It’s time for Sony’s flagship shooter to really step up as the shooter genre swells with top titles like Black Ops, the Battlefield series, Bioshock, Halo and newcomer Bulletstorm, who are all fighting for gamers’ hearts and cash. Our wishlist: cinematic Campaign mode, multiplayer, local co-op Campaign, Move support and jaw-dropping graphics. Can Killzone 3 really pack all this in? Continue reading Killzone 3 (Review)
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Xperia Play (Hands-On Preview)
Busy times on Planet PlayStation with the PS3 doing well, and new additions to the family coming soon in the shape of the PSP2/NGP, the Xperia Play and even rumours of a Sony tablet doing the rounds.I’ve been lucky enough to have a go on the new Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, which hopes to bridge the gap between mobile phone and portable console with even more success than the iPhone juggernaut.
We’ve wanted a PlayStation phone for years, waiting for so long, sifting through rumours and leaked documents, but to no avail. Then we pretty much forgot about it when other mobile phone handsets became real gaming platform presences.
Little Big Planet 2 (Review)
After the success of the original, which spawned millions of levels, the guys at Media Molecule have decided to see what we can do when they throw a bigger tool-kit at us to create any type of game we can think of. The short answer? Absolutely kick their ass at their own game. Continue reading Little Big Planet 2 (Review)
Shift Extended (PSP Minis Review)
As a part of a strange experiment you’re tasked with escaping each room using your Shift ability in this maze-treading, platforming puzzler. If you’re a fan of games like Echochrome, Exit or Crush, you’re going to love this. It’s even better.
To reach the exit door, you must activate a ‘Shift’ (L or R button) to invert the game world. You can move along the white background or change to travel the opposite black side. When a Shift is activated you sink into the ground and the world is flipped 180 degrees. Shifts can only be performed when your feet are planted on the ground. So when confronted with a spiked column, just change it around so it’s a hole to jump over. Still confused? Have a quick look at the video below. Continue reading Shift Extended (PSP Minis Review)
DC Universe Online (Review)
After what seems like an eternity of waiting, PS3 gamers finally have a MMORPG. A genre that never took off on PS2 has been given another shot by dropping the genre’s staples of orcs and elves for the more intriguing world of DC superheroes.
If you’ve waited this long another two hours won’t hurt and that’s how long it takes to install the game. You’ll be needing 15GB of space too, most of which is taken from the disk, but at least 2GB needs to be downloaded. There’s a bit of unwanted PC-style experience for you already.
Homefront (Preview)
The story of the new FPS, Homefront, is one of invasion, occupation and resistance. In the not too distant future, after the death the North Korean President, Kim Jon Il, his son takes his place. Over the next few years, he unifies North and South Korea and starts to invade nearby countries.
Throughout this period, America is weakening with a decreasing military force, further financial difficulties and a flu epidemic. This is when the KPA (Korean People’s Army) strike. Using satellite EMP blasts to wipe out the American electronics, including their defence measures, the Koreans begin their unflinching invasion. The game begins two years into the occupation of the US in 2027.
Ace Armstrong Vs The Alien Scumbags (PSP Minis Review)
For anyone that may have downloaded this side-scrolling shooter when it was first released, you have my sympathies. It wasn’t just you, it was ridiculously and miserably tough.
Thankfully Laughing Jackal listened to the fan feedback and have since re-released a new version on PSN. If you’ve already downloaded the game just delete it and download it from your PSN account again to get the new version at no extra cost. I’ll explain the improvements throughout the rest of this review. Continue reading Ace Armstrong Vs The Alien Scumbags (PSP Minis Review)
Killzone 3 Preview: 3 Reasons It Will Rock 2011
Not long to go now before we touch down on Helghan again to get stuck into Sony’s PS3 exclusive first-person-shooter, Killzone 3. It’s the only series Guerrilla Games have been working on for years now, so we’re really expecting great things from them, especially considering how much they squeezed out of the PS3 last time. Here are three reasons it’s shaping up to be one of the finest shooters of 2011. Continue reading Killzone 3 Preview: 3 Reasons It Will Rock 2011
Vibes (PSP Minis Review)
Guitar Hero and Rock Band have made the traditional button-controlled rhythm-action game obsolete thanks to their Fisher Price-style range of plastic instruments. However, those of you who’d like to see the return of games like PaRappa the Rapper and Frequency might want to take a look at Vibes.
