Fans of the Persona series by Atlus may be a bit angry at the news that the next game by the creators of their favorite franchise is working on a new game that is not an RPG, but an action adventure game called Catherine. And it will definitely be a game for more mature audiences as the themes are very unique as you will see in the trailer below.
The game contains horror elements and melds together very well with various crazy elements such as sheep in ties and the fact that the main character Vincent will be constantly seduced by Catherine the girl in which the game is named. In more detail we have Vincent as a 32 year old salaryman that as not been married and has barely any interest in love as a whole. That is of course until he runs into 22 year old Catherine who rattles Vincent’s mind, in more ways than one. After meeting her he starts to experience nightmares that involve a never ending staircase that will constantly throw him into nightmares until he reaches the top.
There is even a rumor going around in the game world that if you die in the dreams, you die in real life, which places Vincent in constant fear for his life as he experiences many strange occurrences in his dreams. While in real life he is dealing with the very forward Catherine. It would definitely be a very interesting game to see overseas and with the successes of the Persona series in the West it would be a major loss if this game never saw the light of day outside of Japan. But as it stands there is no release date other than that for Japan which is in Winter of 2010.
Beware the below trailer is slightly NSFW due to some parts around the minute mark.
Just when you thought you had it all Sony announces at Gamescom that they are bringing out a new PS3 slim not one but two new models. They are going to release the whopping 320GB PS3 Slim in time for Sony’s Launch of the Playstation Move on September 15th this will retail for £284.99 (349 Euros) the same price as the current 250GB that is on sale at the moment.
This will be followed by the new 160GB version in October which has been designed to replace the current 120GB version. This will also retail for the same price of £249.99 (299 Euros)
Naruto Shippuden, one of the largest franchises in Manga and Anime history has taken yet another step to solidify itself as one of the few Anime’s to reach American shores and bring together a large following. Well anyone who enjoys Naruto will definitely be glad to see the following trailer released by Namco Bandai at Gamescom.
The trailer itself is showing Naruto’s biggest enemies at the present moment, Akatsuki and the Taka forces. These two forces are also designed to fight eachother though which should make for interesting three way battles if they are established. We see the members of Akatsuki; Itachi, Kisame, Deidara, Sasori, Hidan, Pain, Kakuzu, and Konan. As well as those of Taka which are Karin, Jugo, Suigetsu, and Sasuke do battle with one another as well as against the Konoha forces. There is even a bit that shows the various boss battles which will show off the major battles that have occurred in the series so far.
The game itself is due for release on October 12th on the 360 and the PS3 in America and the 15th elsewhere, though the demo for American audiences is set for release next week. It’s interesting to see the video game franchise making larger steps to catching up with the current Manga issue than English translated episodes of the series, which may leave some American fans in the dark as to who they are playing as.
Gamescom has gotten a major influx of Enslaved: Odyssey to the West gameplay footage from Namco Bandai today as they are not only showing some of Trip’s abilities but Monkey’s as well. In the first video below we are introduced into the fighting mechanics of the game as monkey does battle alone using his staff against robotic opponents.
Then the next video shows off Trip’s electronic prowess as she manufactures a robotic dragonfly that helps scout the area and show Monkey where he has to go to perform various actions that are required to advance in the game and looks to be a nice feature as it also shows various enemy weakpoints.
Then again what gameplay video package release would be complete without a boss battle shown off in the middle of it all? We can see Monkey doing battle with what looks like a gigantic robotic rhino and injuring it using what appears to be a staff activated mine. Then again we won’t be doing battle with giant robotic rhinos or following robotic dragonflys around until the game releases onto the PS3 and Xbox 360 on October 5th.
Gamescom has a bit of extra inFamous 2 gameplay footage and boy does it look good. Sure it is some of what we have seen before but I am definitely liking the fact that you can channel your electricity through a sword now from what it looks like. There is even a new enemy introduced in this footage called the corrupted. Expect to see inFamous 2 sometime next year in 2011 but we do not know when exactly just yet.
With all the slicing and dicing we’ve seen in the trailer for Metal Gear Solid Rising, how could you possibly expect to not end up murdering someone with a single swipe of the blade? There isn’t any blunt edge weapons that could knock them out could there be? But Konami has assured us at Gamescom that there is still the pacifist no kill run in the game, similar to what you will find in every other Metal Gear game.
IGN has managed to snag a bit of information about this detail of the game which was otherwise left in the dark due to the brutal nature of what we have seen.
“When you encounter human resistance you can slice their weapons in half, causing them to run away in fear, if you accidentally slice off a hand or two, well, that will be forgiven, we are told.”
