While some people are scrambling over the new Command and Conquer Generals 2 title from BioWare which is a more modern title, everyone is currently waiting for any information about their Mass Effect series and of course, the VGA is the best opportunity for it. As you can see below BioWare has released a new trailer that is just jam packed with action.
In the video we see tons of action, mostly involving Commander Shepard trying his best to escape a Reaper. Thankfully however it seems that the Thresher Maws dislike the Reapers as much as the humans do as it accidentally saves Shepard’s life while taking out the Reaper. Take a look for yourself below.
It seems that even Activision couldn’t believe in the Tony Hawk series enough to try and release a new full blown title under the label. The teased Tony Hawk title was revealed today at the Spike VGA show and it turns out that the title is going to be Tony Hawk Pro Skater HD which will be an HD remake of the two earliest versions of the Tony Hawk franchise.
Tony Hawk himself has said that the game will be a digital only release and will be released under the price tag of $20 for the whole package. Now it just needs to not make use of that horrible skateboard peripheral and we’ll be good.
When BioWare teased a little bit about a new announcement to be made at Spike’s VGA a lot of people got a bit angry because from the looks of the title, it would be one set in modern times and take place in a desert combat environment much like everything we have experienced lately in the world of FPS.
Now that the VGA have concluded however we know what they are actually doing however. It is now known that they are working on Command & Conquer Generals 2 and even provided a minor trailer for the title which can be seen below. The title will be made with the use of the Frostbite 2.0 engine and is set for release in 2013…
Mario Kart 7 has now sped into player’s 3DS’ across the globe and many are left wondering, is the Mario Kart franchise stuck in the pits? With each game featuring only slight variation from it’s predecessor some have laid accusations against the series of spinning it’s wheels, without any forward momentum. While this is undeniably true, it does not necessarily constitute a bad thing.
For a series such as Mario Kart, it has long since reached the point of it’s gameplay’s peak. No one can deny that Mario Kart is at the best it can possibly be. So why is it a crime considered mortal sin, for Nintendo to simply reproduce that winning formula time and time again?
Well, that boils down to player fatigue. After so many iterations of the same essential game it is to be expected for fans to tire of the series. Does this fatigue mean that Nintendo need to change the series radically, to make it fresh? No, it certainly does not.
In fact, if Nintendo did change the game radically, it would garner similar results to what conspired with Metroid: The Other M. Fans would rebel against the change, good or not, as that is the very nature of Nintendo fans. They are instilled with a strong sense of hatred for any change to the series in which they hold in such high regard, positive or not.
While change is not a bad thing, it most certainly would be for the Mario Kart franchise. For a series that has simply reached the highest point it can possibly reach in terms of gameplay, there is simply no reason to alter the core gameplay of Mario Kart. People do not play Mario Kart for a revolutionary new experience, they play it because they want to play Mario Kart.
It is the chemicals that comprise Mario Kart, that draws people to it – that core at it’s center that makes it Mario Kart. So no, Mario Kart shouldn’t change, because the industry and those who consume it’s products, would be worse off without the Mario Kart experience. While there may not be any big innovations in Mario Kart’s future, there will always and I mean ALWAYS be a place for Mario Kart in the gaming world. Don’t change, Mario Kart, you’re fine just the way you are.
Earlier today the trailer for The Last of Us was revealed on tonight’s Spike VGA show and with it Sony has finally officially confirmed their production of this title exclusively on the PlayStation 3. The title is being developed by Naughty Dog, the developers of Uncharted. In it we find a devastated North America that has been ravaged by a fungal infection that has not only killed nearly everyone but also appears to have turned them into flesh craving zombies.
The whole trailer, which can be seen below, involves a young girl and an older man who may be her father being attacked by strange monsters after killing another survivor who was trying to kill them. The entire game looks like something we may never have seen before and is expected to be released sometime in 2012.
Tekken Hybrid Studio: Namco Bandai Publisher: Namco Bandai Platform:PlayStation 3 (Reviewed) Release Date: November 22, 2011 Price: $39.96 Available Here
Overview
It’s a great time to be a Tekken fan. We’ve got both Street Fighter x Tekken and Tekken x Street Fighter coming next year as well as Tekken 3D: Prime Edition and Tekken Tag Tournament 2. This year we even got a free iOS game called Tekken Bowel. That’s a lot of Tekken! Until then, fans can keep busy with the new Tekken Hybrid-a Blu Ray disc that features a massive fan service with an intense amount on content. When you insert the disc into your PlayStation 3 you’ll notice that under ‘Video’ you have the brand new Tekken: Blood Vengeance 3D CGI film complete with a wide range of special features. On the other hand, under ‘Games’ you’ll notice you are also given Tekken Tag Tournament HD, a high definition remake of one of the brightest instalments in the series’ history from the PlayStation 2 as well as a demo for the upcoming Tekken Tag Tournament 2 called Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Prologue with 4 selectable characters from the Blood Vengeance film. Buying this is a no-brainer for any hardcore Tekken fan, but as a collection of just a demo, PS2 remake and film is it actually worth your money? It’s time to step into the ring and see if Tekken Hybrid has what it’s takes!
