Video Games...Discuss Them [Archive] - Page 3

Saya

01-12-2008, 12:42 PM

There's also some new info on Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2008/01/10/ces-a-look-at-star-wars-force-unleashed-not-done)

"Every time you hit that face button, we want you to feel that power," I'm told as I watch one of the Lucasarts employees show off Force Unleashed. I'm not allowed to do a full preview, but I can say that the game is fast and mean; the force powers do some crazy things, and the play is impacted by the physics in amazing ways.

You try to pick up a StormTrooper and he grabs onto a crate while screaming. You yank up on him with the Force again, and both the 'Trooper and the crate fly into the air. The force powers and the physics get even crazier; if you force push a metal door, it twists and deforms realistically. Some of the other things that stood out:

* The main character, the secret apprentice of Darth Vader, is played by Sam Witwer, BattleStar Galactica's Crashdown

* He holds his lightsaber behind his back in a way that looks very unorthodox but pleasingly menacing, and also allows players to see the entire lightsaber since the camera is always behind the player.

* Boss bottles will be huge in scope, including a Rancor fight. There will be God of War-like button-tapping sections at the end of the battle, but it will only be for more points; you won't lose a battle by missing a button press

* There will be character and lightsaber customization, although you won't be able to dual-wield or have dual-bladed lightsabers

* The Wii version of the game will include a two-player duel mode where you can show off your lightsaber skills against a friend in the same room.

* The PSP version will contain classic scenes from other Star Wars movies with the more over-the-top force powers of Unleashed

Here's the trailer from E3 again. (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21832.html)

D_Davis

01-12-2008, 01:59 PM

http://www.gamersyde.com/news_5754_en.html

New streetfighter IV pics.

Man, I can't wait to see this in motion.

number8

01-12-2008, 07:38 PM

* The Wii version of the game will include a two-player duel mode where you can show off your lightsaber skills against a friend in the same room.

A-ha!

Scar

01-12-2008, 08:39 PM

I beat Ratchet and Clank this morning, and immediately started it up again.

Spinal

01-12-2008, 09:35 PM

* The Wii version of the game will include a two-player duel mode where you can show off your lightsaber skills against a friend in the same room.

A-ha!

But will you be able to look each other in the face the next morning? That's the real question.

Ezee E

01-12-2008, 09:58 PM

A-ha!
Whoa....

megladon8

01-13-2008, 01:29 AM

Zero Punctuation review for Halo 3 (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation/2304-Zero-Punctuation-Halo-3).

While I think I liked the game a little more than he did, I agree with just about everything he says.

I think "Halo 3" is the best installment in the series. But it's still not nearly as good as many other shooters on the market.

And his bit about it successfully lowering standards is so true. Playing "Halo 3" again made me love games like "BioShock" and "Half Life 2" all the more.

Acapelli

01-13-2008, 08:32 AM

Started replaying Timesplitters 3 in co-op mode and it's so much fun. Are there any other shooters for ps2 in a similar vein? I really like the humor and the fact that it doesn't take itself so seriously.

number8

01-13-2008, 10:40 AM

But will you be able to look each other in the face the next morning? That's the real question.

It's really not an issue for me, but I suppose that's too much information.

Acapelli

01-14-2008, 01:48 AM

So I bought Silpheed (a Treasure shooter) for the PS2 for $4. My brother picked up Indigo Prophecy.

D_Davis

01-14-2008, 02:04 AM

So I bought Silpheed (a Treasure shooter) for the PS2 for $4. My brother picked up Indigo Prophecy.

Unfortunately, Silpheed is not that great. Treasure was hired to finish the game after the original developer basically got fired. You can tell that the last two levels are Treasure's, as they are pretty good. It's not a terrible game, but as far as shmups go it is only okay. It is worth $4 though.

For a great new shmup, check out Omega 5 on the XBLA. It is awesome.

Yesterday I picked up Persona 3 on the PS2. Great game. I don't like it as much as Person 1 so far, but it is good. The tone is much lighter in this on than it was in the PS original. It is still really good. The high school/social link parts are pretty cool - and short. It reminds me of a mix between Monster Rancher and a dungeon crawl. The graphics are really nice, but the music fails in comparison to the first game.

Acapelli

01-14-2008, 02:18 AM

I'm not a big shmup geek, so I don't think it's that bad so far. I'm pretty much just looking at PS2 games I've overlooked before moving onto the next-gen.

Was watching my brother playing Indigo and it's completely different than what I thought it'd be. It's more like a point-and-click game than it is adventure so far.

D_Davis

01-14-2008, 03:00 AM

Was watching my brother playing Indigo and it's completely different than what I thought it'd be. It's more like a point-and-click game than it is adventure so far.

Yeah, it is a slight evolution of the point and click, old school adventure. It is really good, at least the first 3/4 are. It has a level of real maturity to it. I think it is the only game I've ever played that really deserves a truly Mature rating. That is, it actually tackles mature, adult characters and situations, and rarely dips into the realms of juvenile, false maturity the games industry is so often mired in.

D_Davis

01-14-2008, 03:01 AM

I'm not a big shmup geek, so I don't think it's that bad so far. I'm pretty much just looking at PS2 games I've overlooked before moving onto the next-gen.

Did you play Disgaea? Be careful, this game could take up the next 2 years of your gaming time.

megladon8

01-14-2008, 03:19 AM

Here's another Zero-Punctuation review, this time for The Orange Box (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation/2541-Zero-Punctuation-The-Orange-Box)

When he gets into talking about "Portal" is when it really takes off.

D_Davis, you NEED to watch that :)

Justin

01-14-2008, 03:24 AM

I recently finished Portal, that was absolutely brilliant, I loved every moment of it. I really hope there is a sequel in the works.

megladon8

01-14-2008, 03:29 AM

I recently finished Portal, that was absolutely brilliant, I loved every moment of it. I really hope there is a sequel in the works.

Yeh, it's freakin' great.

D_Davis

01-14-2008, 03:35 AM

I recently finished Portal, that was absolutely brilliant, I loved every moment of it. I really hope there is a sequel in the works.

Game of the Year.

I can't wait to see what happens between Aperture Science and Black Mesa in HL2:E3.

D_Davis

01-14-2008, 03:36 AM

Acapelli

01-14-2008, 04:00 AM

Did you play Disgaea? Be careful, this game could take up the next 2 years of your gaming time.
Not that big into tactical rpg's (not really a rpg fan in general, much more of a twitch gamer), although I've been playing Fire Emblem for the GBA a lot lately.

megladon8

01-14-2008, 06:06 AM

I just can't get enough of these "Zero Punctation" reviews.

This guy is hilarious.

EDIT: Hahahaha! The "Tomb Raider: Anniversary" video is hilarious.

"Some yankee company said they wanted to remake the first game but 'do it properly this time', which as far as insults go is somewhere along the lines of being slapped in the balls with your own dead dog."

:)

Stay Puft

01-14-2008, 06:17 AM

I'm playing through the Metal Slug games on Mame right now. These games are awesome. Great art, too! They're beautiful games. I love the giant shipwreck in the waterfalls in the first game.

Damn do they get tough, though. I had to use 30 continues to get through the last two stages of Metal Slug on my first play. I'm so lame.

megladon8

01-14-2008, 06:20 AM

Spinal

01-14-2008, 07:32 AM

It's really not an issue for me, but I suppose that's too much information.

Hey, what two consenting pseudo-Jedis do in the comfort of their own home is none of my business.

bac0n

01-14-2008, 02:32 PM

So, I crushed that nickel-plated ninny Dr. Doom last night (in one try, no less! take that, Megs!) and then immediately started up a new game of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance. (I still have a lot of outfits to unlock, and I failed to complete several side-missions the first run thru, which holds dire consequences for the Marvel Universe).

Wow, what a great game, definitely the best of the Ravensoft Marvel Games thus far. Bring on the Sequel!

Yxklyx

01-14-2008, 03:00 PM

...

And his bit about it successfully lowering standards is so true. Playing "Halo 3" again made me love games like "BioShock" and "Half Life 2" all the more.

So, what did you think of Bioshock? I finished Crysis and while it looks awesome it's a very unchallenging game - the easiest FPS I've ever played due to that fact that you've got automatic health powerup, invisibility, unlimited ammo for a silenced sniper rifle and horrible AI.

I'm starting to check out STALKER - or maybe I'll reinstall DOOM 2:)

Morris Schæffer

01-14-2008, 04:57 PM

I've begun playing Bioshock. It looks promising I suppose, but I'm still waiting to be truly sucked in. Not there yet.

I need some help though. In two weeks I will get wireless internet although I already have a wireless router. Yeah, I can't get the reception in my house to work at all so on the 22nd I shall be switching providers and the experts are going to come to my house and do all the work.

Now, my buddy told me that wireless and online gaming aren't the greatest of bedfellows. Is this a commonly accepted fact? Also, I understand that I need to buy an additional wireless adapter for my 360. Is that - gasp! - true?

megladon8

01-14-2008, 07:41 PM

So, what did you think of Bioshock? I finished Crysis and while it looks awesome it's a very unchallenging game - the easiest FPS I've ever played due to that fact that you've got automatic health powerup, invisibility, unlimited ammo for a silenced sniper rifle and horrible AI.