This is some good news because in older games there was a reward for not killing anyone that is then carried over to the second playthrough which makes the game either more enjoyable or much more easier. This also means that you don’t have to be very cautious when it comes to human resistance, since in the video game world a loss of a hand or two never was a problem before eh? Though it’ll be interesting to see if you have to aim your sword strikes at a proper place to sever the hand or weapon, or if there will be a simple button push to do it instead, as I would see many frustrated gamers swinging slightly off of target and ruining their no kill game.
With Namco’s new Splatterhouse game coming out soon, many gamers have been firing up their old Sega consoles to relive some of the classic games in the series. A new trailer has come forth which compares the classic game to the brand new installment. Take a look below and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments.
Having sold over 50 million units worldwide, the Smackdown vs Raw series is the biggest wrestling game franchise in the industry. Being a wrestling fan, I have purchased each one every year to keep an updated roster and try out the newest additions. This year’s Smackdown vs Raw 2011 is looking very promising in many ways though due to some new announcements that will bring back some older features and be adding some new things that will be sure to get any wrestling fan running to their local video game store come this fall.
“WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 is on track to deliver the most incredible WWE simulation experience to date in our storied franchise,” said Danny Bilson, Executive Vice President, Core Games, THQ. “This year’s game will offer players a variety of intuitive new gameplay features, impactful upgrades, industry-leading creation and customization tools, as well as unparalleled freedom to experience their own virtual WWE moments in line with those seen weekly in WWE.”
The first new mode up is the WWE Universe mode. In this gameplay scenarios will change based on player decisions, allowing for new rivalries, alliances, championship matches and more spontaneous WWE action in and out of the ring. Additionally, the popular, story-driven Road to WrestleMania mode will return with significant updates and new storylines, including the ability to freely roam through locker room areas, select opponents, break into impromptu matches and fulfill destinies based on player choices.
If you are huge fan of the CAS (Create-A-Superstar) function in the game, you will be glad to know that SvR 2011 will offer the largest offering to date of top notch creation and customization features. Players will have more creative tools than ever to customize their created Superstars, finishing moves, story designs, paint tool creations and more.Searching and sharing content will be greatly simplified through improvements to the highly regarded WWE Community Creations feature, which generated nearly 10 million downloads in its franchise debut.
Of course players will also be getting a huge roster that will be fully updated with over 70 Superstars. 100 match types will also be available including TLC, Money in the Bank and Hell in a Cell which can be fought among several new arenas. A brand new physics system will ensure all matches and object interactions look and feel unique, dynamic and unpredictable to capture the full essence and authenticity of WWE.
Oddly enough the first DLC package has also been announced. WWE Superstar Chris Masters (playable character), WWE Superstar Rey Mysterio (“Dia de los Muertos” Halloween-themed attire) and WWE Diva Kelly Kelly (“Devil” Halloween-themed attire) will be the first DLC that will be available at launch, but don’t worry as all gamers who buy the game new will be getting this content for free as a code in the instruction manual.
The feature I am most hyped about is the new physics engine for weapons such as tables, ladders and environments. If you slammed someone into a ladder in the old games, nothing really happened. Now the superstars will feel more pain and have animations set to go off upon interaction with many types of weaponry.
All in all WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2011 is shaping up to be huge this year and things are getting addressed that the fans have wanted. The 12th entry of the much loved Smackdown franchise releases October 26th for all systems (Yes, that includes the PS2). Take a look at the newest trailer which shows off some of the ways you can recreate your favorite moments of the WWE Universe with this new title.
Story “Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is the first ever co-op multiplayer action/adventure game featuring Lara Croft. This brand new adventure combines the hallmarks of the Tomb Raider franchise, including exploration and discovery, platforming, and puzzle solving combined with character progression, fun fast-paced combat, and elements of human cooperation and competition.” [Via Xbox.com]
While the overall story isn’t amazing, there is a slight story there. You find the mirror of smoke, but some bad guys take it from you. Supposedly they didn’t know about the curse, and now have unleashed a great evil upon the world. It is up to Lara Croft to save the day. So while the story isn’t amazing, there is at least a small reason you are going through all these puzzles.
Gameplay
The main focus of Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is the co-op, as well as the puzzles located throughout the game. Sadly, online co-op is unavailable until September 28th, so until then couch co-op will have to do. It may be hard, but managing to convincing a friend (or girlfriend *wink wink*) to come over and play this game with you is completely worth it. The game puts slight alterations in the levels in order to take full advantage of two players attempting to solve the puzzles. Have you ever played a single player puzzle game at your house, while you talk to a friend playing the exact same game over at his house? Well this game is a lot like that, except now you are playing together attempting to solve the puzzles. There is a lot of fun to be had, and quite worth the work it takes to get a friend to come over.
