[X360] Most-Played Xbox 360 Games and XBLA Games of 2011 Revealed

[X360] Most-Played Xbox 360 Games and XBLA Games of 2011 Revealed

Major Nelson provides details the most-played Xbox 360 and XBLA games on a regular basis, but the blog has compiled the numbers for the entire year to give us an idea of what people were playing in 2011. Xbox 360 titles are based on unique users logging into Xbox Live, while XBLA titles are based on full versions purchased. We have poured over the list for a while now and have come to an amazing revelation: Lots of people like to play shooters, especially Call of Duty. Consider your mind blown.

Xbox 360 Top Live Titles

1. Call of Duty: Black Ops
2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
4. Halo: Reach
5. Battlefield 3
6. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
7. Gears of War 3
8. FIFA 12
9. FIFA 11
10. Madden NFL 12
11. Grand Theft Auto IV
12. NBA 2K11
13. Battlefield: Bad Company 2
14. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
15. Battlefield 3 Beta
16. Halo 3
17. Gears of War 2
18. Forza Motorsport 4
19. Red Dead Redemption
20. Call of Duty: World at War

Top Arcade Titles

1. Pinball FX2
2. Full House Poker
3. Castle Crashers
4. Fruit Ninja Kinect
5. From Dust
6. Trials HD
7. Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012
8. Dead Rising 2: Case West
9. Torchlight
10. Toy Soldiers: Cold War
11. Plants vs. Zombies
12. Portal: Still Alive
13. Bastion
14. Limbo
15. Game Room
16. Dead Rising 2: Case Zero
17. Peggle
18. Dungeons & Dragons Daggerdale
19. Battlefield 1943
20. Beyond Good & Evil HD

You can also see the top indie games, Windows Live titles, and Windows phone titles by clicking the link.

Written by: Mike Glubish

User(s) browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)

View the original article here

[PS3, X360] 11 grounded minutes of Asura's Wrath footage

[PS3, X360] 11 grounded minutes of Asura's Wrath footage
You want some more footage from Asura's Wrath? Well, the internet has delivered in the form of extended videos from the videos released in November. So, sit back and enjoy. It is all in Japanese, so that will make it even harder to comprehend what is happening, so let your eyes enjoy the show.
This crazy slice of gaming is expected to launch sometime this year on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Written by: Kyran Morrison

DPrinny
Cant change name

Posts: 1,267
Joined: Aug 2007
Reputation: 14

DPrinny
Cant change name

Posts: 1,267
Joined: Aug 2007
Reputation: 14

User(s) browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)

View the original article here

[PS3, X360] New video showcases menu's and time travel in Final Fantasy XIII-2

[PS3, X360] New video showcases menu's and time travel in Final Fantasy XIII-2
Sure, Chrono Trigger had time travel. But it has been just long enough for Square Enix to revisit the mechanic. What better way to do it than with a sequel to Final Fantasy XIII? No doubt you've had a chance to take the game for a test run thanks to Square Enix making the demo available.

Square Enix have released a new video showcasing the time travel via the Historia Crux, check it out below.

Written by: Kyran Morrison

User(s) browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)

View the original article here

[Multi] 2012 Video Games Preview - Part III (#21-30)

30. Risen 2: Dark Waters
Platform(s): PC, PS3, X360
Genre: Action RPG
Developer: Piranha Bytes
Publisher: Deep Silver
Release Date: April 24, 2012

Last year, RPG fans got a hefty dose of medieval settings and storylines with games like Dragon Age II, The Witcher 2, and Skyrim, so Risen 2: Dark Waters might be a refreshing change of pace this year with its distinct pirate theme. You will begin Risen 2 with the star of the first game (who developer Piranha Bytes lovingly refers to as the “Nameless Hero”) washing up on the shores of an isolated island. He is a shell of his former self though, now an alcoholic, disenchanted man that has lost much of his power and ability. Your first goal is to find a way off this desolate island and find more populated areas. After accomplishing this, you will embark on the meaty adventure that will take our hero through numerous islands and port towns, interacting with the many colourful folk that reside therein while battling with hordes of monsters and pirates in pursuit of a legend that claims to contain the secret to defeat the monstrous titans that dwell within the nearby seas. As with all RPGs, completing quests and defeating baddies will yield experience points to spend on improving stats and abilities or learning new skills. What's most promising is that the developer is taking great care in creating an interesting and faithful game world: NPCs will speak with the gruff accents and crude demeanor you would expect from the denizens of a pirate society (Piranha Bytes is infusing plenty of humour into both dialogue and gameplay too), players will be able to wield a wide variety of weapons including swords and firearms, and the settings look fantastic with lush jungles and authentic port towns, characters, and creatures befitting of the historic Caribbean-like setting. We don’t really expect that Risen 2 will do much to redefine the genre, but building upon the rock solid foundation set by the first game (just forget about the console version of Risen) and the fascinating setting that makes a much-needed departure from the stereotypical fantasy worlds of most modern RPGs, we expect that the Dark Waters of Risen 2 will be well worth exploring.

