of effective DRM. Sure people can crack a PS3 now, but it's not as easy or common as stealing a PC game online. The easy of use for buying and trading a console title gives it a great benefit.

2 separate markets

Honestly, for most PC gamers it boils down to a past when console gaming and PC gaming were 2 different markets. Though that past was a mere half a decade ago, PC gamers cling to it like it was going to be forever. No one thought the day would come when consoles were powerful enough to play titles like PC games. No one except the developers that is.

The real "problem" is that top tier developers are making games for console first and PC second. People forget that consoles offer an form of stability, the console itself is more than likely identical to the next, or at least to the majority, and they can create a title for a specific hardware set. Unlike the PC market, which has to support as many configurations (of Windows alone) as you can think of, dual graphic, single core, quad core, min-max ram, OS bit type. All of these are variables that PC gamers will take to their forums and complain when they aren't included.

It's a shame that the more mature market doesn't want to honestly support it's maturity though. I can't say I've ever seen a console publication mention the PC market, unless the game was a PC port, let alone call for it's demise like PC gamers do.

Interactive Content (cont)

2011-04-01T19:31:00.002-04:00

Having finished one of the multiple possible endings to Heavy Rain, I understand it as a digital storytelling device. It's a good one, and best if you restrain the gamer to not being able to correct their mistakes. Like the best choose your own adventure, if you read through the choices you make and stick with them, then you will receive a unique experience.

But it's not perfect.

Heavy Rain needed the possibility of the killer to change based off your decisions (or collection of decisions). This would have given digital storytelling the one thing it needs more than immersion diversity.

To often, video games are compared to other media, movies, books, television. The direct comparison has video games crying they are distinct because of their immersion and interactivity, and that is true, but in the quest for an art piece, the developers forgot that (or decided) that they wanted to follow a book storyline, rather thin innovate at a core level. Yes a book has the same ending despite how many times you read it, and you accept that because you love the material, but that shouldn't be a universall truth with digital storytelling, or games at all.

Alot of this comes at a time where, I don't know what to think about L.A.Noire, Rockstars upcoming release. I support Rockstar, and am usually entertained by their offerings, but I game where I have to read peoples faces to tell if they are lying, better give me the ability to Batman them off a roof (read hang by the ankle), or at least to shoot someone I think is a threat.

Because for some reason, Heavy Rain didn't.

The beginning of Interactive content

2011-03-30T18:47:00.004-04:00

Call me crazy, but there seems to be a decent influx of "games" masquerading as intereactive content. Now no, I'm not adverse to this idea as a genre, but it does raise somer serious questions for me.

First, I'm doing my first playthrough on Heavy Rain, which really comes off more as an emotion simulator than overall thriller. Yes, I get that there is a killer, and that the story will unfold as the events playout and that the bad guy is always the same. So far it's good, but it's not perfect. I would imagine that for a suspenseful thriller that wants to be interactive storytelling, I would hope they would let me make the decisions I actually want to make.

For example, I'm to a point where I just received a mysterious box with a gun, and origami and a cell phone with a memory card that shows video of my kid. Honestly, my real life first thoughts were take this info to the cops to pull the security footage of the guy who placed the box where I got it. That seems like the best way to get my kid back right, not play the killers game. But I get it, it's a movie, or interactive story.

Which brings me to my point, if I can't diverge from your story path, and I have to have the experience you designed, then why are you trying to market yourself as anything different from the other games I play with the same restrictions. The fact that you are slower, and more nuanced don't change the core mechanics of what you are.

I say, that and it probably seems like I don't like the game. The opposite is true, I think the game is fantastic, but it makes me wonder why great games don't get the kind of support that "interactive storytellers" do.

It makes me wonder alot.

One of the games of the year

2011-03-28T22:31:00.002-04:00

It always surprises me when I meet people that haven't played Portal. Especially PC gamers, or ones that want to be. Despite how short the game was, it's just about perfect in execution, for both a puzzler and platformer. Of all the games to be released this year, I don'tthink anyone can not be excited about Valves newest offering.

Video Games | Portal 2 | The Importance of Trust Trailer

A fair comparison

2011-03-25T17:50:00.003-04:00

Basically what this video shows is that there isn't an ugly option for Crysis 2. The engine is incredibly scalable and will run on some pretty old hardware, so there's a resolution for everyone. It's also no real secret that this version was developed for console and ported to PC, which is opposite from it's PC only predecessor. Here's hoping a rumored DX11 patch to the PC game will be created to set the console and PC's apart.

Video Games Crysis 2 Graphics Comparison

There's always a Crysis

2011-03-23T18:39:00.002-04:00

Crysis, and Crysis Warhead were primarily known for their system crushing requirements for PC at the time. Even now they are still used for benchmarking machines, and were primarily built for the enthusiast market. They never made it to console.

Their newest sequel however is taking an entirely different turn though.

Crysis 2 is available for X360 and PS3 as well as PC. I mention PC last, because most likely, even though this game has a new Engine for system scalability, it was probably developed with consoles in mind. I mention that mostly for the single player story though, where unlike the original games, the size of the level and the freedom to approach a situation seem severly restricted.

Don't get me wrong, the tools are still at hand, and this time, you can even purchase upgrades on the suit throughout the game, but the levels themselves feel smaller and more confined than the open island terrain of the original two. Its like they built a world the first time and told you to go though it however you like, whereas this time, they show you a world with a path through it. A decent sized path, but ultimately a path that feels like everyone will have the same experience on.

Storywise, the game seems tighter, not veering from super suit vs soldier, to suit vs suit and finally to suit vs alien, this time you know the alien threat is there and coming, and your suit is the best tool you have. I don't know if they checked some concepts, but unless some explanations come up, it also feels like there are a couple of Delta Operators who should be helping out (the guys from the first games).

I can also point out that the game looks beautiful, and while I understand it is not taking advantage of the DX11, the engine scales very well to your hardware for fantastic performance. I've just using a Q6600 and an Nvidia GTS450, but I can run the game at 1920x with very high settings (the next setting up and highest is extreme). The popular Nvidia challenge for having a $600 machine that can run Crysis is almost a non thought here, since it seems Crytek made a huge effort to make sure it's as available to as many people as possible.

If you liked the first game, I can recommend this one. There's nothing quite as satisfying as sniping in the open when your cover is invisibility. It's like all the fun of being a predator without Arnold trying to kill you.

Home is where the War is

2011-03-21T21:11:00.002-04:00

So I just finished Homefront, and man is it short. Honestly, I walked away feeling like the game was a great TV show and a fairly moderate FPS experience. That's not to say that I didn't like it, I just miss the visceral shooting in F.E.A.R.

Some interesting comparisons took place in my mind while playing the game though. No one can claim the graphics look cutting edge, and honestly I don't mind that. The game looks (at least on PC) like a slightly better Half Life 2 Episode 2, which is a compliment. One thing I think Kaos was really smart in doing is releasing Homefront before Crysis 2 to avoid the comparison. Honestly, I can't think of another FPS that is being released here in the next few weeks, so Crysis 2 can crush some PC's and sell some video cards. The next thing even on my mind after Crysis 2 is Portal 2, and honestly that's for a totally different crowd/reason.

Homefront, however really attempts to draw you in early with the whole American invasion story and subrbia feel. For me, it works for the environment (as I hated seeing the places trashed), but not for the people. Primarily your teammates are there to point out targets, and stop you from going forward, since you can't go out of order (read, the game physically makes you pick up the rear in everything.) This of course has the side effect, of not endearing you to them, and they have a nasty habit of making you go solo to clear out an area to eventually cover them.