Vibes is a PSP Mini released last year that passed most of us by with barely a whisper. However, I recently gave it a go and decided it was well worth a mention as it’s one of the finest Minis I’ve played in ages.
Best Video Games 2010
Game of the Year
Arguably more of an interactive movie than a game, but the bravery shown by Quantic Dream to try something different from the norm can only be applauded. Before playing the game I was really worried that it would be just a long series of Quick-Time Events. Thankfully Heavy Rain was packed with enough choices for the player and brilliant production values to make all these worries fade away within the first hour of play. Rarely are we given so much choice on how a story plays out with such an interesting set of characters, who if we weren’t careful could die permanently and possibly change the journey and outcome of this dark crime story. Did it change gaming forever? Well, not really, nobody else seems to be trying to emulate Heavy Rain’s success. But but it showed what is possible and that many gamers are more open to something a little different for a change if only developers and publishers are willing to take a chance.
Favourite Game of 2010
I completed the first Bioshock for the first time, just a few days before Bioshock 2 came out, so I could review it for the site I wrote for before Dealspwn. This meant I was in a great position to compare both games without the rose-tinted glasses. The decision to put the player into the boots of a Big Daddy was inspired, mainly because of the way the game had you interact with the Little Sisters. Protecting them while they harvested Adam from corpses was an unnerving affair, made even more complicated by what to do afterwards. Would you harvest them for a large supply of Adam, or free them, hoping there’d be an award later on? I opted to try and save them all and this is where the stand-out moment of the game occurred.
There were two Little Sisters in the same area. One of mine, harvesting a corpse while I was fending off splicers and the other cowering behind a Daddy I accidentally pissed off (thus had to kill) during the shoot-out. Yep, I picked up the wrong one and didn’t realise for an hour. After dropping off my free-loader I made my way back to the area where I’d lost the first one and felt genuine guilt (and massively relieved) when she emerged from the shadows and ran over cheering: “I knew you wouldn’t leave me behind.”
Other games just aren’t getting close to how much emotion they can provoke, or asking questions from a gamer about how far they’d go to make life easier on themselves. Bioshock Infinite will be asking similar questions, albeit in a completely new sky-high location. Unfortunately I’ll have to wait this time, along with everyone else. Roll on 2012.
There were two Little Sisters in the same area. One of mine, harvesting a corpse while I was fending off splicers and the other cowering behind a Daddy I accidentally pissed off (thus had to kill) during the shoot-out. Yep, I picked up the wrong one and didn’t realise for an hour. After dropping off my free-loader I made my way back to the area where I’d lost the first one and felt genuine guilt (and massively relieved) when she emerged from the shadows and ran over cheering: “I knew you wouldn’t leave me behind.
Other games just aren’t getting close to how much emotion they can provoke, or asking questions from a gamer about how far they’d go to make life easier on themselves. Bioshock Infinite will be asking similar questions, albeit in a completely new sky-high location. Unfortunately I’ll have to wait this time, along with everyone else. Roll on 2012.
Favourite Gaming Moment of 2010
Realising PlayStation Move was awesome
It might leave me feeling like I’ve been hit by a bus the day after, but the PlayStation Move and Sports Champions is the best example of the potential of Sony’s evolution of a familiar motion-controller setup. It was the best game at launch and to be honest it’s still miles ahead of other Move releases. The archery and table tennis being the best examples. With the table tennis I loved how it managed to match the real thing, especially with you being able to add ferocious topspin to shots and the archery was great fun using two controller to mimic cocking your arrow, aiming and firing.