29. Final Fantasy Versus XIII

Platform(s): PS3
Genre: Action RPG
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Release Date: TBA 2012

There seems to be an awful lot of games with Final Fantasy XIII in the title these days, but Versus XIII may be the black sheep in the bunch, and that might actually be a good thing. Although Versus is set in the same universe as FFXIII and its sequel also due out this year, the PS3-exclusive will feature a completely different plot with different characters and even different gameplay. Famed designer and director Tetsuya Nomura (best known for directing the Kingdom Hearts series) is heading up the project, which should give the game its own distinct flavour from other Final Fantasy games. The game is uses a three character party-based combat system where players will be able to switch between characters and is often referred to as having a similar feel to Kingdom Heart’s battle system. Each character has their own set of weapons, magic, and abilities, many of which can be customized: only main character Noctis can use all the game’s weapons, while another character that specializes in firearms can enter a third-person mode for precise aiming. Nomura’s team at Square Enix is doing their best to ensure the game world and its characters look and perform as realistically as possible. Most Final Fantasy games have a bright, fantastical aesthetic to the game world, but Versus is aiming for painstakingly realistic environments, and characters will have detailed facial expressions and body movements, including animated character portraits at the bottom of the screen during battles. The series’ typically meaty cut-scenes in which players are forced to sit and watch for lengthy periods of time are being revamped to become more interactive, as players will be able to move around and perform various actions during cut-scenes a la Heavy Rain. Wandering the game’s huge open landscapes will have a different feel too, as Versus features a real-time day/night cycle as well as numerous real-time events that will occur while travelling, such as a behemoth attacking as Noctis approaches a bridge or ships suddenly dropping from the sky and crashing near the player. Traversing the massive game world will be made more efficient as well since players will be able to ride in cars, air ships, and on chocobos. Versus XIII is still a bit of an enigma with any substantial looks at the game yet to be revealed (we're not entirely confident that it will even make it out in 2012), but the game has very competent team behind it with a clear and distinct vision for the game that should be a welcomed change of pace from the other games bearing the FFXIII moniker.

28. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Platform(s): PC, PS3, X360
Genre: Action
Developer: Platinum Games
Publisher: Konami
Release Date: TBA 2012

You might just want to ignore the title of this game. While Revengeance (a ridiculous hybrid word in its own right) shares a common name with the critically-acclaimed franchise that has sold tens of millions of copies in the last decade and a half, it bears little to no resemblance to the stealth-action pioneer. Even the developer is different since Kojima Productions relinquished its handle on the game to Bayonetta developer Platinum Games after Kojima’s legendary team struggled to find a compelling way to tell Raiden’s story. Past images gamers may have seen of Raiden systematically chopping up melons, machines, and yes, even people, are no longer the primary direction for Metal Gear Rising, as the mechanic proved too difficult to integrate into an enjoyable experience on its own. Platinum’s take on the experience is much more fast-paced and action-oriented, not unlike its aforementioned signature title Bayonetta. As opposed to the slow, calculated course of action players are encouraged to take with Solid Snake during his starring roles within the series, Revengeance players will be pushed to literally hack and slash anything and anyone that gets in their way. It still appears pretty much anything is fair game for protagonist Raiden’s famous katana, as trailers have shown Raiden effortlessly slicing entire vehicles in half, though more recent looks at the action show quicker and more reckless slicing and dicing than was shown in early builds of the game. Details on the plot are scarce at this point, though we do know that the storyline, which obviously follows the exploits of MGS2 co-star Raiden, will take place after the events of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. Fans may be annoyed by the fact that this is being called a Metal Gear game given its radical alterations to the core gameplay (no “tactical espionage action” here), however moving past that fact reveals quite an interesting concept that looks like it should provide lots of over-the-top style and brutal fun, especially if Platinum can match or, better yet, improve upon its previous efforts.

