Anyone can look at the success of various iPhone games and say that they want in on that piece of pie. Now Namco Bandai has had their hands in Smart Phone gaming for awhile now under the subsidiary Namco Networks. Though this may not appeal to some people, it is great news for those who love to take their favorite franchises on the road with them. Last year when Splatterhouse and Puzzle Quest 2 released onto various consoles, they also received a modified release on iPhones as well.
This was just the first sign of the integration of Namco Networks into Namco Bandai America, and now it is official that the two groups have become one with Namco Bandai America absorbing Namco Networks. What exactly can we expect in the future now that Namco Networks has a more substantial studio backing its productions? Well Carlson Choi who is the VP of Marketing for Namco Bandai America has stated:
“We’ve already made Brain Exercise with Dr. Kawashima accessible on mobile devices and More Brain Exercise with Dr. Kawashima available on mobile, Android, Windows Phone 7 and iOS platforms. To continue the momentum around the Dr. Kawashima Brain franchise, Body and Brain Connection will launch Feb. 8 exclusively for Kinect, for Xbox 360, controller-free games and entertainment, with Brain Exercise with Dr. Kawashima 3 launching later this year on Java, BREW, iPhone and iPad.”
One series that has came a long way is Capcom’s Bionic Commando franchise. With the newest title, Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 hitting the PSN and Xbox Live Arcade tomorrow, Capcom have now released a shiny new launch trailer. In this sequel to the hit 2-D side scrolling series, many new environments, weapons, and enemies come into play but in my opinion, the most interesting new feature is the ability to now have Spencer jump. It might not sound like much, but this one addition is sure to completely change up the whole way the game is played, offering new strategies and a whole new feel to the game’s physics based puzzles and platforming.
In the trailer you can get a nice flashback from the classic as Capcom shows how the series has truly evolved up to now as well as showing the chaotic gameplay that players can expect as Spencer swings and jumps through areas. Also shown are some of the new upgrades, high power weaponry, and a look at the classic co-op that will also be available in this sequel. Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 launches tomorrow, February 3rd for 1200 points for the XBLA & $14.99 for the PSN. Check out the new trailer below.
Citizens of the world, get ready! Kalypso Media have now announced new details and a window of release for their sequel to the critically praised Tropico series, Tropico 4. Tropico 4 will have players return in the role of El Presidente, tyrannical (or benevolent) dictator of the island paradise of Tropico. A whole new challenge has arisen over the island and it is now up to the player to build an empire and gather support from your growing population. This new entry in the series promises to add in even more missions, maps, buildings, enhancements to the political and economic systems to enhance the dictating experience.
Even more political decision making will be present with Tropico 4, including new superpowers to negotiate with and the ability to elect prime ministers to persuade the public into having your policies passed. Mother nature will also be present yet again as well, serving to dish out some crazy situations that will be sure to test even the toughest leaders with disasters in which your decisions will be completely crucial to the survival of your land.
Other features include:
New campaign – Face 20 new challenging missions across 10 entirely new maps
Build Your Vision of Island Perfection – Not only are the graphics enhanced, but 20 new buildings including the stock exchange, shopping mall, aqua park and a mausoleum for El Presidente allow you to craft your perfect balance of beauty and economic efficiency
State of Emergency – Six new interactive disasters including volcanoes, droughts and tornadoes prove that Mother Nature can be a tougher adversaries than opponents bent on your political ouster
Council of Ministers – Appoint selected citizens to ministerial posts to help push through and enact your more controversial decisions and edicts
National Agenda – Receive objectives from Tropican factions, foreign geopolitical powers or opportunities relating to current island events that can further or hamper your dictatorial ambitions
Facebook and Twitter integration – Post live Tweets directly from the game or create posts automatically upon completion of missions, unlocking achievements, etc. Store and display achievements and screenshots of your ultimate island empire on facebook and compare your Dictator Rankings against others online (Windows PC only feature)
I am a big fan of the Tropico series so I can say this new title is definitely on my watch list. The only thing I am a bit concerned about was the glitch that took place in Tropico 3, making it impossible to load saved data from a map with a large population on the Xbox 360 version. This was addressed by Kalypso , but has still yet to receive a patch so hopefully this problem is not present in Tropico 4. For more information about Tropico 4 which releases in the second quarter of 2011, you can check out www.kalypsomedia.com.