I'm starting to check out STALKER - or maybe I'll reinstall DOOM 2:)

I thought "BIoShock" was freaking wonderful.

It scared me several times, and I enjoyed that both the action and writing were top-notch, creating an overall very memorable game.

It's my second favorite game of last year (behind "The Orange Box").

So, I crushed that nickel-plated ninny Dr. Doom last night (in one try, no less! take that, Megs!) and then immediately started up a new game of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance. (I still have a lot of outfits to unlock, and I failed to complete several side-missions the first run thru, which holds dire consequences for the Marvel Universe).

Wow, what a great game, definitely the best of the Ravensoft Marvel Games thus far. Bring on the Sequel!

Damn you, bac0n!!

But seriously, is there going to be a sequel?

bac0n

01-15-2008, 01:59 AM

Damn you, bac0n!!

But seriously, is there going to be a sequel?

Well, at the end of X-Men Legends 1, after the X-Men were done celebrating...

...we cut to Apocalypse saying how he was coming to get everybody - and whattaya know, a year later X-Men Legends 2: The Rise of Apocalypse comes out.

Later on, at the end of M:UA, we see the same sorta thing happen...

Except with Galactus instead of Apocalypse

Which says to me: "hey, there's a sequel coming!"

Skitch

01-15-2008, 04:05 PM

See also: Ikaruga.

D_Davis

01-15-2008, 04:39 PM

See also: Ikaruga.

REZ HD in only 2 weeks! I hope I get my projector back from the shop by then.

bac0n

01-15-2008, 05:15 PM

REZ HD in only 2 weeks! I hope I get my projector back from the shop by then.

I can see how this is gonna play out:

1) D_Davis' projector arrives

2) D_Davis drops a hit of acid.

3) D_Davis fires up Rez HD

4) http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/3631/scannersexplodingheadge2.gif

Duncan

01-15-2008, 06:22 PM

I got a new laptop and played through Half Life 2 again. It's the most recent game I've bought (at time of initial release), other than Civ IV, which doesn't seem to want to run on Vista. Anyway, Half Life 2 was cool. Neat to play on a computer that doesn't suck.

Wryan

01-17-2008, 06:02 AM

Yes. They. Fucking. Are.

number8

01-17-2008, 03:32 PM

I don't get it. What about Mario Kart Wii?

Rowland

01-17-2008, 03:53 PM

I don't get it. What about Mario Kart Wii?I suppose it's just the very fact that they are making one? *shrug*

The Gamecube edition kinda sucked.

Scar

01-17-2008, 04:06 PM

Is that a Video Games thread I see?

EDIT: We've been merged!!!!

Ezee E

01-17-2008, 05:19 PM

Yes. They. Fucking. Are.
I wonder what they'll do to utilize the controller.

Ezee E

01-17-2008, 05:19 PM

I suppose it's just the very fact that they are making one? *shrug*

The Gamecube edition kinda sucked.
The gamecube version was disappointing. It seemed like the carts moved slower then in previous games, and it was too easy to win. I really hope they add some more maps too.

number8

01-17-2008, 06:21 PM

I suppose it's just the very fact that they are making one? *shrug*

Well yeah, they are. So did Wryan just found out about it or something?

*shrug*

number8

01-17-2008, 06:24 PM

I wonder what they'll do to utilize the controller.

It comes bundled with this thing:

http://i.usatoday.net/tech/_photos/2007/07/13/wheelx.jpg

Don't worry. The Wii version will be more like the DS version than the GC version. It has online race, which would be pretty fun. And it's free, so fuck you, XBox Live.

bac0n

01-17-2008, 06:37 PM

The gamecube version was disappointing. It seemed like the carts moved slower then in previous games, and it was too easy to win. I really hope they add some more maps too.

Eh, I didn't mind Mario Kart: Double Dash one bit, tho I wish more of the courses were like that one Dinosaur One and Donkey Kong Island. DK Island had wonderful, bright colors, and plenty of opportunities for bastardry, especially on that last bridge before the finish line.

Here's hoping Wii-Kart can make the tracks more fun and varied like the latter courses in MK:DD without being overly busy like they tended to get in Diddy Kong Racing.

Acapelli

01-17-2008, 09:10 PM

Mario Kart DS is fucking awesome.

Sycophant

01-17-2008, 09:21 PM

I think I played roughly an hour of Double Dash and found little reaason to revisit it. It felt to me like everything new was tacked-on and there for the sake of newness. And the fun factor just wasn't there like I still find it with 64.

But Nintendo's been doing real well lately.

Skitch

01-18-2008, 11:59 AM

I dig Double Dash (hell, Kart in any form rocks), I'm a little curious to see if this new controller adds to the fun, or other...

Scar

01-18-2008, 12:14 PM

I think if I let bac0n come and visit, he won't leave once he starts playing Ratchet and Clank.

I'm going through it a second time, have got at least half of the super upgraded weapons, and now plan on hunting down all the Holo-Plans for the super-duper-uber-weapon-o-death.

My favorite weapons are the Razor Claws. It lets you get your Wolveringe on.

bac0n

01-18-2008, 02:49 PM

I think if I let bac0n come and visit, he won't leave once he starts playing Ratchet and Clank.

Oh, you can be sure of that. I played it at my neighbor's house, and I could hardly tear myself away after a few hours.

Scar

01-18-2008, 02:52 PM

Oh, you can be sure of that. I played it at my neighbor's house, and I could hardly tear myself away after a few hours.

We'll set something up once we move.

Skitch

01-18-2008, 02:54 PM

We'll set something up once we move.

Gaming cage with giant gerbil water feeder?

Scar

01-18-2008, 02:57 PM

Gaming cage with giant gerbil beer feeder?

Fixed.

bac0n

01-18-2008, 08:35 PM

Jesus, MOVE ALREADY!

D_Davis

01-18-2008, 09:50 PM

Bionic Commando Rearmed, on XBLA!

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/846/846125p1.html

This looks awesome.

Stay Puft

01-18-2008, 10:14 PM

Random thought of the day:

Final boss encounter in Metal Slug 2 is one of the best. Period.

(I love these games.)

Sycophant

01-19-2008, 01:26 AM

I'm not finishing Super Paper Mario. The space level (and the knowledge that I'll have to complete another goddamned stupid errand once I finish the world) has me exhausted just looking at it. This game would have done a lot better with an overall more interesting design sense. *shrugs*

Guess I'll go back to Zack & Wiki.

megladon8

01-19-2008, 05:45 AM

I loved "Paper Mario and the Thousand Year Door", though the difficulty just suddenly flies up like a brick wall at the final boss.

To this day I have not beaten it.

Justin

01-19-2008, 05:50 AM

That Bionic Commando Rearmed video made me orgasm, I have so many fond memories playing that at my grandfather's house.

Morris Schæffer

01-19-2008, 09:40 AM

Bionic Commando Rearmed, on XBLA!

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/846/846125p1.html

This looks awesome.

Just watched it. Sweet eh. I can think of a few other oldies that might rock with updated graphics.

Skitch

01-19-2008, 12:28 PM

I loved "Paper Mario and the Thousand Year Door", though the difficulty just suddenly flies up like a brick wall at the final boss.

To this day I have not beaten it.

Thank god I'm not the only one that thinks this! I too, have never quite completed the game.

Metal Slug games are soooooo great. I want the collection with like, 7 of series.

Played a bunch of Lego Star Wars Saga on my buddys 360 last night...man did they ever shine those games up. The look terrific.

D_Davis

01-23-2008, 02:43 AM

Awesome. Jeff Gerstman is back on a podcast, at IGN!

http://games.ign.com/articles/846/846971p1.html

It's just a guest spot on their new GameSages podcast. He's also joined by Dan Hsu.

Should be a good show.

Justin

01-29-2008, 03:25 AM

Whoever thought up these pier missions on Assassin's Creed needs to get pounded in the face with a lead pipe.

bac0n

01-29-2008, 07:12 PM

How Many Five Year Olds Could You Take In A Fight? (http://www.howmanyfiveyearoldscouldyo utakeinafight.com/)

Scar

01-29-2008, 07:18 PM

How Many Five Year Olds Could You Take In A Fight? (http://www.howmanyfiveyearoldscouldyo utakeinafight.com/)

30

I'm so going to Hell.

Kurosawa Fan

01-29-2008, 07:19 PM

How Many Five Year Olds Could You Take In A Fight? (http://www.howmanyfiveyearoldscouldyo utakeinafight.com/)

I got 20.

Skitch

01-29-2008, 07:21 PM

Good lord.

34!

megladon8

01-29-2008, 07:25 PM

Good lord.

34!

I got the same. :)

bac0n

01-29-2008, 07:51 PM

Oops, meant to post that in random thoughts. Oh well!

Skitch

01-29-2008, 08:39 PM

I got the same. :)

Well, if any of the midget mutants try anything, looks like the safety of the planet rests on our shoulders.

*cracks knuckles*

Ezee E

01-29-2008, 09:32 PM

20. I blame my morals.

number8

01-30-2008, 08:57 AM

28.

D_Davis

01-30-2008, 04:26 PM

You all know what today is, right?

http://www.thunderboltgames.com/news/rezhd.jpg

It's REZ HD day.

