Holy S**t
If you've started reading this before watching the trailer at least two more times, stop, go back, and watch it. Now watch it again. I'll wait for you. Watched it? Take a few minutes to recover. That was one of the most powerful minutes I have seen in a trailer this year. It wasn't flashy, and it wasn't over the top. The reason why it's so jaw dropping is because it was so damn REAL. The issues were real, and terrorism is very real. These "Patriots" even believe that they are liberators of some kind by strapping a bomb to a dude's chest and tossing him out a window to explode on a crowded city street.
Between this trailer and the "early look" one we got to see last month, this game has me totally sold and looks like it could be Tom Clancy's best to date. The narrative (as of now) doesn't seem forced, and this debut trailer was both amazing and terrifying. My only concern that the realism of the terrorism (I mean for goodness sake you can hear people screaming in horror when the bomb goes off and you can actually see some people getting blown up) is going to raise some concerns from the big wigs in Capitol Hill. Hopefully Patriots can be crafted in such a way that we can keep the intensity and realism from this trailer and still get it onto shelves, cause 2013 is a long time to wait.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Bioshock Infinite Gameplay Trailer
Acoustically chaotic
There's something beautifully morbid in the newest trailer for Bioshock Infinite. While some people complain about the song choice (which is the only sound we hear while it's playing) I don't think they could have gotten it more perfect. The song added such a quiet melancholy to the footage we were seeing, and offered a sense of peacefulness as we watched this world crumble around us. This trailer definitely sets a tone for the upcoming game, and it's going to be a doozy.
Oh yeah, and the whole thing was put together using in game footage (which seems to be a thing to tell people know). So we at least know that Infinite is going to look beyond gorgeous.
There's something beautifully morbid in the newest trailer for Bioshock Infinite. While some people complain about the song choice (which is the only sound we hear while it's playing) I don't think they could have gotten it more perfect. The song added such a quiet melancholy to the footage we were seeing, and offered a sense of peacefulness as we watched this world crumble around us. This trailer definitely sets a tone for the upcoming game, and it's going to be a doozy.
Oh yeah, and the whole thing was put together using in game footage (which seems to be a thing to tell people know). So we at least know that Infinite is going to look beyond gorgeous.
Feature: Stephen Johnson, Lead Editor of G4's "The Feed"
The man behind The Feed... and Skyrim comedy videos
Walking around the G4 offices is like taking a stroll through all of the great video games you’ve ever played. You can see cubes and offices lined from wall to wall with memorabilia, action figures, and signed posters. Stephen Johnson’s desk slightly different, more toned down with only a couple hanging pictures and even a signed picture from Kevin Pereira, the host of “Attack of the Show”. So how do you take people that have these kinds of memorabilia next to the computers that they write on seriously?
Walking around the G4 offices is like taking a stroll through all of the great video games you’ve ever played. You can see cubes and offices lined from wall to wall with memorabilia, action figures, and signed posters. Stephen Johnson’s desk slightly different, more toned down with only a couple hanging pictures and even a signed picture from Kevin Pereira, the host of “Attack of the Show”. So how do you take people that have these kinds of memorabilia next to the computers that they write on seriously?
This is why: Stephen Johnson is the lead editor of the Feed on the G4 website, and believes that video games are on the precipice of something amazing. Something that only comes around once every century. Something that many forms of entertainment strive to achieve but only few transcend into that greatness. Soft spoken with glasses just barely thicker than his goatee, he thinks that video games are as close as they’ve ever been to becoming works of art.
“Video games right now are at about the point where films were in the 30’s.” Johnson said, who has written for all kinds of publications before coming to G4 in 2005, ranging from movies to horse racing. “It’s starting to find the language in which it wants to speak to us to be considered art.”
In August of 2010, Roger Ebert said in his Chicago Sun-Times blog that video games can never be considered art. He barely even chooses to defend his argument, he just makes it and refuses to budge. The blog post itself has over four thousand comments on it to date, and both sides very enthusiastically defend and dispel video games as an art form. Johnson is on the other side from Ebert on the fight, and that’s one of the reasons he enjoys going into work every day.
Whether or not video games can be considered art, they are still a huge part of the entertainment industry and are covered by a multitude of publications. Johnson thinks that the evolution of games into an artform has fostered all of the coverage that you see today. “I think that the idea of journalism in video games is relatively new because as an art form it’s grown to support the industry of video game journalists.” So as much as people want to argue about the legitimacy of industry, as long as it sells, there will be those there to cover it.
Eric Eckstein, director of the games editorial section of the G4 website, surely seems to think that Johnson is more than qualified to make these claims. “His other interests in film really brings something unique to the tabe,” said Eckstein, “he’s more about the narrative of the game than the intuitive design”. He went on to reference LA Noire and Alan Wake as two games Johnson was particularly excited about because they featured more in depth narratives than flashy gameplay.
“I love the gaming industry itself. I love being involved with something thats on the edge of something,” Johnson said, and he seems to be right. The release of Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 shattered the opening weekend sales records of any major form of entertainment in history, and copies of major titles often sail into the millions for units sold.
Graduating from college in the early nineties from Emerson College in Boston
While his co-workers may poke fun at Johnson’s seniority over them, he does notice a unique dynamic between himself and all of the younger members of the office. “It’s less about the generations and how much younger they may be, but more about what they’re doing in their lives,” Johnson said, “I’m married and have a child so if I didn’t have those things I think there would be even less of a difference between me and them”.
But while there may be differences in age, there is certainly not a difference in how involved Johnson is with his subject matter. And he is very excited about the direction video games are going, and how that direction could keep pushing the industry into an art form. “There are ways of imparting thoughts and emotions that you cant do through other mediums, you being able to decide what direction a story goes in. Games are running up the limitations of giving the player choices.”
Working at G4 has provided some unique experiences for Johnson, the most unique being the opportunity to be on Feedback, the weekly video podcast about video games posted on the website. Johnson said that speaking on camera didn’t exactly come easy at first. “Oh man, I was so nervous the first time,” he laughed, “it’s just not my style to do that.” But as the number of appearances increased, so did his poise in the public eye. Now he’s extremely excited whenever he’s asked to go back on, and often catches himself talking about what will be on the show with co-hosts before he even sits down in front of the camera.
While video games have been a part of Johnson’s life for as long as he can remember, he still remembers that it is a job and it supports his family. This doesn’t mean he wouldn’t have done things differently, though. “I would have pursued what I really wanted to do younger, but I made excuses like ‘oh, I don’t have any experience’ and that held me back”.
Nevertheless, now Johnson is exactly where he wants to be, surrounded by his video game swag, writing about something that is evolving into something exquisite. He seems completely comfortable in his surroundings, and is showing the world that games can be art through his journalistic work. Eckstein puts it perfectly, “He’s been here for years and playing games for even longer... he’s a self starter that knows film, and when he sees the convergence of the two, he really notices.”
You can follow Johnson on twitter @steveajohnson.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD - Announcement Trailer
So much nostalgia, so little time
36 seconds is all you need to make every gamer from the nineties pee themselves in excitement. Tony Hawk is back following in the footsteps of the (surprisingly) popular HD remake movement. It looks like we're going to get at least the original game back in beautiful high def to relive the magic over and over, and I would be surprised if they didn't include content from the second and third games as well. I for one welcome this remake, as we haven't seen a good Tony Hawk game for far too many years. And if your last six games fail... might as well remake the one that didn't to look good.
Unless you were born under some form of a rock, you would recognize the iconic warehouse level that millions of skaters discovered their love for the franchise. Down the ramp, up and through the overhang (why is that thing even there in the first place? No practical value), grind around the concrete lip, over the gap to the random middle rail, and on to a ramp on the other side. It's a well known route, and one that I'm dying to take on again in 720p.
36 seconds is all you need to make every gamer from the nineties pee themselves in excitement. Tony Hawk is back following in the footsteps of the (surprisingly) popular HD remake movement. It looks like we're going to get at least the original game back in beautiful high def to relive the magic over and over, and I would be surprised if they didn't include content from the second and third games as well. I for one welcome this remake, as we haven't seen a good Tony Hawk game for far too many years. And if your last six games fail... might as well remake the one that didn't to look good.
