If this sounds interesting peep the introductory video that for the game that was just recently posted to youtube:
We recommend you follow the games official tumblr for the most up to the minute info on the game.
MEAT HELL!
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
SKYCURSER: Die a Hero
Sunday, September 25, 2011
BOSS RUSH SPECIAL: Gears Of War 3
Gears Of War is very much like the product of when you let a 5-year-old boy cook you dinner—they go into the pantry, grab the canned frosting, marshmallows, chocolate chips and cereal, toss it all in a pot and turn the heat up full-blast. Smoke fills the house and sets off the alarm. You rush into the kitchen—your son is kind of scared, but is smiling from the thrill of creating a cataclysmic event from his own budding creativity. You want to yell at the stupid kid “WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!” but then you remember that it was YOU who agreed to let him cook dinner in the first place. What were you thinking?
Your son stares up at you: he’s got his mother’s big brown eyes. You feel like a real jerk. You ask yourself, “What would a father character in a quirky movie about modern family life do this very moment?” You grab a spoon and stare down into the chocolaty, gelatinous abyss. It’s a bit scorched on the bottom. The marshmallows on top are only half-melted, but it looks more than eatable and you’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth.
“Why wouldn’t this be good? It’s melted chocolate, cereal bits, frosting, and marshmallow. I know I shouldn’t, but fuck it. I’m going to eat this. I’ve always wanted to make and eat something like this but was always afraid to...”
You sit down at the kitchen table with the pot and a couple of spoons.
“Thank you son for cooking dinner tonight. Now, go grab us some grahamies from the pantry to spread this on…”
So yeah, I’m alluding that Gears is that bubbling cauldron of sweet goo, thrown together by Epic Games—the industries biggest band of overgrown 5-year-old boys. Much like your son’s dinner, Gears 3 is an amalgamation of rich, sugary goodness, with a few burnt patches on the bottom of the pot.
Thanks for making dinner Cliffy B., now go grab some grahamies from the pantry to spread this on.
Graphics: (****) Heavy-Metal Harryhausen, deep-fried and double-glazed.
Story (*) About as sincere as a love letter from a convict doing time for double-rape.
Music (*) Nothing is “badass” about a symphony orchestra.
Gameplay (***) Like playing football with water-balloons.
Shotguns (*1/2) Firing a shotgun into a monster at near-pointblank range should never feel like a pillow fight.
Bosses (**) Bugs (literally) you stomp over and over again, but refuse to die.
Series As A Whole (***1/2) Prolonging male adolescence, one chainsaw bayonet at a time.
Continue Reading...
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Demon's Souls: How hard was it?
Demon's Souls, one of the most anticipated PS3 titles to come out, hit U.S. shores to a wide reception. Conversations from various forums I frequent quickly shifted from Madden, Modern Warfare, Street Fighter 4, etc. to Demon's Souls. The game's difficulty was one of the main selling points. For many it met there expectations with flying colors but for me, I found it to be only moderately difficult.It wasn't any more difficult than the majority of RPG's I've played throughout the years. Grind for experience, gradually venture out in small increments and life is dandy. You don't follow the traditional baby steps needed to progress it's practically game over before you step out of "insert name" town. I found it to be just right. Not to hard, but hard enough to make me not throw caution to the wind. When I think of a hard RPG, I think of Final Fantasy Tactics.
Alright, enough with the difficulty. Let's get to the what DS did right and what it could have done better. The massive environments are foreboding and desolate, creating a sense of isolation. Everything you do happen to encounter is trying slay you. The combat is well paced and character customization shines in battle. The character and some of the monster designs are are pretty incredible; i.e., the Tower Knight.The soundtrack is one of the best I've heard but rarely does it play outside boss battles which are far and few.
The best aspect of Demon's Souls is a double edged sword. The rewards and punishments for exploring unknown territories quickly becomes addictive. Finding a rare weapon or running into a red eyed knight that will drain your health with one spear thrust is invigorating. On the other hand, exploring the 5 worlds gradually becomes monotonous. Enemies are in the same spots, reacting the same way, every time. How many times is this dredgling going to surprise attack me from behind this stockade? It grows old quick as you can imagine.
While the dialogue is well written and the voice acting is very well done, there is little interaction with other characters. This just seemed like a big waste too me. Minus having pure black or white tendency you will hardly encounter anything beyond a world's set pattern of enemies. It takes most players more than one game to bring about the conditions needed to meet NPC's such as Executioner Matilda.
If anything, you'll get a unique experience. I've never played an RPG that combines 3rd person hack and slash along with platforming elements as this game did. If you own a PS3, give Demon's Souls a shot. You may not love it, but you'll like it. Continue Reading...
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
BOSS RUSH: STAGE 5
Halo Reach(***) This is a smart, impeccably designed game from a developer that once thought it’d be cool to have an Incubus song play during a climatic space battle.
Geometry Wars Galaxies (***1/2) Video Game Hero.
Muramasa: The Demon Blade (**) A gorgeously rendered spreadsheet.
Okami (***) Probably could have been one of the greatest games ever, had it ended.
Luigi’s Mansion (***) A whole game of Mario haunted-house levels starring Luigi with a Ghostbusters backpack is, without a doubt, the cleverest thing Nintendo’s ever done.
Call Of Duty: World At War (****) Survival Worror.
Gears of War 2 (****) Cliff Bleszinski is the Walt Disney of giblets. This is his theme park.
Metal Slug 3 (****) Forget the arcade. It belongs in a museum.
Dead Space (**) Should be expelled for blatant plagiarism.
Ninja Blade (**1/2) An epic, modern-day laser-disc game, crippled by shoddy parts you actually have to play.
Assassin’s Creed 2 (*1/2) A jack-of-all-trades, that isn’t good at any of them.
Space Invaders: Infinity Gene (****) Sent to bullet-hell and back…
Continue Reading...Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Old Classic RPG Revisit: Warriors of the Eternal Sun
New Blast Hero here and as an avid RPG fan from the old PC days I will bring to you the awesome, the obscure, and the forgotten RPG titles from the past. We'll be getting into Might and Magic, D&D based titles, Square classics, and many more. First up is Warriors of the Eternal Sun, one of the few western RPG's that was released on the Genesis.