27. Alan Wake's American Nightmare

Platform(s): X360
Genre: Action
Developer: Remedy Entertainment
Publisher: Microsoft Studios
Release Date: TBA 2012

People are still struggling to classify this download-only Xbox Live Arcade extension of the acclaimed horror franchise that began just a couple of years ago. We know that it isn’t a direct sequel to Alan Wake - developer Remedy says that’s still in the works – nor is it an expansion of the first game. It isn’t an attempt to spread the franchise to another genre either. Alan Wake’s American Nightmare is more of short-form spin-off that will flesh out the lore of this peculiar IP, and help to quell the long wait until the full-fledged sequel arrived. Players of the first game (which will finally be coming out for PC gamers this year as well) will probably remember the eerie "Night Springs" episodes playing on televisions spread throughout the game world during the terrifying experience, whose manuscripts were written by Alan Wake himself. American Nightmare finds the titular character trapped inside an episode of the show in similar fashion to how he was trapped in one of his novels for the first game. The setting has changed quite dramatically: the mountainous terrain and thick evergreen forests of the Pacific Northwest have been replaced by the bright and barren desert of Arizona. Here he will encounter his own evil doppelganger, called Mr. Scratch, who is leaving Alan sadistic videos of himself tormenting and killing innocent victims while threatening to do the same to his wife Alice. The gameplay concept remains mostly the same: shadowy people, creatures, and objects interested in bringing harm to our hero need to be exposed to a light source in order to make them vulnerable to attacks with conventional weapons, however Remedy is adding a wider selection of both light sources and weaponry along with a greater variety of enemies, effectively addressing probably the most common complaint with the original – repetitive combat. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that just because this is a downloadable game that Remedy is dumbing down the production values either. American Nightmare will have more of those ‘WTF is going on’ moments with vehicles and other large objects being tossed around by an unseen supernatural force, accompanied by full narration and voiced characters, licensed music, and more refined visuals. Given the shorter context of this story, Remedy is also claiming that there will be more action and less storytelling this time around. Normally we wouldn’t be terribly excited for a shortened spin-off an established franchise, but when that franchise is one of very few remaining quality survival horror series and that spin-off looks to improve upon the main series in almost every way, we’re going to make an exception.

26. Journey

Platform(s): PS3
Genre: Adventure
Developer: thatgamecompany
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Release Date: Q2 2012

The downloadable marketplace has become a beacon for some truly unique artistic and gameplay experiences in recent years, the likes of which include Limbo, Braid, and Bastion. But perhaps no developer has established itself on such concepts as thatgamecompany, the studio that has brought us the unusual but well-received experiences Flow and Flower. The developer is at it again with their newest effort, Journey. The distinctiveness of the game is immediately apparent from the first time you lay eyes on it, with an invisible, cloaked figure wandering into a seemingly endless desert of sand dunes. A goal always remains in sight though: a tall mountain burgeoning in the distance, with a mysterious beam of light beckoning from its peak. It’s not particularly clear what is required of the player in order to reach the mountain, nor what they will find when they get there. There are only two actions that the player can perform: leap and sing. Singing seems to be a primary concept to the gameplay, as it can be used to interact with objects, such as activating pieces of cloth lying in the sand that will form paths for the player to follow or allow them to fly for brief periods. Ruins and other magical objects will be encountered throughout the journey as well, though their purpose hasn't really been detailed yet. Journey is also an online multiplayer title, but not at all in the traditional sense. As you navigate the vast desert, you may meet other faceless figures who are actually other players playing the game. You will not know the identity of the players you meet and will not be able to speak to them, but you can communicate with one another through basic commands conveyed through the ‘sing’ button. It is up to you how you wish to interact with other players: you can travel together, have a brief encounter, or simply ignore each other. Obviously if you’re into games for their heavy action sequences or deep narratives, Journey is not for you. For the rest of us though, the game’s stunning visual spectacle, beautifully haunting sound and atmosphere, and irresistible sense of vastness and mystery make Journey a unique artistic experience that we don’t want to miss.