Unless you were born under some form of a rock, you would recognize the iconic warehouse level that millions of skaters discovered their love for the franchise. Down the ramp, up and through the overhang (why is that thing even there in the first place? No practical value), grind around the concrete lip, over the gap to the random middle rail, and on to a ramp on the other side. It's a well known route, and one that I'm dying to take on again in 720p.
Hitman Absolution Cinematic Trailer
Now you see me... now you're dead!
This trailer is actually the second in a cinematic series that started back in November. This first one has Agent 49 sneaking into a house and killing a bunch of guards. His target is a woman taking a shower, but the trailer ends before we know if we know if he shoots her or not. Well in this trailer, turns out he did (a couple times) and she's holed up in a hospital trying to be taken out of it by masked dudes with guns. Agnet 49 is there kicking tail once again, doing what I can only assume is finishing the job.
While cinematic trailers might not show us any gameplay, they play the crucial role in exposing us to a little bit of story if done well. There was a definite focus on a coin the woman was holding, I wonder how that coin will play into the story, and what personal connection that Agent 49 has with it. Whatever the reason, any return from Hitman is a good one and this game should be a very well crafted one.
This trailer is actually the second in a cinematic series that started back in November. This first one has Agent 49 sneaking into a house and killing a bunch of guards. His target is a woman taking a shower, but the trailer ends before we know if we know if he shoots her or not. Well in this trailer, turns out he did (a couple times) and she's holed up in a hospital trying to be taken out of it by masked dudes with guns. Agnet 49 is there kicking tail once again, doing what I can only assume is finishing the job.
While cinematic trailers might not show us any gameplay, they play the crucial role in exposing us to a little bit of story if done well. There was a definite focus on a coin the woman was holding, I wonder how that coin will play into the story, and what personal connection that Agent 49 has with it. Whatever the reason, any return from Hitman is a good one and this game should be a very well crafted one.
The Last of Us - VGA Trailer
Uniquely Familiar
There was something beautiful about the opening to the VGA trailer for "The Last of Us", Naughty Dog's venture into the very crowded land of zombie games. Through the first seconds, there seems to be a peaceful tranquility to the apocalypse. Moving from the sound of birds and green trees, we slowly see that the world is in obvious ruin, overgrown and still bloodied from whatever caused this round of flesh hungry zombies. Then we meet our subjects.
It appears to be either a daughter with her dad or just two random people who have met through this madness, but the girl definitely seems much younger than the guy that she's with. She comes across the man beating a tar out of an infected person with a two by four, and after they barely start searching him, three more bad guys show up. Cut to them running into a city street overgrown with vegetation, and we have a setting for "The Last of Us". The message is simple, their daily routine is to survive no matter what. It may be a market that has been tapped into way to many times, but I'm really interested to see what kind of angle this game will take on the zombie genre. As long as it's not another Dead Island, there's a lot of potential from this trailer alone.
There was something beautiful about the opening to the VGA trailer for "The Last of Us", Naughty Dog's venture into the very crowded land of zombie games. Through the first seconds, there seems to be a peaceful tranquility to the apocalypse. Moving from the sound of birds and green trees, we slowly see that the world is in obvious ruin, overgrown and still bloodied from whatever caused this round of flesh hungry zombies. Then we meet our subjects.
It appears to be either a daughter with her dad or just two random people who have met through this madness, but the girl definitely seems much younger than the guy that she's with. She comes across the man beating a tar out of an infected person with a two by four, and after they barely start searching him, three more bad guys show up. Cut to them running into a city street overgrown with vegetation, and we have a setting for "The Last of Us". The message is simple, their daily routine is to survive no matter what. It may be a market that has been tapped into way to many times, but I'm really interested to see what kind of angle this game will take on the zombie genre. As long as it's not another Dead Island, there's a lot of potential from this trailer alone.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Rayman: Origins - 10 Ways to Win Trailer
Who knew terrifying beasts could look so cute?
First off, I really need to play this game. I miss the golden age of platformers (and this is a side scroller to make the deal even sweeter) and it simply looks like a ton of fun. I really enjoy that games like this aren't totally dead yet, and we can all put down our first person shooters to enjoy some fast paced, classic gaming. Not to mention that their marketing campaign has been brilliant: this is the third "10 Ways" trailer that I've seen, coming after "10 Ways to Get Around" and "10 Ways to Die". It's a simple way of showing how much you can do with the game, and how damn good it looks while you're playing.
My favorite part of this trailer is that by showing 10 ways to win the game, it's simultaneously showing the huge amount of replay value in Origins. If you're a completionist (like me) or an achievement whore (guilty) then seeing a ton of different ways to get to that magical 100% mark is a challenge I am more than willing to accept. Not to mention it's another example of how smoothly the game flows together, it takes a certain kind of brilliance to put together such vibrant worlds that a character can flawlessly maneuver through. This is definitely on my list of games to try this holiday season. Hello, Redbox!
First off, I really need to play this game. I miss the golden age of platformers (and this is a side scroller to make the deal even sweeter) and it simply looks like a ton of fun. I really enjoy that games like this aren't totally dead yet, and we can all put down our first person shooters to enjoy some fast paced, classic gaming. Not to mention that their marketing campaign has been brilliant: this is the third "10 Ways" trailer that I've seen, coming after "10 Ways to Get Around" and "10 Ways to Die". It's a simple way of showing how much you can do with the game, and how damn good it looks while you're playing.
My favorite part of this trailer is that by showing 10 ways to win the game, it's simultaneously showing the huge amount of replay value in Origins. If you're a completionist (like me) or an achievement whore (guilty) then seeing a ton of different ways to get to that magical 100% mark is a challenge I am more than willing to accept. Not to mention it's another example of how smoothly the game flows together, it takes a certain kind of brilliance to put together such vibrant worlds that a character can flawlessly maneuver through. This is definitely on my list of games to try this holiday season. Hello, Redbox!
Batman: Arkham City - Skins Pack DLC Trailer
Now the old guys can play too!
Two days ago, Arkham City fans were graced with an awesome downloadable opportunity. The Batman skins pack gives players access to unique costumes that have graced the cape crusader since we first met him. This short trailer shows a whirlwind of ass kicking as 1970's Batman, Animated Series Batman, Year One Batman, The Dark Knight Returns Batman, Earth One Batman, Sinestro Corps Batman, and Batman Beyond. If none or almost none of those names ring a bell for you, then obviously this isn't something you should buy. But for you hardcore bat lovers out there, I can almost hear your cheers of celebration (right there with you).
Batman Beyond looks by far the coolest to me (I was just entering my teenage and therefore extremely impressionable years around the show's release) while Year One Batman looked, well, chunky. The funniest one is Animated Batman because he looks like a cartoon compared to the rest of the bleak, dark world that he has to fight in. Needless to say extra skins are a great addition to the game, and if you're a fan of the Dark Knight, then it will definitely be worth picking up.
Two days ago, Arkham City fans were graced with an awesome downloadable opportunity. The Batman skins pack gives players access to unique costumes that have graced the cape crusader since we first met him. This short trailer shows a whirlwind of ass kicking as 1970's Batman, Animated Series Batman, Year One Batman, The Dark Knight Returns Batman, Earth One Batman, Sinestro Corps Batman, and Batman Beyond. If none or almost none of those names ring a bell for you, then obviously this isn't something you should buy. But for you hardcore bat lovers out there, I can almost hear your cheers of celebration (right there with you).
Batman Beyond looks by far the coolest to me (I was just entering my teenage and therefore extremely impressionable years around the show's release) while Year One Batman looked, well, chunky. The funniest one is Animated Batman because he looks like a cartoon compared to the rest of the bleak, dark world that he has to fight in. Needless to say extra skins are a great addition to the game, and if you're a fan of the Dark Knight, then it will definitely be worth picking up.
World Gone Sour Announcement Trailer ft. Method Man
What... did I just watch?
That's the question I think most people are going to ask themselves after watching this... well, it's called a trailer so we'll go with that. What the hell did I just watch? One of Method Man's homies busts open a bag of sour patch kids, sending them all over the room. Method Man essentially curses him out, then says that he's put them all in danger. Cue the beat, and he goes into a three minute music video all about the sour patch kids as they all slowly come to life. Apparently the candy is not that dangerous, they just like screwing around with the music levels and salt shakers.
My big question: why? Why is Method Man rapping about candy, is the business really that tough? Why is Capcom, of all companies, taking over a project like this? Why is a music video the choice for an announcement trailer, when it explains nothing more than there's going to be a game, and it will involve sour patch kids? The list can go on and on. Although I will take one positive away from all of this mess... those little gummies can really break it down. Holla.
