If for some reason you find Resident Evil 6 an unfortunate game because it actually takes the series forward into a more modern era of gaming, perhaps you can stomach the title for a bit to make the game perfect for all of you retro loving gamers out there.
Today Capcom revealedthat they will be providing some new costumes for the various Resident Evil 6 characters as long as you participate in some online events. The first event is called “Zombie Mayhem” and is meant to take place on December 28th. If you and other zombie killers around the world kill 15 million total zombies then one of these costumes will be unlocked, though Capcom failed to specify which costume will be awarded first, however they will be unlocked over time so just keep an eye out for events and maybe you’re favorite character can look like they are from the ’90s again.
Today Square Enix officially revealed the first trailer for Lightning Returns, though many of us have already seen it since it leaked out yesterday (and was subsequently removed today by the uploader). The official trailer is called “The Final Journey of Lightning” and it can be seen below as well as a large number of screenshots and a few pieces of artwork from the game.
As many of you may already know, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XII as it is called, features the return of Lightning in a world that only has thirteen days left before it is destroyed. It appears her journey will be completely solo and as such Square Enix has revamped the combat system to fit her solo fighting style. Currently Lightning Returns is set to be released sometime in 2013 on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
Ratchet And Clank: QForce/Ratchet And Clank: Full Frontal Assault Developer: Insomniac Games Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America Platforms: Playstation 3 (reviewed), Playstation Vita Release Date: 27/11/2012 (PS3), 29/01/2013 (PS Vita) Price: US$19.54 (Available Here)
Overview
It has been a busy year for the Ratchet and Clank series. On the back of the HD release of the first three Playstation 2 games and representing the franchise in Playstation All-Stars Battle Royale, Ratchet and Clank return in a new entry of the series. Ratchet and Clank QForce combines the classic platforming elements of the series with a tower defence element. Will this interesting combination prove to be successful or will this experiment fail to impress?
Story
Unlike the other Ratchet and Clank games, the story of QForce isn’t as fleshed out. With that said, there is a story behind the game. Captain Qwark is now a retired Galatic President, bored as there is no danger in the galaxy. Suddenly, the QForce picks up some danger in a far off planet, recalling Ratchet, Clank and Captain Qwark back into action as a new alien force invades the galaxy. It is a basic story but it isn’t terrible. It’s quirky and fun. Short as well, but, considering the price of the game, it is to be expected.
Gameplay
Ratchet and Clank: QForce is a mix of the classic Ratchet and Clank platforming formula and tower defence games. Each map is divided into several sections, but mainly consists of the player’s base, nodes and the Planetary Defence System. At the player’s base, generators must be defended from invading forces. At the same time, the player must execute a one-man (or machine) assault to activate key nodes, which in turn activate the Planetary Defence System. Once that is activated, the player must repel one final assault, which would test the patience of any commander.
That is how each level goes. Build up a base, activate nodes and activate the Planetary Defence System. With that said, there is opportunity to explore. Each level is littered with five gold bolts to find, usually found in secret sections. This exploration is how one finds bolts for building a defence system for the player’s base. The combination of these two elements is great, but they will also test your patience. The tower defence mechanic will require some time to get use to, considering the previous entries of Ratchet and Clank. While not occurring too often to pull one’s hair out, the flow of one’s assault breaks as soon as enemy drop ships approach the base. Not a great thing, especially if the progress into the opposition’s base is quite far in.
This will be a problem for some. Ratchet and Clank, at its core, promotes exploration. Yes, QForce does have opportunities to explore, even required to unlock bonuses. With that said, people might find the defending side of the game quite boring. The pricing for some of the weapons is a factor in that. The most basic turret, the Pyro Cannon, costs 1250 bolts. The bolts provided to the player upon beginning the level only allow one to be affordable, forcing the player to choose which flank to protect first. Add in other elements, such as barriers, mines and repairing generators, resources are going to be spread thin quite quickly. A recent patch reduced the prices for some of the weapons, which is a good step. The character must be the last resort, not the defensive front line.
Weapons are treated differently this time around. In the older games, weapons would be bought with bolts at a vendor on each planet. Bolts do return, but their purpose is in base building. Weapons are retrieved in weapon pods scattered throughout the level. Only a selection of weapons is available in each weapon pod, giving some freedom to strategise the player’s assault. It also means the weapons one chooses are an absolutely must use. Often, I have switched between various weapons in order to defeat my enemies quickly. Gadgets such as the Hoverboots are also a must, making no weapon or gadget a waste of time. The weapon levels return, although they are capped to level 3 (a recent patch extended the cap to level 5). Remember this: the weapons do not carry over into one’s inventory each time a one finishes a level. The weapon pods occur in each level and they are only available for that playthrough.
Throughout the game, players will have challenges to complete, which are rewarded with medals. The common challenge is to complete the level. Other challenges include making sure the generators are in tact and completing the level in a certain time. More medals equates to promotion within the QForce and access to more abilities. Multiplayer is also available, both locally and online. One can bring a friend along in campaign or compete against one another in the competitive mode.