Developed by Westwood Studios, the team that created the Eye of the Beholder series, brings to you a rich fantasy experience with tactical game play both turn based and real time. Set in the TSR universe, more specifically the Hollow World campaign setting, many gamers for the first time are presented with a new style of RPG. Players generated their party from the start of the game, further customizing their heroes with different classes and attributes.
Conventional D&D style portraits can be seen in the top picture with classes easily discernible from a quick glance. The expected mage, thief, cleric and fighter classes are all there with the choice of race to further match classes chosen keeping it true to the D&D rule set. I beat this game around 4 times (I have an unusual tendency to beat games an even number of times) yet always chose a well rounded group for my party consisting of a cleric, mage, and a 2 fighters or a fighter plus a thief.
The game play was tactical and more resembled a game of chess in comparison to the likes of Phantasy Star or Final Fantasy. Non dungeon battles were from a bird's eye point of view and turn based allowing the choice of character to melee or use ranged weapons such as spells and bows. The first person point of view that was utilized when entering dungeons is similar to the Eye of the Beholder series. For instance, real time battles in the dungeon setting forced players to react quickly using ranged attacks before the enemy closed in and then abruptly alternating melee attacks between each member in the party. I haven't played this game through in 17 years yet I still remember key encounters, how to beat the green dragon by spamming the same spell, and several secret alcoves.
The graphics are very well done with a variety of expansive environments in both the dungeons and open world sections. Westwood pioneered a unique look for Warriors of the Eternal Sun. Everything from the character portraits to the intro screen still bring a smile to my face after all of these years.
One of the areas the game is lacking is the story. It's a little cut and dry and the dialogue is sparse which would stand out less if other aspects of the game were less polished. For a game set in the TSR universe, it's a bit of a let down in story department.
The music is medieval themed and compliments the overall tone of the game the best it can with the hardware limitations.
(5 star scale)
Graphics ****
Sound ***
Gameplay ****
Story **1/2
Warriors of the Eternal Sun is really that good. Even by today's standards I would recommend this game as a great western RPG to check out.
Continue Reading...
Developed by Westwood Studios, the team that created the Eye of the Beholder series, brings to you a rich fantasy experience with tactical game play both turn based and real time. Set in the TSR universe, more specifically the Hollow World campaign setting, many gamers for the first time are presented with a new style of RPG. Players generated their party from the start of the game, further customizing their heroes with different classes and attributes.
Conventional D&D style portraits can be seen in the top picture with classes easily discernible from a quick glance. The expected mage, thief, cleric and fighter classes are all there with the choice of race to further match classes chosen keeping it true to the D&D rule set. I beat this game around 4 times (I have an unusual tendency to beat games an even number of times) yet always chose a well rounded group for my party consisting of a cleric, mage, and a 2 fighters or a fighter plus a thief.
The game play was tactical and more resembled a game of chess in comparison to the likes of Phantasy Star or Final Fantasy. Non dungeon battles were from a bird's eye point of view and turn based allowing the choice of character to melee or use ranged weapons such as spells and bows. The first person point of view that was utilized when entering dungeons is similar to the Eye of the Beholder series. For instance, real time battles in the dungeon setting forced players to react quickly using ranged attacks before the enemy closed in and then abruptly alternating melee attacks between each member in the party. I haven't played this game through in 17 years yet I still remember key encounters, how to beat the green dragon by spamming the same spell, and several secret alcoves.
The graphics are very well done with a variety of expansive environments in both the dungeons and open world sections. Westwood pioneered a unique look for Warriors of the Eternal Sun. Everything from the character portraits to the intro screen still bring a smile to my face after all of these years.
One of the areas the game is lacking is the story. It's a little cut and dry and the dialogue is sparse which would stand out less if other aspects of the game were less polished. For a game set in the TSR universe, it's a bit of a let down in story department.
The music is medieval themed and compliments the overall tone of the game the best it can with the hardware limitations.
(5 star scale)
Graphics ****
Sound ***
Gameplay ****
Story **1/2
Warriors of the Eternal Sun is really that good. Even by today's standards I would recommend this game as a great western RPG to check out.
Continue Reading...
Friday, September 10, 2010
REVIEW RUSH: STAGE 4
AvaGlide (****) Kills two of Nintendo’s birds with one stone, for only a dollar.
Trials HD (**1/2) The perfect puzzle/party game for drunkards.
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (***1/2) A modern day Time Crisis 2.
Breakers Revenge (****) Street Fighter 2 for the arthritic. You’ll be able to play this, and be good at it, well into your 70s.
Little Big Planet (**1/2) Only an adult child could fully appreciate this tedious play-set.
Afterburner Climax (****) Back in the Old Country, you’d have spent $20 for a thrilling afternoon with this game in the arcade. Now your president is black, and the game is yours to keep for $10.
Madworld (**1/2) Akin to running into a haunted attraction and beating the shit out of all the actors.
House Of The Dead Overkill (*1/2) A heinous act of game vandalism.
Resident Evil 4 (****) At the very least, the best game ever made about a guy who shotguns monsters.
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 (****) A scrumptious bowl of neon cereal that stays crunchy for infinity.
Shenmue (****) Sega’s tearful farewell to video games.
Continue Reading...REVIEW RUSH: STAGE 3
Def Jam Icon (**1/2) With its head in the clouds and it’s heart in the right place, this game could have been a Shenmue-killer, instead it’s just playing Barbie for boys.
Big Bang Mini (****) There’s bullet-hell, then there is this; a bullet- party, with cake and ice cream.
New Super Mario Bros. Wii (*) A shameless cash-in with total disregard for its pedigree. Feels like it was made by frightened interns.
Battle Fantasia (****) Its heart is bigger than it’s character select-screen and combo-meter.
Mirror’s Edge (**1/2) Tragically overwrought and second-guessed when it should have just been about running and jumping.
50 Cent: Blood on The Sand (**) Has the vigor and intent of a celebrity porno tape.
Loco Roco 2 (****) So sweet it should come with a toothbrush.
The Beatles: Rock Band (***) Amazing by default, but in the end, it’s a cover not as good as the original.
Photo Dojo (**1/2) This little stocking-stuffer is the coolest game ever, for about 45 seconds. Then it’s just neat.
Bayonetta (****) “A Japanese aircraft loaded with explosives and making a deliberate suicidal crash on an enemy target.”