Surprisingly though, the game goes for post invasion America, but not post-Apocalypse, instead opting for an interpretation of America after a great Depression/military disbanding and a Korea that has overtaken Asia as THE superpower of the East. It's all not very believable, but plays out with the drama of a television show you wouldn't mind watching and discussing which parts couldn't happen.

I haven't played the multiplayer yet, so I really can't comment on the games strengths and weaknesses or the ability to get in a game. I hear it's bad for console owners, but I also know that the two versions were developed by two different studios.

Ultimately, I enjoyed my time in Homefront. If you were able to do something along a pre-order where you received Metro 2033, then you definintely got the best deal. I can't say I can recommend it as a game at the $60 price point, but I can say once it hits about $30 or so it's definitely worth the run through, or if you're only looking for a decent time waster, rent it (can you still rent games) and shoot for the achievements in Solo. The game, like so many others requires you to have the online code to log in on consoles to play so be warned if you only buy used.

Dragon Age 2: An insight

2011-03-18T19:38:00.005-04:00

The sequel to Dragon Age:Origins is one part disturbing and 1 part exciting shaken together for an enticing blend. I'm not one to overhype a product, but be warned, if you liked DA:O, there is something here for you, something that looks like DA:O and tastes kinda like it, but is definitely not the first game.

I won't delve into story for spoilers, but suffice to say you play as Hawke, a Fereldan refugee from Lothering who barely escapes the Blight. Don't expect any other backstory, unlike the first game, Bioware has decided to bring more action RPG to the series this time. *Note, I played the console version, I do not know how this affects the PC.

You will of course meet a band of fellows and engage upon an epic story, but don't expect to really leave Kirkwall. Unlike the first game, DA2 is primarily confined to the Island City for it's story (and rightly so). The best part here though is that the tradition Bioware personality conventions aren't there, so expect things to not exactly go as planned. Bioware is using the Mass Effect wheel for conversations, something that is fairly straightforward in it's attempted results, but the nice part is that rather than people leaving the group if they don't like you, they stay with different results for rivalry vs loyalty. It's a nice touch in my opinion.

The game does expand on the lore of Dragon Age though, as it references alot of material hinted at in the first game. The Free Marches, Orlais, Antiva (and not just the Crows), if any of this means anything to you, then expect to see more about it here. I do however think it could have expanded into the other city/state kindoms in the Free Marches to give a bigger feel for the differences between Kirkwall and Fereldan.

This game focuses more on the relationships of mages, however than the first one ever did. Well that and Tevinter, and the Qunari. I honestly thought the Qunari were an interesting concept in teh first game, but fairly undeveloped. Sten, as a group partner in DA:O had some interesting insight into the Northern Warriors, but was just off-putting enough to stop you frm caring. I think that allowed them to fine tune the ideas there into something better. I am glad they don't choose to focus as much on the elves as other dark fantasies though. Origins was fairly dwarf heavy, with the Deep Roads and thaigs, DA2 moves away from that to focus more on the Chantry and magic.

Honestly, I'm still hoping to one day deal with Antiva and Orlais.

If you get the chance, import your save from DA:O. While it won't make a game changing difference to the end, it is nice to hear references to your exploits as a holding together point.

I can say it, play this game.

There's nothing wrong with this though...

2011-03-16T19:55:00.002-04:00

Batman: Arkham Asylum was easily one of the best games when it was released, and that is why we look forward to this beautiful sequel

Video Games | Batman: Arkham City | Gameplay Debut Trailer

The second American Revolution

2011-03-14T22:01:00.003-04:00

The interesting part about Homefront, is how much water it probably retreads. Both Modern Warfare 2 and Bad Company 2 make references to wars fought on American soil in present day, but Homefront attempts to deliver it, and good or bad, war has never looked so appealing. Here's hoping it lives up to it's hype tomorrow.

Video Games Homefront Resistance Trailer

No going home

2011-03-11T22:41:00.003-05:00

This month, it looks like someone's taking over somewhere. If you're not in Dragon Age 2 (and you should be), then you'll need to take a look at Homefront, followed by Crysis 2. I honestly think great minds think alike, and it's fair to say they're thinking about being invaded. See for yourself, and then join the revolution!

Video Games | Homefront | PAX East 11: Launch Trailer

It is the age of Dragons.

2011-03-09T18:55:00.003-05:00

The Dragon Age is upon us. Claim your destiny, or be destroyed by it!

Video Games Dragon Age II Exclusive Launch Trailer

What else to expect (p2)

2011-03-07T19:03:00.003-05:00

One thing that I love about Bioware (and I never would have said this about a decade ago) is that they are constantly improving on what they started. I think Dragon Age Origins was a fantastic game, and everything I've seen about Dragon Age 2 has vastly surpassed what I would have expected. Tomorrow, something great releases!

Video Games Dragon Age II Gameplay Producer Interview

Xbox 360 PlayStation 3 Nintendo Wii PC Games

What to expect

2011-03-04T16:40:00.005-05:00

This may be a bit old, but it definitely covers what to expect for next weeks release of Dragon Age 2. Grab your pre-order receipts and watch this video. I guarantee you'll find something you love that's been updated!

Video Games | Dragon Age II | Lead Designer Interview

Wounded before we begin

2011-03-02T19:03:00.002-05:00

I'm all for DLC expanding the story, but I've never been asked about day 1 DLC. Honestly, this piece was a reward for pre-orders before 1/11, but what about those of us that don't pre-order and buy day one.

You know the answer...

Video Games Dragon Age II Exclusive Exiled Prince DLC Trailer

Week of Dragon Age (p1)

2011-02-28T21:29:00.007-05:00

Having not played Dead Space, I understand it is at worst a great game to play, and also something my mother would not like. Having Played Dragon Age, I know that this is a cross title marketing ploy and despite that the armor looks pretty sweet. I honestly hope Dragon Age 2 games come with a redeemable code for Hawke's armor in Mass Effect 3, or something like that. Check it out!

Video Games Dragon Age II Ser Isaac of Clarke Trailer

Which one to choose?

2011-02-25T08:37:00.001-05:00

As an avid gamer, there are times when one platform is dominant and the other just has exclusives to offer. That's often the stance I have on todays games, where I find playing them on my X360 to be the far superior experience (in visual display, playability and badge collecting) to the PS3 with it's own unique brands of games. Sure PS3 has most of the same games, and a few of their own high level IP's like Uncharted and Heavy Rain, but in my reality they're not enough of a difference maker to really sway someone to make a Platform hop.

Now of course, none of this applies to PC gaming.

It's definitely a strange sensation knowing that with a controller you can play games on your PC exactly like you do on console, and with a keyboard and mouse, you can play shooters more accurately. Honestly, if I could get all my Games for Windows to update achievements to my Live account, I'd probably play on my PC more exclusively. Notice that is Games for Windows not Games for Windows Live, which for some reason unknown to me, is not the same service.

PC gaming is really where things get interesting (re:complex).

Most people don't want to mix it up with the Hardware to play games on PC. Consoles definitely win in the aspect of a one stop shop for developement companies as consoles all have identical hardware specs to same model. However games for PC can be a run on a large array of machines with different amounts of RAM or vastly different video cards that all need to be supported. None of this is news to you, but it is obvious that there could be alot of problems in configuration and optimization that might be the fault of the end user rather than the developer, and some gamers don't want that risk.

The other side is also true though. Gamers that take on that optimization risk and suceed tend to be the ones that also shine in mutliplayer gamers or MMO's. It could be a result of their tenacity, or it could just be that they are better. Either way you tend to find these communities of individuals are where the games that casual gamers develop.