That's the question I think most people are going to ask themselves after watching this... well, it's called a trailer so we'll go with that. What the hell did I just watch? One of Method Man's homies busts open a bag of sour patch kids, sending them all over the room. Method Man essentially curses him out, then says that he's put them all in danger. Cue the beat, and he goes into a three minute music video all about the sour patch kids as they all slowly come to life. Apparently the candy is not that dangerous, they just like screwing around with the music levels and salt shakers.
My big question: why? Why is Method Man rapping about candy, is the business really that tough? Why is Capcom, of all companies, taking over a project like this? Why is a music video the choice for an announcement trailer, when it explains nothing more than there's going to be a game, and it will involve sour patch kids? The list can go on and on. Although I will take one positive away from all of this mess... those little gummies can really break it down. Holla.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
NBA 2K12: Legends Showcase DLC Launch Trailer
As if I need another excuse to keep playing this game
Unless you've been playing Skyrim so much that you haven't seen the sun for a few days, you probably know that the NBA season has been saved (for now) and will be starting on Christmas Day. And if that wasn't good enough news for you ball fans, NBA 2K12 has released some new DLC titled "Legends Showcase". It's exactly like it sounds: 150 NBA legends on a blacktop court in Time Square, cell shaded to perfection.
With game modes like HORSE, 21, and teammate challenge, this is going to be a pretty awesome multiplayer experience for those hardcore ballers. Throw in unlockable current NBA stars, and you've got yourself one hefty piece of DLC. How many people do you think are going to make the monSTAR team from Space Jam? You can count at least one because that's the first thing I'm going to do.
Unless you've been playing Skyrim so much that you haven't seen the sun for a few days, you probably know that the NBA season has been saved (for now) and will be starting on Christmas Day. And if that wasn't good enough news for you ball fans, NBA 2K12 has released some new DLC titled "Legends Showcase". It's exactly like it sounds: 150 NBA legends on a blacktop court in Time Square, cell shaded to perfection.
With game modes like HORSE, 21, and teammate challenge, this is going to be a pretty awesome multiplayer experience for those hardcore ballers. Throw in unlockable current NBA stars, and you've got yourself one hefty piece of DLC. How many people do you think are going to make the monSTAR team from Space Jam? You can count at least one because that's the first thing I'm going to do.
Total War: Shogun 2 - "Fall of the Samurai" Expansion Trailer
Pride, honor, and a big freaking gun
What a strange trailer. It starts off all serious, talking about "the way of the Samurai" and how their lives are based on discipline and honor. I was expecting some sort of epic battle to follow between warring Samurai factions, but that expectation was dead wrong. The tone of the trailer makes a complete U-turn, showing Samurai getting mowed down with a Gatling gun while some jerk American talks about how awesome it is.
Honestly, I was a little turned off after showing how lightly they took this trailer. Total War is supposed to be huge scale battles one after another, not a doomed culture running head first into machine gun fire. Not to mention that the American doing the VO sounded like a bigoted idiot. Way too goofy for a game like total war, just not feeling it.
What a strange trailer. It starts off all serious, talking about "the way of the Samurai" and how their lives are based on discipline and honor. I was expecting some sort of epic battle to follow between warring Samurai factions, but that expectation was dead wrong. The tone of the trailer makes a complete U-turn, showing Samurai getting mowed down with a Gatling gun while some jerk American talks about how awesome it is.
Honestly, I was a little turned off after showing how lightly they took this trailer. Total War is supposed to be huge scale battles one after another, not a doomed culture running head first into machine gun fire. Not to mention that the American doing the VO sounded like a bigoted idiot. Way too goofy for a game like total war, just not feeling it.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Batman: Arkham City - Robin DLC Trailer
This time without the awkward pedophile jokes
Short but sweet, round two of DLC is here for Arkham City and we have the boy wonder himself to play as. The trailer isn't as detailed as the one released for Nighthawk simply because, well... there just isn't as much to Robin. You get two challenge courses, two alternate skins, and Robin himself to play as, but that's pretty much it. They didn't even go over his special abilities like they did with Nighthawk because he's essentially a smaller Batman with different clothes and a bo staff (Batman fans please don't hate me, I love Robin but his character doesn't really have much variety from the Dark Knight in terms of weapons and gadgets).
Needless to say, I'm still excited to take Robin for a spin (that sounds wrong) because I'm sure he'll feel a bit more agile and his animations will be different from Batman's. Arkham City is doing an awesome job with its DLC, releasing characters that true Batman fans will want to get their hands on right away. That's how you keep the gamers engaged, bravo.
Short but sweet, round two of DLC is here for Arkham City and we have the boy wonder himself to play as. The trailer isn't as detailed as the one released for Nighthawk simply because, well... there just isn't as much to Robin. You get two challenge courses, two alternate skins, and Robin himself to play as, but that's pretty much it. They didn't even go over his special abilities like they did with Nighthawk because he's essentially a smaller Batman with different clothes and a bo staff (Batman fans please don't hate me, I love Robin but his character doesn't really have much variety from the Dark Knight in terms of weapons and gadgets).
Needless to say, I'm still excited to take Robin for a spin (that sounds wrong) because I'm sure he'll feel a bit more agile and his animations will be different from Batman's. Arkham City is doing an awesome job with its DLC, releasing characters that true Batman fans will want to get their hands on right away. That's how you keep the gamers engaged, bravo.
Jak and Daxter - HD Collection Trailer
So this is going to be what makes me buy a PS3...
Finally, an HD remake that makes me want to drop everything and reminisce my awkward pre-teen years over and over and over. Jak and Daxter (along with Ratchet and Clank) are two of the reasons why I love and miss the classic 3D platformer. It seems my prayers have been answered because all three games released for the PS2 are coming back in a big way on one blu-ray disk for the PS3, redone in beautiful 720p. Not much more beyond that, I assume all of the gameplay mechanics will be the same considering the controllers are virtually the same. Hopefully this has a decent price tag because a PS3 may be on the horizon for this guy.
Finally, an HD remake that makes me want to drop everything and reminisce my awkward pre-teen years over and over and over. Jak and Daxter (along with Ratchet and Clank) are two of the reasons why I love and miss the classic 3D platformer. It seems my prayers have been answered because all three games released for the PS2 are coming back in a big way on one blu-ray disk for the PS3, redone in beautiful 720p. Not much more beyond that, I assume all of the gameplay mechanics will be the same considering the controllers are virtually the same. Hopefully this has a decent price tag because a PS3 may be on the horizon for this guy.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Minecraft Xbox Live Trailer
I wonder how this will look in 1080p...
Well, at least we know that the guys on the Minecraft development team don't take themselves too seriously. I have two theories on this trailer: The first is they think that this game truly is the most exciting thing since sliced bread and totally warrants running all over each other for a chance to play. The second (and more realistic) is that they understand while Minecraft is an amazing sandbox experience, it's pretty mellow and doesn't exactly have heart-pounding action at every second. So I enjoyed the fact that they acted super over the top about the game coming to Xbox Live via download, trying to create some excitement for their own creation.
Whatever their reasoning behind the trailer, the message is the same: Minecraft is coming to Xbox Live! Bring on Spring 2012, granted I've gotten through all of the insanely good fall releases by then.
Well, at least we know that the guys on the Minecraft development team don't take themselves too seriously. I have two theories on this trailer: The first is they think that this game truly is the most exciting thing since sliced bread and totally warrants running all over each other for a chance to play. The second (and more realistic) is that they understand while Minecraft is an amazing sandbox experience, it's pretty mellow and doesn't exactly have heart-pounding action at every second. So I enjoyed the fact that they acted super over the top about the game coming to Xbox Live via download, trying to create some excitement for their own creation.
Whatever their reasoning behind the trailer, the message is the same: Minecraft is coming to Xbox Live! Bring on Spring 2012, granted I've gotten through all of the insanely good fall releases by then.
Mass Effect 3 - Collector's Edition Trailer
Biggest. Tease. EVER.
Just when you think the wait until March is too long to handle, EA goes ahead and throws some salt on the would with it's collector's edition contents. I want all of it. There's a hardcover art book, bonus weapons and character appearances, a new character and mission, and much more. All I can think is it's the worst time ever to be a broke college student. Actually, it might be a good thing because I would blow so much money on stuff like this. Why do you have to be so GOOD, Mass Effect? You're such a tease.