VVVVVV (****) Kinda makes you wonder why games weren’t this good 25 years ago.
Rhythm Tengoku (****) A rhythm game with no white people involved.
Continue Reading...Wednesday, September 8, 2010
REVIEW RUSH: STAGE 2
Cream Wolf (****) You can’t put a price on its brilliance. That’s why it’s free.
Batman: Arkham Asylum (****) I wanted a next-gen Double Dragon, but the wig-splitting in this will do.
Zen Bound (****) A humble killer-app. Feels like the most tactile game ever, that’s video.
Heavy Rain (**) Trapped between a bad movie and a good video game.
Cobra Command (****) Still futuristic, 26 years later.
Split/Second (**) Somewhere within this mediocre Burnout-clone is a thriller on wheels.
Resident Evil 5 (**1/2) The only thing keeping this from being a tribute band is the original drummer.
Deadly Premonition (**) A sprawling weirdo-epic with too much time and not enough money.
Dead Rising: Case Zero (**) A great idea, rolling around in its own filth.
The Expendables: The Video Game (*1/2) As big an air-ball as it’s celluloid counterpart.
WarioLand Shake It! (**1/2) Criminally standard definition, and proof that Nintendo still has feeling for you.
Joe Danger (****) The game is so shiny and new, you’re perfectly content placing it on the shelf in its originally packaging just to gaze upon.
Vanquish: Velocity Attack (****) Not really a demo, but an interactive attract-mode that will send you straight to the token machine.
Continue Reading...REVIEW RUSH: STAGE 1
I did it. I've finally gotten to the last stage of my Summer of 2010 Video Gaming Marathon and now it's time for the boss-parade.
Brace yourself for the REVIEW RUSH!
Shank (***) A fetching portfolio of glib thrills.
Lara Croft and The Guardian of Light (****) USDA Certificated Organic (no high fructose corn syrup).
Limbo (****) The quiet one you have to watch.
Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: The Video Game (****) A perfect (nerd) storm.
Sin and Punishment: Star Successor (****) Like an archangel playing a 6 hour long guitar solo for you.
Demon's Souls (**) Hitler's holodeck.
Neo Contra (****) As fun as running bubble-wrap through an industrial-grade sewing machine.
Red Dead Redemption (***) Almost the Oregon Trail of your dreams.
Heart of Darkness (***) Out of This World On Ice.
Panzer Dragoon Orta (**) The spoiled leftovers of a royal feast.
Arkedo Series 03 Pixel! (****) Smart as a whip, cute as a button.
Super Mario Galaxy 2 (***) Oops! All berries.
Stay tuned for Stage 2 and who knows, maybe one day I will extend some of these reviews past the one sentence mark ;)
Continue Reading...
Brace yourself for the REVIEW RUSH!
Shank (***) A fetching portfolio of glib thrills.
Lara Croft and The Guardian of Light (****) USDA Certificated Organic (no high fructose corn syrup).
Limbo (****) The quiet one you have to watch.
Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: The Video Game (****) A perfect (nerd) storm.
Sin and Punishment: Star Successor (****) Like an archangel playing a 6 hour long guitar solo for you.
Demon's Souls (**) Hitler's holodeck.
Neo Contra (****) As fun as running bubble-wrap through an industrial-grade sewing machine.
Red Dead Redemption (***) Almost the Oregon Trail of your dreams.
Heart of Darkness (***) Out of This World On Ice.
Panzer Dragoon Orta (**) The spoiled leftovers of a royal feast.
Arkedo Series 03 Pixel! (****) Smart as a whip, cute as a button.
Super Mario Galaxy 2 (***) Oops! All berries.
Stay tuned for Stage 2 and who knows, maybe one day I will extend some of these reviews past the one sentence mark ;)
Monday, July 6, 2009
Totally Free 2d Fighter: Vanguard Princess
By now, with little doubt, I am sure your hands are perpetually stuck in joystick-deathgrip-mode from countless hours of Street Fighter 4 and maybe a bit of BlazBlue. Well, unfortunately (for your hands at least) I have got some news that most certainly is not going to help the situation - a totally new, totally free, 2d fighter from former CAPCOM employee Sugeno Tomoaki - a little jam that goes by the name of Vanguard Princess.
Why a game that has this much effort dumped into it is being given away, I have no idea. Perhaps the cutesty all-girl character roster isn't marketable enough, or perhaps Mr. Tomoaki is just a cool dude. Either way, we, the diserning gamers of the world, have reason to rejoice - fighting games are kickass and free fighting games are TOTALLY kickass. Need some convincing? Ok brah. Just peep this video.
The game runs in Windows, but before you start whining about not having a joystick for PC, remember that there are USB adaptors for both PS3 and XboX 360 joysticks. So really, you have no excuse not to check this bad boy out. You can download Vanguard Princess from this all-Japanese site.
Expect a full Blast Heroes review in the near future, until then, enjoy the hand-cramps!!!
Continue Reading...
Why a game that has this much effort dumped into it is being given away, I have no idea. Perhaps the cutesty all-girl character roster isn't marketable enough, or perhaps Mr. Tomoaki is just a cool dude. Either way, we, the diserning gamers of the world, have reason to rejoice - fighting games are kickass and free fighting games are TOTALLY kickass. Need some convincing? Ok brah. Just peep this video.
The game runs in Windows, but before you start whining about not having a joystick for PC, remember that there are USB adaptors for both PS3 and XboX 360 joysticks. So really, you have no excuse not to check this bad boy out. You can download Vanguard Princess from this all-Japanese site.
Expect a full Blast Heroes review in the near future, until then, enjoy the hand-cramps!!!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Serious SLAM
If you haven't heard by now, I'll give you the short of it.Serious Sam is coming to XBLA this summer with a fresh code of Hi-Def paint and 4 player co-op. Pat yourself on the back for shouting "awesome" loud enough for your co-workers to hear, then go home tonight and bear-hug your 360 (careful that it doesn't overheat.)
If you know me then you are aware that I'm a fan of snarky PR. To me it displays confidence in ones product. The game industry needs more swagger and if that means more disses, burns and beef, then I'm bout it' bout it'.
I was amused by this zesty statement found in the Serious Sam HD press release...
