It didn’t take long for our friends over at Humble Bundle to expand on their already fantastic deal of pay-what-you-want for Voxatron and include two new games. Blocks That Matter and and The Binding Of Isaac are the newest games to be sold off for charity by the team at Humble Bundle. The “Legend of Zelda-esque dungeons; Robotron-esque run-and-gun; and action-RPG progression” The Binding of Isaac and “platform-puzzler mashup” Blocks That Matter are a welcome addition to the Voxel-based platform-shooter Voxatron, and all for the low low price anything-above-the-average-price. That means for roughly $5 you can help some children out and enjoy three fantastic indie games in the process, any small amount of money helps.
The Humble Voxatron Debut Becomes A Bundle
Nathan and Elena sitting in a tree, another video for Uncharted 3
Uncharted 3 : Drake’s Deception is unfurling across the globe as we speak, already clambering onto North American shelves and just waiting to make the leap to the rest of the world – probably with a witty quip. In the meantime Uncharted fans can have a look at a new behind the scenes video from Naughty Dog that takes a close look at the relationship between protagonist Nathan Drake and intrepid journalist Elena.
Along for the ride – on a couple of camels in the middle of a desert for some reason- are voice actors Nolan North and Emily Rose, who seem quite happy to chat away about the characters they have now been playing on and off for the last five years. The relationship between Elena and Drake has always been on the credible/non cringe worthy side of the video game romance scale, so it’s nice to see the characters and the writing behind them get a bit of the spotlight.
Fight off that weird sensation from seeing the real people behind the pixels (Emily Rose and Elena are eerily similar in appearance), and while away five of those waiting minutes with some Uncharted 3 insight.
KontrolFreek’s Perfect Arsenal Review
With the recent release of Battlefield 3 and the impending releases of other popular FPS titles like Modern Warfare 3 and Halo Anniversary, gamers will begin looking for ways to augment their gameplay experience, whether that be through online play, collectable memorabilia, or perhaps with the latest FPS gaming accessories. Controller accessories that are specifically adapted to enhance the gameplay experience for 2011’s shooter release season are more than likely to garner a little attention from the gaming community. For anyone looking to enhance their FPS shooter experience this year, or just add that level of personal customised detail to their console gaming experience, it is worth noting that third-party accessory developer KontrolFreek, has recently released a set of 3 controller thumbstick accessories that they have dubbed: “Perfect Arsenal”. Within this set contain 3 different thumbstick covers useable for both Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 controllers, with each being adapted to a different style of FPS gameplay: The SNIPR; The ELITE; and the CQC.
Kontrol Freek SNIPR: Out now (released October 18)
As the name might suggest, this particular control stick accessory is adapted to assist with sniping. Labelled as “a tribute to Battlefield 3” the SNIPR is adapted for players who seek to improve their game in mid to long range combat. Besides the aesthetic design of the sniper crosshair on the thumbstick, the SNIPR provides players with enhanced thumb grip to the control stick. The elongated stick size also allows players to aim down iron sights and zooms modes with a significant degree of greater precision. The elongation does, in fact improve performance in zoomed combat, but not at the expense of hand comfort. The lengthening of the stick size can be felt, but the controller will still sit comfortably for the player. Definitely worth considering if you favour sniper rifles and long ranged assault weapons in your FPS gaming.
Kontrol Freek ELITE: Out now (released November 1)
Adapted for use with popular shooters like the upcoming Modern Warfare 3, the ELITE boasts probably the best all around gameplay enhancement. Rather than favouring a particular style of gameplay, the ELITE reflects a ‘Jack-of-all-trades’ mentality that many gamers like to favour in FPS gaming, particularly online. Aesthetically inscribed with a Delta Force insignia, this particular accessory aims to improve the control of combat at any range. Like the SNIPR, it features an elongated stick with a centralised dip to comfortably sit the thumbs. However, the grip feels much different to the SNIPR and precision feels capable outside of iron sights and zoom modes. Movement feels more fluid, and it feels as though the player can better pace the speed of their character’s movement. The gamer feels more in control as a result. And did I mention the ELITE’s design is damn cool to look at?