Just when you think the wait until March is too long to handle, EA goes ahead and throws some salt on the would with it's collector's edition contents. I want all of it. There's a hardcover art book, bonus weapons and character appearances, a new character and mission, and much more. All I can think is it's the worst time ever to be a broke college student. Actually, it might be a good thing because I would blow so much money on stuff like this. Why do you have to be so GOOD, Mass Effect? You're such a tease.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
FIFA Street - "Mashup" Trailer
Too pretty to ignore
Football (soccer) is truly the world's international language, and the prettiest damn sport there is. FIFA street makes the beautiful game even prettier with its fancy footwork and high paced short sided action. Granted we didn't get too see any control schemes or game modes but the trailer definitely promises that there will be sweet moves galore.
I really enjoyed the transitions between real life and gameplay; it shows how accurate the moves will be to the real thing, and shows an impressive graphics system capable of smoothly pulling off the animations. It might just be because I'm a sucker for awesome soccer, but I found myself having to contain my excitement as a player schooled multiple opponents and planted the ball in the back of the net. FIFA Street will bring the classic attitude that comes with the series along side some awesome trickery. Let me at it.
Max Payne 3 - Gameplay Trailer
Silky smooth, lemony fresh
Sure, this might be a four minute commercial for all of the shooting/AI mechanics in the upcoming Max Payne 3... but it just looks so damn good. I found myself very impressed by the 360 aiming, and very interested as to how easily these mechanics will translate to the controller. Fluidity seems to be the name of the game here, Max will be moving and shooting better than ever. And he's got some fancy diving moves to boot.
What was even more impressive was their overview of the AI: enemies react differently based on their level of training (it'll finally be harder to kill a trained operative then a regular street thug). It looks as if they'll be taking bullets more realistically as well, reacting to getting hit according to the angle at which they're shot and the power of your gun.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
WWE 12 - Macho Man Randy Savage Trailer
Ooo, yeah
Here's the moment we all knew was coming: DLC containing classic wrestlers in some attempt to keep this game fresh and exciting after you took the 20 minutes to finish whatever it had to offer in the first place. I do have to say that the Macho Man himself is a great choice. He's just drugged up enough to sound funny and provide some decent entertainment... until the next piece of DLC comes out. I'd expect this to become a trend with WWE '12, it'll be interesting to see who they come out with next.
One little problem with this trailer: they don't actually mention how much Randy Savage will cost to download, or the fact that he's download ONLY. Don't you think that's important to let the gamers know? A kid could go out and buy the disc thinking he's going to rock out with the Man himself, then disappointedly find that he needs to shovel out another payment just to get him. That just don't seem right to me.
Also, enjoy the best thing Randy has done since he retired (it's not even really him, but it's a pretty spot on representation)
Here's the moment we all knew was coming: DLC containing classic wrestlers in some attempt to keep this game fresh and exciting after you took the 20 minutes to finish whatever it had to offer in the first place. I do have to say that the Macho Man himself is a great choice. He's just drugged up enough to sound funny and provide some decent entertainment... until the next piece of DLC comes out. I'd expect this to become a trend with WWE '12, it'll be interesting to see who they come out with next.
One little problem with this trailer: they don't actually mention how much Randy Savage will cost to download, or the fact that he's download ONLY. Don't you think that's important to let the gamers know? A kid could go out and buy the disc thinking he's going to rock out with the Man himself, then disappointedly find that he needs to shovel out another payment just to get him. That just don't seem right to me.
Also, enjoy the best thing Randy has done since he retired (it's not even really him, but it's a pretty spot on representation)
F1 2011 - Launch Trailer
Proving that slow-mo makes everything more epic
A solid 90% of this trailer is in slow motion, and I'm being very conservative with that number. There's an explanation though: I've always felt as if there is some sort of majestic undertone to Formula 1 racing, like it's a more formal and righteous way to race than most other forms of professional racing. I mostly get that feeling because it's true, compare European fans of this sport to fans of Nascar and there's about a 15 beer difference between them. That being said, the style in which this launch trailer is set shows some of that majesty in the beauty of the cars and how smoothly they seem to perform.
F1 2001 is at a disadvantage from the start. It rides in the shadow of Need for Speed, which just released a game this week with it's arcade antics and Michael Bay trailers. But it's real competition is with the Forza series, which releases racing sims that are called "the most realistic driving experiences possible" with every title. That's a high bar for F1 to live up to. But from the smooth corners these high speed racers are taking, they're sure as hell going to try to reach it.
A solid 90% of this trailer is in slow motion, and I'm being very conservative with that number. There's an explanation though: I've always felt as if there is some sort of majestic undertone to Formula 1 racing, like it's a more formal and righteous way to race than most other forms of professional racing. I mostly get that feeling because it's true, compare European fans of this sport to fans of Nascar and there's about a 15 beer difference between them. That being said, the style in which this launch trailer is set shows some of that majesty in the beauty of the cars and how smoothly they seem to perform.
F1 2001 is at a disadvantage from the start. It rides in the shadow of Need for Speed, which just released a game this week with it's arcade antics and Michael Bay trailers. But it's real competition is with the Forza series, which releases racing sims that are called "the most realistic driving experiences possible" with every title. That's a high bar for F1 to live up to. But from the smooth corners these high speed racers are taking, they're sure as hell going to try to reach it.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Sunday Ramblings: Mickey Rourke on Attack of the Show
Of all the lubrications I've heard of, spit is not one of them
Video courtesy g4tv.com
Interning at G4 means there is a small TV sitting behind my cube with the channel on for as long as I'm there. This means I have the pleasure of watching X-Play (at least the days that it's on) and Attack of the Show every day that I sit at that desk. Seeing the interview of the day on Attack was Mickey Rourke, I was pretty happy about it. He was amazing in the Wrestler and now he's a general badass in Immortals (other than the movie sucking). I thought we were in for a good interview.
Imagine my dismay when within the first minute of the segment, I was regretting even bothering to turn around, but what I saw from there somehow kept me hooked. Mickey was quite possibly one of the biggest, most stuck up jackasses I had ever seen on television.
Kevin Pereira does his best to get Mickey to talk about HIS upcoming movie, and his first question never actually gets answered. Rourke is too busy talking about how little he worked on the movie (8 days of work for 40 days on the set) and fired off awkward sexual innuendo at the female hosts. He even went so far as to spit in his hand when being introduced to the females, calling it lubricant.
I'm sure there's no way the crew of Attack could have known that Mickey was going to be so rude and idiotic, but if this isn't a new thing for him then how the hell does he still get interviews? Someone needs to pull this guy off the stage with the old wooden cane before he can do any more damage to his reputation.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 - The Vet and the Noob Trailer
Jonah Hill WOULD be the noob.
Yes, yes, and hell yes. Talk about perfect casting, Sam Worthington, the badass marine from Avatar trying to teach (significantly skinnier) Jonah Hill of Superbad fame how to not be a noob and play Modern Warfare 3 well in real life. So many awesome nods to things that drive veteran COD'ers crazy: the grenade launcher under barrel attatchment (the noobtube), using an RPG in close quarters, and generally running around and spraying without any purpose. Hill slowly learns from Worthington, and transforms himself into a badass himself.
I realize that I was complaining about nothing about the game being revealed in the trailer before this one (Need for Speed: The Run directed by Michael Bay) but there's a few key differences here. First off, way more people know about and have played the Modern Warfare series than the style in which the new NFS game is in. It also uses the "there's a soldier in all of us" montra, which enables any joe schmo to pick up a controller and kick some butt on xbox live. What I'm trying to say is that is a trailer that appeals to the audience without having to show too much of the game because it's so well known that it doesn't have to. Call it pretentious, but it's the truth.
Oh yeah, and Dwight Howard looks awesome holding an assault rifle. Looks like he's making good use of the lockout.
Yes, yes, and hell yes. Talk about perfect casting, Sam Worthington, the badass marine from Avatar trying to teach (significantly skinnier) Jonah Hill of Superbad fame how to not be a noob and play Modern Warfare 3 well in real life. So many awesome nods to things that drive veteran COD'ers crazy: the grenade launcher under barrel attatchment (the noobtube), using an RPG in close quarters, and generally running around and spraying without any purpose. Hill slowly learns from Worthington, and transforms himself into a badass himself.
