Recent images and videos from Dragon Ball: Raging Blast 2 made it look like more of the same as the first game, but today’s piece of news actually has me interested in Raging Blast 2. According to Anime News Network, Namco Bandai has ordered about 30 minutes of animation for Raging Blast 2 from Toei Animation, that 30 minutes being the animated segments from the Bandai Playdia game Dragon Ball Z: Gaiden – Saiya-jin Zetsumetsu Keikaku (Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans), which is based on a Famicom game of the same name.
The new remake is apparently called “Dragon Ball: Super Saiya-jin Zetsumetsu Keikaku” (Dragon Ball: Plan to Destroy the Super Saiyajin), but what I’m wondering is how this new animation will be implemented. Will it be the main story mode in the game? Will it be an extra you unlock later in the game similar to The Legend of Hercule from Dragon Ball Z: Budokai for PS2? If it is an extra, will it just be something you could watch like a DVD or will it be a “Choose Your Own Adventure” type FMV game like the PlayDia original? Let us know what you think, or what you’re hoping for in the comments!
Overview
I recently got my hands on (quite literally) the newest product from CompuExpert, Grip it!. Grip it! is an analog stick cover for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. The promise of the product is to get better control providing comfort and slip prevention. When I play a game, I play for hours at a time usually, so I know all about the problem of comfort and grip with the Xbox 360’s curved inward analog scheme. The main question I had for Grip it! was if it was just a gimmick or does it actually work. Now after many hours of usage, I can give my final answer. For this test I used an Xbox 360 and couple of other controllers for various systems..
Appearance
When you first get the product, the bright colors from the package are visually appealing and I’m sure will make for an easy sale for anyone in need of the accessory. Inside the clever packaging is 4 small covers, 2 black and 2 blue with the frog hand-print logo on each. The appearance isn’t really what matters with Grip it! though, so let’s move on to the next topic.
Application
Applying Grip it! can be a chore for the 360’s analog. The rubber seemed to not want to stretch over it at first. Once I flipped it inside-out, it was easy to simply fold over the analog stick. Once it’s on there it is quite easy to remove if you need to add it to any other controllers and overall once you learn not to fight with it, Grip It! applies quite easily. Once it is applied it does not slip whatsoever and will stay firmly in place. This also applied with perfection to the Gamecube and Playstation controller analog.
Feel
This category is very important as the comfort factor is what this product is all about. I played for hours with a few fighting games and other games with Grip It! attached. I must say I was very impressed as these covers were extremely comfortable and did seem to make things feel more precise which is very important with many games. I have used some covers in the past that actually can be horribly sticky and bulky. This was not the case for these though. The longer I played I soon forgot the Grip-It! covers were even on the controller. The Xbox 360’s analog has a dip in the top which can be it can be easy to slip up on certain commands due to this minor problem, and Grip It eliminated this making it feel full and still remaining comfortable. The Gamecube experience was probably my favorite though as I have never cared for the ripple design on the analog and this option made the stick feel like a whole new experience.
Final Thoughts
Grip It! brought a simple idea of analog covers and truly changed my opinion of the product that I’ve always found to be more of a pain and hassle. The fit is snug and goes on simple for the most part to each analog and I love that older controllers can be used as well. The rubber is also soft and doesn’t cause your fingers to get hot or sweaty allowing for many hours of gameplay you may get to add without discomfort. Like I mentioned, I also felt like Grip It! completely reformed the 360 analog scheme, making it feel more complete and precise with small movements. My true recommendation is for the 3rd party controllers which have the hard and stiff feel to the analog sticks which this product can completely transform the comfort level for instantly. Overall, I am happy I gave this product the time of day as I think I will be adding Grip-It! to all of my other controllers as well. At a price of only $4.99 at many retailers everywhere, these analog grips are perfectly priced to enhance any gamer’s overall experience.
Yes, that is the name of a new racer from Candella Software Ltd and Saga Wonderworks. Cargasm promises to be the next big thing in racing games while bringing back the arcade racer to consoles with many new features. Cargasm gives gamers a host of supercars which they can enter into different races which can be used in locations all over the world such as San Francisco, London, Yosemite National Park, Egypt, Switzerland and Mount Kilmanjaro. Based on the press release, extreme realism seems to come into play with every environment.
The central London levels in Cargasm are the most photorealistic in the history of videogames. Created using laser scanning, the buildings and monuments in the London levels are accurate to within inches. This level of accuracy means that every window, doorway, balcony and lamp post is exactly as it is in the real city.
Of course you won’t be alone as the Cargasm girls will be right there cheering you on. If they are fast enough, players can collect these ravishing maidens for their own personal Cargasm Harem. As the players win races, new cars, Ecstasy points and trophies can also be unlocked and uploaded to an online global leaderboard.
Of course one of the biggest things out there is social networking, which this title uses to it’s full potential. Players can upload race statistics to sites such as Facebook and Hi5, update friends about their in-game achievements and invite them to multiplayer sessions. The game will also be playable inside a browser.