"Serious Sam HD is not your mother’s generic, large-scale, orchestral scored, Space Marine-themed epic FPS with dialogue that pretends it’s an RPG...instead, Serious Sam HD is a grab you by the jibblies run and gun, twitch FPS: BIG guns, TONS of enemies, 4-Player Online Co-Op and stunningly superfluous HD graphics that rival retail boxed games."
Duke Nukem is dead. Long live Serious Sam!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
E3 09: Adam's Picks
The real E3 is back, and what do you know? It's already over!
So what did I think? Well, I thought it was a deceptively good show. Many geeked profusely last week, some going as far to say it was the best in years, and maybe it was. It's really hard for me, someone who experienced E3 from a computer monitor on the other side of the country, to judge how grand the spectacle really was. I cant help but think that people got as worked up as they did this year because for the last two years, E3 was dead. This year's "return to form" show was bound to excite and exuberant amounts of praise were to be expected.
Then there are those who were disappointed by the shows overall lack of surprises. In the age of covert internet espionage it's almost impossible for companies like Sony and Microsoft to keep a secret. And it's just not the twitter-spies that spoiled the show, but the actually game companies themselves. Hideo Kojima teased his new games for over a month on his website, dropping hints and clues that made it obvious (a word I often don't associate with the notorious trickster) as to what his next projects were. The "leaked" footage of Trico surfaced just weeks before the E3 unveiling of The Last Guardian and was the most watched video on Youtube the day it surfaced. Interesting enough, Sony never asked the host to remove the video.
For whatever reason, game companies are becoming more anxious to spill the beans before the big show. Maybe it's a "beat the leak" strategy. This practice generates tons of hype, but I'd imagine it could also competitive companies the upper hand.
You know what the biggest E3 surprise was for me? Tons of great looking games are coming out in the near future, spanning all genres, styles and platforms, so many that it's daunting. It really blows my mind that the modern gaming landscape truly has something for everyone, ranging from 200 plus player first person shooter MAG, all the way to an HD remake of arcade classic Turtles in Time.
Well enough about the show. Let's get to the games of E3.
Here are some of the titles that excited me the most. NOTE: I decided to only include games that were demoed live at the show (sorry Last Guardian!).
Bit Trip Core (Wii)
Three months ago, indie developer Gaijin Games released the terrific Bit Trip Beat on the Nintendo Wii. I was shocked that it's sequel, Bit Trip Core, was announced at E3 and that it's being release this summer. This is insanity: I haven't even beaten and reviewed the first game yet and the sequel is just weeks away.
Bit Trip Core retains the vintage hard-pixel aesthetic of BEAT, but changes the rhythm-pong game play up entirely in favor of a play style that is too mathematical for me to put in words (just watch the video).
Bit Trip Beat is one of the hippest and hardest games to come out this year. It's follow-up, Bit Trip Core looks to dish out more old-school sadistic fun to brave and patient Wii owners later this summer.
TMNT: Turtles in Time Re-Shelled (XBLA, PSN)
I poked fun at this game last week and I'm starting to regret some of the things I said. Since that post high quality footage of the game from E3 was shown and am glad to report that Turtles in Time Re-Shelled is not using the dreadful character designs from the CGI movie.
I was skeptical about the games visuals and new 8-way directional game play, but as of now, I'm totally sold. I'm eating crow and it's delicious!
Did I mention this game comes out July 22?
Alan Wake (XBOX 360)
People have been talking about this game for over four years. Before E3 the only think I knew about Alan Wake was that it was the newest game from Remedy, creators of Max Payne, and that the game's protagonist is a writer (I immediately thought of that spooky movie with the guy that played Alan Grant from Jurassic Park).
I was immensely impressed with the live demo shown during Microsoft's conference and instantly fell in love with the premise and setting. I have a hunch that Alan Wake will be one of Microsoft's more classy exclusives. Looks like Twin Peaks with a dash of Resident Evil 4. Yes please!
Split Second (XBOX 360, PS3,)
I hate Michael Bay movies but would love a Michael Bay arcade-style racer. Lucky for me Black Rock Studios is making one and it's called Split Second.
The premise is similar to Excite Trucks for Wii. You race around triggering"events" that alter the course in your favor by ways of terrain deformation, route shortcuts, and explosions that bury the competition under smoldering remnants of jetliners, flight towers, you name it.
This is a Disney game, so maybe they will let you tear through Disney World. I would give anything to see the silver golf ball from Epcot blow up in my rear view window.
Joy Ride (XBLA)
Who doesn't like Kart racers? Who doesn't like FREE?
Joy Ride is a free kart racer available to Xbox LIVE Gold members which lets players race around Chuck Jones inspired courses with their LIVE Avatars.
If this game turned out to be as fun as it looks I'd totally be up for spending a few dollars on additional tracks, levels, cars...Hey wait a minute. What happened to this being free!? It's all good.
The Beatles: Rock Band (Wii, XBOX 360, PS3)
Like a lot of people, over the last 3 years I was swept up in plastic guitar game fever. Recently I've fallen off the bandwagon (haha!) because, personally, I haven't been impressed with the songs included in the recent Rock Band and Guitar Hero games. Thank god that the good people at Harmonix are bringing the music of one of the worlds most cherished popular acts of all time to their popular band-sim franchise.
"Ladies and gentleman...The Beatles!"
Ringo Starr said it best during his surprise appearance alongside Sir Paul during the MS's E3 conference. "The game is great...The graphics are really great....and...We (The Beatles) were great!"
I, personally, cant wait to dig into that bass line on Taxman.
'Splosion Man (XBLA)
While everyone was flocking to a souped-up version of a Nintendo DS game for Wii (New Super Mario Bros.) another side scrolling platformer called 'Splosion Man showed at E3 that looks better, funnier, and more fresh than Nintendo's latest Mario cash-in.
This latest game from Twisted Pixel was announced on April Fool's Day. Lucky for us, they weren't kidding when they announced that the indie company's new game was all about 'splosions.
'Splosion Man is set to kick off 360's Summer of Arcade 2009.
Project Natal (XBOX 360)
I know. Project Natal is not a game per say, but I was still impressed by it's showing. I'm glad that instead of launching a brand new console, Microsoft is rebooting their existing one through this potentially revolutionary way of experiencing games by way of Natal's fancy shmancy 3D camera.