Possibly the best day of the whole year.

bac0n

01-30-2008, 04:48 PM

Excellent! See you in a month!

D_Davis

01-30-2008, 04:56 PM

Excellent! See you in a month!

Man I can't wait to get home today, fire up the projector, and totally zone out to some REZ. It's gonna be awesome.

bac0n

01-30-2008, 08:54 PM

Man I can't wait to get home today, fire up the projector, and totally zone out to some REZ. It's gonna be awesome.

Just make sure you don't drop any acid beforehand. You might die of a brain hemorrhage. Which would be bad, in case you were wondering. But on the other hand, at least you'd go out with a smile on your face.

D_Davis

01-30-2008, 08:58 PM

Just make sure you don't drop any acid beforehand. You might die of a brain hemorrhage. Which would be bad, in case you were wondering. But on the other hand, at least you'd go out with a smile on your face.

This game makes me want to do drugs more than anything ever has.

monolith94

01-31-2008, 02:08 AM

So I guess you'd better read Valis again afterwards! ;)

Sycophant

01-31-2008, 02:13 AM

How Many Five Year Olds Could You Take In A Fight? (http://www.howmanyfiveyearoldscouldyo utakeinafight.com/)10.

Sven

01-31-2008, 02:18 AM

You all know what today is, right?

http://www.thunderboltgames.com/news/rezhd.jpg

It's REZ HD day.

Possibly the best day of the whole year.

And I just got a 360! WHOOOOOOO! I can't wait to download this one.

Justin

01-31-2008, 02:32 AM

What is your gamertag iosos?

D_Davis

01-31-2008, 03:11 AM

So I guess you'd better read Valis again afterwards! ;)

Yeah, and Neuromancer.

D_Davis

01-31-2008, 03:12 AM

And I just got a 360! WHOOOOOOO! I can't wait to download this one.

Sweet. Do you have live yet?

D_Davis

01-31-2008, 05:04 AM

Yay, I cracked the top 50 (#50) in REZ HD for the score attack on stage 1. I'm sure that by the time I wake up in the morning I'll be knocked out. I do plan on making it onto the top 10 for at least the first 3 stages.

megladon8

01-31-2008, 03:27 PM

I'm thinking I might need to get this REZ HD.

It sounds/looks wicked.

Saya

01-31-2008, 03:54 PM

You all know what today is, right?

http://www.thunderboltgames.com/news/rezhd.jpg

It's REZ HD day.

Possibly the best day of the whole year.

I'm definitely getting this one! How many points was it?

Btw, is anyone playing Devil May Cry 4? That looks like an awesome game as well. I think it's just released or it will be this week...

D_Davis

01-31-2008, 03:56 PM

I'm definitely getting this one! How many points was it?

800. Totally worth it. I paid $50 for the PS2 version, and that was totally worth it.

megladon8

01-31-2008, 05:34 PM

Wow...REZ HD is...amazing.

I was hesitant, because I have been disappointed with some rail shooters in the past (though I like the overall formula). Namely "Panzer Dragoon Orta" - another recommendation fro D_Davis, but it just didn't tickle my fancy.

REZ, however, is one of the most original and incredible sensory experiences I have ever had with a game.

I beat the first level, with a score of 92.44% - I imagine that's alright for a first time.

I noticed in the level select screen that there are only 4 levels - is that all there is to the game, or are more unlocked as you go? I've read it's a short game, but I didn't think it was only 4 levels (and the first took my about 10 minutes).

Anyways, it's a fantastic game. Definitely one I can't wait to show off to my friends.

Ezee E

01-31-2008, 05:40 PM

Uh oh, a short game and meg bought it. WTF

megladon8

01-31-2008, 05:40 PM

Uh oh, a short game and meg bought it. WTF

:P

It was only $10. Not bad at all, and the replay seems amazing. I've played the first level alone 3 times already.

D_Davis

01-31-2008, 06:34 PM

megladon8

01-31-2008, 06:39 PM

2 bonus level-like things open up later. They are not part of the main quest, but are stand alone.

There are 5 main levels. The game is really meant to be played in one sitting. Perfecting each level and going through all 5 in an hour is really an incredible experience. Probably the best experience I've ever had playing a game. It actually gets emotional towards the end of level 5.

Well, I'm freaking loving it, and it's definitely $10 very well spent :)

It's just such a cool concept. As I've mentioned before, I find Guitar Hero incredibly hard to play - and outside that, I really have no interest in rhythm games.

This totally trumps any other musically inclined game I've ever played.

megladon8

01-31-2008, 08:45 PM

Got stuck on the 4th level of REZ at the final boss, who keeps morphing into the big running guy - it reminds me a lot of the running guy before the final boss in StarFox 64. I wouldn't be surprised if that's the inspiration, since they're very similarly styled rail shooters.

Is there any word on possible expansion packs, user content, or sequels to this game? It seems like a concept with SO much potential - even releasing levels with popular songs would be cool. I'm not talking like a GnR "November Rain" level or anything, but something more along classical lines would probably work really well.

I hope there's more done with this game design - it's so damn cool.

D_Davis

01-31-2008, 09:11 PM

I would definitely check out their other games, Lumines and Extend Every Extra Extreme.

Lumines is an exceptional music-based puzzle game.

Mizuguchi is one of my favorite developers.

I am so glad that REZ has been reissued. Now all kinds of people can experience this game.

Stay Puft

01-31-2008, 09:30 PM

Is there any word on possible expansion packs, user content, or sequels to this game? It seems like a concept with SO much potential - even releasing levels with popular songs would be cool. I'm not talking like a GnR "November Rain" level or anything, but something more along classical lines would probably work really well.

There have long been rumors that a Rez sequel is planned. Mizuguchi has been coy about it whenever pressed.

But definitely take D's advice for now. Mizuguchi is a great developer. I heartily endorse Lumines Live! which is also available through XBLA. It doesn't have some of the licensed tracks from the PSP versions (Shinin, etc.) but it has plenty of new and remixed content, and of course it's all 5.1 surround music, so it's amazing.

megladon8

01-31-2008, 09:53 PM

I downloaded the 15 minute trial version of Extend Every Extra Extreme, but just couldn't get into it.

I'll probably try the free trail of Lumines next.

D_Davis

01-31-2008, 09:58 PM

I want Space Channel 5 III.

Now this would be awesome. I love me some Space Channel 5!

megladon8

02-01-2008, 01:13 AM

Just beat the final "Eden" level of REZ HD.

Wow...just, wow.

That final level was gorgeous, and the theme of Buddhism running through the game comes to a crescendo with this level.

The fact that I had levelled up to the Buddha-like character (sitting in meditation inside a small orb) made it feel like I was playing "The Fountain: The Game" :)

D_Davis

02-01-2008, 02:54 AM

megladon8

02-01-2008, 02:56 AM

Isn't it cool how a mere shooter to can create such an emotional connection?

Yes, and an incredibly basic shooter at that - it uses one button!!

That final "Eden" level really was something to behold. All those treks through the different levels of the Earth - bottom of the ocean, surface of the ocean, land, sky, underground tunnels, and finally space. It was gorgeous.

D_Davis

02-01-2008, 04:22 AM

Yes, and an incredibly basic shooter at that - it uses one button!!

That final "Eden" level really was something to behold. All those treks through the different levels of the Earth - bottom of the ocean, surface of the ocean, land, sky, underground tunnels, and finally space. It was gorgeous.

Totally. I've beaten the game probably over 50 times on the PS2, and it still hasn't gotten old.

megladon8

02-01-2008, 05:09 AM

IGN gave a pretty good review of "Turok".

Not flawless, but a lot of fun.

I'm glad, because I was a huge fan of the N64 games.

D_Davis

02-01-2008, 01:31 PM

IGN gave a pretty good review of "Turok".

Not flawless, but a lot of fun.

I'm glad, because I was a huge fan of the N64 games.

The demo is wretched. Absolutely wretched. One of the worst games I've played on the 360.

megladon8

02-01-2008, 05:30 PM

The demo is wretched. Absolutely wretched. One of the worst games I've played on the 360.

Really?

That's damn disheartening.

Oh well, there are still plenty of great games out there to play and look forward to. I just wish this one had shaped up, since - as I said - I love the N64 series.

megladon8

02-06-2008, 07:06 AM

"Dark Messiah of Might and Magic: Elements" looks pretty sweet.

Skitch

02-06-2008, 11:53 AM

My roommate got a PS3 (after sending his 3 ring of death 360 in for the second time) and when it gets back, I may be buying it. I offer him slightly more than a trade in cost, we both win.

Skitch

02-06-2008, 11:54 AM

I broke a cheap PS2 controller last night...damn thing didn't hold up! Only like, the third time I slammed it off the hardwood floor!

Fuckin' Madden...

D_Davis

02-06-2008, 01:16 PM

"Dark Messiah of Might and Magic: Elements" looks pretty sweet.

Yeah. The demo was fun, and it is nice to see an FPS with a fantasy setting. I will definitely buy this.

megladon8

02-06-2008, 04:38 PM

Yeah. The demo was fun, and it is nice to see an FPS with a fantasy setting. I will definitely buy this.