Take First Person Shooters for example, console only players are quick to claim superiority on FPS titles, when in reality PC gamers own that field. Battlefield, Crysis, Team Fortress 2, Counter-Strike all PC games, All offspring of DOOM and Wolfenstein, all better on the system they were built for. It's evident every time they're in comparison, like for example the Battlefield: Bad Company 2:Vietnam bonus map that was supposed to be unlocked after x number of combat actions were completed. PC gamers unlocked it so far in advance of console players that the developers just opened the map for consoles and called it a Holiday gift.

So that's the tear. Playing a mixed platform game on console is great when all your friend are there, or you're badge collecting, but attempting to compare it visually or developmentally or community-wise is it's own debate, ultimately ending with the answer of having to either play the game where it shines, or play it where it was actually meant to be played.

Delays and debuts

2011-02-22T17:19:00.004-05:00

Apologies for the recently missed posting updates. I honestly plan to get a post up, and it never seems to work out that way.

I recommend keeping an eye on your Steam account, as lots of pre-orders for upcoming games are going live. That is to say, you can already pre-order Crysis 2, and Portal 2. One will definitely push our rig and the other will definitely push your brain.

Specifically, this seems to be the year of the sequel. For PS3 fans, Killzone 3, we've already mentioned 2 sequels to great games, plus Dragon Age 2, whats looking to be a great romp through Ferelden one more time, and later this year Skyrim, the next epic Bethesda Elder Scrolls game, and Mass Effect 3, the game that should bring it all to a close.

The demos for both Lego Star Wars and Dragon Age 2 should be available on your specific consoles today (if not already) so feel free to jump in and try it. I plan on holding off just a bit to ensure that I don't get any spoilers or surprises from the demo. I want it all to be in game.

People clamoring for more Old Republic will should also be able to jump into The Old Republic MMO sometime this year, and those of us that love lego's will be able to continue the Star Wars-athon with Lego Star Wars 3 (which, I'm sure covers a movie and series I don't watch).

Plus we're also looking at the new Nintendo 3DS this year. So far we're off to an epic year.

The joys of PC gaming

2011-02-16T18:10:00.002-05:00

I'm a hybrid gamer, in that I own all the consoles, and PC and will play a good game where ever I can find one. Honestly, Portal is one of the best, and if you don't get it, then maybe this short trailers will help you.

Video Games Portal 2 Exclusive Co-Op Trailer

Be the Weapon

2011-02-15T18:46:00.002-05:00

Video Games Crysis 2 Dead Men Walking Story Trailer

That's my Boy

2011-02-11T19:27:00.002-05:00

Knowing anything about my opinion of Galactus will make this post inevitable.

Video Games Marvel vs Capcom 3: FTW Galactus Trailer

Some Star Wars content!

2011-02-09T19:47:00.003-05:00

Ironically, it is sometimes odd having a blog named Makashi Stance and not talking about Star Wars more often, so here it is. The promo for the next addition to one of the best quality Star Wars games to ever come out.

Video Games LEGO Star Wars III Battle For Bricks Trailer

A New Start

2011-02-07T22:42:00.002-05:00

I recently recommended that a friend try out his first MMO. I know it's not something he'll be able to continue playing, as he has a wife and 4 kids, but it's an experience I recommend for almost everyone. The wierd part was that as I described the MMO, Champions Online, since it has a free to play option, I found it wierd comparing my first MMO to my point of view now.

My first MMO was Planetside, a first person shooter (FPS) MMO from Sony Online Entertainment (SOE). For those that don't know, a MMO is a Massively Multiplayer Online game. Basically, imagine a living world that you and your friends and a bunch of strangers also inhabit, ideally filled with mission and other things to do to keep you entertained. I found myself recommending Champion, in part because of the lack of the huge time and money investment (I quit Planetside about 3 months after I started, as I was playing Galaxies as well), and because Champions has one of the best character creators in a game.

Looking back on those events, I realized I was recommending a game, primarily because it had alot of distractions, not based on the actual content and merit of the in game activities. I know some of my friends would say that's a reflection on Champions as a bad game, but honestly, I think it's the other way around. Champions in going free to play has succeeded in doing something alot of games actually strive for. Champions gives you a no risk entertainment investment with a return of leisure activity.

Even if you never play champions, and just fool around with the character builder, you'll find yourself having fun. It's like playing with lego's. Eventually you get something you really love, and it's always when you least expect it. It's free so, unlike the majority of MMO's you don't have to worry about paying the subscription and life getting in your way of being able to get your money's worth for the month, and the content is growing all the time, so casual gamers will always have something to do, and those with alt-itis (the distraction to continue creating alternate characters) will have more than enough flavor for design.

I honestly wish I'd had some options like this when I was coming around. I mean I love Galaxies, but sometimes knowing the general of how MMO's work is far better than learning on the clock.

Happy 300!

2011-02-02T18:09:00.003-05:00

It's nice to reach 300 posts, and it's also nicer to have a fantastic pastime like DCUO to keep talking about. One thing I like about Champions Online is that it's given us alot of content over time (almost every 3 months to be exact), and that content always feels like comic stories in the vein of the game.

Well DCUO is trying to one up that with monthly content updates (like a comic). Right now we're leading with our favorite feline catburgular Catwoman and some other Valentines day goodies. Here's to what looks like a great year of gaming!

Black Expansion

2011-01-31T23:09:00.004-05:00

So the first map pack for Call of Duty:Black Ops releases tomorrow, and unlike it's predecessors in Modern Warfare 2, this one comes with badges! It's not really a surprise, since Treyarch loves adding badges into their multiplayer experience, but it will be interesting to see how well this expansion sells.

Black Ops lept past Modern Warfare 2 in sales, shortly after it's release at the end of last year. It's still a huge seller, and is honestly a pretty well packed disc with alot of content. The maps will add on some more maps for both the multiplayer game and the much needed zombies. The good part is that the multiplayer maps on disk, are already way more than their competitors, except Halo. That is to say that a great multiplayer game really needs to have a variety of maps, and adding in the badges for escaping on floating platforms and monkeys will bring some more diversity to their already out there Zombie game.

I can't get into Zombies, not just because of my pre-programmed aversion thank to Michael Jackson's Thriller, but also because of the fact that it really is the only game type that requires a group, and I don't have a set of friends that will take on the situation. Here's hoping I'll be able to pick up some of the badges eventually.

City for City, Pound for Pound

2011-01-29T10:50:00.004-05:00

Both DCUO and Champions are have some great images.
Alot of people seem to want to compare the two games graphically, but I personally like both styles. They are fitting to the game design and intent and graphically beautiful to play.

Argent Headquarters in Downtown Detroit. Bad things happen here! (Champions Online)

Overlooking Vibora Bay (Champions Online)

Steelworks in Downtown Metropolis (DC Universe Online)

Overlooking Downtown Metropolis (DC Universe Online )

Playing the Hero

2011-01-26T19:42:00.003-05:00

January has been a huge month for comic MMO's, with both the release of DCUO and the changes to Champions on line, only City of Heroes/Villains remains untouched. Surely you have heard of DCUO, the PS3 and PC action game that allows you to fight along or against some of the most iconic heroes every created.

Well you might not have heard as much about Champions, and that's because it's well, it's Champions.

Champions One:Free For All, as it's now called, is an older MMO set in the Champions tabletop RPG world. The game itself is a fairly straightforward MMO with a huge character creator with alot of option. The game is from Cryptic, which is the same company that made City of Heroes, and is making a name for itself with a new approach to Superheroic MMO's.

New in that it's going free.

The game allows players access to all the game content for free. The only downside (storage aside) is that you won't be able to just pick your powers, but rather will be playing an archtype, or pre-defined powerset as you level. That's not that bad, since in my experience from before the game was free, on might actually end up picking most of the powers in a set anyway with only a bit of variation. I know my first and second toons started off very similar.