25. SSX

Platform(s): PS3, X360
Genre: Extreme Sports
Developer: EA Canada
Publisher: EA Sports
Release Date: February 28, 2012

Early prognostications of SSX (initially dubbed ‘Deadly Descents’) had fans of the series concerned about the direction EA was taking with the reboot of the beloved snowboarding franchise. It looked darker and more realistic, leading gamers to the assumption that the over-the-top arcade style the series was founded on was being ditched for a simulation-style experience more akin to EA’s Skate franchise. As more details have emerged though, it has become more and more apparent that EA Canada is in fact staying true to the tried-and-true SSX formula, much to the relief of fans. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some big changes in store though, beginning with the level design. Players will be dropped onto actual mountains (27 in total, each with numerous drop points) from various ranges around the planet using real data borrowed from NASA, giving them more of a free reign across the slopes than the invisible barriers found in previous games that walled players onto a linear, defined track. While the topography of the mountains may be faithful to their real-life counterparts, the developers are designing the terrain on their own to make sure there are plenty of interesting features for players to take advantage of. And taking advantage of features is where SSX veterans will feel right at home. Armed with a new wingsuit for improved airtime, players will be able to pull off impossibly insane and stylish tricks throughout every adrenaline-filled descent. New to the formula is the ‘deadly descents’ mode, in which players’ primary goal is to survive peril-laden tracks as they strive to stay ahead of deadly avalanches thundering ominously close behind. Many of the characters will be familiar to anyone who has played previous entries, including fan favourites like Mac, Kaori, Psymon, and Elise, though they may be sporting slightly different looks and personalities. Joining them are some platform-exclusive guest characters like Nathan Drake (Uncharted) and Jak (Jak & Daxter) on the PS3, and, oddly enough, a pair of Miss Universe winners on the Xbox 360. There will be plenty of unlockable outfits for each character, and there is of course potential for several downloadable mountains to complement the already-extensive list of tracks. If it handles as tight as it did in its glory days, SSX will be a triumphant return to a fantastic franchise. Oh yeah and Run-DMC’s “It’s Tricky” theme from SSX Tricky is in the game too. If that doesn't seal the deal...

24. SoulCalibur V

Platform(s): PS3, X360
Genre: Fighting
Developer: Project Soul
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Release Date: January 31, 2012

Namco Bandai is doing its best to live up to its billing of the Soul franchise as “a tale of souls and swords eternally retold” by bringing the sixth game in the series over the last 16 years to consoles in 2012. Unlike the better part of the weapons-based fighting saga so far though, SoulCalibur V is poised to introduce some significant changes from its predecessors. A new gauge segmented into four parts has been introduced, which will need to be filled over the course of the match to pull off a few new special abilities: “Brave Edge” attacks use one segment of the meter and are upgraded versions of each character’s special attacks, and “Critical Edge” attacks consume half of the meter to perform impressive and punishing character-specific moves. On the defensive side of things, players will be able to utilize the “Guard Impact” and “Just Guard” mechanics. Guard Impacts, which cost a quarter of your gauge, will be initiated when you parry an attack immediately before impact, after which your opponent will become temporarily stunned and therefore vulnerable to an attack. Just Guard is more difficult to pull off, but doesn’t require you to use up any of your gauge: guarding at the moment of impact will stagger the enemy and grant you quicker recovery time. Don’t count on overdependence on your guarding abilities though. Too many consecutive defensive moves will cause your health meter to flash to red, indicating that your defences are weakening until they will finally collapse and leave you entirely defenseless unless you perform some parries or start fighting back. Many of the series’ colourful cast of characters will be returning for SCV, including the likes of Ivy, Voldo, Nightmare, Astaroth, and Cervantes; along with a handful of newbies. As is becoming custom for the franchise, a special guest character will also be playable. In this case, Ezio Auditore of Assassin’s Creed fame will join the cast, and we have to say that he seems to fit into the roster better than any previous character. Project Soul is also adding some depth to the character creator and is experimenting with a new animation technique that should give the fights a more stylish look in addition to the crisp HD visuals. SoulCalibur V is adding enough appealing changes to freshen things up a bit and move forward what is already one of the industry’s premier fighting franchises.