Game Name: COD Black Ops First Strike DLC Platforms: Xbox 360 Publisher(s): Activision Developer(s): Treyarch Genre(s): Shooter Release Date: 2/1/2011 ESRB Rating: M (Mature) Price: 1200MSP ($15) Download:Add the DLC to your add on queue here.
Intro
“Call of Duty®: Black Ops takes you deep behind enemy lines into the world of deniable operations as a member of an elite special forces unit engaging in covert warfare, classified operations, and explosive conflicts across the globe. With access to a variety of exclusive weaponry and equipment, your actions will tip the balance during the most dangerous time period mankind has ever known. Black Ops features: – An epic campaign and story that keeps you glued to edge of your seat from start to finish. – Call of Duty’s signature Multiplayer gameplay with deeper levels of character customization, and all new modes like Wager Matches, the Theater, and Combat Training which can be played Solo or Co Op. – Zombies! Providing endless hours of intense Zombie-slaying entertainment, Solo or Co-Op.” [Via Xbox.com]
First Strike contains 5 brand new maps including “Berlin Wall,” “Discover,” “Kowloon,” “Stadium,” and finally the Zombie mode specific map “Ascension”. Most of the maps feature unique moments or key features that make the map entertaining to play. These maps also add to the replayability of the game that both hardcore and casual players will enjoy with the increased amount of variety.
The Maps
The maps included in the DLC are varried and leave plenty of options for all players to find their nitch. Some players may like certain maps better than others and not all opinions will match but that is the great thing about map packs. There is usually something for everyone.
Berlin Wall: It is the Berlin Wall! What more is there to say about it? The level is comprised of a few small buildings to run around in, but a majority of it consists of long open areas. Right in the middle of the level there is a danger zone. This area is marked by signs and is red on your map. Automated turrets will shoot at you the minute you walk into this area, while it looks like you could just run across the open field, you can’t and have to walk around. It was stated that you could risk the run, but with people firing at you and those insanely accurate turrets it is near impossible to make it across. I’ve tried multiple times and haven’t made it once, logically it is easier to just go around particularly since you are basically wide in the open and in extreme danger while running across the danger zones.
Discover: Another addition to the ice maps found in Black Ops. This particular ice map has a whole bunch of frozen buildings and a giant chasm in between them. There are bridges in between the chasm, one on top and on one the bottom. The bottom one can be destroyed, but the destruction isn’t massive. The actual location, isn’t that good of a vantage point so not many people stay there for extended periods of time. Also, when it is destroyed it doesn’t hinder progress at all. Going around it or just jumping over it isn’t that hard. The map is fun and offers new hiding spots and a giant chasm to fight around.
Kowloon:
I honestly enjoyed this map the most. Most of the level feels a lot like the singleplayer map by the same name. Lots of hectic gameplay all condensed onto some narrow rooftops and tons of hiding places. The key feature of this map is supposed to be the zipline, but honestly anyone who uses this is asking to be shot. You go down the zipline way too slow and you are left wide open. It is simply easier to jump around the rooftops, you might not get directly to your destination but at least you have a better chance of surviving on your way there. During the entire level there is rain and this reduces visibility. Hectic, rooftop gameplay is all within this fun map.
Stadium:
Probably the worst map in this entire pack. It isn’t that the map is necessarily bad; but compared to the others, Stadium is just too normal. The level takes place around a giant stadium (that you can’t actually explore fully) you can only be in one part and look off map at the rest of the hockey stadium. Gameplay on this level is pretty normal and doesn’t add anything new to the game or give any openings for additional strategies to use. It is simply just another map located within a bunch of more noteworthy maps.