I realize that I was complaining about nothing about the game being revealed in the trailer before this one (Need for Speed: The Run directed by Michael Bay) but there's a few key differences here. First off, way more people know about and have played the Modern Warfare series than the style in which the new NFS game is in. It also uses the "there's a soldier in all of us" montra, which enables any joe schmo to pick up a controller and kick some butt on xbox live. What I'm trying to say is that is a trailer that appeals to the audience without having to show too much of the game because it's so well known that it doesn't have to. Call it pretentious, but it's the truth.
Oh yeah, and Dwight Howard looks awesome holding an assault rifle. Looks like he's making good use of the lockout.
Need for Speed: The Run - Trailer directed by Michael Bay
And then it EXPLODES AGAIN!
Oh, Michael Bay. Honestly, there weren't as many explosions as I was expecting. Usually he has a ratio of 2 explosions every 30 seconds, and this trailer was well below the quota. But in all seriousness, using Michael Bay to direct a trailer (I'm not even really sure what that entails for a video game trailer) was an interesting, and not necessarily good, decision. First of all, did they create scenes that Bay had in his mind for the trailer? Did they show him every cutscene and other scenes and he could pick and choose what he wanted? I guess I'm confused as to how this makes the trailer any different from the others, except with the addition of a lot more slow motion. We know the story from the others, not much more new content (or any) has been revealed soon.
The game drops in a week, and I feel like I don't know as much as I should about the actual gameplay, or how the story is executed. This prompted me to take a look at an actual gameplay preview, and it looks like the game will be extremely linear. There are ten stages, and you have a goal of getting to a certain position (you start in 150th and work from there) before you reach your destination. Passing people and doing other generally awesome things will net you driver experience and upgrades, but that's pretty much it. And much like the trailers, there will be a couple on foot instances.
I'm very interested in this game, don't get me wrong. But people who are only going to see this trailer on TV or something and not research the game might be a little put off by it. It's an epic, awesome trailer, but it suffers from Dead Island syndrome. Awesome trailer, but the game is not going to be exactly like it. Even Michael Bay can't fix that.
Oh, Michael Bay. Honestly, there weren't as many explosions as I was expecting. Usually he has a ratio of 2 explosions every 30 seconds, and this trailer was well below the quota. But in all seriousness, using Michael Bay to direct a trailer (I'm not even really sure what that entails for a video game trailer) was an interesting, and not necessarily good, decision. First of all, did they create scenes that Bay had in his mind for the trailer? Did they show him every cutscene and other scenes and he could pick and choose what he wanted? I guess I'm confused as to how this makes the trailer any different from the others, except with the addition of a lot more slow motion. We know the story from the others, not much more new content (or any) has been revealed soon.
The game drops in a week, and I feel like I don't know as much as I should about the actual gameplay, or how the story is executed. This prompted me to take a look at an actual gameplay preview, and it looks like the game will be extremely linear. There are ten stages, and you have a goal of getting to a certain position (you start in 150th and work from there) before you reach your destination. Passing people and doing other generally awesome things will net you driver experience and upgrades, but that's pretty much it. And much like the trailers, there will be a couple on foot instances.
I'm very interested in this game, don't get me wrong. But people who are only going to see this trailer on TV or something and not research the game might be a little put off by it. It's an epic, awesome trailer, but it suffers from Dead Island syndrome. Awesome trailer, but the game is not going to be exactly like it. Even Michael Bay can't fix that.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Sunday Ramblings: A musical tribute to Super Smash Bros. Brawl
I will be humming this all week, and I apologize in advance
The creativity of people will never cease to amaze me. I am a firm believer that video game music can can easily be one of the best parts of the game itself. And in some unfortunate circumstances, it is the best part of the game (I'm looking at you, Tetris). Some songs have become staples in the video game community, and have even propelled themselves into the mainstream in some cases. Super Smash Bros. Brawl has one of those theme songs that have become a staple in the community, and this choir has definitely taken notice to it.
They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and if that is so then the composers of the Brawl theme should be blushing their faces off. This is perfect, a beautiful arrangement and honestly it could have been the real theme if they added some percussion to it. This isn't their only cover on the youtubes, you can check out their page at http://www.youtube.com/user/VideoGameMusicChoir.
What's your favorite video game theme song? Got any cool covers or medleys that are worth listening to? Leave it here!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Saturday Special: The Flawed Protagonist
We've all got a little darkness in us...
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| Seriously... BO-RING! |
“Bowser took the Princess again!? Are you $^&@# kidding me? Ugh, fine, I’ll be right there.” Mario slams the phone on the hook, knocking empty beer bottles onto the floor. He stumbles out of his bed and opens his blinds to expose the haze of early afternoon, exposing himself to light for the first time in days. He takes a swig from his bottle of whiskey, looks at his disheveled overgrown mustache, and walks out the door. Once he finally can get his kart started, he swerves off to try and save the day once again.
Not exactly the Mario that you’re used to, is it? Gamers are used to classic characters like Mario and Link to be pillars of perfection, triumphing over evil without even breaking a sweat. However, a different kind of protagonist has risen to take prominence in the video game world, and that character is way closer to the Mario described above than the one that we’re used to. Not only has a more flawed protagonist become part of mainstream video games, but some people would rather play as a character with serious inner turmoil.
“I think having a flawed protagonist allows for a better gaming experience,” said Bill O’Connel, an avid gamer from Boston since the late nineties. He noted that the first time he ever experienced a character that wasn’t the typical golden boy was in Grand Theft Auto III, released in 2001 for the Playstation 2. Grand Theft Auto III literally changed the face of video game culture because of its shocking explicit content. You control Claude, a seemingly mute guy who gets screwed over by his now ex-girlfriend in the middle of a bank heist. You’re left with nothing, and have to shoot, beat, and drive your way back to the top and get revenge.
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| Now that's more like it |
Claude represented a character that people were not used to playing. You could take drugs, solicit prostitutes for extra health, steal cars, and use a whole wealth of guns to shoot literally everyone, including innocent pedestrians and police officers. While Claude was not the first character in the “anti-hero” category, but he was the first that made departing from the righteous path mainstream, and the flawed protagonist has only become more prominent.
It seems as though being good has become too boring for gamers, and they are consistently choosing to play characters with flaws for the extra depth that they provide to the story. O’Connell agrees, saying he would rather play the bad guy trying to do the right thing rather than the goody two shoes fighting evil. “Having main characters with these types of backgrounds opens the gamer up to more exciting storylines and a better experience. I'd rather play a game as a scumbag mobster with a heart of gold as opposed to a squeaky clean Mario type.”
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| Seriously, you wouldn't mess with him. |
Another reason why the anti-hero has risen to be a popular kind of character to play with is how human they feel, at times we can identify with their flaws. Evan Sigel, a gamer and film maker from Los Angeles thinks a flawed protagonist is essential in a person being truly immersed into a game’s plot. He says, “The ‘flawed protagonist’ is a pretty common motif. It's what makes heroes interesting and real. People are flawed, and in order to be immersed in a story, we need to empathize with the protagonist.” Sigel distinctly recalls his experience with another game produced by Rockstar: Red Dead Redemption. “He's the classic flawed protagonist, trying to right the wrongs of his past. He does the right thing, most of the time. And what's fun about a RPG like Red Dead Redemption of course is letting those character flaws guide your actions as a player sometimes: to save the stranded wagoners... or rob them blind?”
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| Apparently if you're mean, your eyes will glow red. |
Cooper Heinrichs, a gamer from Boulder, Colorado agrees with Sigel, “After so many classic hero stories, having a flawed protagonist adds to the content of games by providing a fresh perspective, and possibilities for an interesting story.” Heinrichs cites Mass Effect 2 as the first game where he truly appreciated the flawed protagonist because you had the choice to make your character good or evil. “Kicking people out of skyscraper windows, shooting precious art, and just generally telling everyone in
the galaxy to go to hell was just incredible.”
The characters featured in these games don’t necessarily get the girls, they don’t receive fame and glory for their actions, typically they aren’t even appreciated (or hated) for saving the day. They are beaten, bruised, and spit on by the rest of society for all of the things that they do for other people. And it seems as though gamers want to keep controlling them.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Devil May Cry: HD Collection - Debut Trailer
Here we go again, this time in HD!