Yeh it's taken the place of "Turok" in my looked-forward-to list.

Also I'm thinking of downloading "Psychonauts" off of LiVE. Looks like a lot of fun.

number8

02-06-2008, 07:31 PM

Wow, the Locke voice in the LOST game is terrible. Jack's is pretty good, and awesome that they got the actual Ben... but damn, that Locke voice.

Mr. Valentine

02-07-2008, 12:38 AM

Wow, the Locke voice in the LOST game is terrible. Jack's is pretty good, and awesome that they got the actual Ben... but damn, that Locke voice.

i'll still be buying it. the recent gameplay videos combined with being a Lost whore sealed the deal.

Sven

02-07-2008, 12:41 AM

Also I'm thinking of downloading "Psychonauts" off of LiVE. Looks like a lot of fun.

I played it on the XBOX and it was awesome. I, too, downloaded it on Live.

I also downloaded Rez. I played it on the PS2, but on the 360, on the HDTV, widescreen, it was a big bad beautiful new experience. 10 bucks wonderfully spent.

megladon8

02-07-2008, 12:44 AM

I played it on the XBOX and it was awesome. I, too, downloaded it on Live.

I also downloaded Rez. I played it on the PS2, but on the 360, on the HDTV, widescreen, it was a big bad beautiful new experience. 10 bucks wonderfully spent.

OK well I will take your thoughts into consideration.

Even though some say it's a tired formula, I'm still a sucker for a good platformer. I still love "Super Mario 64" and the original "Spyro the Dragon" on PSX.

I hear "Psychonauts" is a nice throw back to what made platformers so fun in the first place - unique, colourful worlds, fun gameplay, and an intriguing story and quirky characters.

And I have D_Davis to thank for getting me into REZ - I downloaded it last Thursday and I haven't stopped playing it since. I still get a great sense of awe when I begin that first level, and shoot those first couple of lines of baddies which starts the song.

megladon8

02-07-2008, 12:49 AM

Latest Zero Punctuation review is for "Call of Duty 4" (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation/2901-Zero-Punctuation-Call-of-Duty-4)

Awesome :)

I found this graph quite helpful...

"CoD 4" <<< "Portal" << Jesus

Sven

02-07-2008, 12:51 AM

Adventure platformers are among my favorite kind of games and Psychonauts is in the higher echelons. It's so witty. Did you ever play Grim Fandango or Full Throttle or any of the Monkey Island games? They were all conceived by the same guy, Tim Schafer, who is apparently (I can tell just from his output) a hilarious genius of some insane variety. Very creative and laughs a'plenty. I eagerly anticipate the new heavy metal game he's developing with Jack Black.

But yeah, if you like platformers, and knowing you as well as I do, you will not be disappointed in Psychonauts. I will give you money if you hate it, I'm that sure.

megladon8

02-07-2008, 12:53 AM

D_Davis

02-07-2008, 12:59 AM

Psychonauts is awesome, but I do think it gets a little too hard, or frustrating in some areas. Still a great experience full of good writing.

megladon8

02-07-2008, 01:02 AM

Psychonauts is awesome, but I do think it gets a little too hard, or frustrating in some areas. Still a great experience full of good writing.

I think writing in games is something often overlooked by gamers.

I know, myself, that a game with terrible writing can drag me out of the experience regardless of how great the actual gameplay is.

And great writing can elevate a concept to the heavens (ie "Portal").

D_Davis

02-07-2008, 01:21 AM

I think writing in games is something often overlooked by gamers.

I know, myself, that a game with terrible writing can drag me out of the experience regardless of how great the actual gameplay is.

And great writing can elevate a concept to the heavens (ie "Portal").

What I find appalling is what most gamers consider "good" writing. They don't seem to understand the HUGE and MASSIVE differences between an entertaining story and good writing. When I hear people comment on the good writing in Final Fantasy, or Dragon Warrior, or Metal Gear, I just want to scream. While these games do have good stories, the writing is wretched to passable at very best.

Tim Shaffer on the other hand is a good writer. Probably the best in the biz.

megladon8

02-07-2008, 01:31 AM

What I find appalling is what most gamers consider "good" writing. They don't seem to understand the HUGE and MASSIVE differences between an entertaining story and good writing. When I hear people comment on the good writing in Final Fantasy, or Dragon Warrior, or Metal Gear, I just want to scream. While these games do have good stories, the writing is wretched to passable at very best.

Tim Shaffer on the other hand is a good writer. Probably the best in the biz.

Yes, I feel the exact same way!

I never understood how a couple of my friends in high school found the writing in MGS and FF to be so emotional that they actually got teary sometimes.

I agree that their stories are interesting (well, for the most part - the FF games are so damn convoluted I find them hard to take seriously). But the dialogue is horrendous.

A game which had some surprisingly great writing was the GC game "Paper Mario and the Thousand Year Door". Genuinely funny dialogue and very clever.

Scar

02-07-2008, 01:42 AM

Yes, I feel the exact same way!

I never understood how a couple of my friends in high school found the writing in MGS and FF to be so emotional that they actually got teary sometimes.

I agree that their stories are interesting (well, for the most part - the FF games are so damn convoluted I find them hard to take seriously). But the dialogue is horrendous.

A game which had some surprisingly great writing was the GC game "Paper Mario and the Thousand Year Door". Genuinely funny dialogue and very clever.

Well, there is that certain death in FF7....

Stay Puft

02-07-2008, 02:01 AM

A game which had some surprisingly great writing was the GC game "Paper Mario and the Thousand Year Door". Genuinely funny dialogue and very clever.

Intelligent Systems is probably the best studio at Nintendo. I heard Super Paper Mario was a step down from previous work, which is a shame, because I like the first two Paper Mario games. They're easily the funniest Nintendo games I've played, even the most charming.

monolith94

02-07-2008, 03:49 AM

Deus Ex had pretty solid writing. /random Deus Ex awesomeness throwout

Lately I've been playing a game called avernum 5. Sorry guys. Mac only so far. heh.

http://www.avernum.com/avernum5/index.html

megladon8

02-07-2008, 03:57 AM

I loved "Deus Ex" as well, but damn that game was full of bugs.

In fact, back in the day when I played computer games, I ended up having to completely boycott Eidos, because literally every. single. time. I bought an Eidos game, it didn't work properly.

"Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver" was one of my favorites, but I never even reached the halfway point because it had an unfixable bug which terminated the game at the exact same point every time.

Then I got that one "Omikron: The Nomad Soul" with David Bowie in it, and it wouldn't even run.

Goddamn you, Eidos!!

Stay Puft

02-07-2008, 03:58 AM

Deus Ex had pretty solid writing. /random Deus Ex awesomeness throwout

Yes! Warren Spector has produced some smart, great games. System Shock, Thief, Deus Ex. All rock solid. Deus Ex is probably his best.

I'll also throw out some random love for Ken Levine, because System Shock 2 and BioShock are great games.

megladon8

02-07-2008, 04:01 AM

Yes! Warren Spector has produced some smart, great games. System Shock, Thief, Deus Ex. All rock solid. Deus Ex is probably his best.

I'll also throw out some random love for Ken Levine, because System Shock 2 and BioShock are great games.

Yep, the writing in "BioShock" was fantastic. I haven't played the "System Shock" games, so I can't chime in on the apparent re-hash of game mechanics. But I thought it was a wicked game.

D_Davis

02-07-2008, 05:26 AM

I think Bioshock and Systemshock are better for their stories, the actual writing, not so much. I guess they're okay, definitely solid B-level work.

Spector and Levine have both contributed to good game writing.

Portal - now here is a game with amazing writing. Simply some of the best I've ever heard in a game. Valve's games in general tend to have above average writing and solid narratives.

Dead & Messed Up

02-07-2008, 07:58 AM

Eternal Darkness had pretty amazing writing. The "dialogue" was arch and monologue-y, but that's what they were going for.

Skitch

02-07-2008, 03:30 PM

Scar how could you bring up such a painful memory.

Eternal Darkness was one of those games you never forget playing.

For story, Onimusha is one of the best trilogies I've ever played. Haven't played the fouth one yet, but watched my roommate play through it, and it seems...different...

Scar

02-07-2008, 03:42 PM

Scar how could you bring up such a painful memory.

She damn near makes me cry in Advent Children.

bac0n

02-07-2008, 04:00 PM

KK2.0

02-07-2008, 04:01 PM

Lost Odyssey gametrailers review http://www.gametrailers.com/player/30356.html

i think it looks pretty great, if a bit too melodramatic.

Oh, and about all that Tim Schaffer talk, are you guys anticipating his new game, BRUTAL LEGEND? The rock adventure voiced by Jack Black.

Sycophant

02-07-2008, 04:05 PM

She damn near makes me cry in Advent Children.If the movie had been good in the slightest, I'm sure I would have had the same reaction. I still think of her remorsefully and wistfully.

Saya

02-07-2008, 04:13 PM

Lost Odyssey gametrailers review http://www.gametrailers.com/player/30356.html

i think it looks pretty great, if a bit too melodramatic.

It looks nice. I used to love these J-RPG's but now I find those games take too much time to complete. Turn-based battles take way too long to finish and I believe there are also random enemy encounters.