I'm not expecting this new way of playing games to replace traditional pad-based gaming and I'm sure that Microsoft isn't either. The prospect of being able to enjoy both something old and something new, all on the same box that I already have sitting in my living room is really exciting (in my opinion).
Much like the Nintendo was before the Wii launched, Microsoft is probably being a lofty with their ambitions with Natal and their "controller free" revolution, so expectations should be tempered accordingly.
The live demonstrations of Natal were rough, but you cant deny that they looked fun. That's all that matters right?
THANKS FOR PLAYING E3 2009'! SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
E3 2009: Chris's Picks
I have to admit, I rode the 2009 E3 hype train pretty damned hard. All the promises from developers of massive game announcements - along with the general consensus from gaming media that this year's E3 was to be a return to the awesome blow-outs of years passed - had me pumped as hell for the event.
Now that it's all said and done, did E3 2009 deliver on the promises? Was it indeed a return to form?
Well, yes and no. Sure, there where big stages, plenty of ridiculously loud house music, lasers, fog, giant presentation screens and booth babes - but as far as the actual games go - it was less than what I had hoped. Though there was a good deal of exciting games shown at this year's E3, I can't help to feel slightly underwhelmed at the nearly total lack of surprises and frustrated at the unnecessary focus this year on "motion controls" and other silly peripherals. But hey, you're reading the Blast Heroes blog, you don't want to hear about let-downs, you want to know what's hot! So in the name of true-commando-positivity, let's talk about what titles are on my "must have" radar. This is in no way a complete list, just the some of the games that either surprised me, or look totally rad.
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
This was one of the few shockers at E3 for me this year. In what is quickly becoming typical Japanese studio form, Konami has decided to out-source one of their few respectable IPs to a basically un-known western studio: Mercury Steam. Now normally, this would have me ready to dragon punch your mom in the face in a fit of blind rage, but there is a killer twist to this story that has me more than a little excited about this game. Hideo Kojima, one of the most talented visionaries in gaming, has taken the role of producer on the project - I repeat: Hideo-mother-f-ing-Kojima is working on the new Castlevania game!!! I hope-beyond-hope that Kojima is given as much control as possible on the project and that his already busy schedule doesn't keep him from investing the time that a full-blown-current-gen Castlevania deserves. Kojima is a master at creating memorable characters, interesting and immersive gameplay, thick atmosphere and most importantly, amazing boss fights: If he really applies himself, this game could be a masterpiece.
Judging from the E3 trailer for the title, Konami is clearly investing some cash into the project (they hired Patrick Stewart to do voice over work!) and production values seem to be through the roof. Although the trailer doesn't really look much like what I would expect from the franchise: 3d, no platforming, no Belmonts, and no freaking Dracula - I am hopeful that this game will properly bring the legacy of Castlevania to a new generation.
The Last Guardian
About a month ago, I wrote a hype-piece for a "leaked" demo reel of what was reported to be the new game from Team ICO: project Trico. At that time nothing had been confirmed from Sony or Team ICO as to whether or not this footage was the real deal - but all that has changed now that E3 is over - the Last Guardian ( a much better title than Trico I must say) is indeed the final chapter in the ICO trilogy.
At Sony's press conference they dropped a new trailer for the project; though it very much resembles the original tech demo, there are some significant graphical updates, as well as a bit of new gameplay footage thrown in. Obviously, I am really itching to see what adventures this game will take us on. Team ICO have what few game game developers do - style and artistic vision. There is a definite mood and emotional weight in their projects that set them apart from the pack. I am sure this games beautifully designed characters will pull at your heart strings from the very start all the way to what is sure to be a tragic end ( your days are numbered, huge monster dude.).I am almost shocked at how well the brief trailer illustrates the touching relationship between the boy and his giant monster companion. This one will be a must have for sure.
Modern Warfare 2
Alright, I need to start by saying something: don't judge me. I'm a bit ashamed to love a game like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare as much as I do. The whole thing is a bit too patriotic, a bit too redneck, a bit too "Get-r-done." I guess the fact that I enjoy this game so much serves as a shinning testament to the incredible talents at Infinity Ward. The gunplay, set pieces, and storytelling in the original Modern Warfare sets the bar for all first person shooters to come.
The masters of the FPS craft are back in full swing with Modern Warfare 2 and if this trailer is any indication, they look like they are aiming to top the original game in every possible way. I have faith that the good ol' boys at Infinity Ward will deliver a game that is not only incredibly fun to play, but also incredibly politically biased.
Metal Gear: Rising
Rumors that a Metal Gear game would be making its way to the Xbox 360 have been floating around for a quite a while now, so Kojima's E3 announcement that he was working on a Metal Gear for microsofts system wasn't too big of a surprise. The news however, as to what type of game he was working on, did spice things up a bit. Apparently, the next Metal Gear will star the pretty-boy cyber-ninja: Raiden, and will be far more action-focused than previous installments ( I thought 4 was pretty action packed actually). Metal Gear: Rising is subtitled "Lightning Bolt Action" which is out-right goofy enough to actually sound sort of cool. At this point, I am thinking that this game will probably be more of a third person action title similar to the Ninja Gaiden series. Although that genre isn't necessarily my absolute favorite, I am excited to see where this new turn will take one of my favorite game series.
E3 2009 was for sure - much more of an event than the last few years. It's clear that the gaming industry is more of a money maker than ever. I guess that's why my expectations for lots of excellent games is set so high. Even though I would have liked to have really had my mind blown by a few unexpected announcements, there is still quite a bit to be excited about in the near future of games.
Now that it's all said and done, did E3 2009 deliver on the promises? Was it indeed a return to form?
Well, yes and no. Sure, there where big stages, plenty of ridiculously loud house music, lasers, fog, giant presentation screens and booth babes - but as far as the actual games go - it was less than what I had hoped. Though there was a good deal of exciting games shown at this year's E3, I can't help to feel slightly underwhelmed at the nearly total lack of surprises and frustrated at the unnecessary focus this year on "motion controls" and other silly peripherals. But hey, you're reading the Blast Heroes blog, you don't want to hear about let-downs, you want to know what's hot! So in the name of true-commando-positivity, let's talk about what titles are on my "must have" radar. This is in no way a complete list, just the some of the games that either surprised me, or look totally rad.