Continuing the HD remake trend, Devil May Cry is coming back in a big way with a high definition collection of its own. Cue tons of cult followers celebrating in whatever way DMC fans may celebrate. Then cue their collective groans after they see that the Xbox will be getting the collection as well. Seriously, what's so bad about games going to other systems? It's a business after all, and Devil May Cry is no Halo/Uncharted so seeing it on a different platform isn't that weird.
Anyway, there isn't much new going on here. All three Devil May Cry titles that originally debuted for the PS2 are all in one package, with some fresh HD graphics. It's yet to be seen if any actual gameplay mechanics will be changed for the remake, my guess is they're either going to take the "best" control scheme and adapt it to all the games, or change nothing.
What do you think of the HD remakes coming out? What games would you like to see get an HD facelift? Leave it here!
Continuing the HD remake trend, Devil May Cry is coming back in a big way with a high definition collection of its own. Cue tons of cult followers celebrating in whatever way DMC fans may celebrate. Then cue their collective groans after they see that the Xbox will be getting the collection as well. Seriously, what's so bad about games going to other systems? It's a business after all, and Devil May Cry is no Halo/Uncharted so seeing it on a different platform isn't that weird.
Anyway, there isn't much new going on here. All three Devil May Cry titles that originally debuted for the PS2 are all in one package, with some fresh HD graphics. It's yet to be seen if any actual gameplay mechanics will be changed for the remake, my guess is they're either going to take the "best" control scheme and adapt it to all the games, or change nothing.
What do you think of the HD remakes coming out? What games would you like to see get an HD facelift? Leave it here!
Tom Clancy's Rainbow 6: Patriots Target Gameplay Video
Well that was... wow
First of all, watch this whole video. 6 minutes and change might seem like a long time for any kind of first look gameplay trailer, but it's worth it. Classy move on the developer's part to release the target gameplay before some other (I assume) jerk does it, shows a lot of credibility from them. It should also be noted that the footage we see in the trailer is not what the real thing will look like, just what they wanted the concept to be like.
Despite this not necessarily looking like how the game will turn out, I have one word: wow. That was an intense six minutes, and I especially enjoyed being able to play from the perspective of the victim and the people who are supposedly keeping the innocent people safe. We don't know who this terrorist group is, or if they were even going to make this guy blow himself up when he got to times square. But the Rainbow 6 guys cut through the terrorists like a hot knife through butter and ultimately made a decision that saved more lives than it cost.
The shooting looked smooth and tight, although I will say it looked like the sights on the sniper rifle had some magnetic properties towards the enemies. New footage for the actual gameplay can't come soon enough.
First of all, watch this whole video. 6 minutes and change might seem like a long time for any kind of first look gameplay trailer, but it's worth it. Classy move on the developer's part to release the target gameplay before some other (I assume) jerk does it, shows a lot of credibility from them. It should also be noted that the footage we see in the trailer is not what the real thing will look like, just what they wanted the concept to be like.
Despite this not necessarily looking like how the game will turn out, I have one word: wow. That was an intense six minutes, and I especially enjoyed being able to play from the perspective of the victim and the people who are supposedly keeping the innocent people safe. We don't know who this terrorist group is, or if they were even going to make this guy blow himself up when he got to times square. But the Rainbow 6 guys cut through the terrorists like a hot knife through butter and ultimately made a decision that saved more lives than it cost.
The shooting looked smooth and tight, although I will say it looked like the sights on the sniper rifle had some magnetic properties towards the enemies. New footage for the actual gameplay can't come soon enough.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Grand Theft Auto V - Debut Trailer
The wait is finally over
Is anyone really surprised that GTA V is taking place in Los Santos (Los Angeles)? I wanted to see a new city, so I honestly went into watching this trailer expecting to be disappointed, and this was not the case. The city looks gorgeous and being a new resident of LA LA land myself, I saw a lot of locations that looked familiar. The San Diego Freeway, Muscle Beach, the downtown skyline, and the Vinewood (Hollywood) sign, just to name a few. If Rockstar can give LA the same treatment it gave to New York City, then we're looking at the most detailed and epic GTA yet, and that's exciting.
Our protagonist's identity remains a mystery for now, but we at least got to hear (and kind of see? I'm not really sure) him in the trailer's narration. He sounds latino in the first couple lines, but as the trailer goes on he sounds more Goodfellas wise-guy. There's also a recurring character, the first time we see him is looking out over downtown LS, then again with a gas mask and gun, and one more time driving a car away from the police. But then again we see a latino-looking guy running from the cops, so who knows at this point. All I know is that someone is coming to Los Santos looking for a better live for himself and his family (oh hay, Niko Bellic) and it obviously doesn't go according to plan.
The little details in this trailer make me feel as if this will be a super detailed, and therefore awesome GTA title. First of all, THERE'S A DOG IN THE FIRST SCENE. We've never seen animals in a GTA before (no, bigfoot does not count and is also not real) and I really hope that animal life will be added. Imagine running into a mountain lion in the hollywood hills? The city also feels very alive, and it seems as if Rockstar is trying for a more diverse crowd of pedestrians and vehicles, which is always a good thing.
What do you think of the debut trailer? What little things did you notice that make you even more excited to play? Leave it here!
Also, gamepro did a really awesome shot-for-shot analysis of the trailer with some great speculations. You can see it at their website.
Is anyone really surprised that GTA V is taking place in Los Santos (Los Angeles)? I wanted to see a new city, so I honestly went into watching this trailer expecting to be disappointed, and this was not the case. The city looks gorgeous and being a new resident of LA LA land myself, I saw a lot of locations that looked familiar. The San Diego Freeway, Muscle Beach, the downtown skyline, and the Vinewood (Hollywood) sign, just to name a few. If Rockstar can give LA the same treatment it gave to New York City, then we're looking at the most detailed and epic GTA yet, and that's exciting.
Our protagonist's identity remains a mystery for now, but we at least got to hear (and kind of see? I'm not really sure) him in the trailer's narration. He sounds latino in the first couple lines, but as the trailer goes on he sounds more Goodfellas wise-guy. There's also a recurring character, the first time we see him is looking out over downtown LS, then again with a gas mask and gun, and one more time driving a car away from the police. But then again we see a latino-looking guy running from the cops, so who knows at this point. All I know is that someone is coming to Los Santos looking for a better live for himself and his family (oh hay, Niko Bellic) and it obviously doesn't go according to plan.
The little details in this trailer make me feel as if this will be a super detailed, and therefore awesome GTA title. First of all, THERE'S A DOG IN THE FIRST SCENE. We've never seen animals in a GTA before (no, bigfoot does not count and is also not real) and I really hope that animal life will be added. Imagine running into a mountain lion in the hollywood hills? The city also feels very alive, and it seems as if Rockstar is trying for a more diverse crowd of pedestrians and vehicles, which is always a good thing.
What do you think of the debut trailer? What little things did you notice that make you even more excited to play? Leave it here!
Also, gamepro did a really awesome shot-for-shot analysis of the trailer with some great speculations. You can see it at their website.
Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Launch Trailer
Bring on the remakes, baby
Out of nowhere, HD remakes have become a new trend in gaming. We've seen 3DS ports of Star Fox 64 and Ocarina of Time, Ico and Shadow of the Colossus go to PS3, and now Halo is getting a fresh makeover on the Xbox 360. I for one couldn't be happier about it. Halo may not have started the FPS movement, but it sure did launch it into the glory that we know today.
The first part of the trailer is actually all footage from Halo: Reach because Halo: CE is essentially a direct sequel to the latest Halo title. As Noble 6 you helped the Pillar of Autumn off of the doomed planet, and during the credits you see the ship approaching the first Halo. If I just spoiled some of Reach for you, get over it, you must live under a rock.
The second part shows the original Halo as we knew and loved it, just with super awesome graphics that come with the Xbox 360. The campaign is completely intact and the original maps will be available to play in online multiplayer (Hang 'em High, anyone?). One of the cooler features of the game allows the player to switch back and forth between the old original graphics and the current visuals, making it really interesting to see what they've changed. Halo, you had me from hello. Now get in my Xbox.
Out of nowhere, HD remakes have become a new trend in gaming. We've seen 3DS ports of Star Fox 64 and Ocarina of Time, Ico and Shadow of the Colossus go to PS3, and now Halo is getting a fresh makeover on the Xbox 360. I for one couldn't be happier about it. Halo may not have started the FPS movement, but it sure did launch it into the glory that we know today.