Throughout the game there are collectibles that will increase the strengths of your character. Collecting them can be as simple as finding them somewhere in the level, or as challenging as completing a reward challenge on the level. Reward challenges are small little tasks that can be as easy as jumping over the river without getting wet, or as hard as beating a certain boss in less than two minutes. Weapons can be obtained in the same manner, and you can outfit your character with up to 4 weapons at one time. If 4 weapons aren’t enough for you, you can always switch out by going to the menu and selecting other weapons.
The significant differences found in the co-op and single player modes prevents drop in co-op, but luckily all weapons carry over to either mode. You can always beat the game in single player and then hop over to co-op with a friend and bring all your awesome relics and weaponry with you. The ability to carry over all your stuff lets you show off just how awesome you are.
Leaderboards are also located in the game. While the main purpose of the game is to solve the puzzles and enjoy yourself, there are leaderboards for those of you who enjoy time trials. Compete against people all over the world for best times and best scores in a level. While leaderboards aren’t the most awe inspiring addition, there are many people out there who look forward to spending hours upon hours (or simply glitching) on the exact same level just be on top of the leaderboards.
Audio & Graphics
The audio in the game is forgettable. The voice acting is not as bad but the lines that are said are pretty cheesy and pointless. I don’t blame the voice actors for the cheesy lines since it is the writers fault, but having to hear a terrible one liner every time you kill a big monster or find something new gets annoying.
The graphics on the other hand are superb for an Arcade game. Admittedly the opening and ending scenes are disappointing slideshow style scenes, but the rest of the scenes are good. There is also a vertical feel to the levels, and each level is extremely cool to look at and admire. On the down side bodies fade into non existence, and shrapnel disappears shortly after forming but this is to be expected from an arcade game.
Achievements
Take note that I reveal the Secret Achievements below as well, but they just name 2 of the bosses and are progression based. The other achievements pretty much have you sampling everything there is to do within the game, whether it be finishing your first mission based reward challenge or obtaining a good score on any level. There is even an achievement for finding all 10 skulls on at least one level. There are some co-op achievements as well, which can be done with a second controller. It may require you to do some tricky controller use but it is possible. The final achievement “Tomb Raider” requires you to basically do everything within the game, and will take a while but will give achievement hunters a reason for actually collecting all the stuff in the game (Other than having epic abilities and weapons).
The achievement list is:
A Friend in Need – 20 – Play Co-op mode
Leap of Faith – 15 – Catch Totec with the grapple while he is jumping over a death fall
Return to sender – 15 – Reflect an enemy’s projectile back to him using Totec’s shield
Three birds, one stone – 10 – Kill 3 enemies with one bomb
Jump Jump – 10 – Jump from Totec’s shield while he is jumping
Beat a better mousetrap – 10 – Activate all of the spikes at once in the Spider Tomb spike field
Breadwinner – 25 – Earn the top score objective in any level
Seeing Red – 20 – Collect all 10 red skulls in any single level
Overachiever – 15 – Complete any level-specific Reward Challenge
Tomb Raider – 25 – Collect all relics, artifacts and weapons
Instant Sushi – 10 – Vanquish the summoned beast in the watery depths
Vanquish Xolotl – 25 – Regain the Mirror of Smoke
There are also two avatar awards that you can obtain by beating the game.
Mercenary Outfit
Lara Jungle Outfit
Overview
While the overall story is lacking, and the audio is forgettable the rest of the game is superb. The graphics are beautiful and the puzzles are great. With slightly altered levels for co-op it creates a fun experience for both single player and co-op. There are tons of stuff to collect and unlock, as well as bonus objectives to unlock even more rewards in game. While this game has a huge emphasis on co-op, the current lack of online co-op ruins some of the game for those who don’t have anyone to play with at home. Luckily the first DLC is promised to be free and 4 others are promised to be following it. September 28th is the current date when online Co-op will be patched into the game for free and when that date hits this game is going to get a whole lot better. Hopefully it won’t be too late.
I give Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light
The Kinect will be getting a brand new game in November thanks to Ubisoft as they have announced today that the game Fighters Uncaged will be arriving onto the 360 elusively. The game itself will be using the players own body motions to issue attack commands through movements that they will be taught.
You will be able to experience a bit of MMA style learning as they teach you different techniques that would be used in the ring and then can be simulated into kicking your opponents teeth in. There are 70 different attacks and strikes that you can use in the game that will utilize different parts of your body. For a punch you must throw a bunch and a knee requires a knee to be lifted as well.
On a more minor note you will be experiencing these fights in 21 different stages, but you shouldn’t be expecting any boxing rings or MMA cages and should be expecting more of a Fight Club style with your fight venues. Not only that but you can have the option to team with a friend and perform two player battles with your on screen opponents. Though it would definitely be interesting to see this transform into an Xbox Live type game, but lag would definitely kick your butt…. literally.