PlayStation Move is an incredible piece of technology and hopefully 2011 will see more developers try and make some ‘proper’ games for it, instead of waves of party fodder. Killzone 3 will be the first true test for it, so maybe it’s time to pre-order the new gun attachment.
Biggest Disappointment of the Year
Final Fantasy XIII
It’s far from a bad game, but it utterly collapsed under the weight of expectations with a redesign of the combat system that left many gamers frustrated and bored. The levels were extremely linear for the first half of the game and by the time things opened up on Gran Pulse it was already too late.
The story was intriguing, even with the constant flashbacks. The way the game let you read-up on what you’d been through via the journal if you’d not played in a while encouraged you to persevere with it. The game is absolutely gorgeous too with beautifully animated characters and wondrous environments, but the gameplay just couldn’t compete with the production values. Everyone I know that has finished the game has said it just wasn’t worth the effort. Despite that, one of my gaming New Year’s Resolutions is going to be to finish FFXIII or at least scour the internet to see if anyone has compiled all the cut-scenes into a nice long movie. Square-Enix really need to get their shit together, especially after the online mess that is Final Fantasy XIV on the PC too, which should be crash-landing on the PS3 next year.
Most Anticipated Game for 2011
Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception
Just as Uncharted 2 rocked my world in 2009, I’m confident that the third game is going to absolutely dominate 2011. Strong words considering 2011 will also see Gears of War 3, Arkham City, Killzone 3 and Brink. Wow, 2011 is going to destroy 2010.
Anyway, Uncharted’s developers, Naughty Dog are taking on the desert this time around with recent videos showing how sand and fire are going to feature heavily. Sure deserts don’t sound as exciting as jungles, Nepal rooftops or lost kingdoms of Shambhala, but I’m sure the game will be stuffed with gorgeous scenes, exhilarating action and plenty of surprises. Naturally Nolan North returns to voice Nathan Drake who will be spending large parts of the game with Sully after fans begged for him to get a larger role than last time out. Fingers crossed Elena will drop by too. Co-op has been ruled out already for the story mode, but there will be some multiplayer co-op to look forward to which will be worth the wait if Uncharted 2’s surprisingly good online modes are anything to go by. One thing’s for sure, Uncharted 3 is going to be a hell of a lot better than sitting through the Uncharted movie watching Mark ‘f**king’ Wahlberg as Nate Drake.
Kung-Fu Live (Review)
The ominous safety warning and disclaimer that precedes the game acts as a sinister precursor to the first time you kick a wall, housemate, sofa or yourself in this motion-controlled martial arts PSN title.
Unlike, say Sports Champions, which allows you to play from a lot closer than it recommends, Kung-Fu Live really does need the epic space suggested. So if you can’t clear a square space sized (at least) 2.5 x 3 metres, then forget it. Various player heights can throw up a few problems too.
PDC World Championship Darts: Pro Tour (Review)
Immediately you’ll realise there’s a problem with playing darts with a PlayStation Move controller. Compared to a dart it’s like throwing a wacky TV remote, it’s just way too big.
Despite this and the hand-cramp it causes during longer sessions, there’s actually a decent darts game here that is fun to play once you get used to it.
Continue reading PDC World Championship Darts: Pro Tour (Review)
Dare To Be Digital: Bamboo Interactive Tablet Games
This year’s Dare to be Digital competition by Abertay University saw game developer students compete to create some games and get their names out there in the development community.
One arm of the competition was to make games to be played on Wacom’s Bamboo interactive tablets that are usually used to draw graphics and illustrations on computers. Here’s a look at the three winners from that competition. Continue reading Dare To Be Digital: Bamboo Interactive Tablet Games
Dead Nation (Review)
By the time the inevitable zombie apocalypse does come around, gamers will most certainly be the best equipped to survive. Well, as long as the apocalypse comes with extra lives, save-points and pause buttons.