D_Davis

02-07-2008, 04:30 PM

Skitch

02-07-2008, 05:47 PM

She damn near makes me cry in Advent Children.

Same here! I absolutely loved Advent Children, and dont understand how anyone who played the game couldn't.

The third Onimusha was the best one! The fourth one...was more of an afterthought.

megladon8

02-07-2008, 06:32 PM

I can't believe how much unlockable content there is in REZ HD.

It's fun unlocking the different modes in Beyond.

Stay Puft

02-07-2008, 08:44 PM

Anyone here try the demo for The Club? Damn is it ever fun. It's just a simple, run 'n gun, arcade-like shooter, where the goal is to get from point A to point B with the highest score possible. It really is quite brilliant in its threadbare approach to the genre.

Yup. I've loved the latest Project Gotham Racing games, so I was interested in whatever else Bizarre Creations had cooking. What surprised me most about The Club is that it's essentially Project Gotham Shooting. It's basically a bloody racing game! You run laps, set best times, and earn "Kudos" by shooting people, chaining kills together to perform combos (or get "Stars"). The two modes in the demo are basically timed laps and point to point races, like the style events in PGR (so no competing with other "racers" at the same time, it's about individual performance). It's a third person shooter racing thing... It's interesting.

D_Davis

02-07-2008, 09:08 PM

Yup. I've loved the latest Project Gotham Racing games, so I was interested in whatever else Bizarre Creations had cooking. What surprised me most about The Club is that it's essentially Project Gotham Shooting. It's basically a bloody racing game! You run laps, set best times, and earn "Kudos" by shooting people, chaining kills together to perform combos (or get "Stars"). The two modes in the demo are basically timed laps and point to point races, like the style events in PGR (so no competing with other "racers" at the same time, it's about individual performance). It's a third person shooter racing thing... It's interesting.

Exactly. While I don't think it is worth a full $60 purchase, I will pick it up for around $40 in the future.

It reminds me of Heavy Metal: Geo Matrix and Outrigger for the Dreamcast. There is something about it that just reminds me of an old Sega game for some reason.

I was pleasantly surprised by it, to say the least.

number8

02-07-2008, 10:54 PM

I absolutely loved Advent Children, and dont understand how anyone who played the game couldn't.

Easy. One was well made, the other was not.

Sycophant

02-08-2008, 12:08 AM

Same here! I absolutely loved Advent Children, and dont understand how anyone who played the game couldn't.Dude, I was such a goddamned hardcore FF7 fan, that I listened to its soundtrack on repeat and (embarrassing admission put in spoiler text)...
carried around Aeris's picture in my wallet.

I've played through the game three times and wish I had time to play it through more. It rocks hard, and I love the characters and the story.

Advent Children was such garbage I just couldn't care.

Skitch

02-08-2008, 01:35 PM

Well, I just flat out disagree with you guys.

KK2.0

02-08-2008, 02:09 PM

Advent Children is bad, but i've watched it a few times and bought a copy because i'm such a FF7 nerd.

It looks nice. I used to love these J-RPG's but now I find those games take too much time to complete. Turn-based battles take way too long to finish and I believe there are also random enemy encounters.

I'm on a similar mood lately, enjoying shorter games since my time and patience are reduced but i just started FF12 now and i'm still on a sort of high. Thankfully the random battles are gone.

Morris Schæffer

02-08-2008, 03:51 PM

http://www.gamer.nl/images/content/Erwie/200802/1202426030_0.png

Incredible!! Farting and burping are possible.:)

Saya

02-08-2008, 10:14 PM

Zack & Wiki is wonderful. Love the puzzles (except the music ones, I have a hard time with those) and the design. I hope this game will open the door for more point and click adventures.

Za-kuuuu Za-kuuu

Sven

02-08-2008, 10:25 PM

After playing Bio-Shock today with the volume a little louder and a better (thought still spectacularly fumble-rific) grasp of the controls, I've decided that it's not that overrated after all. The sound design is terrific, as is the overall design in general.

Sven

02-10-2008, 04:59 AM

megladon8

02-10-2008, 05:57 AM

Just played through almost all of Portal in one sitting. That game is just as great as everyone is making it out to be. I love the game's structure and how it plays into the narrative reveal. Very fun.

Awesome! So glad you enjoyed it.

I love the narration by the female computer voice. The morbid humor is great.

"Contact with the water may result in a disappointing final score...and death."

Justin

02-10-2008, 06:12 AM

Yeah, Portal is just fantastic. Only problem with Orange Box is my fear of completing Half Life 2, damn creepy black spider things.

Morris Schæffer

02-10-2008, 12:45 PM

Some GTA IV commercials:

http://www.gamer.nl/doc/44426/Personages-en-locaties-in-de-nieuwe-videos-van-GTA-IV

I really dig that first one. The Metlife building is suddenly the Getalife building. :)

Sven

02-10-2008, 05:57 PM

Finished Portal. It was fabulous. Can't wait to crack into the other four games.

Saya

02-10-2008, 07:15 PM

I'm playing Devil May Cry 4 for the 360 and it's awesome. It's almost everything you would expect from a DMC game, including the over the top cutscenes, dialogue and music. The new character, Nero, plays a lot better than I'd expected. The graphics are fantastic and the action is smooth and deep. The game feels easier than DMC3 though( I'm playing on Devil Hunter mode), but luckily it is possible to unlock harder difficulty levels.

megladon8

02-11-2008, 07:10 PM

I'm a big fan of side-scroll shooters, and I must say "Omega Five" looks pretty sweet.

D_Davis

02-11-2008, 07:14 PM

I'm a big fan of side-scroll shooters, and I must say "Omega Five" looks pretty sweet.

Omega Five is awesome. It reminds me of R-Type Delta quite a bit. It is very slow, and methodical. It's not as good as RTD (but then again, there is not much that is) but it is a totally worthy shmup.

megladon8

02-11-2008, 07:21 PM

Omega Five is awesome. It reminds me of R-Type Delta quite a bit. It is very slow, and methodical. It's not as good as RTD (but then again, there is not much that is) but it is a totally worthy shmup.

Awesom, I shall be sure to check it out.

IGN even goes so far as to say it's one of the 360's "prettiest games", XBLA or not.

I've actually been playing the Arcade games more than store-bought games over the past couple of weeks. They're so addictive and while easy to play, are very hard to master. I'm still playing REZ a lot.

trotchky

02-12-2008, 02:49 AM

Devil May Cry 4 - terrible level design, kickin' combat system. As per usual.

megladon8

02-12-2008, 05:12 AM

Any fans of the "Super Smash Bros." series/formula?

If so, and you own a 360, check out the XBLA game "Small Arms".

It's great, hectic fun. Lots of cool, inventive weapons, and hilariously cute characters which add to the game's morbid sense of humor.

D_Davis

02-12-2008, 05:56 PM

Just a heads up...

the last episode of 1Up Yours, the 1UP podcast, is really good. A guy named Flynn, an EIC from GayGamer.com, is a guest, and they talk about maturity in gaming and spend some time talking about the "gay" achievement in the upcoming 360 version of Bully.

It's a really good show.

megladon8

02-13-2008, 05:31 AM

Have to admit I was kind of disappointed with the demo for "Dark Messiah of Might and Magic: Elements".

Since it uses the Source engine, I was hoping for some great visuals and dynamic physics...but the visuals are actually pretty bad. I have many X-Box games which look much, much better.

However, I firmly believe that if a game has solid gameplay and good control, that can more than make up for a mediocre technical presentation. But while I found the handling of equipment and inventory to be quick and simple and well laid-out, the actual controls were total balls.

Much of this stems from the fact that I am a die-hard inverted player...I have always liked the "down = up; up = down" controls, and since that isn't available in the demo, I was having a hard time.

But some of the control choices didn't work too well for me, either. Having to click the left thumbstick and hold it down while also pressing forward in order to run was really clumsy. It's so easy to put too much pressure on one or the other, and either your thumb slips, or the stick pops back up and you continue moving forward but at a regular pace.

And the hack-n-slash swordplay left a bit to be desired, since it's just mashing on the trigger over and over and over until the guy dies. It incorporates a few special moves in like kicks and thrusts and whatnot, but the combat just boils down to hacking away until the opponent falls down dead.

But I liked the constantly advancing weapons and whatnot. It was cool to find the "Souldrinker" after just a few minutes, and the design is really cool.

Overall I just hope they polish it off a lot before it's released...though since it came out today, and the demo wasn't released too long ago, I imagine this is indicative of what the final product is like.

It's a shame, because I thought it looked really damn cool, and I'm not one for fantasy gaming.

D_Davis

02-13-2008, 01:12 PM

Dukefrukem

02-13-2008, 01:45 PM

D_Davis

02-13-2008, 02:25 PM

I've been playing Mass Effect for the past three nights and I'm already 20 hours deep. What a very cool game. Im a little dissapointed in the load/save times as well as the texture rendering but the story is great.

It is a good game. I stopped playing about 20 hours in, but I will pick it up again. And it is too bad that it is hindered by so many strange technical flaws. It really doesn't make any sense to me. The side missions, too, are rather irksome. Land, drive around the same environment, find a bunker, get out, kill three things, return to the ship. Repeat 50+ times...