Kontrol Freek CQC: Release date: November 15
Standing for Close-Quarters-Combat, the CQC is the final piece of Kontrol Freek’s Perfect Arsenal. As a gamer who likes the “up-close-and-personal” touch in FPS gaming, I have to say that personally, this thumbstick add-on is my favourite out of the three. Unlike the other two models, the CQC does not elongate the controller as much, as an up-front shotgun and SMG wielding gamer tends to prefer raw firepower over precision. The design of the accessory is a simple one, where the control stick features a multitude of small micro bumps. While the bumps enhance grip, it also provides a physical feedback feeling to the thumbs when pressed down. While this might sound like an obvious element, it actually enhances the enjoyment one gets from utilising a press-stick melee attack, as players are able to experience a degree of feedback from the control stick when pressed down. As the human finger is a highly receptive part of our body, this feedback feels satisfying, and augments the player mentality to utilise ammo-saving melee attacks where possible. Movement precision is also augmented, similar to that of the ELITE but more so due to the lower stick height. The CQC comes recommended as a first for people new to buying controller accessories.
To check out KontrolFreek’s catalogue of controller accessories click HERE.
Free Gears of War 3 DLC Announced
With the delay of Gears of War 3’s first major downloadable content earlier today, Epic Games and Microsoft have seem to make it up to us by announcing free some DLC inbound for November 24. The “Versus Booster Map Pack” will feature five maps, three brand new ones Azura, Rustlung and Blood Drive from the “Horde Command Pack” and two fan favourites from Gears of War 1 Swamp and Clocktower.
The free Versus Booster Map Pack allows all Gears 3 players to unlock and play through the new multiplayer maps. But for players who have purchased the ‘Horde Command Pack‘ or the ‘Gears of War 3 Season Pass‘, you’ll get exclusive access to the pack’s Horde fortification upgrades and new playable characters – Bernie Mataki, Big Rig Dizzy and the Onyx Guard, as well as a few weapon skins such as Team Plasma and Jungle Camo.
The delay issue of the Horde Command Pack have been resolved and is available to download today for 800 Microsoft Points and the free Versus Booster Map Pack will go live in a few weeks time on November 24.
Skylanders: Spyros Adventures Review
Skylanders: Spyros Adventures
Developer: Toys for Bob (Wii), XPEC entertainment (PC, PS3 XBOX 360), Vicarious Visions (3DS), Frima (IOS, mobile)
Publisher: Activision, Square Enix (Japan)
Platforms: PC,Wii, PS3, XBOX 360(Reviewed), 3DS, iOS
Genre: Action, Adventure
Released: October 13th 2011
Price: 59.95 (Starter Pack) Here
Overview
Spyro was originally conceived as a mature title but wanting to stay truer to the games roots, Toys for Bob decided to come up with something more creative for a younger gaming audience. Thankfully, even though it was emphatically stated that no previous knowledge of the franchise is needed or even encouraged, the famous purple dragon is prevalent throughout in all his fire breathing glory, adding a further element of nostalgia to one of the most FULLY immersive, conceptually brilliant packages I’ve had the joy to play. Skylanders incorporates tangible items into a virtual world in a way that hasn’t been accomplished with trading cards or even advanced peripherals such as guitars (sorry Activision, I love Guitar Hero). Instead of having a little icon in the top corner telling me how many lives I have left, I have my warriors lined up on the arm of the couch ready to go into battle when called upon. It’s a concept that even for an adult will never get old. Additionally, when I now buy DLC it’s in the form of a toy I can physically interact with, not just a new polka dot shirt for my characters wardrobe. You can’t look at Skylanders in its parts; it’s the complete package that makes for such a unique experience.