23. Resident Evil Revelations

Platform(s): 3DS
Genre: Action Adventure
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Release Date: February 7, 2012

If you read our Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, you will have already heard about the angst among Resident Evil fans over the long-running franchise’s gradual and lamentable gravitation away from its survival horror roots, of which the aforementioned title does nothing to dissipate. There is some hope however that the franchise has not completely abandoned its origins, strangely enough in the form of a rare handheld RE game. The Mercenaries 3D gave 3DS owners a brief taste of Resident Evil on Nintendo’s new handheld, but it didn’t taste very good. Revelations, on the other hand, looks to deliver the whole meal deal, and it looks delectable. The plot takes place sometime between the events of Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5 and follows the activities of popular RE stars Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield after Chris and his partner Jessica Sherawat have gone missing on a cruise liner somewhere in the Mediterranean Sea during an investigation, prompting Jill and her partner to embark on a search-and-rescue mission. The gameplay in Revelations seems to fall somewhere between the action-heavy sequences that defined RE5 and the slower-paced earlier games in the franchise where more of the focus were on the horror elements, although the whole game will be played by the now-standard behind-the-shoulder perspective (it’s also compatible with the new Circle Pad Pro attachment). In some levels you will be unloading copious amounts of ammunition into the game’s typical abominations through intense action sequences while in others you will be squeezing your way through claustrophobic corridors with distressingly little amounts of ammo and supplies with which to ward off the lurking terrors. Capcom has cleverly tailor-made the game for handheld play too. Unlike its console brethren, Revelations is split up into episodes and is further divided into smaller segments, acknowledging the likelihood that many players will be playing the game in shorter bursts than they would playing at home on a console. Capcom seems to have developed a nice atmosphere befitting of a proper Resident Evil title with quality audio and probably the best visuals yet seen on the 3DS. Despite enduring the perceived handicap of being on a handheld, Resident Evil Revelations looks a lot closer to the RE experience fans have long been craving.

22. Twisted Metal

Platform(s): PS3
Genre: Racing Action
Developer: Eat Sleep Play
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Release Date: February 14, 2012

Vehicular combat used to be all the rage about a decade and a half ago, but the genre’s waning popularity sent a beloved franchise on an extended vacation. It’s been 7 years since a new Twisted Metal game has been released and over a decade since we were last treated to a full-fledged console experience. The drought will finally come to an end this year when the franchise makes its long-awaited debut on the PlayStation 3, and it just might make vehicular combat cool again. For the most part, this reboot of a classic series is pretty much what you would expect the next generation of Twisted Metal to be. You will be able to choose from a number of sadistically bizarre characters and hop into one of numerous equally sadistic and bizarre vehicles to take to the road, or air, with (characters are not matched exclusively to one vehicle this time), from Sweet Tooth’s iconic ice cream truck to a hearse, a semi-truck, and even a helicopter. These vehicles will be equipped with all manner of forces of destruction, from shotguns to machine guns to missiles to mines to just about anything else you can imagine, so deploying up to 16 of these makeshift tanks onto an online battlefield will make for some seriously fast and fun carnage. Each vehicle will also come with its own unique special ability, and power-ups will be spread out across the maps as well. Twisted Metal will be about more than just a single-player campaign and the generic deathmatches where players do their best to blow each other up though. Eat Sleep Play has a variety of unique game modes that will encourage strategy and teamwork. One such mode is the new Nuke Mode, where two opposing teams each representing one of four rival factions (Clowns, Dolls, Skulls, and Preachers) own a statue suspended in the air by a helicopter. The object is to destroy the enemy’s statue, but in order to do so your team must abduct the opposing team’s leader (while simultaneously protecting their own leader) and sacrifice them to a missile launcher that will in turn launch a nuclear missile at the opponent’s statue, which will take three nukes to destroy. Fans will no doubt also enjoy the game’s ridiculous story and intentionally cheesy cut-scenes, and players will be rewarded with level-ups and unlockable content through persistent online play. Twisted Metal represents the natural evolution of the genre and the series that defined it, but having been dormant for such a long period of time makes it feel brand new all over again. Both long-time fans and newcomers should find a riotous multiplayer experience in Twisted Metal that is well-distinguished from the saturated realm of first-person shooters that currently dominates the online multiplayer arena.