Dukefrukem

02-13-2008, 02:28 PM

It is a good game. I stopped playing about 20 hours in, but I will pick it up again. And it is too bad that it is hindered by so many strange technical flaws. It really doesn't make any sense to me. The side missions, too, are rather irksome. Land, drive around the same environment, find a bunker, get out, kill three things, return to the ship. Repeat 50+ times...

I dont find the side quests that cumbersome. I enjoy tracking things down. I am however very disappointed to find out its coming out on PC in May. I wouldn't have bought a 360 if i knew that. But I guess thats their plan all along.

Whats your gamertag?

D_Davis

02-13-2008, 03:17 PM

I dont find the side quests that cumbersome. I enjoy tracking things down. I am however very disappointed to find out its coming out on PC in May. I wouldn't have bought a 360 if i knew that. But I guess thats their plan all along.

Whats your gamertag?

You bought a 360 just for Mass Effect?

:)

my gamer tag is genrebuster

Scar

02-13-2008, 04:14 PM

I'm home sick, I should be playing video games, yet I can't turn off the Clemens inquisition.

Dangit.

Kurosawa Fan

02-13-2008, 04:16 PM

I'm home sick, I should be playing video games, yet I can't turn off the Clemens inquisition.

Dangit.

Blech. I look forward to reading the summaries and commentaries, but I could never sit and watch that. Tear yourself away man. It's for the best.

Scar

02-13-2008, 04:17 PM

Blech. I look forward to reading the summaries and commentaries, but I could never sit and watch that. Tear yourself away man. It's for the best.

I'm a masochist, and have no energy. Maybe I'll toss in a movie. I think I need a new PS3 game.

megladon8

02-13-2008, 07:18 PM

I'll probably be picking it up today.

I'll let you know what I think.

It is definitely not a perfect game, not even close, but I still really enjoyed the demo, and I am craving a cool non-RPG fantasy game.

Cool, I'm looking forward to hearing what you think.

I really do hope the technical side is improved, because the sound sure wasn't too great either.

And I agree, a non-RPG fantasy game is something I've been looking for. I still haven't checked out "Oblivion", because I'm a little weary of a game which apparently takes more than 50 hours just to get to the main storyline.

megladon8

02-13-2008, 09:47 PM

Jeez, today has been my day for disappointing demos.

D was right - the "Turok" demo is pretty bad. Terrible lighting, uninteresting level design, annoying enemies, and guns that feel like the equivalent of trying to defeat Godzilla with styrofoam balls and a sling-shot.

That's really disappointing, because the first two N64 games ("Dinosaur Hunter" and "Seeds of Evil") were staples of my childhood.

Then I tried the "Blacksite: Area 51" demo. Despite the mediocre reviews it got, I thought it looked stylish and like it would at least be a good, entertaining shooter. But it's very average, and the visuals don't look nearly as good in action.

Stay Puft

02-13-2008, 10:02 PM

D_Davis

02-13-2008, 10:04 PM

http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8624661&publicUserId=4549029

GDC is next week, and 1UP and GFW have daily podcasts with special guests. That is going to be epic. Can't wait to hear Warren Spector chat with the GFW guys on Tuesday.

Yeah - it's going to be awesome.

I can't wait to hear David Jaffe and Dennis Dyak on the one-console future.

D_Davis

02-14-2008, 04:57 AM

I picked up Dark Messiah today. It's okay. I've played for about 2 hours, and there have been parts that I've really liked, and parts I haven't.

It is not a great game by any means. It is glitchy, and the frame rate suffers far too much.

However, I am having fun with it. I wish there were more non-military-based FPS games. I like that it is not an RPG.

I can't recommend it at $60, but I think it is a solid $40 purchase.

It's like a good B-movie.

megladon8

02-14-2008, 05:00 AM

D_Davis

02-14-2008, 05:12 AM

Is the technical presnetation at all improved from the demo?

I don't think so.

It looks okay. Like a 2 year old PC game, which it is.

Some parts look really cool, others not so much.

I was just inside a Necromancer's Temple, and this part was really awesome.

megladon8

02-14-2008, 06:18 AM

I quite liked the demo for "Conflict: Denied Ops".

It's an old-school shooter at heart, but with some interesting gameplay mechanics and the style and story of a military shooter.

Having the two characters to control - one a sharpshooter, the other a machine-gun toter - was fun, and involved a little bit of strategy, but remained a fast-paced action game.

It has some OK visuals - nothing that's going to win any awards. A few little framerate hiccups, but those could surely be fixed either in the full release, or with downloadable updates.

Not sure it's one I'd purchase at full price, but when it comes down to $30, I'll probably pick it up.

D_Davis

02-14-2008, 03:28 PM

I'll check it out.

Did you play the demo for The Club, yet?

megladon8

02-14-2008, 04:40 PM

I'll check it out.

Did you play the demo for The Club, yet?

No not yet - totally forgot, but you boosted my memory!

*goes to download*

Dukefrukem

02-14-2008, 05:09 PM

You bought a 360 just for Mass Effect?

:)

my gamer tag is genrebuster

for Mass Effect and Dead Rising

D_Davis

02-14-2008, 07:54 PM

for Mass Effect and Dead Rising

Do you mainly game on a PC?

D_Davis

02-14-2008, 09:20 PM

Here is a good review for Dark Messiah. He gives it a 6/10

http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/launchreview.asp?reviewid=9161 50

I pretty much agree.

The combat is really fun. You can just button mash, but if you want you can also have a lot of fun with it. This is one of those games that gives a little more you put a little more into it and play it how it wants you to.

Dukefrukem

02-14-2008, 10:31 PM

Do you mainly game on a PC?

Yup

http://www.xfire.com/profile/dukefrukem/

D_Davis

02-14-2008, 10:34 PM

Yup

http://www.xfire.com/profile/dukefrukem/

I wish STALKER would come out on the 360. I really want to play that. Maybe when I get a new computer for Spore...

megladon8

02-14-2008, 11:12 PM

Downloaded two demos today...

"The Club" was great run-and-gun fun. It's like a beat-'em-up, but with guns instead of kung-fu. A great selection of weapons and a hilariously morbid concept made it a good time, though not much depth there. I suppose deep gameplay isn't really what they were aiming for anyways.

I also got the demo for "skate", which I was very surprised by. I enjoyed the "Tony Hawk" series back in the day, but it was milked to death. This is arefreshing change, and the trick system is great - the closest to real skateboarding that I have seen in a video game.

Skitch

02-15-2008, 12:09 PM

Any PSP owners out there?

Scar

02-15-2008, 12:17 PM

Played Ninja Gaiden Sigma for an hour or two yesterday before deciding that I need to be in top form before playing this game. Gotta be quick, and its hard when you're sick! So I went back to closing Hell gates in Oblivion.

And, Meg, it doesn't take 50+ hours to get to the main storyline. There are many storylines and adventures, and if you're like me, you can just wander for a long time before getting to some of the important storylines, and by then, you're character is seriously BAD ASS.

Dukefrukem

02-15-2008, 02:07 PM

I wish STALKER would come out on the 360. I really want to play that. Maybe when I get a new computer for Spore...

I will say, despite all the negative response around that game, it is indeed one of the best games of 2007. The atmosphere and creativity is fantastic! But it was downplayed by a lot of bugs, slow moving and inaccurate weaponry. There are also some situations where the game does not save and you die and quests that make the game very frustrating.

But as you can see, I've turned into a hardcore gamer where as I was a hardcore movie watcher. I still enjoy both.

KK2.0

02-15-2008, 04:12 PM

I really want to play that. Maybe when I get a new computer for Spore...

the only PC game i'm anticipating since Half Life 2, but i also need a decent computer for it..

September 7. \0/

D_Davis

02-15-2008, 04:20 PM

Listening to the newest GFW podcast had me salivating for Spore.

Stay Puft

02-15-2008, 04:54 PM

I will say, despite all the negative response around that game, it is indeed one of the best games of 2007. The atmosphere and creativity is fantastic! But it was downplayed by a lot of bugs, slow moving and inaccurate weaponry. There are also some situations where the game does not save and you die and quests that make the game very frustrating.

Yeah, I heard the game was initially riddled with bugs. Depending on the system some people experienced repeated crashes. I have a copy but decided to wait for a couple patches before installing and playing.

My backlog is big, so I'll probably save it for the summer, but I'm certainly looking forward to playing it. I want to get a copy of The Witcher, too.

Dukefrukem

02-15-2008, 04:59 PM

Listening to the newest GFW podcast had me salivating for Spore.

Same here. It's gonna be the first game to challenge WoW.

Dukefrukem

02-15-2008, 05:03 PM

My backlog is big, so I'll probably save it for the summer, but I'm certainly looking forward to playing it. I want to get a copy of The Witcher, too.

Man don't get me started on backlogs. I buy so many video games without beating them....

here's my current backlog.. the bolded are games i've beaten before.