The first part of the trailer is actually all footage from Halo: Reach because Halo: CE is essentially a direct sequel to the latest Halo title. As Noble 6 you helped the Pillar of Autumn off of the doomed planet, and during the credits you see the ship approaching the first Halo. If I just spoiled some of Reach for you, get over it, you must live under a rock.
The second part shows the original Halo as we knew and loved it, just with super awesome graphics that come with the Xbox 360. The campaign is completely intact and the original maps will be available to play in online multiplayer (Hang 'em High, anyone?). One of the cooler features of the game allows the player to switch back and forth between the old original graphics and the current visuals, making it really interesting to see what they've changed. Halo, you had me from hello. Now get in my Xbox.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Sunday Ramblings: Lego Pirates of the Caribbean
But... why's the rum gone!?
Each lego representation of the characters are very well done, they all have the look of the movie with the obvious block form of legos. The only one that didn’t look right was Elizabeth, it’s pretty tough to get Keira Knightly correct in lego form. The rest look great, especially with Jack Sparrow who runs around with his patented flailing arms, and he’s even voiced by Johnny Depp himself!
The Lego Pirates trailer
Lego Pirates of the Caribbean is the fifth series to get the Lego treatment, following ports of Indiana Jones, Batman, Harry Potter, and Star Wars. The game follows the events of all four Pirates movies, starting from the first scene of Curse of the Black Pearl all the way to the end of On Stranger Tides. The style is widely similar to the feel of all of the other Lego titles, telling the whole story that the movie did in a goofy, kid friendly manner with some slapstick humor that even adults can enjoy. Most major scenes from the movies are done Lego style, with no actual dialogue but sound effects and goofy jokes galore. It’s definitely an aspect of Lego Pirates that shines.
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| The HUD while in combat |
The gameplay in Lego Pirates is the biggest sign that the game is made for a younger audience; mash X to attack, jump around with A, switch characters with Y, and use a character’s special attack with B. The camera is essentially stationary and stays with whatever character you’re playing as, but there are certain points where you turn a corner and the camera doesn’t follow.
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| The captain goes down with the ship |
Each lego representation of the characters are very well done, they all have the look of the movie with the obvious block form of legos. The only one that didn’t look right was Elizabeth, it’s pretty tough to get Keira Knightly correct in lego form. The rest look great, especially with Jack Sparrow who runs around with his patented flailing arms, and he’s even voiced by Johnny Depp himself!
You switch between characters depending on the special trait that is needed (for example: Jack Sparrow can use his compass to find hidden items, while Bill Turner can throw axes to hit targets and access special areas). The female characters can double jump to reach certain points, some characters have hammers to fix broken lego objects, and others have explosive weapons that can destroy otherwise immovable objects. Being able to switch between the characters to move through levels is a fun strategic concept, but it can get very bogged down when there are more that three characters to switch between. You can control as many as 8 people at once and it get’s very confusing to switch between all of them especially when you have enemies attacking you.
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| A scene from At Worlds End |
Lego Pirates is by no means difficult, but there is enough hidden content to make playing through every movie worth it, noticing what you miss and have to go back and uncover along the way. The Lego games are a completionist’s dream; the “Free Play” mode is unlocked when you finish a chapter, and you can use any character you’ve unlocked on the free run through. The Port is possibly the best part of the game: you can check your progress on each movie, find hidden cheats and buy them using lego’s you’ve collected, and unlock other wings of the port after collecting enough golden bricks.
All in all, Lego Pirates of the Caribbean is a solid Lego title that suffers from a few small issues. If you’re a fan of the movies and can handle the toned down violence, then this is a title you should check out.
The Jockey’s Grade: 7.5/10
Friday, October 28, 2011
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - Origins Story Trailer
Won't you feel like a man dressed up like Peter Pan?
Finally, a trailer for this game that actually peaks my interest. My only complaint about the trailer is the song. What happened to the classic Zelda tune? It almost feels like it's not a true Zelda title without the theme song being played at every possible moment. This music just... doesn't feel right. A petty complaint, but still one that bothers me enough to write it down.
Also, ten points if anyone can tell me what youtube cover the subtitle is from!
Finally, a trailer for this game that actually peaks my interest. My only complaint about the trailer is the song. What happened to the classic Zelda tune? It almost feels like it's not a true Zelda title without the theme song being played at every possible moment. This music just... doesn't feel right. A petty complaint, but still one that bothers me enough to write it down.
Also, ten points if anyone can tell me what youtube cover the subtitle is from!
Rayman: Origins - 10 Ways to Get Around Trailer
Not having appendages has never been cooler
I miss the good old days when platformers were the cream of the video game crop. I could spend hours on end with my side scrolling buddies trying to finish out that next level. And when I finally did, I had to move on to the next one; it was like a drug. Sonic, Earthworm Jim, and Rayman were my boys back then. I even stuck with them (well maybe not Earthworm Jim) as they moved into the 3D platforming era, joined by Jack and Daxter, Ratchet and Clank, Spyro, and Sly Cooper. But it seems as if the golden age of platformers is past us in favor of the FPS and RPG which is not a bad thing, just different.
Imagine my pleasant surprise when I saw this trailer pop up on the news feeds. There seems to be a mini trend of the classic platformer returning to the modern system with the emergence of Sonic Anniversary and now Rayman Origins. The beautiful thing about bringing an old platforming game to a new system is the potential you have to get creative with it; to add more elements that the old systems were simply not capable of. This is one of those games that I will most likely play no matter what scores it receives because I want to relive those memories on my new system. Now if they can just start doing Jak games again...
I miss the good old days when platformers were the cream of the video game crop. I could spend hours on end with my side scrolling buddies trying to finish out that next level. And when I finally did, I had to move on to the next one; it was like a drug. Sonic, Earthworm Jim, and Rayman were my boys back then. I even stuck with them (well maybe not Earthworm Jim) as they moved into the 3D platforming era, joined by Jack and Daxter, Ratchet and Clank, Spyro, and Sly Cooper. But it seems as if the golden age of platformers is past us in favor of the FPS and RPG which is not a bad thing, just different.
Imagine my pleasant surprise when I saw this trailer pop up on the news feeds. There seems to be a mini trend of the classic platformer returning to the modern system with the emergence of Sonic Anniversary and now Rayman Origins. The beautiful thing about bringing an old platforming game to a new system is the potential you have to get creative with it; to add more elements that the old systems were simply not capable of. This is one of those games that I will most likely play no matter what scores it receives because I want to relive those memories on my new system. Now if they can just start doing Jak games again...
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Need for Speed: The Run "Lonely Boy" Trailer
A trailer a game that reveals a song? You lost me.
I want this game. It's been forever since there's been a Need for Speed game that's been worthy of anyone's attention, and I think this is the one to break that trend. However, I do have my concerns from watching this trailer. The cutscenes are cool and the driver is finally making it out of his car, but the story makes me think that this is going to be a very linear game. It's essentially a huge race from San Francisco to New York City.
If they had "open world" elements to it, they would either have to create the entirety of the United States or put the race on hold every time you wanted to explore somewhere. Neither of these options would work for this game. So I'm interested, yet apprehensive about how this Need for Speed is going to go. I'm also not going to touch it unless the single player itself promises at LEAST ten hours of gameplay. Yes, my demands are high, but so are my expectations. Watch this trailer and tell me you don't feel the same.
Oh yeah, and the trailer "debuted" the song "Lonely Boy" by the Black Keys. Cool I guess?
Batman: Arkham City - Nightwing DLC Review Trailer
Oh HELL yeah!
So it looks like Arkham City is really going to try and fit as many Batman characters in its walls as humanly possible, and I am definitely not complaining. Nightwing is a great addition to challenge mode and I bet people are going to like his style of combat even better than Batman's (bold statement). Honestly I just want to get my hands on those Escirma sticks and do some serious electric damage.
Nightwing is a litte bit smaller than Batman, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in agility and technique. You'll see a lot more martial arts with the 'Wing, along with masterful use of stealth takedowns and whatever gadgets he has at his disposal. The DLC will run you 560 microsoft points, which is just under ten dollars if my memory serves me correctly. Keep bringing on the extra characters, I just can't get enough of them.