Story
Remembering that the intended audience is younger gamers, the storyline is very reminiscent of and contains similar magical elements of a modern day fairytale. Skyland was a peaceful place, where the rivers ran clean and all the earths’ elements existed in harmony, courtesy of the ever powerful core of light that kept Skylands fertile and radiated throughout the different lands, keeping the thick and rather unpleasant darkness at bay. That is, until the evil and maniacal Kaos enters the picture, hell bent on plunging Skylands into eternal darkness with the aid of his faithful and demonic minions that attack the Skylanders with no sense of self preservation.
Although the Skylanders are a powerful team with unique powerful abilities and nasty little minion annihilating tactics, they eventually succumbed to Kaos’ summoning of his mysterious beast which destroyed the core, plunging Skylands into darkness, and sending the Skylanders to Earth, where void of their magic they are banished to the life of an inanimate plastic toy. (Sound kind of familiar, well interestingly both Alex Sokolow and Joel Cohen, who penned the storyline for Skylanders, worked on the original Toy Story.) But……………………all is not lost for Spyro and the Skylanders as you, holder of the mighty Portal of power and acting as chosen portal master can weave your magic and assist them in restoring the Core of Light and destroying Kaos forever. Where Toys for Bob have excelled is really giving the player a sense of responsibility for bringing these heroes back to life. They just sit there looking at you, constantly reminding you that their world is in darkness, until you give in and join them on their adventure.
Throughout the journey to restore power to the majestic Core, the Skylanders meet many friends who are vital in the success of their quest. With the great Master Eon reduced to his most basic spirit form by Kaos’ hideous mega super evil secret beast when it destroyed the core, Hugo, his faithful assistant takes on the role of sensei, guiding the Skylanders towards the eternal forces and offering advice in perilous situations. Alongside Hugo is the charismatic Flynn the balloonist, whose constant hitting and wooing of the cat like Cali is cringe worthy but innocently cute at the same time. Cali rewards the Skylanders from clasping her from the bony hands of the drows by offering them heroic quests throughout their journey, further aiding them to level up and upgrade their weapons.
As the Skylanders progress closer towards recovering the eternal forces, they need the assistance of many others bestowed with special skills and powers to see the way forward. Arbo the young sapling who can speak to the seeds, Gurglefin who doubles as a boat chauffeur and my personal favourite, the annoyingly charming and quick witted T-bone, a skeletal bonehead with an attitude but also thankfully an invaluable guide through the underground catacombs of the undead worlds. With friends like these, not to forget General Robot and the Arkeyan Weapons Master, the Skylanders, under your power are in excellent shape to take on the malevolent Kaos and company. That’s all of the story I’m willing to give away, you need to play it for yourself to see the rest.
Character design
You know the designers have done something right when you go to your local shops only to be greeted by empty shelves of what once were an army of Skylanders ready to take flight. EBay offered no assistance either, besides revealing a small black market of collectors who had their grubby sweaty hands on rare (any dragon or undead character really) Skylanders that were selling for higher than retail prices, with postage on top. Each character has a unique attitude, and being an army of thirty two, pretty much ensures you will relate to one of them and have a personal favourite in no time at all. I spent most of the game with trigger happy at the forefront simply because I preferred his “style” of weaponry and his aesthetic looks over the others. Some characters are cute, and some (such as the undead) are decidedly darker in appearance and mannerisms. Even the despicable Kaos is a somewhat likeable character, more in the sense of id like to fireball his face but likeable nonetheless as is his sarcastic and slightly more intelligent side-kick Gkumshanks whose job itseems to make sure Kaos doesnt self destruct.
Gameplay
Addictive and sleep depriving, it your kid doesn’t show maximum levels of immediate excitement and throw at least one tantrum when told to goto bed, please take them to the closest professional help. Don’t get me wrong, given the identical game played through with one core character, and this title would be nothing short of average. Sure, there are a multitude of levels to make your way through with a mind boggling amount of quests and challenges outside the main mission to complete, but it would still fail to hold its audiences interest for long without that extra magic that are the Skylanders. The sheer variety of different characters available ensures a different approach will be taken by every player and adds a unique form of replayability to the game.