Assassins Creed (PS3) (On 3rd assassination)
Alpha Prime (PC) (haven't started)
Blacksite: Area-51 (PC) (haven't started)
Call of Duty 2 (PC) (on North African campaign)
Call of Duty 3 (PS3) (American Campaign, right after driving the Jeep)
Company of Heroes (PC) (haven't started)
Crysis (PC) (haven't started)
Darkness, the (PS3) (right after first encounter with Uncle Paulie)
Dead Rising (360)
Doom 3 (PC) (completed 2nd boss)
Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil (PC) (haven't started)
Deus Ex (PC) (first mission)
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (PC)
F.E.A.R. (PC)
Gears of War (360) (completed first mission)
God of War II (PS2) (haven't started)
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PC) (haven't started)
Jericho (PC) (haven't started)
Kane and Lynch (PC) (haven't started)
Far Cry (PC) (first map with the monsters)
Lost Planet (PC) (completed huge snow worm boss)
Man Hunt (PC) (2nd mission)
Mass Effect (360) (Level 40-42)
Painkiller: Overdose (PC) (haven't started)
Supreme Commander (PC) (haven't started)
Timeshift (PC) (haven't started)
Tomb Raider – Anniversary (PC) (haven't started)
Tomb Raider – Legend (PC) (haven't started)
Ratchet and Clank (PS3) (@ Cobalia's spaceport)
Unreal Tournament III (PC)
World in Conflict (PC) (completed Seattle)

Scar

02-15-2008, 05:12 PM

Man don't get me started on backlogs. I buy so many video games without beating them....

here's my current backlog.. the bolded are games i've beaten before.

Assassins Creed (PS3) (On 3rd assassination)
Alpha Prime (PC) (haven't started)
Blacksite: Area-51 (PC) (haven't started)
Call of Duty 2 (PC) (on North African campaign)
Call of Duty 3 (PS3) (American Campaign, right after driving the Jeep)
Company of Heroes (PC) (haven't started)
Crysis (PC) (haven't started)
Darkness, the (PS3) (right after first encounter with Uncle Paulie)
Dead Rising (360)
Doom 3 (PC) (completed 2nd boss)
Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil (PC) (haven't started)
Deus Ex (PC) (first mission)
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (PC)
F.E.A.R. (PC)
Gears of War (360) (completed first mission)
God of War II (PS2) (haven't started)
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PC) (haven't started)
Jericho (PC) (haven't started)
Kane and Lynch (PC) (haven't started)
Far Cry (PC) (first map with the monsters)
Lost Planet (PC) (completed huge snow worm boss)
Man Hunt (PC) (2nd mission)
Mass Effect (360) (Level 40-42)
Painkiller: Overdose (PC) (haven't started)
Supreme Commander (PC) (haven't started)
Timeshift (PC) (haven't started)
Tomb Raider – Anniversary (PC) (haven't started)
Tomb Raider – Legend (PC) (haven't started)
Ratchet and Clank (PS3) (@ Cobalia's spaceport)
Unreal Tournament III (PC)
World in Conflict (PC) (completed Seattle)

Dude.

Dukefrukem

02-15-2008, 05:37 PM

Dude.

I know man. I know.

My DVD queue isn't looking too bad compared to this.

megladon8

02-15-2008, 05:53 PM

How do you afford all those video games?

I buy a lot of DVDs, sure, but there's a significant price difference.

Dukefrukem

02-15-2008, 06:15 PM

How do you afford all those video games?

I buy a lot of DVDs, sure, but there's a significant price difference.

I used to get them for free when I reviewed video games. But the site took on new ownership and decided to cut me out of the budget.

Dukefrukem

02-15-2008, 06:22 PM

Here's again a list of games I own... hit me up on steam, xbl or psn

PSN = dukefrukem
http://www.xfire.com/profile/dukefrukem/
http://steamcommunity.com/id/Dukefrukem/games
http://profile.mygamercard.net/Dukefrukem

megladon8

02-16-2008, 03:31 AM

I used to get them for free when I reviewed video games. But the site took on new ownership and decided to cut me out of the budget.

Ah. That must have been a pretty cool job.

Dukefrukem

02-16-2008, 04:06 AM

Sweet I just finished Mass Effect.... which of those games above should I finish now? lol

megladon8

02-16-2008, 04:11 AM

Sweet I just finished Mass Effect.... which of those games above should I finish now? lol

We should play through "Gears of War" together sometime - you have X-Box LiVE, right?

I believe it can be played co-op over the net.

Like you, I own it but have only played the first mission.

Sven

02-16-2008, 04:49 AM

Hey, if anyone wants to add me as a friend with their XBOX, my moniker is:

iososjr

I'm not sure how it works or anything, nor do I own any games that people really play together, but hey... why let that keep us from being friends?

megladon8

02-16-2008, 05:55 AM

Skitch

02-16-2008, 10:33 AM

I finally have joined the new world and bought a 360. Games hunt begins in a few hours.

Saya

02-16-2008, 02:39 PM

I finally have joined the new world and bought a 360. Games hunt begins in a few hours.

Cool, there are loads of awesome games available for the 360. Should be no problem to find some you'll like.

I finally got to the Dante levels with DMC 4 (I'm at mission 18 now). His realtime style and weapon switch are fantastic. I wish there were some more different bosses though.

Morris Schæffer

02-16-2008, 07:17 PM

megladon8

02-16-2008, 08:10 PM

Pretty neat Alone in the Dark footage:

http://www.gamer.nl/doc.php/44544/Alles-wat-in-het-echt-kan-kan-in-Alone-in-the-Dark?&cc=1#comment893683

Check out the uhm, jacket view. Just click the play option.

That looks pretty awesome, but I have an inkling you won't actually be that free to use objects and whatnot in the actual game.

It's probably only specific objects and combinations...not complete freedom.

But yes, that jacket view is cool - a very original way to do inventory.

Morris Schæffer

02-16-2008, 09:47 PM

But yes, that jacket view is cool - a very original way to do inventory.

Yep. It may not be a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but baby steps are fine as well.

And I agree concerning the freedom in the game. As another poster put it on that same website: "So does that mean I can fart, light the released gas with a lighter and torch my enemies?

Well, highly unlikely.:)

MacGuffin

02-16-2008, 09:59 PM

Crackdown is amazingly cinematic and infinitely fun.

megladon8

02-16-2008, 10:46 PM

Crackdown is amazingly cinematic and infinitely fun.

This is one I kind of avoided because a couple of "gamer friends" of mine said it was so repetitive that after about an hour of gameplay, they never got anything new out of it.

I should get around to downloading the demo...

MacGuffin

02-16-2008, 10:55 PM

This is one I kind of avoided because a couple of "gamer friends" of mine said it was so repetitive that after about an hour of gameplay, they never got anything new out of it.

I should get around to downloading the demo...

Yeah, I went in thinking it may be repetitive, but far from it. From the downloadable Keys to the City mode to the rooftop jumping to the physics, it's amazingly replayable. There's nothing like standing on a tall building late at night and then jumping down to fight some bad guys. The rooftop races are awesome. The cars are very fast. You can ever lift them. It's constant, yes, repetitious; but awesome action. A new favorite.

KK2.0

02-17-2008, 07:58 PM

Crackdown is amazingly cinematic and infinitely fun.

Speaking about Crackdown, have you peeps watched the teaser for PROTOTYPE?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwdnjX-lAmA

It's from Radical Entertainment, same devs from HULK Ultimate Destruction, and a sequel of sorts, minus the Marvel character of course.

looks insanely fun

megladon8

02-17-2008, 10:48 PM

Speaking about Crackdown, have you peeps watched the teaser for PROTOTYPE?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwdnjX-lAmA

It's from Radical Entertainment, same devs from HULK Ultimate Destruction, and a sequel of sorts, minus the Marvel character of course.

looks insanely fun

Holy crap that looks amazing.

"The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction" was one of my very favorite X-Box games.

Did you notice that the narration at the beginning of the "Prototype" trailer kind of sounded like Johnny Depp? I actually thought it was him at first.

Skitch

02-18-2008, 12:55 AM

I already had Perfect Dark: Zero (because the first one is one of my all time favorites, naysayers can die), this weekend I picked up The Darkness for ten, and PGR 3 for ten. So far PGR 3 is pretty fun...haven't gotten to the Darkness yet (damn Sopranos!), any thoughts?

megladon8

02-18-2008, 02:49 AM

I really wish I could find a cast list for the voice acting in "Prototype".

I was just watching that trailer again, and my mom overheard it and said "is that Johnny Depp?"

Morris Schæffer

02-18-2008, 04:02 PM

I really wish I could find a cast list for the voice acting in "Prototype".

I was just watching that trailer again, and my mom overheard it and said "is that Johnny Depp?"

Hey Meg,

Barry Pepper, Paul Guilfoyle and Gordon Clapp.

megladon8

02-18-2008, 05:04 PM

Hey Meg,

Barry Pepper, Paul Guilfoyle and Gordon Clapp.

Ah, yes, I hear Barry Pepper now.

But seriously those first couple of lines, "Did you ever think you were put here for a reason? Someone asked me that once..." sounded so much like Depp.

Sycophant

02-18-2008, 06:00 PM

Seven years after I abandoned my fist and last play-through, I'm playing Final Fantasy VI. This game rocks.

megladon8

02-18-2008, 11:07 PM

I was reading up on "Prototype", and I really like its game mechanic of "Deceive or Destroy".

Since, in your normal form, you look like a human, you can choose to just walk through crowds and blend in, working a more stealthy and strategy-based gameplay style.