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
This was one of the few shockers at E3 for me this year. In what is quickly becoming typical Japanese studio form, Konami has decided to out-source one of their few respectable IPs to a basically un-known western studio: Mercury Steam. Now normally, this would have me ready to dragon punch your mom in the face in a fit of blind rage, but there is a killer twist to this story that has me more than a little excited about this game. Hideo Kojima, one of the most talented visionaries in gaming, has taken the role of producer on the project - I repeat: Hideo-mother-f-ing-Kojima is working on the new Castlevania game!!! I hope-beyond-hope that Kojima is given as much control as possible on the project and that his already busy schedule doesn't keep him from investing the time that a full-blown-current-gen Castlevania deserves. Kojima is a master at creating memorable characters, interesting and immersive gameplay, thick atmosphere and most importantly, amazing boss fights: If he really applies himself, this game could be a masterpiece.
Judging from the E3 trailer for the title, Konami is clearly investing some cash into the project (they hired Patrick Stewart to do voice over work!) and production values seem to be through the roof. Although the trailer doesn't really look much like what I would expect from the franchise: 3d, no platforming, no Belmonts, and no freaking Dracula - I am hopeful that this game will properly bring the legacy of Castlevania to a new generation.
The Last Guardian
About a month ago, I wrote a hype-piece for a "leaked" demo reel of what was reported to be the new game from Team ICO: project Trico. At that time nothing had been confirmed from Sony or Team ICO as to whether or not this footage was the real deal - but all that has changed now that E3 is over - the Last Guardian ( a much better title than Trico I must say) is indeed the final chapter in the ICO trilogy.
At Sony's press conference they dropped a new trailer for the project; though it very much resembles the original tech demo, there are some significant graphical updates, as well as a bit of new gameplay footage thrown in. Obviously, I am really itching to see what adventures this game will take us on. Team ICO have what few game game developers do - style and artistic vision. There is a definite mood and emotional weight in their projects that set them apart from the pack. I am sure this games beautifully designed characters will pull at your heart strings from the very start all the way to what is sure to be a tragic end ( your days are numbered, huge monster dude.).I am almost shocked at how well the brief trailer illustrates the touching relationship between the boy and his giant monster companion. This one will be a must have for sure.
Modern Warfare 2
Alright, I need to start by saying something: don't judge me. I'm a bit ashamed to love a game like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare as much as I do. The whole thing is a bit too patriotic, a bit too redneck, a bit too "Get-r-done." I guess the fact that I enjoy this game so much serves as a shinning testament to the incredible talents at Infinity Ward. The gunplay, set pieces, and storytelling in the original Modern Warfare sets the bar for all first person shooters to come.
The masters of the FPS craft are back in full swing with Modern Warfare 2 and if this trailer is any indication, they look like they are aiming to top the original game in every possible way. I have faith that the good ol' boys at Infinity Ward will deliver a game that is not only incredibly fun to play, but also incredibly politically biased.
Metal Gear: Rising
Rumors that a Metal Gear game would be making its way to the Xbox 360 have been floating around for a quite a while now, so Kojima's E3 announcement that he was working on a Metal Gear for microsofts system wasn't too big of a surprise. The news however, as to what type of game he was working on, did spice things up a bit. Apparently, the next Metal Gear will star the pretty-boy cyber-ninja: Raiden, and will be far more action-focused than previous installments ( I thought 4 was pretty action packed actually). Metal Gear: Rising is subtitled "Lightning Bolt Action" which is out-right goofy enough to actually sound sort of cool. At this point, I am thinking that this game will probably be more of a third person action title similar to the Ninja Gaiden series. Although that genre isn't necessarily my absolute favorite, I am excited to see where this new turn will take one of my favorite game series.
E3 2009 was for sure - much more of an event than the last few years. It's clear that the gaming industry is more of a money maker than ever. I guess that's why my expectations for lots of excellent games is set so high. Even though I would have liked to have really had my mind blown by a few unexpected announcements, there is still quite a bit to be excited about in the near future of games.
Continue Reading...
Monday, June 1, 2009
Turtle's In Time Re-Shelled Pics: Asshole Turtles Confirmed
Joystiq has five pictures from the remake of arcade classic Turtle In Time, now titled TMNT: Turtles In Time Re-Shelled.The pictures verify that our worst nightmare has come true: Like their recent CGI movie and Saturday morning counterparts, the Turtles in Re-Shelled looks like complete douche bags.
Gone our the sweet natured good boys from the early 90's, replaced by Red Bull chugging, walking reptilian hard-ons.
SIGH...
Oh well, at least they didn't desaturated the colors by 65%.
E3 2009: Games We'd Hang Out With
So it's E3 time, and we here at Blast Heroes are having a hard time covering the big event.
You see, while there will be tons of cool games being shown at the big show, how many will we really REAALLY get jazzed for? Jazzed as in hyped, as in "I want to stay up all night playing this game then the next day at school, draw pictures of the game's weapons in the margins of my class notes".
Microsoft had a great conference today with the usual suspects on display.
There were plenty of plastic toys getting rolled-out (Tony Hawk: Ride, The Beatles: Rock Band) and enough gruff soldiers shooting baddies in the face to induce a trillion intergalactic space-boners.
Microsoft finally showed off their long-rumored motion-control interface, Project Natal, and it was surprisingly not horrible looking. On the contrary it actually looks really fun.
All in all, it was a great show, but I must say I was very disappointed that their wasn't a XBOX Live Arcade segment in Microsoft's presser. No, they save that for the luncheon afterwards.
Joystiq has the scoop on 2009's Summer of Arcade lineup, and although it doesn't looks as impressive as last years legendary roster of summer XBLA games, there is still plenty to get excited about.
Sony and Nintendo showcase their wares next. Stay tuned for more E3 commentary, live from our home computers in Middle America!
Isn't the internet grand?
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Higgin's Is Back And He Brought His Shooting Watch
Master Higgins triumphant return in this weeks WiiWare release, Adventure Island: The Beginning sweetens the pot with the inclusion of fun looking mini-games. Twitch-meister Higgins disciples will be pleased to know that a competitive Shooting Watching mode is included in this new release.