One thing Champions does have on it's side is a robust charater creator. DCUO could actually learn alot from this system, since not only are you able to select various costume pieces, but you can adjust various physical attributes (limb lenght, torso width, head size, etc) which really allows you to create your character. DCUO gets better the more time you spend collecting styles, but with only 3 stances, and body types per gender, expect to see alot of the same people standing around. Now I know that's a platform limitation as the game was developed for PC alongside it's PS3 counterpart, but that excuse only goes so far.

The reality of the situation is that both games can learn from each other, as they both have features the other could use, but specificallly DCUO needs to pay attention to how much content is continually put out by Champions and honestly how good it is. Champs is in the habit of putting out an action pack every quarter, and continually adding costume elements to their C-Store, something that DCUO developers have promised and will need to deliver on for their fans.

Pics or it didn't happen (2)

2011-01-24T21:46:00.007-05:00

Here's a few more postcards of my adventures in the DC Universe!

Yep that's me after saving the Riddler from Deathstroke. Apparently there is a large box industry in Gotham!

That's me next to the Batmobile (yes that means I'm in the Batcave). Batman eventually said I was welcome anytime, though I still can't find it on a map.

I don't recommend trusting any presents the Joker has for you.

Harley either. Robin found out the hard way, but I saved him before the crowbar!

Pics or it didn't happen!

2011-01-21T19:19:00.006-05:00

Here's a gew shots of my whirlwind time in DCUO. My first toon Kogawolfe is level capped now, and I imagine I'll be doing a mix of rolling a villain and starting the content to get his armor suits!

Greetings from Gotham!

The Golden Standard

Maybe I've been representing it wrong

2011-01-19T17:49:00.002-05:00

Ok, ok, I get it, you may not want to talk about DCUO anymore. You've heard about it from me for the week since it's launch.

I could be presenting the game as the greatest thing since sliced bread. It's not, but it is fun, and that's what matters. I'm finally out of my trial and into my subscription (4life), as my boxed copy arrived today, and ironically I'm getting near the endgame content as well.

I'll say this. The game is meant for a casual MMO audience. Those of you like me, who consume a game fairly quickly will probably level really fast, might get bored and move on. Right now the end game content is the Raids, alerts, duos and collecting for your suit. Ironically enough, that's the same for alot of games, meaning it's not necessarily a down side (unless that's not your thing).

This is the deal, it's a straight forward casual action game that plays alot like a console game (by design), that actually has an in-depth combat system for those that are willing to learn it. If that sounds like something that interests you (and it does alot of people), then great, if not, no big.

I did have a wierd comment though pass by me though, about too much clicking in the game.

Honestly, too much mouse use in a PC game...

A Lifetime of waiting

2011-01-17T17:58:00.003-05:00

So, I'm still in my DCUO induced fan coma, where I love the game. Is that a bad thing, I think not. I do have to tell you though, the game is not what you think of as a traditional MMO. I've said this a few times, and then I have people play it, and get upset about the game. It's not Champions Online, It's not City of Heroes, it is DCUO. Honestly it probably feels more akin to Crackdown 2 than an MMO, with a deeper combat system and a whole lot of people playing.

Is that a good thing? I think so.

Your mileage may vary.

But one thing is true, the game has had a pretty smooth and successful launch. I apologize for missing last Fridays post, real life (and DCUO) have a way of making time fly, but to update, I'm at day 5 of my buddy code access. My copy is on the way, and I'm at level 19 out of 30 on my only toon. I've probably only played 3 of the 5 days I've been active for, and yes, I am leveling fast. I do that.

Part of me is worried about capping a toon in 10 days (that will probably happen). I think, man if I can do that in the trial, then what will I do with a lifetime subscription. It's a fair question. I'm not the first person to cap a toon on DCUO by far, nor will I be the last. But I think the answer to that is that I will have fun.

The game has alot of polish, and alot of things to work toward.

Not just from the Hero side, but also the villain. Essentially both sides have the same options, Meta, Magic and Tech, there's a mentor for each on good and evil. That's not counting the Green Lantern expansion we know they're making for the movie. That's not counting the promised content updates. This game, while it's not perfect, has alot to offer me, and so far, it's made sure that offer is incredibly enticing.

DC You know

2011-01-12T23:29:00.002-05:00

Despite a minor setback in the delivery of my copy, I managed to get into DCUO tonight for a bit. At first glance, the customization is a bit limited, but the gameplay definitely expands. Somehow I lost an hour, just doing the tutorial, and I generally count that as a good thing, when I think only 10 minutes has gone by.

The game uses both the left and right mouse key, and despite first opinions actually plays pretty decent with the keyboard. You may have to map some keys to your liking, but I could see continuing the game without the Xbox controller, if I didn't already have one. Graphically, you can't really compare it to CoH or Champions, since rather than a hand drawn feel, you get a solid model. The game is large though, with my download being 12.1 GB. I'm assuming that included whatever launch day patch was, and hopefully I'll be in and lifetimed up here in the next few days.

One thing that is fun off the bat is the travel powers. Being inspired by Nightwing moreso than Batman, I made a 2 gun wielding fire based acrobat. I know 2 of those things have nothing to do with Nightwing, but it felt like me. I wish the game allowed for a bit more variety in body shapes other than huge medium and kid, but that's not something that's a big deal. Just in exiting the tutorial and landing in Gotham on the Zero Hour server I saw a range of heroes with none of them looking alike. I haven't confirmed the total for toons per account, but with the appearance tab (once you collect an item, you can sell it later, but keep it's appearance) you can always stay powerful and stylish at the same time.

While I only got through the tutorial, before I logged to write this, I plan to have a bit more coverage of this fun game, but here's a bit of something to chew on from the forums.

The big 2

2011-01-10T22:15:00.002-05:00

DC Universe online is definitely in the forefront of my mind, but deep at heart I'm also a Marvel fan, and the game they're working on is really starting to garner my interest. Marver vs Capcom 3, while I didn't like teh way the art was originally looking is not a fast and fantastic variety fighter, and one that I hope to beat up on my friends with here soon. Now that we know a healthy amounty of the characters in game, and the more to be added, we can see the huge amount of time they put into design and making this game work. Thumbs up!

Video Games Marvel vs Capcom 3: FTW Special Holiday 2010 Trailer

The next legend in me!

2011-01-07T17:41:00.002-05:00

I like to imagine that someone at SOE comes up with the taglines for their games, considering DCUO has "the next legend is you", and Galaxies told "the greatest story ever told, yours". It's not that it's not flattering, in fact it's probably why I want to play their games. Here's a look at Bludhaven, the little sister city to Gotham, and it's alert. I honestly can use some straightforward smash and grab gameplay and DCUO is looking like it wants to deliver for me!

Video Games | DC Universe Online | Group Combat Alerts: BlüdHaven

Ahead of it's time for so long ago

2011-01-05T18:45:00.004-05:00

I've been working my way through Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, and while it's not perfect, it is exactly what I've been seeking for a long time now.

First, the game definitely is not a Castlevania game, free roam aside, there is no reference to Dracula 9/12 of the way through. I honestly don't care, since the game itself really is just playing with European mythology from the Dark Ages. I think Castlevania really got tacked on at the end to have it tied to a long running series, and since I haven't played a traditional Castlevania game in years, it doesn't affect me that much.

The game is definitely inspired by God of War though. Whips to chains and brutal kills aside, the level pacing, puzzles, landscape variety and storytelling are tell-tale of having studied that successful franchise and adopted what works and what you need. Honestly, the game is great visually, and considering it's 2 disks with great terrain, character designs and concept art that it's a plus.

The game is also long, which is a huge benefit. I wanted an action game that was longer than 8 hours (TFU2 I'm looking at you), and Castlevania is delivering. I'm sure I'm near or over 20 hours right now, and I'm still only 9/12 (75%) of the way complete. Honestly I usually don't go back to play everything again, but this game may get a second run through on a higher difficulty for both badges and fun.