21. Dishonored

Platform(s): PC, PS3, X360
Genre: Action Adventure
Developer: Arkane Studios
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Release Date: TBA 2012

Every year, emerging from the massive sea of sequels and spin-offs that characterize the video game industry are a small handful of original IPs that squeeze their way into the fray to make an impact. Dishonored is looking very much like it will be one of those games. Dishonored was announced quietly last year, so a lot of details are yet to be revealed. The game puts you in control of Corvo, a former bodyguard of the Empress who he is now wrongfully accused of murdering. Now an enemy to the people he once worked beside, Corvo must use his vast array of skills to get his vengeance. Such skills make him a dangerously lethal force to be reckoned with: Corvo is not only an expert swordsman and prolific fighter; he also has some handy supernatural powers at his disposal. Dishonored’s fictional setting, designed by Half-Life 2 designer Viktor Antonov, is a unique blend of old and new and everything in between and beyond. The cityscape bears an almost old-European architectural resemblance but have almost alien-like turrets strategically placed throughout the streets, and firearms look like antiques but have blue energy emanating along the barrel. Enemies carry swords and bows and arrows, but can patrol using long robotic extension legs called Tallboys, while some vehicles look like a cross between first-generation automobiles and futuristic tanks. Dishonored follows a trend similar to last year’s Deus Ex: Human Revolution where players can tackle any given situation in several different ways. You can utilize stealth, go in guns blazing, set up traps, use your powers, or some combination of all of these. Arkane is taking tremendous care in making the world and its inhabitants realistic too. Walking on carpet is more stealthy than a hard surface, guards are less aware of their surroundings when chatting with one another or distracted by a nearby event, light and ambient noise factor into stealthiness, enemies never spawn, and even their state of mind plays into their actions. What’s most exciting though is the arsenal of powers players are equipped with. You can briefly travel at inhuman speed, teleport over short distances, possess enemies and animals, and even summon a group of rats that can swarm and distract or even kill enemies and bystanders, to name just a few of the powers available to you. There is a tremendous amount of creative freedom when one considers the almost infinite combinations of powers, weapons, and abilities at the player’s disposal to deal with any encounter. Bethesda is building a really unique and interesting universe with Dishonored, and we can’t wait to check it out.

Make sure to check out the rest of our 2012 countdown:

Part I (#41-50)
Part II (#31-40)
Part IV (#11-20)
Part V (#1-10)

Written by: Mike Glubish

View the original article here

[GOTY] vgZero 2011 Awards - Sound & Visuals

[GOTY] vgZero 2011 Awards - Sound & Visuals
While Mike has been filling you in on what is in store for the year ahead I don't think we should forget about 2011 just yet. It was a hell of a year and it deserves some recognition as one of the best years in gaming ever, it had everything from highly anticipated sequels such as Skyrim along side fresh new titles like L.A. Noire as well as new platform releases in the 3DS and Vita. We got our first look at the next generation when Nintendo revealed the Wii-U and rumors have started to surface about the next Xbox and the Playstation 4 but rather than dwell on the future possibilities let's get back to the past and present to hand out some much coveted vgZero Awards (Personally I'd say we're up there with the Emmys, but more respectable). After much deliberation we've reached a conclusion and in the coming days you'll see the results, just don't expect teabagging and a game trailer every 3 minutes. Here's part one, enjoy! Best Visuals
Year on year we see a vast improvement in visuals in the gaming industry. Developers use a number of methods, such as giving the art team a larger role giving us gorgeous looking lands as displayed in games like The Witcher 2 or perhaps by trying a different quirky style like Nintendo used in Skyward Sword - what it lacks in polygons it makes up for in personality. However this year the best looking game came down to pure technological achievement and is none other than Battlefield 3. DICE pushed the bar higher than anyone else this year by not only delivering the best looking PC game to date but also translating the spectacle straight onto consoles with a stellar porting effort. It's hard not to be taken aback when first seeing Battlefield 3 on its highest settings, from the lighting to the textures it all just screams excellence and can easily be compared to the waves the original Crysis made back in 2007. Speaking of Crysis the sequel to the visual powerhouse released in 2011 too and while the game didn't disappoint in the visual department it didn't set the bar far above anything else like its predecessor did. Battlefield 3 took that honor this year.

Runner up
Coming in second is no shame, nor would coming in 17th and that is a testament to the strength of the competition this year. Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception delivered the next best visual experience without the benefit of the higher-end technology DICE had at their disposal for the PC market as Naughty Dog again showed how they're at the forefront of PS3 development.