Gamers have really taken zombies to their hearts in recent times with Left 4 Dead, Dead Rising, COD’s zombie modes and the undead have even burst into Japan’s next Yakuza game. So will our love for the groaning shufflers go on, or will our enthusiasm fade like a Romero movie fan watching his latest 21st Century zombie-flick-flop?
Marvel Vs Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (Hands-on Preview)
Anticipation is high for Marvel Vs Capcom 3, especially given Capcom’s return to the top of fighting games with Street Fighter 4. After 11 years, the timing is perfect to see the ever-extending list of classic Capcom game characters launch into another almighty ruckus with the best characters from the Marvel Comics universe.
Today we’re fortunate enough to be given a hands-on taste of the 3vs3 two-player action at the Capcom Christmas party in London. Eager gaming journalists are allowed to choose three characters from a choice of favourites. Capcom characters include: Dante, Trish, Viewtiful Joe, Amaterasu (Okami), Chris Redfield, Felicia, Morrigan, Ryu and Chun-Li. The Mash-up continues with the Marvel folk: Iron Man, Captain America, Wolverine, Deadpool, Hulk, Doctor Doom, Thor, Super-Skrull and Dormammu. There will be plenty more added to both rosters before release.
Continue reading Marvel Vs Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (Hands-on Preview)
Marvel Vs Capcom 3 (Gameplay footage)
Here’s some gameplay footage that I recently filmed at the Capcom Christmas Party. Enjoy fight fans.
My Dealspwn.com ‘Deal’ Posts for November 2010
Summary of the Deal articles I’ve posted at Dealspwn.com for November 2010.
Continue reading My Dealspwn.com ‘Deal’ Posts for November 2010
Gran Turismo 5 (Review)
All good things come to those that wait. Not just an adage for the long wait that’s preceded this much delayed game, but a piece of advice for getting through a rough start with Polyphony Digital’s driving simulator.
There have been a few patches already to fix the online issues, such as packed servers infecting the single-player game. So now after the storms have settled following GT5’s release, we can provide a proper verdict of the game as it stands today. Continue reading Gran Turismo 5 (Review)
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (Review)
With the successful rebranding of Need for Speed as something a bit more serious with last year’s NFS: Shift, EA might have wished they hadn’t already tasked Criterion Games with taking on the old brand instead of working on a new Burnout game. But hell, we were all more excited than we’d like to admit at the possibility of a Burnout/NFS hybrid even if EA couldn’t be arsed coming up with a new name. But is it a Brangelina or a three-thumbed hillbilly?
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit straps you into the seat of some of the world’s hottest cars as both a racer and a police officer in the fictional US location, Seacrest County. Sea crest consists of many, many desert roads, beaches and mountain passes. But mainly deserts. While the races take place on tarmac there are loads of shortcuts you can take to gain an advantage. Often they’ll be more hazardous and over rough terrain, so you’ll have to judge which ones work best for you and the car you’re driving. There are even a few that may take longer than the original route, you’ll have fun checking them all though.
Castle Crashers (Review)
Talk about delayed, Castle Crashers originally appeared on XBLA in 2008, it then hit the US PSN Store in August, which is where the demo ensnared me. I’ve had to wait until now for a European release PSN release. But was it worth the wait? Hell yes. Hell, yes.
This retrotacular title is a side-scrolling beat-‘em-up with a few simple RPG elements thrown in for good measure. It’s great fun on your own, but to get the most out of this game you should really fire up the multiplayer. You can have up to four players with drop-in co-op action. You can even play it online, but this can throw up problems when you both want to be the same character (because it’s the only one you’ve spent ten hours levelling up) so one of you will be on Level 30+ while the other is Level 1. At least you can revive team-mates. Continue reading Castle Crashers (Review)
The No Sleep Gamer 