Now the really wierd part for me is that I feel that the team studied some of Ninja Gaiden 2's story, because I swear I'm fighting the same master demons.

Ultimately, if you are looking for a good distraction, Castlevania will definitely fill that void. The same if you are looking for good art, decent puzzles, and a game that will take more than an afternoon to finish.

Looking forward to the ride

2011-01-03T20:13:00.002-05:00

2011 is here, and rather than spend this time looking at the 24 games I played and beat last year, I'm focusing on the next batch I'll be playing and beating this upcoming year. It's becoming a bit old to say "This year looks like a great year for gaming", as every year looks like a great year, so I'll say this.

This year definitely will have me back at my PC.

First off, I'm playing Castlevania:Lords of Shadow, which is so far a beautiful and well crafted game. Though it seems to have nothing to do with previous Castelvania mythology, I can forgive that, even if it bothers some of my blogging muses.

Next week, I totally plan to be immersed in DC Universe Online, the latest venture for SOE and DC, completely available with a lifetime subscription. After my total amount of 6+ years with Galaxies, I can see the value of a one time fee, and since I loved my time with Champions, I can see the value of a Superhero MMO.

I know I've got at least one last Mass Effect DLC coming this year, followed probably very closely by Dragon Age 2. The game that is a direct sequel to one of my favorite RPG's every. I don't know how or when it happened, but Bioware went from being a company I believed was vastly overhyped with KOTOR, to being a company that provided some of the best gaming experiences I've had.

Let's assume I'll be picking up Lego Star Wars 3, and while we're at it, lets add in Marver vs Capcom 3, but you can be sure Crysis 2 is also in that mix. I'm loving the world of Crysis, even though it goes against my total hatred/paranoia of aliens (I'm still an Imperial after all), so any chance to kill them is something I'm there for. I know at some point in there, I will also pick up Star Wars:The Old Republic, but exactly how many MMO's can you play at once?

I've also got some extended wait time for Batman:Arkham Asylum, and Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception. Luckily, since I haven't played Uncharted 2, I can add that in the mix, while also padding out some other PS3 exclusives, such as Heavy Rain, Infamous, and this years Infamous 2.

And if I get bored, we can see if the Duke Nukem Forever vaporware becomes a reality, or veg out with some mindless Gears of War 3. And that's not even scratching the surface people.

Happy gaming.

Then to definitely finish out the year, I've got Elder Scrolls V,, Mass Effect 3

Take to the Sky

2010-12-31T11:02:00.002-05:00

It's year's end and what better way to go out than looking at what we have to expect next year.
Here's some upcoming Elder Scrolls for you. Happy New Year and stay safe!

A lifetime Universe Online

2010-12-29T19:21:00.004-05:00

Marvel may be racking up the hits in the movie theaters, but DC is looking to make huge gains with DC Universe Online. The games been in beta for a while now, and is scheduled to release next month (1/11/11). I'm actually getting really excited about it, and even though there's not a version for the X360, I plan to play the PC version for a while. The game is available on dual platform for both PC and PS3.

The plus part for me is it's being released by SOE, which I've had enjoyable games from. Alot of people hate SOE, particularly after Galaxies had the Combat Upgrade and later the New Game Enhancements, but honestly both of those things made the game better. The other nice part is that DCUO is already gearing up to both be on the station account from the start and offering a lifetime subscription. The latter is more important to me as after I played Galaxies for 6 years, I definitely spent more than a one time lifetime subscription would cost.

The real benefit for the lifetime sub (and I wish I'd have gotten one when Champions Online launched) is that honestly you can go back into the game at any time. There aren't many games that haven't lasted less than a year, and at $15/month you'll spend the that in the first 13 months. Plus considering the amount of time/advertising and money the two companies (DC and Sony) involved have with this game the likelyhood of it disappearing quickly is slim.

Honestly, from what I"m hearing of the beta, it's a fun action MMO that lets you fight alongside some of the biggest names in the DC universe. How can you pass that up for fun?

Back in Vietnam

2010-12-27T18:36:00.005-05:00

I've been playing Battlefield:Vietnam for about a week now, and honestly it's more fun than I expected. That being said there's still some things DICE needs to address, and I'm gonna tell em right now.

First, there is still an issue with persistant stat tracking on console. I can imagine this the kind of thing PC users might not run into, but it's very annoying to log into the game, and still have the same stats as the last time you logged in despite the last X hours of killing. It's not game breaking, but it is annoying, and it's not even something new to Vietnam. It's really heightened by the fact that Vietnam has badges directly based on some of you stats, so if you plan to log in to grind weapon kills (an unfortunate badging necessity), you might not bee seeing accurate numbers at first. I imagine this is the sort of thing that might be hard to track down, but as a user it's just as annoying.

Second, map rotation is still annoying. Vietnam only has 4 maps (the fifth one opens after alot of work), and like Battlefield, you play those maps from the point of Team A, then switch and play Team B. That makes since for Rush, since that game type is a team objective capture based game, but for conquest, which is basically an open sqaud death match, it doesn't. On top of that you may end up rotating in the same map depending on how many people leave, so you can (I have) end up playing the same map 4 times. Again considering there are only 4 maps, this is poor planning.

Now I get it, Modern Warfare 2 released DLC maps with 5 (and some of those recycled) maps, but that's not really an excuse. Comparatively, Modern Warfare gives you way more gametypes on disc, and way more maps on disc, and despite all that 5 maps is not a great bargin for $15. So for Dice to follow suit is definitely a money grab. Honestly, in this scenario, I would have hoped the maps also patched into Onslaught mode (another mode that will get no love, and was definitely underplanned, or should have been on disc).

Third, I can take down a helicopter with my handgun. Easily. Actually easier than I can shoot down a helicopter with a turret from another helicopter or car. I don't honestly know if that's a problem with the Huey, the handgun or the turret, but it's a problem with one of them.

Fourth. Spotting is not the same. Maybe it's too easy in the main game, but I can see people I can't spot. Spotting in my opinion is THE best team benefit the game should be exporting, and for it to not work consistently in the game is sad.

Fifth (and final). Let's work on the UI please? I shouldn't have to start a round in order to be able to access the exit game options. I should be able to see my weapon stats from the between round screen where I can see my points from the previous match. I shouldn't have the change kit button be the same button as disarming the bomb. I have a directional pad, why do I only have 2 directions I can press to access items.

Minor, maybe. Game changing, definitely. DICE obviously has something great with Battlfield, considering how long the series has been out, but maybe they haven't looked at what's working and what can be improved.

Fate of the World

2010-12-24T10:59:00.001-05:00

I suppose it either took awhile for me to come around, or it took awhile for the game to get to this point, but Marvel vs Capcom 3 now looks like a game I want to play, if only for the story!

Video Games | Marvel vs Capcom 3: FTW | Episode 3 Trailer

Xbox 360 | PlayStation 3 | Nintendo Wii | PC Games

Sid Meier's gift to us.

2010-12-22T18:39:00.002-05:00

Game breaking, how about Game Making! This is the type of content I love to see from Civilization.

Video Games Civilization V Spain & Inca Double DLC Trailer

Shooting it up some more

2010-12-20T19:30:00.002-05:00

Battlefield Vietnam is here, just in time to round out the Christmas DLC for you favorite war shooter enthusiast. It's packed full of badges and maps, and should expand on one of the best FPS this year. Be sure to enjoy it tomorrow!