For those who are interesting in Xtreme tapping, but aren't interested in importing an official Shooting Watch, snatching up an e-copy of Adventure Island: The Beginning for $10 sounds like a perfect deal.
Now if only you could shoot out against people online...Hello Hudson!? How about a dedicated Shooting Watch game for XBLA? Sell it for $5 and have ranked and player matches, plus extra games modes like melon-smashing.
Get to work Higgins!
Continue Reading...
For those who are interesting in Xtreme tapping, but aren't interested in importing an official Shooting Watch, snatching up an e-copy of Adventure Island: The Beginning for $10 sounds like a perfect deal.
Now if only you could shoot out against people online...Hello Hudson!? How about a dedicated Shooting Watch game for XBLA? Sell it for $5 and have ranked and player matches, plus extra games modes like melon-smashing.
Get to work Higgins!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
GIRL Has Made It To Mars!
After 92 days of stretching, the Noby Noby Boy community has finally reached Mars!
This comes as a surprise seeing as Noby's creator Keita Takahashi recently stated that at the rate that players were contributing length, GIRL wouldn't reach Mars for another three years or so.
Thankfully Takahashi introduced Lucky Week. Lucky Week is a new feature in Noby Noby designed to entice PS3 owners into playing more. Here's how it works: Every month or so, an announcement will be made that there will be a Lucky Week. Namco will draw a random number and any GIRL length that you report during Lucky Week will be multiplied by said number.
The galaxy exploration and sense of journey and accomplishment in Noby Noby Boy make for a truly epic and sublime gaming experience. If you have a PS3 you really owe it to yourself to experience this game. It will be the best $5 you've ever spent.
Continue Reading...
This comes as a surprise seeing as Noby's creator Keita Takahashi recently stated that at the rate that players were contributing length, GIRL wouldn't reach Mars for another three years or so.
Thankfully Takahashi introduced Lucky Week. Lucky Week is a new feature in Noby Noby designed to entice PS3 owners into playing more. Here's how it works: Every month or so, an announcement will be made that there will be a Lucky Week. Namco will draw a random number and any GIRL length that you report during Lucky Week will be multiplied by said number.
The galaxy exploration and sense of journey and accomplishment in Noby Noby Boy make for a truly epic and sublime gaming experience. If you have a PS3 you really owe it to yourself to experience this game. It will be the best $5 you've ever spent.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The Neo-2D Action Post!: Starring Shank and Dust
Who doesn't love a meticulously crafted, gorgeously animated sprite?
2D games have kept a low profile on the living room systems for a while now. With the advent of high-definition graphics on former "next-gen" systems, you'd think that 2D dot-artists would be running for the hills screaming. "Holy s***! I cant e-sketch that big on my Wacom tablet! "
It's astounding that over the last few years we have witnessed a 2D revival on the current generation of platforms, many rendered in undoubtedly time consuming high definition.
Here is a pair of upcoming 2D show-stoppers that I'm sure will join the ranks of Castle Crashers, Warioland: Shake It!, Soldner-X, and Braid, just to name a few.
This footage is from an alpha-build of XNA-developed Elysian Tail: Dust, created by Dean Dodrill.
The animation is breathtaking! Hope the furry-esque character designs don't turn people off from this awesome looking hack-n-slasher.
This next video is also pre-alpha footage, but much like Dust, even it it's early stage the art and animation looks superb.
Klei Entertainment, of Eets fame, are developing a Tarantino-inspired 2D action side-scroller titled Shank and it's shaping up nicely to say the least.
Klei have yet to officially announce a platform release yet, but the controller shown at the beginning of the video suggests that this may come out on XBOX LIVE Arcade. Maybe an announcement will be made at E3.
Viva la 2D!
2D games have kept a low profile on the living room systems for a while now. With the advent of high-definition graphics on former "next-gen" systems, you'd think that 2D dot-artists would be running for the hills screaming. "Holy s***! I cant e-sketch that big on my Wacom tablet! "
It's astounding that over the last few years we have witnessed a 2D revival on the current generation of platforms, many rendered in undoubtedly time consuming high definition.
Here is a pair of upcoming 2D show-stoppers that I'm sure will join the ranks of Castle Crashers, Warioland: Shake It!, Soldner-X, and Braid, just to name a few.
This footage is from an alpha-build of XNA-developed Elysian Tail: Dust, created by Dean Dodrill.
The animation is breathtaking! Hope the furry-esque character designs don't turn people off from this awesome looking hack-n-slasher.
This next video is also pre-alpha footage, but much like Dust, even it it's early stage the art and animation looks superb.
Klei Entertainment, of Eets fame, are developing a Tarantino-inspired 2D action side-scroller titled Shank and it's shaping up nicely to say the least.
Klei have yet to officially announce a platform release yet, but the controller shown at the beginning of the video suggests that this may come out on XBOX LIVE Arcade. Maybe an announcement will be made at E3.
Viva la 2D!
Continue Reading...
As if You Need Another Reason to be Excited: Uncharted 2 Multiplayer
Excuse me while I put on my Young Jeezy voice...
Ha ha!!!
I am usually not too crazy about online multi-player, but I have to admit, this looks like a lot fun. I mean, what could be better than pulling your homie off of a building by his leg while suspended a hundered feet in the air? Just icing on the cake that is looking to be one of the hottest games of the year.
Continue Reading...
Ha ha!!!
I am usually not too crazy about online multi-player, but I have to admit, this looks like a lot fun. I mean, what could be better than pulling your homie off of a building by his leg while suspended a hundered feet in the air? Just icing on the cake that is looking to be one of the hottest games of the year.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
It's All About the Fear: Punch Out!! Wii Review
Of all the terrifying characters I have met in the gaming world: Pyramid Head, the Cyberdaemon, Big Daddies or these guys, one villain in particular stands out. One who frightens me in a way that no other can...
Soda Popinski.
Besides having the laugh of a homicidal manic: he's big, ugly as hell, freakishly proportioned, and has a questionable addiction to "soda" (yeah, um...more like PCP.) The real secret to Soda Popinski's reign of terror though, is his speed. He is fast. Fast and strong. Like many of the later characters in the original Punch Out, he will take advantage of even the smallest mistake in your game and pummel you to quivering pulp in a matter of seconds. The ability that the Punch Out's baddies have - to instantly turn a fight in their favor - always kept me in a state of total panic. As far as I am concerned, a large part of what made the original Punch Out so amazing was it's power to strike deep and intense fear into even the coldest, most un-shakable gamer. The villains of Punch Out got into your head, and once they were there, they were there for good.