Each character has two weapons, primary and secondary, both of which can be upgraded and transformed into over the top quirky and often humorous prototypes of mass destruction. My little Trigger Happy, which ran around screaming “mine, mine” while collecting goodies, was well endowed with two golden pistols which transformed into a turret machine gun as well as golden bomb boxes which upgraded to exploding money bags of doom.
As well as having unique weapons and abilities each character is assigned an elemental force, that being Earth, Air, Tech, Magic, Water, Life, Undead, and Fire. Herein lays the concept that binds the whole ideology of Skylanders together. Throughout each level players will encounter varying different environments in which one particular elemental force will outshine all others. I initially thought a fire Skylander would be more effective in a water world, but it seems the Skylanders are harmonious with their own environment drawing power from it to fight off Kaos minions. On this note, minions are a must; they are just so cool and obedient like blind mice in a room full of traps. Players will be prompted when there is a change in elemental force power so they can strategically plot their path through the masses of enemies waiting to keep them away.
Each level in Skyland is a treasure pot of sparkly magic goodies that gleam and tinkle, beckoning you to pick them up. Defeated enemies explode into collectable orbs which are used to level up your Skylander and allow for further upgrades. Treasures within Skyland come in many different weird and wonderful shapes, from gem adorned rings, diamonds and coins; everything is brightly lit and entices the player to collect more. Although working as a team to defeat Kaos, Skylanders (like most dragons) are like Scrooge McDuck with their gold, and will not share it among themselves. Each Skylanders wealth is theirs and theirs alone to spend upgrading their armoury.
Skylanders, despite their immense magic abilities and power, have a limited life span that is very quickly drained when backed up in a corner. As they level up they do become more powerful but eventually will need to rest and allow another Skylander to take the reigns for a while. Throughout their journey the Skylanders will find many tasty treats to snack down on, ranging from pretzels and cheese through to various candies and everyones favourite, multi layered cake, perfect for energising Portal masters and Skylanders alike.
Despite the gameplay being quite simplistic in nature for most mature gamers, the content is perfect for a younger audience and the controls and concepts in puzzle design are a good training ground for younger gamers not quite ready for the perils of more powerful enemies. While being fairly consistent in difficulty across the whole game there were specific parts that would give challenge even to more avid younger gamers. Specifically the boss battles with Kaos, which are frantic and in many instances left me with three very despondent and exhausted Skylanders resting on the floor. In reality the more Skylanders toys you invest in the more lives you have to play with as I never had the chance to see a figure rest as the parts when more than one were needed usually drained the life from all three of them, thus sending you back to the start of the chapter. Regarding the boss battles, be appreciative that you do not have to do the whole level but only the boss.
Aside from the main mission of restoring the Core of Light, there are many other in-game puzzles and quests to embark upon. Cali offers heroic quests throughout most of the game, and there are various locked doors scattered throughout the worlds that require unlocking. While being the same puzzle on all doors, it does at least increase in difficulty as you move further into the game. Every world also has Portal gates which can only be entered by a Skylander matching its elemental lock. These gates reveal pathways to rare treasures, scrolls and medallions all of which are invaluable in unlocking new character features and abilities. Speaking of medallions, although your Skylander can upgrade his weapons, there are still some super destructive powers that can be unlocked via medallions located throughout the various worlds. When you find one it reveals the new power and what character it relates to, even giving a little preview of its destructiveness in action. If you look hard enough through Skylands you will also find various humourous helmets to adorn yourself in for protection and of course, good looks.
Players can also team up to fight against Kaos, and the game features the ability to be able to drop in and out whenever you want. Additionally players can take their characters to a friend’s house and irrelevant of what system they are playing on can use their Skylanders in battle, complete with all their items and upgrades. Skylanders can also be used in battles against each other as two players go head to head with their respective armies.
There were a few minor glitches such as the wrong name coming up occasionally on Skylanders, and I’m not sure which character the items I collected went to but aside from this, there was nothing major that detracted at all from the experience in any way.