Video Games | Battlefield: Bad Company 2 | Vietnam DLC Launch Trailer

Decisions, decisions

2010-12-17T19:16:00.003-05:00

Honestly, I'm torn on what platform to get Crysis 2 on. Luckily I've got some time. One side says Xbox 360, for the achievements and to play it on the larger screen in 1080. The other says keep it PC, as originally intended to test my beautiful card. Either way, EA's getting soem more of my money next year it seems.

Video Games | Crysis 2 | Be the Weapon Trailer

Assassins Expansion

2010-12-15T19:47:00.004-05:00

Ubisoft is giving away more free DLC with this map for the Assassin's Creed:Brotherhood multiplayer. Featuring a new map and gametype, Ubisoft is definitely currying for my favor. Not like they didn't already have it from Splinter Cell and it's DLC from earlier this year, but it's still nice of them to keep up the charm.

Video Games Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Free DLC Trailer

Really, so soon

2010-12-13T20:11:00.001-05:00

Yeah, it's gonna be a long year I imagine...

Video Games | Mass Effect 3 | VGA 10: Exclusive Debut Trailer

I Wanna Go Fast (P1)

2010-12-11T10:43:00.007-05:00

I'm finally able to get to the latest entry in the Need for Speed Franchise: Hot Pursuit, and too my surprise it's from two teams whose work I'm a fan of. Criterion (of the Burnout legacy) and DICE, who I assume are handling the multiplayer. True to form, I haven't even touched multi yet, but social connections pervades every aspect of this game.

First off, the game is fun. It's not an Underground series, so while you start with a something along the lines of a Mazda RX-8, expect to be into the more expensive cars fairly early. In fact, you probably see more underground-type cars on the road as you pass them, than you ever will in the races.

The game goes back to the old Cop's versus Speeders concept, but it allows you to easily decide from events for either side. There is a ranking system that allows you access to later cars as you complete races and earn bounty and the two versions are completely independent. My favorites aspect being that the game actually keeps an overall play-timer and a timer for each section so you can see how long you've been playing. With that same premise you also get very early access to faster cop cars pretty early on, and leveling is just a matter of at least trying and coming in top 3 (in addition to driving like you want it).

As far as driving goes though, the game doesn't feel like the Underground or Undercover series. The handbrake here is almost an insta-drift, but it's something you get used to very early on. Considering how much you're dealing with exotics and super cars, you spend more time trying to point the nose in the right direction and then smash the gas, than you do wildly swerving and the computer will take advantage of a bad turn. The driving is good though, and the learning curve and level design is thought out, so your racing roads that feel natural and become more difficult with your skill level (and that's just the racer part).

At this point, I've finished the racing section of the game, meaning I've beaten all the tracks in first through third, and am working on the cop section. The cop section really is the racing part that feels different, but it's a welcome different. Not only are you using new tools to try to stop someone, but you're also using driving skill to catch up. One bad crash as a cop can let the speeders get away just as fast as not being in the right car.

But it's not all breaking up races either.

There seem to be 3 race types for the cop career. Hot Pursuit, which is breaking up races, Interceptor, which is taking down one speeder, and Rapid Response, which is basically a time trial where collisions add to the clock. They're all fairly fun, definitely fast, but expect to have a feeling of monotony here moreso than the tradition racing. Maybe it's because it stands out that you're the only cop on the scene for all of them, but this whole type to me is just screaming to be played in Multiplayer.

Unexpectedly awe-inspiring

2010-12-08T19:36:00.004-05:00

Definitely would have taken me a while to unlock this gem.

Video Games | Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood | Raiden Unlock Teaser

A Very Noble Concept

2010-12-06T23:17:00.003-05:00

I know I'm a bit late in acknowledging it, but the Halo:Reach Noble map pack is out with 250 more achievement points. The weird part is it's only 3 more maps, but considering all the gametypes these maps can/are added to, it's alot more value than some of the competitors. Looks like this Christmas is a bona-fide DLC extravaganza!

Video Games | Halo: Reach | Noble Map Pack DLC Trailer

Old Time Revival

2010-12-03T20:05:00.002-05:00

Considering how long we knew Black Ops was going to be set in Vietnam during the Cold War, it makes me wonder why Bad Company 2 didn't turn it's attention that was if it was going to be a competitor. Right now this kinda looks like an afterthought, so I wouldn't be surprised to see some Medal of Honor Vietnam DLC coming soon!

Video Games | Battlefield: Bad Company 2 | Vietnam DLC: Operation Hastings Trailer

Alright I get it, annoyed with DLC!

2010-12-01T21:46:00.002-05:00

This has been a great year for games, and ideally, it should translate into a great year for game expansions, but not necessarily. I've probably treaded this water before (and I probably will come back here again), but I need game developers, or their accounting department to understand how i want to give them my money.

First, If you make something, and you make it well, I am likely to want to return for more. However there is a set amount of time between when you make it, and when I return for more, that allows me to feel like you have actually been making something, not that you just didn't give me everything.

There are alot of games that fall into this market, but most notably Battlefield:Bad Company 2, and most recently Fable III. The first promised map packs to the veterans (people who bought the game new), but only gave us maps we already had (physically!) on the disk, that were rehashes of maps already being used. Yes you read that right. We got to play maps for new scenarios that were just maps form other scenarios. At least Fable III was able to say, here's a zone to do a quest in a place you don't need to go. I know you don't need any DLC, but when you release something this quick right after the game came out, it was either unplanned or unfinished. I'm sure I'll be letting you know one day when I'm bored.

Second, Don't just throw anything at me and call it premium. I care about the games I play. I want to enjoy them, and I am very selective about which one's they are, and which one's they aren't. Here's a few samples of companies doing it right:

Rockstar with "The Lost and the Damned" and "The Ballad of Gay Tony". (I know those are from last year, deal with it.) Bioware with Mass Effect 2 and Dragon Age content. These guys added content that was worth the price (especially important) and added to the original packaging.

And Finally, consider when an upcoming game should be DLC versus a full package. The Force Unleashed II, this one's looking at you. You're way to short to be a full game, and honestly, I'd have traded the 3 DLC from the first game for your main game minus the trials. It's a better deal for my money.

Assassins and Regrets

2010-11-29T23:12:00.004-05:00

The regrets part of the title is for the loss of talented individuals who shaped our lives here recently. Both Leslie Neilsen and Irvin Kershner pass in these last two days, and the world is alot poorer for it. They had lived full lives and produced some of the best work that shaped me as an individual. Our prayers go out to their families and friends.

On a review side, I actually was able to play the multiplayer for Assassin's Creed Brotherhood. I knew going in that the concept was a great one, and the execution is as well. If there is anything that I have a problem with (outside of multiplayer badges), is the other players. This setup is the game you want to play with 7 of your best friends. Unlike COD or other FPS where you don't mind killing random strangers, I found myself wanting to play this at a lan party, able to talk trash while stalking.

The best part of the multiplayer game, clearly is that you can blend in with the crowd, and if you're smart, you'll stand next to groups of npc's that look just like you, until your prey comes to you, or until you escape. It can be nerve racking considering how fast a kill can happen, and how quick a stun can change some things, and that's the thing I love. The tension is a great effect, but the real problem I run into is the same i had with Red Dead Redemption.

People don't play that way.

I don't know why in a stalker game you would go high profile, running on ledges and doing all the traditional in game moves, but I see that alot. I wish a patch was released taht had the npc's doing it as well, but I'm sure players would find another way to say, "I'm right here, look at me". the kill and escape being killed setup works perfectly, as does the surrounding story, and this is a mode that I can't imagine AC:3 (or whatever the next game is named) not having going forward.

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is leaps ahead of it's predecessor for this and other in game changes and sets a great example for other series to take a chance and think about how best to add to the series.

Going back after breaking up is hard to do!