Of course, I absolutely loved both the OG Punch Out and its Super Nintendo sequel, Super Punch Out. Even though they both scared and frustrated the hell out of me, they were fantastic games boasting imaginative characters and absolutely addictive gameplay. Naturally, I was incredibly excited when I first heard that Nintendo would be bringing back their beloved franchise, but when the news hit they would be farming the development to the barely known Next Level Studios, I got a bit nervous. Would they be able to capture the character? The heart? The FEAR? Well, the wait is finally over and I have been able to spend some quality time with the latest installment in Nintendo's classic series.
Does Punch Out!! Wii live up to the hype? See the full review after the break!!!
Right off the bat, it's obvious that that Next Level is aims to hold true to the Punch Out legacy and pump the nostalgia factor as far as it can possibly go. Innovation and new ideas were not high on the developer’s priority list, but that’s not really what I was expecting, or hoping for, to be quite honest. This game makes no qualms about its fan-service: nearly every character in Punch Out!! Wii's roster has appeared previously in the series and they all look, act and fight just the way you hoped they would. Hearing Doc Louis giving Little Mac inspirational pep-talks between matches for the first time is a load of fun, especially since his voice sounds exactly the way you imagined it would back in the day. All the classic tunes are there as well, only this time, with the added punch of live horns and shredding guitars. The controls feel just the way you would expect, left and right dodging, high and low punches, the heart meter, the star punches, it's all there and it all feels great.
It isn't until you reach the final third of the game that the true essence of Punch Out!! Wii comes to life. That’s when things start to feel less like nostalgia and more like reliving a nightmare from your past. I mean that in the best possible way, of course. When the fights start to get really scary, you know that Next Level has done their job. You’ve got your Soda Popinski, just as blood-hungry and bat-shit-insane as ever before, you’ve got Bald Bull with easily one of the most intimidating special moves in gaming history and of course, Super Macho Man, who brings not only the fear of an instant knock-out but also the unease of a potential sexual assault on our Little Mac. When you finally meet Mr. Sandman at the "end" of the game, he is so massive, so quick and so powerful that the hardest part of the fight is getting past the intimidation factor. He will literally syke you out with an occasional "boo" between hammering your head into your shoulders with overhead punches. My friends, the fear you remember is there, maybe more so now than ever.
I imagine working on a game series that people love and treasure as much as Punch Out is a lot like that fight with Mr. Sandman: intimidating and overwhelming. Despite the odds, the little game company that could, Next Level, has really won me over with their heartfelt sequel to the most racially and culturally stereotyping videogame of all time. Much the way that the Little Mac always gets his win, no matter how huge the goon you throw against him.
Continue Reading...
Soda Popinski.
Besides having the laugh of a homicidal manic: he's big, ugly as hell, freakishly proportioned, and has a questionable addiction to "soda" (yeah, um...more like PCP.) The real secret to Soda Popinski's reign of terror though, is his speed. He is fast. Fast and strong. Like many of the later characters in the original Punch Out, he will take advantage of even the smallest mistake in your game and pummel you to quivering pulp in a matter of seconds. The ability that the Punch Out's baddies have - to instantly turn a fight in their favor - always kept me in a state of total panic. As far as I am concerned, a large part of what made the original Punch Out so amazing was it's power to strike deep and intense fear into even the coldest, most un-shakable gamer. The villains of Punch Out got into your head, and once they were there, they were there for good.
Of course, I absolutely loved both the OG Punch Out and its Super Nintendo sequel, Super Punch Out. Even though they both scared and frustrated the hell out of me, they were fantastic games boasting imaginative characters and absolutely addictive gameplay. Naturally, I was incredibly excited when I first heard that Nintendo would be bringing back their beloved franchise, but when the news hit they would be farming the development to the barely known Next Level Studios, I got a bit nervous. Would they be able to capture the character? The heart? The FEAR? Well, the wait is finally over and I have been able to spend some quality time with the latest installment in Nintendo's classic series.
Does Punch Out!! Wii live up to the hype? See the full review after the break!!!
Right off the bat, it's obvious that that Next Level is aims to hold true to the Punch Out legacy and pump the nostalgia factor as far as it can possibly go. Innovation and new ideas were not high on the developer’s priority list, but that’s not really what I was expecting, or hoping for, to be quite honest. This game makes no qualms about its fan-service: nearly every character in Punch Out!! Wii's roster has appeared previously in the series and they all look, act and fight just the way you hoped they would. Hearing Doc Louis giving Little Mac inspirational pep-talks between matches for the first time is a load of fun, especially since his voice sounds exactly the way you imagined it would back in the day. All the classic tunes are there as well, only this time, with the added punch of live horns and shredding guitars. The controls feel just the way you would expect, left and right dodging, high and low punches, the heart meter, the star punches, it's all there and it all feels great.
It isn't until you reach the final third of the game that the true essence of Punch Out!! Wii comes to life. That’s when things start to feel less like nostalgia and more like reliving a nightmare from your past. I mean that in the best possible way, of course. When the fights start to get really scary, you know that Next Level has done their job. You’ve got your Soda Popinski, just as blood-hungry and bat-shit-insane as ever before, you’ve got Bald Bull with easily one of the most intimidating special moves in gaming history and of course, Super Macho Man, who brings not only the fear of an instant knock-out but also the unease of a potential sexual assault on our Little Mac. When you finally meet Mr. Sandman at the "end" of the game, he is so massive, so quick and so powerful that the hardest part of the fight is getting past the intimidation factor. He will literally syke you out with an occasional "boo" between hammering your head into your shoulders with overhead punches. My friends, the fear you remember is there, maybe more so now than ever.
I imagine working on a game series that people love and treasure as much as Punch Out is a lot like that fight with Mr. Sandman: intimidating and overwhelming. Despite the odds, the little game company that could, Next Level, has really won me over with their heartfelt sequel to the most racially and culturally stereotyping videogame of all time. Much the way that the Little Mac always gets his win, no matter how huge the goon you throw against him.
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