Visuals and Audio
The visuals are based on the same graphics engine that was used in last year’s Ratchet and Clank’s title Ratchet and Clank, All 4 One. This time around, the visuals are more refined but don’t expect any super high textures. Colours are in abundance, creating a bright and vibrant world. The enemy models are imaginative and there is a variety of enemies to fight against. The level design is not confusing or convoluted, despite the size of each map.
The sound design is quite good in QForce. The soundtrack will not be memorable, but that isn’t to say it is a well put soundtrack. Tracks fit the situation, whether it is just chilling on the Starship Phoenix II or the environment in which the player defends their base and assaults the PDS. Dialogue is also great. This came down to the writing. The writers bring back the hilarious dialogue that is expected in a Ratchet and Clank game, adding chemistry between the playable characters.
Overall
Despite a few flaws, Ratchet and Clank QForce is definitely worth looking at. The platforming and tower defense elements do complement each other but does require some time to get use to and it may make some players feel tedious with the constant management between defence and attack. The story is basic but fun thanks to the quirkiness of Ratchet and Clank. The visuals are nice and the audio is great as well. With the game at AU$24.95 and a free Vita version, which will see a release next month, this is definitely a game worth purchasing.
For the next three days, Guild Wars 2 will continue their sale of the Digital Deluxe edition by lowering the price even further. The beginning price started at $79.99 which has dwindled down to an amazing $49.99. For a savings of $30.00 and some nice in-game bonuses, this Guild Wars 2 sale tops the rest.
Be quick to take advantage of this deal as it ends December 24, 2012 at 12:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time. Check out the deal (here) while it is still available.
If you don’t have a clue what Guild Wars 2 is about, you should make your way over to our exclusive review page (here). For $49.99 you will not acquire a better deal.
OGPlanet is releasing their upcoming card based strategy RPG Heroes of the Realm for browsers on December 24th, 2012. Players will be able to build kingdoms and collect over 350 different heroes to build an army to help break the 300 year war that has locked Midlands and two other dimensions in a deadly stalemate. Fight for glory in player versus player combat is available in the Arena and Collosseum.
Heroes of the Realm fuses the popular kingdom building genre with strategy RPG gameplay and features Asian RPG style graphics The game will be free to play. Check out the game at the official site here.
Immanitas Entertainment has announced that the digital copy for Uprising 44: The Silent Shadows releases today. Developed by DMD Enterprise, this newly released third-person shooter and real-time strategy title tells the story of the Warsaw Uprising where paratroopers dropped behind enemy lines and rallied a resistance against the Third Reich.
Here are a few features that you can expect to see from the title:
Unique mix of fast-paced TPS action and RTS tactics
An in-depth, inspiring story based on the greatest civilian uprising of WW II
15 different historically accurate weapons
6 broad levels set in varied historical locations
Many different unique and interesting characters
Built with Unity3D Pro engine
While the digital release began today, a boxed special edition will become available in Q1 2013 with special extras such as extended gameplay and game optimizations. Until then Uprising 44 can be accessed through three different websites: Desura ($15.99 USD), GamerZ Rebellion ($15.29 USD), or McGame (14,95€).
City Interactive released a new trailer for Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 called Brutal War Crimes today. The video features in game footage made with the CryEngine 3. The protagonist, Captain Cole Anderson, is in Sarajevo, Bosnia in the midst of stopping war crimes. General Mladic is committing mass murder against the civilian population and Captain Anderson must put an end to the brutality from the shadows, one shot at a time.
Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 will be released in the first quarter of 2013 for Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Windows PC. Find out more about the game at the official site here. Check out the trailer below.
Melbourne based developer Kumobius is insisting that the end of the world was not December 21, 2012 but rather January 10th, 2013 on the date of release for their upcoming game Time Surfer. The game is an endless surfing game that takes heavy inspiration from Tiny Wings and Braid. Players will need to out-surf the end of the universe by slingshotting themselves forward while turning back time to save themselves from a certain death.
Time Surfer is priced at $0.99 and will be released January 10th, 2013 for iPhone, iPad, iPad Mini, and iPod Touch. Check out the announcement trailer below. Find out more about Time Surfers at Kumobius’ website here.
Deck13 and dtp entertainment have announced that Blood Knights will be postponed due to unforeseen supernatural disturbances. However, this epic vampire hack-n-slash title will be very affordable at 14.99 € ($14.99) on February 20th for consoles and February 22nd for PC at 19.99 € ($19.99).
In addition to the changed release date, a new trailer surfaces to present co-op gameplay and special character abilities. See how the main characters Jeremy and Alysa provide some vampire hack-n-slash excitement in the trailer below.
With Christmas nearing, Deck13 wanted to give their audience a special gift. Click on the following link to receive your present: “peace on earth and goodwill to men…”
The developers of Aralon: Sword and Shadow is back with their latest game for iOS, Ravensword: Shadowlands. The game is a first person action RPG and features console quality open world experience. Whether you want to play as a sneaky rogue, a noble mage, or a hardy warrior that allows players to play the game their way. Decisions made have consequences both in quests and the world. Murder in cold blood and you may find yourself landing in jail as punishment.
Ravensword: Shadowlands is optimized for the iPad 4 and the iPhone 5 by supporting real-time shadows and high resolution textures. The game is $6.99 USD on the iTunes App Store, buy it here.
