So with the release of Dead Rising 2 in the US less than a week away Capcom has released perhaps one of the longest trailers for the game, called “What would Chuck do?” As you will see below this video not only gives us an even more in depth look into the combination system, it also gives us a look into a couple of combinations and ways to find certain cards which may not have been easily discovered.
Also who doesn’t like seeing zombies torn apart or blown to pieces while having a dragon mask on their head? Expect to see Dead Rising 2 on shelves September 28th in the US, though those everywhere else already have their hands on the game.
If you don’t have a PS3 you may have thought that you were left in the dark when Enslaved: Odyssey to the West’s demo was added exclusively to the PSN, but fear not it is now on the Xbox 360 as well. Though you do have to be a Gold member to play it. You can queue up thedownload right here for the demo. Though if you want to be surprised you can simply wait until October 5th and the 8th when the game comes out in the US and the UK respectively.
Also being released is a nice demo of ArcaniA: Gothic 4. Now I may have been far out of the loop on this game, as the last Gothic I played was the very first one on the PC many years ago. But now we are seeing the first iteration making its way to consoles and you have the chance to play the demo right now. If you wish to explore the Southern Islands that make up Gothic 4, then queue up the demo right here. But just like with Enslaved you can wait a few more weeks and pick the game up on shelves fresh to the experience when it releases on October 12th for the 360 and PC, though the PS3 release date has been pushed back to sometime in 2011.
Love it or hate it, Katamari is certainly fun to look at. Portland, OR comic shop, Floating World Comics, has started a fundraiser where they sell Katamari art. The art isn’t actually from the game or from the games’ artists, but they still look fantastic and I want them all.
You can view and bid on the art over at eBay, but you’ll have to pry them out of my hands first.
Sonic fans can now check out a new trailer that was released for Sonic Colors today from Sega for the Nintendo Wii version of the game. This title is really coming together well from the looks of it and in my opinion could be the title that the series needs to fully get Sonic on track to a “colorful” return.
The Description of the video also gave a bit of insight on the story:
The diabolical Dr. Eggman has hatched another plan for world domination!
He has built an amazing interstellar amusement park, floating in space around Sonic’s home planet, bursting with incredible rides and attractions.
However, all is not as it seems as Dr. Eggman has abducted an alien race and is harnessing their colourful energy to fuel a sinister plot. Before Dr. Eggman completes his evil plans though, Sonic discovers his mysterious theme park in space.
When he arrives, Sonic finds he is also able to use these alien powers and is ready to help. Sonic will need all his speed and skill as he faces this test, but, empowered by the alien energy, it’s a test he’ll pass with flying colours.
This title is one I am truly looking forward to and with the love Sega is bringing to the project I think our blue hero will be back on top to stay when the game releases in November. Check out Sonic, Eggman, and the wisps in this brand new trailer for Sonic Colors for the Wii Below!
Check out the latest video for Modern Combat 2: Black Pegasus on the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. This trailer goes through footage of the campaign, how the gyro control functionality works and also some multiplayer gameplay. It’s looking really good. Get ready to finish what you start !! Modern Combat 2 will be available in early October.
We also have a competition running at the moment for a chance to win the game on iPhone. All you have to do is RT & Follow both @gameloft_aus and @capsulecomputer on twitter. The more you do you the more chances you have to win !!
Go Series: Defence Wars(DSiWare: Tom Create, 200 DSi Points)
Music On: Learning Piano(DSiWare: Abylight, 200 DSi Points)
My Exotic Farm Land(DSiWare: BiP media, 200 DSi Points)
Of the five downloads this week, my pick would be Mystic Quest Legend, a rather obscure title which debuted on the SNES back in 1992. Back then, it was released by Square Enix as a more accessible alternative to Final Fantasy, offering a less complecated RPG interface and simpler level design. Although it’s fairly ancient now, it would still be a good buy for anyone who struggles with heavy RPG’s and would prefer a lighter, simplified version. Other than that, it would be good purchase for those looking for a lesson in gaming history.