Ascension:
Probably the most sought after new addition to Black Ops. The zombie mode is extremely popular and this brand new addition is welcomed by many fans. New tactics need to be created, new plans devised, and new zombies all come with this new map. Anyone who loves the zombie mode will not be disappointed by this map. While there are quite a few places you can camp comfortably with a team, these aren’t necessary and only assist those who want an easy time playing. For the rest of us, there are new areas and tons of new zombie killing fun to have.
Achievements First Strike includes a few achievements, and while one or two may be a bit difficult they are all manageable. They all have to do with the new zombie map, so I hope you enjoy playing it a lot because it may take a few attempts. The only advice I can really give players going for these achievements is to have patience and a few friends. You will eventually get the achievements, and while they may seem difficult with enough practice they will get unlocked.
The achievement list is:
The eagle has landers – 35 – In Ascension, escape on all 3 lunar landers.
They are going THROUGH! – 35 – In Ascension, kill at least 5 zombies with 1 Gersh Device.
Space Race – 45 – In Ascension, Pack-a-Punch a weapon by round 8.
Chimp on the barbie – 35 – In Ascension, kill a space monkey with a fire trap.
Overview
The First Strike DLC for Black Ops is a very nice edition for any call of duty fan. Even the price is quite generous in my opinion. Five brand new maps for 1200MSP equates to 240MSP each, and compared to previous Call of Duty map packs that usually included remakes, this is quite an offer. The maps are fun and each present a unique addition to the gameplay; aside from stadium of course, that one was quite dull and just simply too normal. The price point may be a little steep for some players, but as a map pack First Strike is put together pretty well.
I give the Black Ops ‘First Strike’ DLC
Lego Star Wars III – The Clone Wars, the latest of the Lego Star Wars games brings to Lego life the events of the (more recent CGI) Clone Wars animated series which currently airs on Cartoon Network. The latest video released by the developers goes into the voice acting and shows us the goofiness and humour that goes into the voice over track of the game. The game tells the story of the first two seasons of the series but in a more goofy lego kind of way.
Anybody familiar with the Lego series of games will know that the game features no spoken dialogue, but instead the characters communicate using grunts and other strange noises. Watching the recording process behind this is quite entertaining and also very informative as to how the process works and how it applies to the end result.
To watch the clip, see it embedded below.
For more information on the game, head on over to the Official Website.
Old school arcade racing returns to the Xbox Live Arcade and Playstation Network with Sega’s newly announced SEGA Rally Online Arcade. A new HD racer for consoles inspired by previous arcade Sega Rally titles such as Sega Rally Revo and Sega Rally 3. “We’ve blended our hit arcade racing series with the best elements from the console versions to bring our fans the SEGA Rally experience in compact, downloadable format,” said Haruki Satomi, Vice President of Digital Business at SEGA. “Whether they’re new to the SEGA Rally series or they’ve participated in countless races over the years, we’re confident everyone will enjoy the wide variety of features included in this fan favourite”. SEGA Rally Online Arcade will feature arcade favourites Championship Battle mode and Time Attack, as well as achievements, new rally cars and online leaderboards.
Expect to see SEGA Rally Online Arcade coming soon to the XBLAand PSN in 2011.
You’ve been reading and hearing about this map pack for quite some time ever since it was announced. The waiting is now over because marking the new month of February the Xbox Live Marketplace has received its injection of new Call of Duty: Black Ops multiplayer maps and they are available for download now. You can find the download link here, but keep in mind that the price is 1200 MSP ($15).
Now those who have the PS3 version of Black Ops are left out in the cold for now because the Xbox 360 has First Strike as a timed exclusive, and no release date has currently been announced for other consoles. But for those that do pick up the map pack they will be getting four multiplayer versus maps: Berlin Wall, Stadium, Kowloon and Discovery. There is also the new zombie level called Ascension that will feature players having to survive against Soviet Zombies, perk-stealing zombie monkeys, and traps inside of a Cold War era cosmodrome.