Overall
You can’t really ask for much more when it comes to a kids interactive form of entertainment than Skylanders. Everything about it screams “enjoy me”, and in this respect it certainly does not disappoint. Even the over the top language used in-game and throughout the review such as “super duper” and mega destructive is ultra appealing to children and draws them closer to the characters. Although the addition of a difficulty setting would have been nice, it is aimed at a young audience to which its appeal would be immense. It’s not about playing the next kids game, it’s about taking control of the game in a physical way that binds the player to the storyline and builds a relationship between them and the characters, something Skylanders delivers on all accounts. Its not even about playing this particular game which was evident as after completing the main game i went out and bought four new characters and didnt even care what game i was playing them in, i was just excited to unlock all their new abilities and portal gates.
F1 2011 3DS release date confirmed
Today Codemasters announced that F1 2011 will be coming to the Nintendo 3DS on 25th November 2011 across the EMEA region. It did mention that a US release date had yet to be set in stone, although I imagine it shouldn’t differ too much from the 25th November release date.
Developed by Sumo Digital, under Codemasters’ exclusive worldwide agreement with Formula One World Championship Limited, F1 2011 features all the official teams, drivers and circuits – including the new 2011 Formula 1 Airtel Grand Prix of India at Delhi’s Buddh International Circuit – from the thrilling 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship.
Check out some gameplay below, although bear in mind it is 2D footage of a game with the option of 3D:
LOTR: War in the North – Slay the Orcs video
Lord of the Rings: War in the North is back with another interesting insight into the game, with comments from stars of the films among others. It will be the first mature-rated Lord of the Rings game, an aspect that this video focuses on by showing the way you will slay the enemy. Chopped off limps and decapitated heads all feature.
key members of the Snowblind Studios team discuss not only the sheer fun obliterating the foul creatures that terrorize Middle-earth, but also speak to the violence depicted in the pages of the books, to describe war torn Middle-earth. Sean Astin and Dominic Monaghan (The Lord of the Rings), Brian Posehn (The Sarah Silverman Show) and Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory) comment on not only the hordes of orc players will face in the game, but other foes that will pursue them, from troll, to goblins, to fell beasts and more. Gaming personalities Eric Eckstein (G4), Alison Haislip (G4) and Miri Jedeikin address the combination of the visceral combat, with the depth and character development of the RPG elements. Noted Tolkien scholar Corey Olsen points out the scribe’s own experience with war, particularly World Wars I and II.
Lord of the Rings: War in the North comes to Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on the 25th November for Europe, and slightly earlier on the 15th for Australia and New Zealand.
Dragonball Z Ultimate Tenkaichi Review
Dragonball Z Ultimate Tenkaichi
Developer: Spike
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Platform: Xbox 360 (reviewed), Playstation 3
Release date: October 25, 2011
Price: $59.99 (Available HERE)
PREMISE
It pretty much goes without saying that Dragonball Z is still considered by many to be one of the greatest anime series of all time. The intense combat action, standout visual design and unique brand of humour have all attributed to the success of this anime franchise in the past. The show addressed plenty of themes that we, as the audience, loved to see represented in popular media. Good vs. evil, never giving up despite impossible odds, inner strength and such. Even though the official anime ceased production around 15 odd years ago, it is still one of the most popular to date. The recent re-creation of the series in Dragonball Z Kai has further perpetuated its success as a series. So naturally, throughout the course of its existence, there have been more than a handful of video game adaptations.
The relative success of previous video games based on Dragonball Z has largely fluctuated from time to time. It is really a mixed bag of quality when it comes video game adaptations of anime. Some have been fantastic, while others lacklustre and bland. This variance is often attributed to both a combination of graphical quality, gameplay limitations and control issues associated with combat. Has the newest instalment been able to take these opinions on board? And more importantly has the game series evolved to distinguish itself from the rest? Boasting new gameplay styles such as giant boss battles, customised character creation, enhanced graphics and an epic story experience that revisits the tale that is the Dragonball Z saga, will DBZ: UT live up to the standards of the fans?