Tekken: Blood Vengeance
Tekken: Blood Vengeance 3D is by far the greatest motion picture adaptation of Tekken to date. It K.Os the anime film and the live-action movie doesn’t even compete for the first round. The 3D effects are mind-blowing as it’s one of the few films these days that actually puts 3D effects to good use, but it’s still enjoyable in 2D. Fans will especially appreciate that the graphics, art style, music and voice acting are as true as possible to the source material and the superbly choreographed fight scenes are filled with adrenaline and reminiscent of many of Tekken’s infamous cutscenes. Aside from some awkward attempts at drama the plot is decent, but it’s executed with stiff and cheesy dialogue that may have you laughing at things your not supposed to, as some things seem to be lost in translation. What is great however is that there is a whole bunch of special features thrown in documenting the making of the film as well as a very insightful interview that really helps you appreciate the film. Tekken: Blood Vengeance isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty damn good going by video game adaptation standards as it’s still an entertaining film and a massive treat to fans of the franchise.
The main attraction however is Tekken: Tag Tournament HD. This takes the original 2000 PS2 title, throws in some HD graphics and for better or worse stops right there. While all 32 characters are unlocked straight away and trophies are thrown in, that’s all that’s new here there isn’t even online play so if you want to beat the crap out of your mate your going to have to do it the old fashioned way via local multiplayer or real life fisticuffs. It’s a real shame too because this game could’ve greatly benefited from this! Once you get past that however, it’ll be clear why Tekken: Tag Tournament is such a classic. With a very similar style as the classic Tekken 3 and the ability to tag in an ally and use tag combos the gameplay remains solid still to this day. Also the pacing is much slower than the more recent installments of the series, so this is a more tactical fighter that favors skill and button mashers will be greatly punished. Oh yeah and Tekken Bowel mini-game is back, taking the roster of fighters into a bowling ally with plenty of variety and makes for a rather short but really fun experience.
Tekken: Tag Tournament has aged a little, but for the most part is looking great. There are some minor graphical issues here and there however, such as he odd speed of how the background rotates with the camera and some animations that are a little stiff by today’s standards. These are all barely noticeable and considering its an 11 year old game it’s looking fantastic. The game also benefits greatly from the HD polish and should bring back many fond memories for all Tekken fans. However Tekken: Tag Tournament HD may not appeal so easily to first timers as it does feel a little dated, and the lack of online play does hold it back massively.
Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Prologue
For those inpatient fans looking for a more modern gameplay experience, Tekken Tag 2 Prologue is exactly what your looking for. The action is much faster here when compared to original Tekken Tag and the tagging system here contains much more depth. Only four characters are selectable but a whole bunch of stages are available, and sadly no move list is present at all which may confuse some players. Graphically speaking the game is absolutely stunning and even rivals the CGI film and to say these animations are smooth would be an understatement. While this demo is quite impressive, it’s unfortunately very short and there isn’t much to do. Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is sure to be a blast and may be one of the better fighters of 2012 but for now this taste of what’s too come isn’t very appetizing, but it does tastes amazing.
Overall
You opinion on Tekken Hybrid will most likely sway depending on how much of a hardcore fan you are. The truly dedicated Tekken lover probably would’ve paid full retail price for the HD remake as well as the CGI film and then would’ve downloaded the Tekken prologue online, so placing all 3 in one convenient package for the price of one is major value for money. For everyone else however your paying for a demo that usually would be downloadable for free via the PlayStation Network, a remake that is basically a port of an 11 year old game with HD slapped on and a pretty looking movie with plot issues, and the lack of online play only salts the wound. If your not a Tekken fan, you should probably stay away from this title, but if you are then this is some of the strongest fan service you’ll ever see and a great value for money.
Since today is the Video Game Awards on Spike TV there are tons of trailers and cinematics popping out for various popular games. Of course Blizzard couldn’t resist the temptation to take advantage of the vast amount of people watching the show and have released their official intro cinematic for Diablo III.
If you couldn’t see the video on your television you can now see it below and catch an eyeful of the beautiful CG work that has been created to get people pumped every time they choose to start up the title. I know for a fact that a lot of people are waiting to play Diablo III and many have already taken part in the beta and those people are certainly quite lucky, as everyone else has to wait until early next year.
It appears that all of those rumors were correct, the next Alan Wake title will be called Alan Wake’s American Nightmare and it will be available exclusively on the XBLA. In this video we are introduced to the new bad guy in Alan Wake’s world an apparently evil version of Alan known as Mr. Scratch.
In the trailer seen below we are introduced to a number of similar features which are returning including enemies being possessed by darkness and Alan fighting with light and various firearms to try and stay alive. Expect to hear more soon and stay tuned throughout the night for more news from the Spike Video Game Awards.
One of the bigger reveals that was supposed to happen later today at Spike’s VGAs was a new trailer for Metal Gear Rising. Unfortunately for them however, the trailer has already made its way online and was discovered by a member of NeoGAF. You can find the trailer itself below but beware that most of the videos are dropping quite quickly due to the fact this is a leaked video.
In the trailer we see that the title of the game is now Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and it is being developed by the same people who worked on Bayonetta and MadWorld, Platinum Games. As you can see in the trailer this Metal Gear title is going to be far different from any Metal Gear title we have seen before.
2K Sports celebrates the return of the NBA with special Christmas Day games simulations for NBA 2K12. The Christmas Day match-ups are as follows: Knicks-Celtics, Mavericks-Heat, Lakers-Bulls, Thunder-Magic and Warriors-Clippers. The NBA 2K12 crew will provide full game simulations for each match to give fans a chance to see what may unfold on December 25, 2011.
The vice president of 2K Sports marketing, Jason Argent, offers the following statement:
“It sure feels like Christmas has arrived early here at 2K Sports. We’re obviously thrilled that NBA basketball is set to return, so we are offering several ways for fans to join us in our excitement.”
Help us celebrate NBA’s return by watching the following “NBA 2K12 – Welcome Back Basketball” trailer.