Or you can go nuts destroying and consuming everyone and everything in your path.

I'd probably use a mixture of the two :) I'd destroy tons of stuff, then when the cops are on to me I'd go back to human form and just walk around until they leave.

Sure it's nothing original, but for this game the potential seems great.

Dukefrukem

02-18-2008, 11:55 PM

We should play through "Gears of War" together sometime - you have X-Box LiVE, right?

I believe it can be played co-op over the net.

Like you, I own it but have only played the first mission.

I'm down. Let me know when you want to start. I'm good to go whenever.

meg, whats your gamertag? i lost it.

edit2: if its megladon8, i just friended you.

megladon8

02-19-2008, 03:26 AM

Oh man, I am totally loving "skate" - I just wish there wasn't that damn timer on the demo.

It's one I'd definitely like to pick up sometime.

The control took some time to get used to, but once I did, I found it much more precise and rewarding than anything I've played before. Being able to shift your weight as well as control the board is awesome.

Then I downloaded the demo for "Crackdown", which is a cool, shallow action game. Again, the timer pissed me off because it shut the game down right when it was starting to get really exciting. It's one I could see myself buying used or reduced.

I also downloaded the multiplayer demo for "Frontlines: Fuel of War", and it's pretty much broken. I spent 15 minutes just trying to get into a game, and it never happened, so I never even got to play.

Dukefrukem

02-19-2008, 11:05 AM

I'm down. Let me know when you want to start. I'm good to go whenever.

meg, whats your gamertag? i lost it.

edit2: if its megladon8, i just friended you.

bump for meg

D_Davis

02-19-2008, 03:38 PM

Peter Molyneux:

In the six years since Black & White [was released] they have been working improving the great things that underpinned that game, and now they are getting pretty close to something that is very significant. It's a very big thing. A new franchise and as close to something revolutionary as I have ever seen. And we're close to announcing it... If you think back to the one thing about Black & White that was most fascinating, you'd have to say it was that creature that learned behavior and seemed, for a certain glimpse, to be alive. Imagine if you could take that and multiply it by a billion...God I love Mr. Molyneux. He is a true dreamer, and even though he rarely fully delivers, the world could use some more optimistic dreamers.

I just love listening to him talk about his games. He actually seems excited and happy to be working.

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9174&Itemid=2

Molyneux: ‘We’re About to Revolutionize AI’

megladon8

02-20-2008, 01:03 AM

Yikes...GameSpot gave "Dark Messiah" a whopping 3.5 score.

In their "Pros / Cons" section, there weren't any Pros at all.

D_Davis

02-20-2008, 02:09 AM

Yikes...GameSpot gave "Dark Messiah" a whopping 3.5 score.

In their "Pros / Cons" section, there weren't any Pros at all.

:lol:

It's not that bad!

D_Davis

02-20-2008, 03:27 PM

Check out this footage of Fez...

It's like a mix of Super Paper Mario, Crush, and Echochrome...

http://www.destructoid.com/gdc-08-fez-the-best-game-i-have-never-played-71212.phtml

Man, this looks awesome.

Morris Schæffer

02-20-2008, 05:53 PM

I'm still very curious about David "Elite" Braben's The Outsider. A spy thriller set in Washington DC, it's the kind of game that naturally promises untold freedom and Braben should know a thing or two about that. Still, this ain't wireframe shenanigans circa 1984. Next-gen technology will invoke closer scrutiny, the demands made by consumers regarding A.I. and whatnot more rigid, more uh, demanding.

KK2.0

02-20-2008, 06:13 PM

Fez looks like great fun, and it seems my PC can handle it. XD

Saya

02-20-2008, 06:44 PM

It seems Gears of War 2 will be coming this november. Awesome. I hope the campaign will be a bit longer this time though.

Dukefrukem

02-20-2008, 07:13 PM

Meg do you want to start up a GoW campaign tonight?

megladon8

02-20-2008, 07:18 PM

Meg do you want to start up a GoW campaign tonight?

Possibly, yes.

What timezone are you in? What time is it for you right now?

Saya

02-20-2008, 07:21 PM

Here's the first teaser for Gears 2:

http://www.gamersyde.com/stream_6250_en.html

Dukefrukem

02-20-2008, 07:22 PM

Possibly, yes.

What timezone are you in? What time is it for you right now?

Eastern. Its 3:20

megladon8

02-20-2008, 07:25 PM

Eastern. Its 3:20

OK cool. I'll have to see what I have goin' on homework wise.

I should be able to tonight, just not sure what time - it might be pretty late.

You go to bed any specific time?

Dukefrukem

02-20-2008, 07:28 PM

OK cool. I'll have to see what I have goin' on homework wise.

I should be able to tonight, just not sure what time - it might be pretty late.

You go to bed any specific time?

I'll probably be finishing up Ratchet and Clank tonight and i'll play whenever you want up until midnight.

megladon8

02-20-2008, 07:29 PM

I'll probably be finishing up Ratchet and Clank tonight and i'll play whenever you want up until midnight.

OK sweet...I shall get back to you, alright?

Dukefrukem

02-20-2008, 07:53 PM

OK sweet...I shall get back to you, alright?

yeh i think i friended you on xbl. if its the same as your name on here.

megladon8

02-20-2008, 07:55 PM

yeh i think i friended you on xbl. if its the same as your name on here.

Indeed it is.

I don't know too many people who misspell prehistoric sharks in their names :)

You'll have to bear with me in the game, though - I'll be rusty with the controls, and I'm generally not the most amazing gamer ever.

Justin

02-20-2008, 08:02 PM

Oh man, I am totally loving "skate" - I just wish there wasn't that damn timer on the demo.

It's one I'd definitely like to pick up sometime.

The control took some time to get used to, but once I did, I found it much more precise and rewarding than anything I've played before. Being able to shift your weight as well as control the board is awesome.

Took me a while to respond, but you really should not hesitate to pick it up, it is honestly one of the best games I have played in years. It is one of the few games where you really have a feeling of accomplishment, even when all you are doing is trying to ollie some gap.

megladon8

02-20-2008, 08:05 PM

Took me a while to respond, but you really should not hesitate to pick it up, it is honestly one of the best games I have played in years. It is one of the few games where you really have a feeling of accomplishment, even when all you are doing is trying to ollie some gap.

Yeh, I think I might look for it in NYC next week.

The control scheme is just so great. It took me a while to get used to the intricate timing involved - mounting/dismounting rails and whatnot can be tricky.

But it wasn't long before I was doing some really cool stuff.

And I like that due to both the controls and the real-world atmosphere, you don't need to be doing 600,000 foot rail slides, or triple back-flip nollie kick-flips off a Lunar Naval base to feel like you've done something cool.

The first time I did a kick-flip into and out of a manual, I felt pretty damn happy with myself :)

Dukefrukem

02-20-2008, 08:10 PM

Indeed it is.

I don't know too many people who misspell prehistoric sharks in their names :)

You'll have to bear with me in the game, though - I'll be rusty with the controls, and I'm generally not the most amazing gamer ever.

dont worry about it. i will be too.

Morris Schæffer

02-20-2008, 08:13 PM

Aliens: Colonial Marines beeyotches:

http://games.tiscali.cz/news/news.asp?id=26192&r=top

The pics take a while to load. This is from Gearbox btw.

megladon8

02-20-2008, 08:17 PM

Aliens: Colonial Marines beeyotches:

http://games.tiscali.cz/news/news.asp?id=26192&r=top

The pics take a while to load. This is from Gearbox btw.

When I saw the facehugger pic, I was going to come back here and say "holy crap, that's a shameless rip off of the Alien movies."

Then it dawned on me...

The game is called "Aliens".

And I made the connection.

Stay Puft

02-20-2008, 08:21 PM

Here's the first teaser for Gears 2:

http://www.gamersyde.com/stream_6250_en.html

Whoa nice. I love me some Gears.

Dukefrukem

02-20-2008, 08:22 PM

go here for better scans

http://www.straferight.com/forums/first-person-shooters-fps/176202-ps3-360-pc-aliens-colonial-marines.html

i got the game informer today

Morris Schæffer

02-20-2008, 08:37 PM

Thanks Duke! Looks great.

D_Davis

02-20-2008, 11:39 PM

go here for better scans

http://www.straferight.com/forums/first-person-shooters-fps/176202-ps3-360-pc-aliens-colonial-marines.html

i got the game informer today

Nice. That's going to be awesome.

Dukefrukem

02-20-2008, 11:42 PM

Thanks. Scanned them myself. ;)

Nice. That's going to be awesome.

I agree. Its gonna be like Gears of War meets Resistance Fall of Man. 4 player off or online coop is great.

megladon8

02-20-2008, 11:45 PM

Dukefrukem

02-20-2008, 11:47 PM

Is it going to be solely gameplay as a marine?

Or will it go the AvP route and have 2-3 races to play as?

Personally, I'd like to see them stick with just playing as a marine, and really make that shine, rather than having 3 different styles that are all just so-so.

All it says in the article is Marines. Its gonna be a combination of Gears, Resistance, and Jericho. So you can give orders to other marines who have specialty areas like, turrets, electronics, computers etc.