2010-11-26T18:53:00.003-05:00

So Galaxies is offering a free return for veteran players until the end of November. I hadn't played since I got my new monitor and video card (and some time before that as well), so I logged back in, and while my hardware makes everything fast, it doesn't change some parts of the experience.

I guess I should start with the beginning of why I left. Mostly it was a combination of things, the George Lucas interview on The Daily Show, the Clone Wars cartoon, the Galaxies forums, and Karen Traviss. See GL basically said he didn't care how invested the fans were in what was built, that it's a work of fiction and you shouldn't take it too serious, which I understand his premise, but the reality of the situation was alot of the stuff coming out was bad. The Clone Wars is passable, but not as engaging as the 5 min episodes when the movies were out, and definitely rewriting some of the events in the movie. I can't care about a Padawan who I know either dies or leaves, and one that Anakin, Obi-Wan, Padme, and anyone else in Episode III doesn't bother to mention. Leave Obi and Anakin out of the series and make it about other people that we don't know their fate and I'm good.

But it didn't stop there, Karen Traviss had to move on from her excellent Republic Commando Series, not for any real reason, other than they planned to retcon all the work she'd done for the show. Well I had more invested in the world of her books than the show would ever give me, so that's the third strike. Combine that with the constant complaints of the Galaxies forums (which by this time I'd been away from) and the reality of server merges, content that was years too late and I' djust begun to lose interest. I have friends that play and still play, and I'd love to care about the world, but Star Wars just isn't the same. Even now I can't bring myself to be enthused about The Old Republic for SW sake, I only care as an interest in BioWare (which is a far cry from how I felt when KOTOR was released).

So how was it going back, honestly I can't say. Part of me says to open one of my 3 accounts at least to play the TCG (which is still fun), and part of me says when Galaxies is giving out Indiana Jones gifts (hat and whip for returning players, and wearable if they convert before the end of Nov) that's more indication it might not be the train taking me where I want to go. So for at least the next few days, I'll sit in the station and look at the map to find out.

Keeping with the Brotherhood

2010-11-24T21:48:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I ran into a problem with producing a full review of Assassins Creed: Brotherhood. I'm too engrossed in the single player to begin the multiplayer. I know that's opposes the current review trends, and I'm sure Ubisoft created something wonderful, but I honestly haven't gotten up to playing it because I'm having fun. If anything i have to say this is the most fun game so far in the series.

AC:Brotherhood brings us back into late 15th century Rome, and particularly into the life of Ezio Auditore, the main character from AC:2. This game is following the events of AC:2 from approximately 1 minute after the ending, including Desmond and Ezio summarizing what they just went through. Initially, I thought this game would only allow us to explore Italy a bit more and play around in Ezio's world, and while the game does use some story vehicles to fill in the gaps in time from the second game, it also takes a few chances to further the narrative with Desmond.

Ironically, though Desmond and the story of the Assassins and Templars is the unifying element, it takes a back seat throughout the series. I find it vastly more interesting as the only real times we're exposed to what's going on is in the past, and we're receiving alot of our revelation about the apple, and other supernatural weapons there, rather than the present day characters who should know more. However finally playing as Desmond in present day is weirdly rewarding since it not only lets you know the game is coming to an end, but you feel like it's eventually building to something. I still hope the payoff is as great as the buildup, but either way, this is a series I want to know the story of, but don't want to see end. So far Ubisoft has managed to keep it a valuable IP without oversaturating the market.

One thing this game (and series) does well is in keeping each game similar, while also increasing your abilties. Fighting here is vastly improved with the addition of killstreaks. Basically to perform an execution/killstreak, counter your opponent like you would in any of the previous games and expect a rather quick kill, then also tap x in the direction of a nearby opponent and Ezio will chain them. This can make those long fights where you're surrounded go much faster, and also makes you feel like a real trained Assassin dispatching multiple foes quickly. The game also added a virtual training area which allows you to practice the skills you'll put to use in the main game. The VR is fun, but slightly annoying since the game still has some long load times especially when restarting a memory or training area you're already in. It's not a gamebreaking load, but expect to encounter them often, which is another unfortunate holdout from the previous games.

Not surprisingly, Ezio is still vastly more entertaining than Altair, though there are plenty of references to him. Ezio as a character has more interesting allies and friends, including a young Leonardo Da Vinci, who also provides the impetus for a least 4 badges, with you having to destroy 4 of his prototype weapons. Each of these weapons are Renaissance versions of modern technology, like his flying machine. Don't expect these mission to be too hard, but they are fun and rewarding and offer a varied gameplay when things get repetitive. There's still alot of general assassinations and you're hidden blade will get it's use, especially if you are working toward 100% synchronization. The hiddes puzzles are back again, as well, this time from subject 16, and while I haven't gotten around to searching them out, I expect some good brain teasers like before.

Overall expect to complete the main campaign in about 14 hours, longer if you get distracted. But there's more than enough side content to keep you engaged, and of course multiplayer for when you want to silently stab others. Overall, it's a great addition with new features thats worth the money.

All about the Brotherhood

2010-11-22T21:10:00.002-05:00

I recently had a chance to check back into my favorite current day piece of historical fiction that is Assassin's Creed. Honestly, I didn't play the multiplayer yet, because the story on the main player is so engaging. I find a few things interesting though, and I hope to have a full review later this week.

First, I actually enjoy the simultaneous story with Ezio and Desmond. While Desmond is by far the less intriguing of the two, Ezio really allows you to live the story and the Renaissance setting is vastly better than Altair's. I do however think the game could only have started with Altair, as some features like the leap of faith would make less sense out of context.

The story itself is also very intriguing since, they won't tell me what it is. The hints from the previous subjects and the times were using the Apple all remind you that there is something going on, and everytime I think I'm going to learn more, I get just enough and a cliffhanger. Honestly, I wonder how much longer this can go on, as the payoff has to be huge for this much misdirection. I'm pretty sure it's aliens though, but at this point honestly, lol who knows.

I did wonder if having time spent solely in Rome was going to be too repetitive, considering some of the other cities in AC2 were. Rome however is well thought out, and makes you want to explore it even more.

That last one makes me think of another point I had before. For all you people who complain about doing the same thing over again, please don't forget YOU'RE AN ASSASSIN. That's kinda a one trick pony, and the game makes sure you have to assassinate people in different scenarios. Perhaps that the secret killer in me talking, but either way it's great fun.

Let's not forget about the Solo

2010-11-19T18:44:00.002-05:00

There is a single player aspect to Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood that I fully plan to explore once I can get some time. With a game picking up after the events of AC:2, I'm fully on board to figuring out exactly how this mystery/drama unfolds both for Desmond and the World. Ubisoft tends to be very good at keeping my attention with these sort of things and making sure that despite how long it's been since I played the last game, I'm fully engaged in it's continuing story. I even want to go back and find out more about the Splinter Cell story, but I pause on that one, since I wonder if each game has gotten better, how playing the best will result. Either way, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is on the shelves and with a lot of goodness going for it, I'm hoping on 15-20 great hours of play

Video Games Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Perfect Assassin Trailer

I wanna go fast!

2010-11-17T22:30:00.001-05:00

Not only did we have Assassin's Creed:Brotherhood release yesterday, but we also were treated to the latest entry tothe Need for Speed franchise. Expect to go fast, and then chase people that go fast, and expect to want to do it all again.

Video Games Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Accolades Launch Trailer

A new Brotherhood

2010-11-15T07:30:00.003-05:00

I trust Ubisoft almost indefinitely with my entertainment, and that's why when I see video like this I get excited about Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood. I initially feared it was just going to be adding some more story to AC:2, which isn't a bad thing, but now I think it's also adding some replay value. I think they learned a few things from their Splinter Cell release earlier this year.

Tomorrow is looking like another great game day!