Publisher Square Enix have announced that Space Invaders: Infinity Gene is now available for download on PS3 via the PlayStation Network, and Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.
Space Invaders: Infinity Gene offers a new spin on a game that defined gaming upon it’s original arcade release. This latest remake commences with the traditional retro look, but rather imaginatively, as you progress the world around you evolves. As your high-score shoots up the visual style take on all kinds of different forms, developing into a whole array of different futuristic graphical styles.
It’s out now, retailing at $15.95 on PSN and 800 microsoft points on XBLA. Unsure of whether this game’s for you? Take a sneak peek at the game from the trailer below.
Developer: 2k Czech Publisher: 2k Games Genre: Action Platform: PC, PS3, Xbox 360 Released: 08/24/2010
Anyone who played the original Mafia knew what a classic that game was. It was without a doubt one of the most original and immersive PC games for it’s time, and a sequel for the game was always highly anticipated. It took 2K nearly a decade to produce a sequel, was it worth the wait worth it? Keep reading and find out !!
Story
The biggest selling point for the original Mafia was the story, the game had one of the best, and most memorable, storylines in a game, so good that even today is still hard to find something as good in other games.
Mafia 2 honours the original game and brings this amazing storyline into the stage again, with an all-new story and a new set of characters. The story is the classic Mafia theme, killing for money, betrayal, loyalty, and things of that nature. Everything is represented with amazing details and interesting, and sometimes unexpected, turn of events during the course of the game. All the game characters are really likeable. The cast is one of the best you could expect from a game, or even a movie. As mentioned above, the story is still the biggest selling point in Mafia 2. The only bad point about it is its abrupt ending, which make us think that something was cut on purpose, probably with DLC intentions already in mind.
Graphics/Audio
The superb graphics in the Mafia series have always played an important role to immerse you into the game world that is so brilliantly designed, and Mafia 2 couldn’t be any different. The attention to details is something which always impressed me during the game, there’s only a small number of games which take the details as serious as Mafia 2, since every corner in the game is done with an impressive attention to details, from Vito’s house, the city, weapon shops, every place is crammed with details, making us feel like we really are living in that decade. For the PC version 2K have implemented some specific features like physics effects (physx technology), cloth simulation (apex technology), 3D-enhanced technology for those with compatible graphic cards, all things which adds even more to the game.
The attention to detail in Mafia 2 can also be heard from its audio soundtrack as well, the game is fully orchestrated with some truly enjoyable compositions which bring back memories of the original Mafia game. The game uses real music for authenticity of that decade too, a nice plus for the wanted immersion. The voice acting from the characters is also very solid along with the sound effects which are quite good.
Gameplay
Sadly, this is the lowest point about Mafia 2. Why? Well, I can say the gameplay in the game could have been a lot better. The shooting parts in Mafia 2 are really limited, that happens because the game tries to use a rough cover system that really limits the player movements and options. Another low point is the driving sequences, they don’t really take advantage of these moments, and they are not even close to the memorable chase sequences of the original Mafia.
I’m not saying the gameplay itself is that bad, things works “ok” even with these problems, but they could have worked more on it. The city is huge and feels alive but there’s little to do in it, there’s always a feeling that 2K could have done a lot more. The linearity is not really the problem in this case, since the original Mafia was a extremely linear experience as well, but that game used the city a lot better for its mission structure and story development.
Overall
Mafia 2 is not exactly the game everyone was expecting, it’s not a new classic like the original was, the content clearly cut to be sold as DLCs hurts the game a little, as that was exactly what could have helped the game for a better impression. There is always a feeling like something was cut, some weird decisions, 2K could have worked more on the gameplay, and the anti-climax ending leave us somewhat disappointed. Still, I would be lying if i didn’t say my time playing the game was really good, the story and characters are strong and worth the attention, the game kept me constantly entertained. I highly recommend Mafia 2 for players looking for a Mafia or an story-driven game.