So it looks like Arkham City is really going to try and fit as many Batman characters in its walls as humanly possible, and I am definitely not complaining. Nightwing is a great addition to challenge mode and I bet people are going to like his style of combat even better than Batman's (bold statement). Honestly I just want to get my hands on those Escirma sticks and do some serious electric damage.
Nightwing is a litte bit smaller than Batman, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in agility and technique. You'll see a lot more martial arts with the 'Wing, along with masterful use of stealth takedowns and whatever gadgets he has at his disposal. The DLC will run you 560 microsoft points, which is just under ten dollars if my memory serves me correctly. Keep bringing on the extra characters, I just can't get enough of them.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Top Five Tuesday: Grand Theft Auto V Locations
The best places to commit felonies over and over
So you must have heard by now that Grand Theft Auto V was officially announced today by Rockstar. The announcement came with a logo for the game (pictured left), which of course stirred up a gaggle of rumors about where the game will be taking place. We've seen fictional versions of New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Francisco so far, is there something new on the horizon? We'll have to wait until at least November 2nd to find out, when the first trailer is set to be released. Until then, take a look at the five places I would love to see GTA5 take place. These aren't places I think Rockstar will actually choose, simply places I think would be awesome.
5. Chicago
Chicago would be an awesome setting for the next GTA game. Chi-town as Kanye tends to say, has the best of both worlds. The very nice, very populated downtown area, and the rough and tough run for your life if you every end up there south side of Chicago. There's iconic landmarks such as the Sears Tower and Wrigley Field that GTA can make their playful stabs at. And it's on Lake Michigan, making the whole "city surrounded by water" a little bit easier to do. We talkin' 'bout Chi-town!
4. Atlanta
Ludacris once stated in one of his songs about the ATL, "see gangstas roamin', and parties don't stop 'till 8 in the mornin'". That is why Atlanta would be a really cool setting for the Grand Theft Auto series. It's in one of the more populated areas of the dirty south, and there's plenty of gang violence and racism to go around to fill up a video game that involves stealing cars and shooting people. Plus there's the CNN center, Georgia Dome, and the Georgia World Congress Center. Did I mention racism? Man, I love the south.
3. Detroit
Why wouldn't you set a game titled Grand Theft Auto in the city with the highest amount of car-jackings in the country? I mean... the largest car manufacturing city in the country? But seriously, a GTA title set in Detroit would probably be the darkest one that they've ever made, if Four Bothers or 8 Mile taught us anything. It would also be cool to introduce a snow element to a Detroit-based game, making driving more difficult while opening up the ability to interact with the snow (GTA snowball fights? Yes please).
2. Washington D.C./Baltimore/Philadelphia
This is a very San Andreas based idea, but think of how cool this concept could be. Take DC, where there is a very definite drug and gang problem underneath the nation's capital and all other monuments that Rockstar would have a field day playing with. Then move on to Baltimore, the city that used to boast the highest murder rate in the country and the setting for The Wire, possibly one of the most badass shows in TV history. Then go north to Philly, where people are just generally jerks. An east coast San Andreas with the next generation console treatment is something that I would definitely be excited to play. If GTA has made it work with cities literally six hours away from each other, imagine how easy it could be when Philly is maybe three from DC.
1. Boston
Okay, call me biased. Got it all out? Good because I'm going to explain exactly why the Bean would be an amazing GTA setting. Boston is by no means a large city, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in personality. Go to Southie and run jobs for a character that all but mirror's Whitey Bulger. Head up to the North End and do favors for the Italian mob. Head down to Dorchester and Roxbury and see what kind of gangs you can mix yourself with there. Head even farther south to experience the Latino and Jamaican flavor of Jamaica Plain and Hyde Park. With Rockstars capability of creating a massively accurate city, we could see a Boston that extends up to Cambridge and Somerville, from Newton to Revere, and as far south as Quincy. Oh yeah, I can see you're interested now.
What do you think?
What cities would you want to see a Grand Theft Auto game take place in? Which one do you think it will actually take place in? Leave it here!
5. Chicago
 |
| Downtown Chicago |
4. Atlanta
 |
| Downtown ATL |
3. Detroit
 |
| View of the General Motors Tower |
2. Washington D.C./Baltimore/Philadelphia
 |
| The Philly skyline |
 |
| The Inner Harbor in Baltimore |
 |
| How fun would it be to drive on that? |
 |
| Well this sure did make me homesick |
What do you think?
What cities would you want to see a Grand Theft Auto game take place in? Which one do you think it will actually take place in? Leave it here!
Warp: "Echo & Swap" Trailer
The cutest way to make people explode
Well isn't he the most adorable thing ever! I can't believe I haven't heard about Warp until now, but I'm very intrigued after watching this trailer. Not really sure what the game is about, but it is obviously puzzle based, and we get a look at two of our main character's abilities. I found myself hilariously entertained the entire time while watching the dark comedy showcased here, and I can't wait to find out more about this game.
The first ability is called Echo, where the character makes a holographic image of himself that can pass through walls and fool the guards that are trying to kill you. Upon seeing your echo, the guards flip out and try and shoot it, ultimately shooting each other or something that blows them to pieces. The other ability, swap, allows the character to switch places with objects of similar mass, making it useful for crossing gaps too wide to jump, or pulling frightened scientists into electrical death traps. This trailer was simple, to the point, and very fun to watch. Hopefully there will be more soon!
Well isn't he the most adorable thing ever! I can't believe I haven't heard about Warp until now, but I'm very intrigued after watching this trailer. Not really sure what the game is about, but it is obviously puzzle based, and we get a look at two of our main character's abilities. I found myself hilariously entertained the entire time while watching the dark comedy showcased here, and I can't wait to find out more about this game.
The first ability is called Echo, where the character makes a holographic image of himself that can pass through walls and fool the guards that are trying to kill you. Upon seeing your echo, the guards flip out and try and shoot it, ultimately shooting each other or something that blows them to pieces. The other ability, swap, allows the character to switch places with objects of similar mass, making it useful for crossing gaps too wide to jump, or pulling frightened scientists into electrical death traps. This trailer was simple, to the point, and very fun to watch. Hopefully there will be more soon!
Monday, October 24, 2011
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim - Live Action Trailer
Oh. My. Goodness.
Hold on, I'll get to you in a moment, I just need to recollect my thoughts for a second. More specifically, I need to pick my brain up off of the floor. This was amazing. I watched it three times in a row before I had a thought beyond an incomprehensible squeal of pure joy. Skyrim is going to be a huge, ground breaking follow up to Oblivion, considered one of the greatest RPG's of all time.
It's amazing how moving one minute of live action can be. I won't lie, I would definitely be one of those people running in the opposite direction because, well, I like to live. Being burnt to a crisp by a giant dragon is not my cup of tea. Oh yeah, did I mention that YOU GET TO FIGHT DRAGONS IN THIS GAME!? Sold. Game, set, and match Skyrim; you win. November 11th, get here right now.
Hold on, I'll get to you in a moment, I just need to recollect my thoughts for a second. More specifically, I need to pick my brain up off of the floor. This was amazing. I watched it three times in a row before I had a thought beyond an incomprehensible squeal of pure joy. Skyrim is going to be a huge, ground breaking follow up to Oblivion, considered one of the greatest RPG's of all time.
It's amazing how moving one minute of live action can be. I won't lie, I would definitely be one of those people running in the opposite direction because, well, I like to live. Being burnt to a crisp by a giant dragon is not my cup of tea. Oh yeah, did I mention that YOU GET TO FIGHT DRAGONS IN THIS GAME!? Sold. Game, set, and match Skyrim; you win. November 11th, get here right now.
Battlefield 3 - Live Action TV Launch Trailer
Tomorrow, tomorrow, there's always tomorrow!
Now THIS is what I'm talking about. I'm a fan of live action trailers in general (the Halo: Reach live action trailer gets me every time) and this one delivered literally with a bang. The transition from real life into the gameplay was smooth and didn't feel forced. The action was heart pounding, and the escalating of the conflict made it feel like the game would be rife with intense action.
Scores for Battlefield 3 are already coming out, and like I thought, this game is going to be nothing short than stellar. The Frostbite engine looks amazing (pending you actually download the patch and have an HD capable television) and it looks like we have a great FPS on our hands. Whether it will beat COD, we'll just have to wait a week to see.
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