“Our focus is on pure racing fun rather than simulation.,” says Ajith Ram, Creative Director of Cargasm. “We are expecting gamers to go oooh aahh aahhh……….with gaming ecstasy.
Sex, women, cars and speed with an old school feel and a promise to make this game actually fun instead of worrying about making it a sim, Carasm is sure to be “ribbed for your pleasure” no matter what console you have. No date has been released yet but Cargasm will be coming to for the PC, Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PSP, Nintendo Wii and IPhone (no pun intended).
In a recent interview, Crystal Dynamics’ Global Brand Manager, Karl Stewart, stated that the online co-op for the XBLA version of the game has been delayed until September 28th. On that date the game will be updated with a free patch to enable online co-op.
“We made a decision recently because we were focusing on how we can deliver the best possible experience to the players,” said Stewart, “If we had launched with online co-op, we wouldn’t feel comfortable that it was the best possible experience for the player.”
For a game that was all about co-op and solving puzzles with a friend, this game has just lost a few thousand buyers. Come on people! This is the age of the internet! No one does couch co-op anymore, it just isn’t feasible.
Crystal Dynamics has also announced today that they were planning 5 pieces of DLC between October and December of this year. According the CD the first three are going to be expansions that include fresh puzzles and new areas to visit. The last two are playable character packs that will let you play as other “well-known videogame characters.”
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is scheduled for an August 18th release for 1,200 Microsoft Points on the Xbox Live Arcade.
Only three songs from one band? That is kind of disappointing. Specially since I’ve never heard of any of these 3 songs. Are these actually famous songs?
After a bit of googling, it turns out their songs have appeared in The Matrix and The Hurt Locker. I loved the matrix… Maybe I should go rewatch it.
Check out the songs below. Anyone buying any of them?
Ministry Pack 02 – 440 Microsoft Points (160 Microsoft Points each)
Ministry – “Stigmata”
Ministry – “Thieves”
Ministry – “Jesus Built My Hotrod”
Look out for them on the Xbox Live Marketplace from August 10th.
The PS3 has been around for four years now, and so far the only Gran Turismo game we’ve had was Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. Soon enough all your fears and anxieties will be put to rest, as now we have confirmation of three editions of the latest numbered game in the Gran Turismo series!
Check out the Press Release:
The world’s slickest driving game for PlayStation 3 to hit stores this November as a Standard Edition, a fully-loaded Collector’s Edition and a luxury, accessory-packed Signature Edition
SYDNEY, 5th August 2010 – Sony Computer Entertainment and Polyphony Digital have announced three different editions of the forthcoming Gran Turismo®5 for PlayStation®3 (PS3), offering racing fans more options than ever for immersing themselves in the drive of a lifetime. The eagerly-awaited game is scheduled to arrive this November – and here’s what to look out for on the starting grid.
Standard Edition
More than a thousand cars, a global community of racers, the world’s most iconic racetracks and the drive of a lifetime – that’s Gran Turismo 5. Experience astounding realism, pulse-raising physics, high-speed thrills and a full tank of international motoring glamour as you race against friends at home or online against champions from around the world, and build yourself a stable of the finest cars ever to have graced the tarmac anywhere. One of the world’s best-selling driving games is back, packed with new features, new rides and new experiences that’ll take your life into the fast lane like never before.
Collector’s Edition
A highly-desirable upgrade for serious racers and motoring fans, this eye-catching edition comes with plenty of added horsepower inside its high-end collector’s box. As well as the game itself, you’ll get:
Exclusive Special Edition inlay sleeve art
200+ page ‘Apex’ driver’s magazine with hints on driving technique, car tuning, future technologies and more
Five Collector’s Edition artcards featuring exclusive artwork
In-game ‘ChromeLine’ vehicle pack: five performance-enhanced cars ready to race
Exclusive dynamic theme to customize your PS3 XMB
Signature Edition
Reminiscent of a no-expense-spared supercar launch, this luxury edition puts the pedal to the metal as soon as you open its contoured steel case – which is finished in Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG ‘Obsidian Black’. As well as the game, the ‘Apex’ driver’s magazine and the ChromeLine car pack, you’ll get:
An exclusive, branded Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 1:43 scale model car
A Gran Turismo leather wallet and metal Gran Turismo key fob
A Signature Edition coffee table book featuring the beautiful cars and locations of Gran Turismo
A bespoke Gran Turismo 5 USB key with a trailer showing the collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Polyphony that brought the SLS AMG to screen
Six additional in-game ‘Stealth’ cars including the McLaren F1 and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and a dynamic theme
For those 18 or over and a resident of Australia, the chance to win a real-life Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG – your very own gull-winged, 6.3-litre-engined supercar – in a competition like no other! Full terms and conditions will be made available at www.gran-turismo.com
Are you ready for the drive of your life? The Gran Turismo 5 Standard Edition, Collectors Edition and Signature Edition for PS3 arrive this November: visit www.gran-turismo.com or www.au.playstation.com for more information.