STORY / CAMPAIGN
Anyone who has seen the anime will no doubt already be aware of the story flow of Dragonball Z. The game’s Story Mode takes players on an interactive trip through the history of the Dragonball Z and GT franchises. Throughout this game type, players assume the role of various characters from the show and progress the story through their actions. It’s a feature that we as an audience have seen implemented plenty of times before, and seems to be a basic necessity of modern Dragonball Z fighters. The flow of the story is told in both elements of gameplay and anime cut scenes that are of even better graphic quality of the anime originals. By defeating an enemy, the player will progress further through the story, which includes not only the sagas from the canon anime releases, but also the slightly lesser canon Dragonball Z movies, such as the Broly movies, and Fusion Reborn. It is pretty difficult to lay down criticism of the storyline as it mirrors that of the anime. One which has stood the test of time.
Five years after Goku, the hero of Dragonball settled his score with Piccolo at the world martial arts tournament, a strange spaceship lands on Earth, with a powerful warrior named Raditz aboard. Travelling to Earth to find Goku, the warrior reveals that both he and Goku are part of a near extinct alien race known as the Saiyans. This sets in motion a series of dramatic events that will shape the entire future of the Dragonball Z universe, and it is here where players start their game.
Aside from the standard story mode, which allows players to experience the canon Dragonball Z story, a second story mode also exists that provides a completely new, original story within the DBZ universe. This game type is labelled ‘Hero Mode’. In this game mode, rather than follow the footsteps of DBZ heroes like Goku and Piccolo, players are provided with the opportunity to create their very own Dragonball Z fighter. Using one of their custom-made characters, players can delve into an entirely new storyline that features their own creation as the lead hero. While the story is significantly shorter and simpler than that which one would experience in the canon DBZ series, this particular feature is one which is most certainly going to appeal to many DBZ fans.
GAMEPLAY
Naturally, as an anime that focuses heavily on the notion of martial-arts and fighting and combat, video game adaptations are quite commonly created under the fighting game genre. Within the game, fighting takes place between two combatants at any one time. While there can be more than one fighter on either side of the fight, the game only allows for 2 characters to wail on each other at any given time. The combat itself is relatively simple and easy to pick up. One of the first things players will need to learn is that fighting takes place in two ranges: melee range and blast range. In melee range, combat is performed with a series of punches and kicks, whereas blast range has the player dish out and dodge energy blasts. Both ranges have a weak rapid attack, for landing quick combo hits, and a slower, but stronger smash attack that breaks blocking stances and smashes opponents away. Both ranges also utilise a block function, which allows player to completely negate damage from weak, rapid attacks.
The notion of having a different control scheme for different ranges seems somewhat confusing at a glance, but the game compensates for this by only changing the combat range after a smash-back attack is landed, or if one of the combatants chooses to alter the range with a simple double press of the dash boost button (A for 360, X for PS3). Doing so can allow the player to change battle range to suit their style, but doing so has its risks.
Whenever combat range is changed, or a long enough combo placed upon one of the combatants, the gameplay will suddenly slow, prompting the player to press either smash or rapid attack buttons to initiate a long-chain combo. However, the enemy player also has the chance to react. If the two players both press the same button, the victim of the attack will turn the combo back on the attacking player. This essentially reduces the ability to engage in a long chain combo down to a 50/50 chance of succeeding. If the players find themselves caught in a long-chain combo, then it is INTESNELY difficult to break free from, unless you have enough ki energy charged. My advice? Get ready to work those fingers big time. While there are ways around avoiding the counter attack (such as using the strike booster technique, or attacking from behind), consistent momentum is not something a player is likely to find.
DBZ is also a series famous for the fighters’ utilisation of signature techniques, such as Goku’s Kamehamaeha and Vegeta’s Big Bang Attack. However, in order to use these techniques, the player must build up their spirit meter. This brings up an issue surrounding the HUD. Rather than just simply use ki, like previous games have done in the past to utilise special techniques like these, the player must build up a spirit bar which can only really be built up from smacking around your opponent like a tennis ball at Wimbledon. Only the smash combos can adequately charge spirit, but if your opponent consistantly blocks any attempt to get a smash combo chain going, then many players will find themselves frustratingly unable to perform their favourite DBZ attacks. Unfortunately, seeing the signature attacks in action is a rare event in battles, typically only used closer to the end of the fight as a finishing move.