Title says it all. SSF4 is getting is getting a number of new alternate outfits for its fighters being released over the next few months. The first pack will be released on XBL and PSN on Tuesday, October 26. No word on price or release dates of further costume packs.
Given the glaring success of SSF4, its no surprise Capcom is making these DLC packs to further extend the life of their game. Stay tuned in the coming weeks/months for more info on related DLC.
Story “Halo: Reach, developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by acclaimed developer Bungie, is the blockbuster prequel to the best-selling Xbox franchise of all time. It represents the culmination of Bungie’s 10 years of experience crafting groundbreaking Halo games that have raised expectations for what can be achieved in a video game.
Experience the fateful moments that forged the Halo legend. This is the story of Noble Team, a squad of heroic Spartan soldiers, and their final stand on planet Reach, humanity’s last line of defense between the terrifying Covenant and Earth. This darker story is echoed by grittier visuals amid a backdrop of massive, awe-inspiring environments. Characters, enemies, and environments are rendered in amazing detail by an all-new engine designed to deliver epic-scale encounters against the cunning and ruthless Covenant.
Once the campaign is over, the battle continues online with an unparalleled multiplayer experience expanding on the award-winning suite of features that helped define the Xbox LIVE experience.” [Via Xbox.com]
Anyone who has read the books, played any Halo game, or even watched the trailers know how this game ends; and many of you even knows how it plays out based off the books. The story puts you into the shoes of Noble 6 as you team up with various members from Noble team and attempt to stop the enemy force that is attacking Reach.
Gameplay SinglePlayer/Campaign
The campaign is comprised of 9 playable levels. Each level has you teamed up with a different Noble Team member. Everything that is familiar from the first three games is back. A deep story filled with regular battles. The formula seems to be tried and true and is still working pretty well, but this time around Bungie decided to add some more for a larger variety of gameplay.
This time around, there is a space level as well as a flying level. The space level has you piloting a space craft as you battle the enemy out in space and attempt to stop the destruction of reach by destroying one of the main ships. The flying level has you flying around a massive level, as you help certain people at certain destinations, and stop at certain buildings to destroy enemy technology. Both levels are a breath of fresh air placed into the campaign.
The rest of the game consists of long levels scattered with battles every so often. The battles in Halo: Reach are massive; however, with you going against small armies. Since you aren’t as strong as Master Chief, the game focuses more on a cover and shoot approach. On the other hand you aren’t as weak as an ODST either, so you can still do damage without worrying about dying on the lower difficulties. Bungie also decided to spice things up by increasing the difficulty even more based on how many players are playing. This may seem like a good idea at first, and for the hardened among you, you might even enjoy it. My friends and I played four player co-op on legendary, and at first we liked the hard battles; however, when a level takes over an hour to complete because of the ramped up difficulty and a massive amount of deaths it all becomes quite boring.
Gameplay MultiPlayer
Multiplayer is where this game shines. You can pretty much do anything in the game with a bunch of friends or just some random people. Although the campaign is currently restricted to being playing only with friends, Bungie will also release this with a matchmaking lobby in the near future. Everything else is available in a matchmaking lobby, and lets you play every aspect of the game with a group of people.
Firefight lets you team up with people and kill waves of enemies. Firefight first showed up in Halo 3: ODST, but is now back and better than ever. The matchmaking lets you play one round with anyone you want with infinite lives. Matchmaking firefight is best if you just want to play a round of firefight without having to set it up; everything is there without the hassle of getting friends and making the setting. On the other hand, if you want the perfect firefight experience, you can now tweak every aspect of the game to do whatever you want; set loadouts, enemies, skulls, anything. These games count as custom matches and can only be played with friends, but these firefight matches also lead to tons of fun (May I suggest infinite rockets, against waves of hunters?)