Excited? You better be. Only problem with this is WHICH version are you gonna go for come November? At least you got some time to think it over!
Bioshock 2 was a great game. It had a huge price cut shortly after launch but just because the price got lower doesn’t take away from the quality the sometimes overlooked sequel brought. 2K Games Announced recently that the new and final installment of Bioshock 2, “Minerva’s Den” DLC will soon be coming to the PSN store and the Xbox Marketplace. Minerva’s Den is a self-contained narrative experience that puts players in the role of an all-new character who has teamed up with Brigid Tenenbaum to unravel a dictator’s stranglehold on a key district in the distinctive city under the sea.
2K Games Released this statement about the new add-on:
“Minerva’s Den is a substantial addition that will give players more of what they’re looking for: more story, more narrative, more gameplay and more of Rapture,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “The core team has created an exciting product that further enhances the mystery and allure of the world of Rapture. Minerva’s Den will be a fitting conclusion to the BioShock 2 saga.”
Prepare to explore Rapture Central Computing, a never-before-seen district of the undersea city, and uncover the dark secrets hidden in its founder’s past. Wield new high-tech weaponry and a devastating new Plasmid to best the towering threats in Minerva’s Den: more dangerous Splicers that command the power of the elements, upgraded Security Bots that throw rockets and lightning bolts, and even a never-before-seen type of Big Daddy. Developed by 2K Marin, Minerva’s Den offers new twists on the story-driven experience that drew players into BioShock 2 when it launched earlier this year.
Great news to Bioshock fans who already just received the “Protector Trials” content earlier this month. Being the last of the DLC for Bioshock 2 No date or price has been released as of yet for Minerva’s Den, but based on the last add-on’s price I am thinking we could see this be priced around 400 MSP/$4.99.
A new epic RPG is in the works from Nintendo and Mistwalker titled “The Last Story” for the Nintendo Wii. Mistwalker recently released some of the first batch of info and many new screenshots. By the looks of it, this new RPG will be quite an experience filled with rich music and stunning art and scenery which is nothing new from MistWalker Studios. Lost Odyssey was also released by MistWalker a few years ago which is one of my favorite RPGs of all time personally.
Based on the information on the website when translated, it sounds like you take on the role as the main Protagonist, Elza, who is trying to restore peace on an island and after an event in a cave, you gain a new ability to help you on your way. Also mentioned was the battle system which has special abilities which allow you to gain the attention of your enemy to protect your other party members. I could be wrong and I am sure there is a lot more information between the lines, but either way I have taken interest in this new title and based on the screenshots released, this could be the next big thing on the RPG front.
I think the Wii could always use a deep role playing experience added to the library and this game is looking to have strong potential to be great. Below are some new screenshots and concept art for a few of the main characters. We will be sure to stay on top of any new information for The Last Story as it releases.
The Sims is back with a really different title this time!
EA Play Label of Electronic Arts today announced The Sims Medieval, a new series currently in development that places the popular Sims into the formula of the rpgs.
The Sims Medieval takes place in the Middle Ages, and for the first time players can create heroes, venture on quests, build and control a kingdom, and play with your favorite created hero. Fom Kings and Queens, to Knights and Wizards, Blacksmiths and Bards, the game provides a host of storytelling possibilities in the form of quests, from crafting a legendary sword to arranging a royal wedding, to protecting the kingdom from an evil sorcerer, to finding the fountain of youth. Every quest plays out differently depending on which character the player is controlling.
“The Middle Ages is a time of intrigue, legend, and excitement. It offers a perfect backdrop for a brand new series from The Sims studio due to the limitless stories that can be told. The Sims Medieval offers a new way for players to experience The Sims which we hope fans will enjoy, and it features gameplay that fans of strategy and role-playing games will find appealing such as controlling an entire kingdom and quest-based gameplay mechanics.” – Scott Evans, General Manager of The Sims Studio at EA
The Sims Medieval will be available in spring 2011 for PC and Mac.
Some people will include a whole bunch of paragraphs that they may or may not expect you to read before watching the video, but everyone knows that no one actually reads the description above or below the video. They just click play.
So have at it!
Mafia II is out on August 24th in the US and August 27th in the UK and Europe.
Recent images and videos from Dragon Ball: Raging Blast 2 made it look like more of the same as the first game, but today’s piece of news actually has me interested in Raging Blast 2. According to Anime News Network, Namco Bandai has ordered about 30 minutes of animation for Raging Blast 2 from Toei Animation, that 30 minutes being the animated segments from the Bandai Playdia game Dragon Ball Z: Gaiden – Saiya-jin Zetsumetsu Keikaku (Plan to Eradicate the Saiyans), which is based on a Famicom game of the same name.