Centipede: Infestation – Wii Review
Centipede: Infestation
Developer: WayForward Technologies
Publisher: Atari
Platforms: Wii (reviewed), 3DS
Release Date: October 25, 2011
Price: $29.99 – (HERE)
Overview
After what felt like an eternity of neglect, I dusted off my Wii console and brought it back to life. I looked at the Centipede: Infestation case and grinned. I knew this was going to be a long night. Once I attained essential food stuffs, I locked myself in the bedroom – locked and loaded to kill bugs.
Story
In a world where giant bugs roam freely, the world seems to be losing life as it turns to a barren wasteland. Some people think there is a correlation between the growth of the bugs and decaying of the world.
Living the life of shooting bugs, an orphan named Max rarely seems to fit the hero persona. As a renegade, he tends to keep to himself and executes bugs in the wasteland for fun; or is he avoiding the scars of his past? The bug slayer meets up with a girl named Maisy who is reviving the barren wasteland to a usable garden. After defeating bugs in Maisy’s garden, Max decides to protect her while she continues her journey to find her mother and make the world green again.
Gameplay
Playable with either nunchuck or classic controller, Centipede: Infestation can be played different ways. Utilizing the nunchuck, players will point and shoot with the Wii Remote while using the nunchuck for movement. Alternatively, players can utilize the “duel stick” method with the classic controller – running with the left analog and directional shooting with the right.
Starting off with a regular pea shooter, Max can upgrade his weapon with many power-ups during each stage. Power-ups have a short duration and provide unique attributes to the original pea shooter. The eight potential gun upgrades are as follows: flamethrower, missile gun, machine gun, laser gun, force gun, freezethrower, lightning gun, and toxic gun. Once collected an upgrade is stored in your directional slots. By pressing an occupied directional, the upgrade will be used immediately. Additionally, players may collect more than one of the same upgrade and combine it to do more damage as well as longer range.
How about discussing my most and least favorite weapon? My personal favorite gun upgrade is the laser gun. Initially, the gun will shoot in one direction and pass through multiple enemies. However, by collecting two laser icons, you will gain a double laser that shoots in two directions. Rotating your character with this gun will prove extremely useful for decimating hordes of bugs quickly and effectively. My least favorite weapon is the force gun. While pushing enemies is fine and dandy, I would rather have a flamethrower torching the critters. The force gun pushes enemies back and also prevents projectiles from hitting the character. Even though negating enemies attacks is great preventative, this gun lacks the kill rate of other weapons.
Along with weapon power-ups, some bugs will drop player enhancements such as shield, speed boost, and rage. If you happen to pick up the shield icon, you will be able to withstand a hit without losing a life. Lives are numbered and can be lost easily just by being touched. Speed boost provides you with additional run speed allowing you to move more freely and potentially escape a closing in centipede. Finally, the rage power-up makes your character really angry! Just kidding… But seriously, the rage makes you invincible for a short duration will increasing your attack damage.
Ants, and caterpillars, and grubs! Oh, my! With an array of enemies to fend off, each has a weakness and can be exterminated. For instance bomb spiders are not afraid to get up in your business. Do not leave these guys alone for too long, or they will explode in your face. Centipede’s are my favorite foe because they provide a challenging experience through avoidance and precision shooting. Before a centipede will enter the level area, a glowing outline shows the directional path that the bug will take. Upon entry the centipede will show a red glow in its center mass. After shooting the red glow, the centipede will break up into two separate and very alive parts. Hitting each remaining segment will cause the head to break off and continue towards the player. To destroy this beastie once and for all, shoot the head continuously.