Fans of classic SNK games should rejoice considering the fact that SNK Playmore has just made it official that there will be a PSP compilation released that contains 20 different games from SNK Playmore’s history. The PSP compilation will be called SNK Arcade Classics 0 and each of these 20 games are before the company started working on Neo Geo releases.
What this means is that classics which have long been forgotten or not released in a bundle are now available for the first time all on one disc. Games such as Athena and Psycho Soldier will be able to be played on this compilation as well as many others. Andriasang has thankfully translated the entire list of games on the compilation UMD when it releases in Japan on April 21st. Although there hasn’t been an official release date for the United States announced yet, the ESRB has had a rating in place for the game which had left SNK’s fans wondering when Playmore would make it official.
Full list of the games available on the compilation below:
Ikari Warriors (1986)
Dogosoken (Ikari Warriors 2) (1986)
Ikari III: The Rescue (overseas version) (1989)
Athena (1986)
Psycho Soldier (1987)
Sasuke vs. Commander (1980)
TANK (1985)
ASO (1985)
Prehistoric Isle in 1930 (1989)
Bermuda Triangle (1987)
Vanguard 2 (1984)
HAL 21 (1985)
Marvin’s Maze (1983)
Guerrilla War (1987)
P.O.W. (1988)
Street Smart (1989)
SAR Search and Rescue (1989)
Touchdown Fever (1987)
Gold Medalist (1988)
Super Championship Baseball (overseas version) (1989)
Square Enix announced today that The 3rd Birthday will be making its way to shelves in the United States on March 29th. This means that in just about two months Western fans of Parasite Eve will be able to get their hands on the localized version of the game, with full English voice work. Now Square Enix could have went with a standard voice actor but in this case they went above and beyond as far as hiring actors goes.
Yvonne Strahovski will be the voice of Aya Brea in The 3rd Birthday. Now fans of video games may recognize her voice from Mass Effect 2 as she voiced Miranda Lawson. Though she is much better known for her starring roll in Chuck as Special Agent Sarah Walker. She made this statement about her work with The 3rd Birthday: “I was immediately interested when Square Enix approached me with the opportunity to play Aya Brea in The 3rd Birthday. I love Aya – she’s strong, driven and ready to take on the world.” Now though Aya may be the star of the game, Kyle Madigan will be voiced by Jensen Ackles of Supernatural fame.
While The 3rd Birthday arrives on store shelves in the US on March 29th for $29.99 there was also an announcement today regarding a special edition available in Europe. Now there was no release date announced for the following pack, which means it could be a few months past the US release date. Regardless of that fact however Square Enix announced The 3rd Birthday Twisted Edition which will include two lithographs, a 48 page hardcover art book and a DLC code that gives Lightning an Aya Brea costume that can be used in Dissidia 012[duodecim]: Final Fantasy.
New media for Lord of the Rings: War in the North has emerged, showcasing Middle Earth Enterprises beautiful realisation of Tolkein’s/Peter Jackson’s Middle Earth, the universe of the Lord of the Rings.
Among the assets for the game were four new screenshots, showing the visuals for a snowy terrain, and a new trailer for the game which at the very least will excite Lord of the Rings fans, if not everyone. Perhaps I’m slightly biased as a fan myself, but this game is looking incredible and looks like it will bring an unprecedented level of freedom to Lord of the Rings games.
Free from the bounds of a movie license, it offers a completely new storyline, and although it links in with events of the movies, is set in a completely different time period and sees a new cast of characters: a ranger, an elf and a dwarf. This is the class system that will feature in the game, with you picking one of these races for yourself, but with the other characters still playing a fundamental part in your quest.
The other revelation was a new trailer about the Black Númenorean, which can be seen below.