Multiplayer is back in Halo: Reach and like everything else, it is much better. Although the base frame is still there, the physics have been updated and the rules of engagement have changed. While in Halo 3 most battles ended with punching, Halo: Reach fixes that problem and focuses more heavily on gun fights. Punching is still in the game, but it requires new strategy including the ability to assassinate an enemy from behind which triggers a sweet killing animation as well as an instant kill (much better then teabagging for a “HAHAHA! I got you” insult, in my opinion). New guns and armor abilities have also been added that change up gameplay slightly.
Everything you do in Halo: Reach now earns you credits. These credits are used to rank up, as well as buying new stuff. As you earn credits your rank will increase along side of it, but you can spend the credits whenever you want and still continue increasing your rank without the need to save them. Credits can be used to buy unique armor variants to wear in every aspect of the game. You can even see your custom spartan during the campaign and even cutscenes. It is up to you to determine how cool your character looks as you play. The armor variants are only aesthetic and add no extra armor to defend yourself with, but this keeps the playing field fair no matter how highly ranked your opponents are.
Audio & Graphics
Both the audio and graphics are most notable in campaign. During the campaign is when you actually hear the music or get to watch cutscenes. While the same graphics are present in multiplayer, it is just not the same. As for the audio, you just can’t appreciate it the same in multiplayer because there aren’t any action soundtracks present; just lots of gunfire and the pitiful scream as you kill your opponent.
The audio is awesome. Booming soundtracks pave the way as you traverse the lands of Reach. Every battle is met with an equally epic soundtrack that easily preps you for the fight ahead. Explosions and bullets are each accompanied by an equal sound that makes you feel like you are in danger. I could keep going on and on about the sounds and the soundtrack, but I think everyone gets the hint.
The audio is also quite nice, and extremely pleasant to look at. With a new AI system in place, Bungie has been able to place a massive amount of enemies on the field. By yourself in campaign this is epic, and creates the feeling that you are right in the middle of a massive war; however, in online co-op it creates framerate lagg that takes away from the experience. Even during cutscenes there was a bit of stuttering, and overall it simply took away from the experience. Luckily, the game easily makes up for it in the long run.
Achievements
The achievements in Halo: Reach are extremely easy. They are split between Campaign, Firefight, and Multiplayer Matchmaking. The Campaign achievements consist of beating each level, beating the game on certain difficulties, and a level specific achievements. The only difficult one here is beating the game by yourself on legendary. The firefight achievements can easily be obtained by creating a custom match and just playing for half an hour. The multiplayer matchmaking consists of extremely easy achievements and then a few rank based ones for getting a higher rank. Overall the achievement list is extremely easy, and quite disappointing compared to the achievements of earlier installments of the franchise. The achievement list can be found here.
There is also 5 avatar awards present in the game, some of these may take quite some time to get but overall they are quite easy to achieve.
Carter’s Helmet – Clear a Campaign Mission on Legendary without dying.
Jun’s Helmet– Killed 100 enemies in a row without dying in either campaign or firefight.
Kat’s Helmet– Avenged a teammate’s death in multiplayer matchmaking.
Jorge’s Helmet – Earned a Killtacular in multiplayer Matchmaking.
Emile’s Helmet – Earned a Bulltrue medal in either firefight or matchmaking.
Overview
Halo: Reach is truly Bungie’s swan song. We will miss Bungie as they leave for newer games, luckily we have Halo: Reach to remind us of all the good years we have enjoyed playing Bungie’s Halo games and the many years we will enjoy in the future still playing Halo: Reach. Like the Halo games before it, Halo: Reach will be played for many years to come. While the Campaign is more of a onetime only thing, Multiplayer will be largely populated for a very long time. A lot of people were still playing Halo 2 when those servers were shut down, that is quite a feat. Halo: Reach’s Multiplayer will be strong for many years to come, and is definitely worth a buy for anyone who loves playing online. With all the unlockables, levels to gain, challenges to do, and friends to meet; there will be plenty to do for many years to come.
I give Halo: Reach