Boss battles are separated into their own levels and provide a challenge for novice players. These battles are all about developing a strategy and adjusting to variant environments. For instance, the final battle with the Alpha Centipede begins with Max continuously running away. Avoiding object collision and collecting power-ups will keep Max from getting injured as well as damaging the colossal bug.
During the initial run-through, you can choose to play either on normal or hard. After completing the game on either mode, you unlock the insane difficulty. Increasing the difficulty provides a greater challenge and more potential points for the player. Playing on harder modes will also make way for some in-game unlockables.
Centipede: Infestation offers a high replay value because of the sizeable amount of unlockables that can be acquired through varied gameplay. Completing levels on certain difficulties will grant the player new skins and playable characters. By the end of your first run-through you will be able to switch characters to Rivet or Maisy. Rivet is Max’s brother, but I don’t want to spoil how you meet him.
Considering replay value, players may unknowingly acquire achievements and medals as they progress through the game. Achievements can be completed in each level and earned by meeting certain requirements. A potential achievement requires the player to only use the pea shooter through the stage without power-ups. Medals are based on your resulting score at the end of the levels and are ranked bronze, silver, and gold. Acquiring a plethora of gold medals will also unlock an achievement.
If killing centipedes alone wasn’t enough, have a friend join in on the fun by playing co-op campaign. Set the difficulty to insane and have a blast yelling at your partner to back you up or get out of the way. Always remember sharing is caring when it comes to using power-ups!
Graphics/Audio
Cut-scenes deliver a story that is expressed almost like an anime mini-series. While not every cut-scene is fully animated, several scenes incorporate a complete animation of climatic events. Other mission scenes provide a short briefing between Max and Maisy with no major artwork done. But I would not expect the developers to make long scenes for 40+ levels.
Environments are tightly spaced and do not spread over much ground. With limited run space, you may find it hard to avoid all possible dangers. Mushrooms do not help the cause by spawning around the map reducing maneuverability. A more interactive setting as well as larger maps would provide an even greater experience. However, the tight area keeps the intensity high.
Sound effects prove effective especially with gun customization. By cycling through the different weapons, you can easily discern the fire of a flamethrower and electric current for the lightning gun. Throw in a few bomb spider explosions and the splatter of goo residuals, and you’ll have some entertaining audio.
Overall
Centipede: Infestation provides solid gameplay and great supporting assets that bring a player back for more. Offering a large set of achievements and unlockables, the action shooter allows for a great deal of re-playability. A variety of weapons enables players to devise their own tactics to survive wave after wave of creepy crawlers.
When you pick up the laser gun for the first time you feel powerful. And once you upgrade it, you will believe you are unstoppable. Perhaps you will be…
Centipede: Infestation showed me how to exterminate with
Twister Mania Now Available for the Kinect
Fans of Twister who are itching for a proper console release have something to pick up finally, as Majesco’s Twister Mania is now available for the Xbox 360 Kinect. This re-imagining of the iconic party game has players play through three different modes with 16 different variations where players must try to twist their bodies into one of the 1800 shapes within.
Majesco and Hasbro have both released a statement to celebrate this new motion-based release:
“TWISTER was one of the first games where you used your body as the game piece.” said Jesse Sutton, CEO, Majesco Entertainment. “TWISTER™ Mania is the perfect marriage of this all-time favorite game brand and the Kinect technology, as now your body is the game piece AND the controller. We know families and friends will have laugh-out-loud fun while playing TWISTER™ Mania this holiday season while enjoying the game’s new play patterns and amazing functionality.”
“TWISTER is an iconic brand that is woven into the fabric of pop culture,” said Mark Blecher, Senior Vice President and General Manager of digital media and marketing at Hasbro. “The Kinect technology makes TWISTER Mania come to life and allows kids and adults to enjoy uninhibited full body fun in a whole new way.”
Even though the concept sounds a bit like “Hole in the Wall”, this version is still very intriguing as Majesco have packed it full of both color and charm in order to appeal to gamers of all ages. Twister Mania can be found wherever videogames are sold for the price of $49.99 (US).