Video Games Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Multiplayer Preview

A real Call of Duty (P2)

2010-11-12T10:28:00.003-05:00

Despite all the fun the single player offers, the multiplayer is going to be the option most people are looking into for Black Ops. I'm sure you've met alot of people who will never play the single player game, and from my experience on launch day, that seems to be the case.

Unlike previous games, you don't have to use all the weapons if you don't want. Once you reach a level to unlock a weapon, you can simply buy it and all the perks you've unlocked for it. The weapons seem to be the only part affected by the level restriction, as you can also just buy the exact perks you want for your toon. As the game is set in the Cold War, don't expect the heartbeat sensor to be making a return, but they have added some new equipment and perks.

For tactical equipment, there is a motion sensor, that you can spawn with, place and pick up. It does the same thing as a spy plane, only revealing enemies within a certain radius. It disappears on death, and you only have one. There is also a special grenade called a decoy you can use that makes the sound of gunfire from the direction thrown. Maybe it's me, but the sounds in this game for weapons aren't as nice as MW, and I can tell the difference between the decoy, but in the heat of battle, or trying to stake someone out its still nice.

For killstreaks, the dogs make a return, this time as a 11 kill reward. Honestly I haven't seem them in play yet, and I don't think that's because no one has gotten that high. Dogs were definitely one of the best rewards in WaW IMO, simply because they'd hunt you down. There also is an anti-aircraft missile launcher that should take down any air support except the BlackBird. I'm not going to go into all the rewards and benefits, but trust me, it's worth it.

The traditional gametypes are back for Deathmatch, free-for all, etc. They've alos added a wager match system, which allow you to bet currency that you'll finish in the top 3. Don't worry about currency though, there's so much available from contracts (a system were you get currency for performing in game) and regular kills that the betting is just for the game types. The gametypes are fun ranging from a game where you only have 1 bullet and a knife and get a bullet with each kill, to a tomahawk/crossbow/knife only gamesetup.

The big news IMO though is the ability to setup Combat Training games, which will use bots to fill in the other players. You can have it populate with names of your friends and it's a great imaginary game. You can of course use this time to explore all the maps (and there are alot). The leveling here is it's own entity separate from regular multiplayer, but it also allows you to figure out what you each item does.

I mentioned last time about the interface from th emain menu to get to the hidden easter eggs, and the more I think about it, that's perfect for adding other content. Zork and DOA are nice, and it can easily be used to add other games into this game, which is by far the most expandable Call of Duty to date.

Lastly, I want to thank Treyarch for making a multiplayer game with a ton of maps. Unlike either of the DICE games this year, the amount of map content here is huge (standard for CoD series) and actually on the disk. It makes me feel like any future map packs will be in addition, not money grabs and that helps cement the feel that you are getting your money's worth.

A real Call of Duty (p1)

2010-11-10T10:02:00.003-05:00

Call of Duty:Black Ops released yesterday to alot of hype, but it also contains alot of substance. If you've played Modern Warfare and World at War back to back, you can tell the slight differences between the games from Infinity Ward and Treyarch. That's still the case here. It definitely plays like a Treyarch game, which isn't a bad thing, it just has that feel. This is one of the best shooter stories I've experienced this year, and even though it's predicatable in it's turn, you still want to see them play it out. With big name voice acting and twist on history, you'll definitely be interested in seeing this one to completion.

It's obvious that Treyarch as a studio loves history. You can see it throughout there company in World at War and this game is no less. Much of this story takes place around 1968, so there is still a huge Cold War influence. The game will dip into Vietnam and Laos, but you don't spend alot of time there, but the year doesn't jump around too much. You will meet Victor Reznov again, the Russian from World at War and partner with an older version of him as well. It's nice for the game to integrate itself with World at War considering how successful WaW was.

The multiplayer is of course a huge part of this game, and they've made some interesting choices. I want to focus on single player and some easter eggs here and review multi player next time after I can delve a bit deeper.

Treyarch had alot of support for World at War, and it looks like Black Ops will be the same. First there are at least 2 easter eggs I know of, and I had to find them through reviews as the badges were cryptic. First from the main screen (when you are in the chair) rapidly alternate between the L&R triggers (on X360). This will allow you to get out of the chair. There is a computer behind you and you can enter the code DOA to enter Dead Ops arcade. This is a top down, shooter where you clear hordes fo zombies and actually is one of the most fun parts of the game. It's a great side distraction, and a reminder for those of us that are old enough of that type of simple fun. Apparently, you can also enter ZORK and you will be able to play the text based game as well, (ZORK). I haven't played it yet as Dead Ops Arcade is great fun and visually pretty.

The main zombie mode is back as well, but it seems to only have a few maps. Given the popularity rise in zombies as of late (and the enclusion in WaW), I expect more to be added with DLC. Honestly, for whatever reason, the zombie mode here is actually fun, whereas I didn't have this type of fun in WaW. The first introduction to the mode after completing the game though is an intro scene with JFK, Nixon, Robert McNamara, and Castro. It's hilariously written and definitely a historical reference kids won't get.

On a whole, this game is also alot more realistic than any of it's predecessors. That is to say the kills will be close up and you will see knives entering throats etc. It can be disturbing, but there is an option to turn it off. Just a warning as unlike the scene from MW2, these kills are very hands on and right in your face.

Overall, Treyarch made a great game to define their legacy of Call of Duty. The hype made alot of people feel Treyarch would be extending Infinity Wards mythos but the two studios have comprised the CoD line and both held their own. IW may not be the same, but Treyarch delivered for Activision.

Once more into the void

2010-11-08T08:19:00.002-05:00

I'm actually quite tired of FPS multiplayer (not co-op), but I've always found the Call of Duty games to deliver a fun and sometimes challenging single player experience. I'm looking forward to Treyarch's next delivery tomorrow and while I'm unsure on where it will sit in comparison to MW2 in most people's hearts, I know it'll have a ton of developer support for content.

Here's to shooting it out tomorrow!

Video Games | Call of Duty: Black Ops | Single-Player Trailer

The Annoyed List

2010-11-05T23:33:00.002-04:00

Honestly, there are alot of things I like and love about video games but the are just as many things that bug me. Here's a few:

DLC released a few weeks after launch.
When a title launches less than a month before it's first map pack, it make me wonder why the map pack wasn't just included in the launch. I know it's a blatant money grab and that really insults me (EA/DICE I'm looking at you). Medal of Honor isn't even a full multiplayer experience, and it only has enough maps to feel like its a demo. Combine that with a pay to play resell strategy and you've got a lesson in fail. If you're planning on mining money with maps, make the playing free. If you're planning on paying to play for people who buy the game used, at least give them a product worth the multiplayer experience. And don't tout your gun club as anything worthwhile. It's definitely not there yet.

Slimmed down sequel offerings
Both Fable III and The Force Unleased II were games riding the wave of their predecessor. While I imagine Fable III will receive some decent content upgrades, the first Force Unleashed only received overpriced short content, and considering the sequel was the length of a good DLC I don't expect stellar DLC. I'm a fan of well thought out additions to a game, but consoles should in no way be making sequels just to tell the next 15 minutes (and charging full price for them). As a note, I hope Call of Duty is listening, but considering how many things it did correct with MW2, and how much love World at War got, I imagine they already know.

ZOMBIEs
Actually, this doesn't bother me that much, but surely there's some other horror monster that can also use a revival. Mummies, Frankenstein monsters, Golems maybe?

Direct Comparisons
Everyone compares the next MMO to World of Warcraft. Not every MMO is WoW, nor should it be. Not every MMO is gonna be huge, nor should it be developed with that type of money in mind. More games, both of the MMO and the traditional variety should plan to stand on their own feet and create their market, not take shots at the ones that did.