Best Sound
Audio is often under appreciated within games yet it is something that can make or break an experience as demonstrated by Bastion in 2011 - not to say the gameplay is bad, it's far from it, but the narration throughout is splendid and neatly guides the game forward. Often licensed songs can provide a better experience, like with Saints Row: The Third taking its cue from Grand Theft Auto with in-game radio stations and one moment in particular with two characters singing along as you drive provided me with a hearty laugh. Sometimes a breath taking orchestral score provides the game with an added slice of excitement like in Skyrim which gives it a sense of grandeur. The best audio this year came from a game that had an average original sound track and voice acting that wasn't out of the ordinary. Battlefield 3 excelled in its audio design for the in-game sounds and make the experience really nail the feeling of immersion and this more than makes up for original music and voice acting. The sound of every bullet that pings past, the sound of the jets soaring above or the rough noise of the tank as it navigates the rocky terrain to deliver a round that causes a deafening explosion near by. You don't need high-end headphones to enjoy it either as even through your TV speakers you'll get a stellar audio experience.

Runner up
In a game that aims to not only create tension for the player to evoke fear but to also create scenes of sudden urgency and panic you need a good audio team. Visceral Games has just that and more. In 2008 they released Dead Space to acclaim and in 2011 they hit it out the park with the sequel, Dead Space 2. The game manages to create both terror in paranoia with foot steps and feint screams but also panic when being chased by a mob of hideous screaming necromorphs as the music reaches a crescendo. The sound is an integral part of the experience and it excels at its role.

Check back next time when I'll take a look at the biggest surprise of the year and the most disappointing, and no Battlefield 3 doesn't win every award... I promise.

Written by: James Stevenson

Lukémon101
eternal pokémaniac

Posts: 622
Joined: Aug 2011
Reputation: 1

RE: [GOTY] vgZero 2011 Awards - Sound & Visuals
Tbh, these days I'd say there're two sub-categories in "good visuals"

There's the pursuit of perfect realism, which these days is only really attainable in mega-budget FPS games such as Battlefield or Crysis.

and the Artistically amazing/clever graphics, such as is more often found in indie games.

Case in point, last year VVVVVV was probably one of my favourite games graphically, but there's no way it'd go up against anything made in the past few decades for good graphics in the classic sense.

either way, since I've not been the elitist PC gamer for a while - Crysis 1 still remains unbeaten for graphics IMO (Although BF3 came close, maybe next year), so my favourite visuals for 2011 would probably be Minecraft, Bastion or Limbo.

(This post was last modified: 01-17-2012 05:21 PM by Irony.) Lukémon101
eternal pokémaniac

Posts: 622
Joined: Aug 2011
Reputation: 1

Lukémon101
eternal pokémaniac

Posts: 622
Joined: Aug 2011
Reputation: 1

User(s) browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)

View the original article here

[PS3, 3DS] Nomura talks Versus XIII and Kingdom Hearts 3D

[PS3, 3DS] Nomura talks Versus XIII and Kingdom Hearts 3D

Remember Final Fantasy Versus XIII? That elusive piece of vaporware apparently still in development over at Square Enix. Well, the topic came up in a recent interview with Famitsu. Will it ever exist? Tetsuya Nomura apparently wants to make some sort of announcement this year regarding the game, but he couldn't set any sort of concrete date. He also added that the ratio of real-time to pre-rendered cutscenes will be something along the lines of 7:3. On top of that, Nomura also assures readers that the next time we see the game it will be played on actual hardware.

Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance also came up, he touched on spoiler-free teases about the ending, stating that it will be somewhat different to the usual Kingdom Hearts endings. Apparently the original ending was not approved, which caused Nomura to change the ending. The game will also feature a secret ending that players will be able to unlock, it will feature shocking developments and will link the game to the next installment in the series.

He also touched on Final Fantasy X HD that is currently in the pipeline, mentioning that development has officially started on the project. So hopefully we'll get to hear more about that in the future.

Written by: Kyran Morrison

(This post was last modified: 01-19-2012 11:52 PM by LemonManX.)

User(s) browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)

View the original article here

[PC] Mass Effect 3 minimum and recommended system specs revealed

[PC] Mass Effect 3 minimum and recommended system specs revealed

Sure, Mass Effect 3 is coming to Origin and a few other third-party digital distributors (aka not Valve's Steam) but if you are still willing to pick this up for PC then you'll be happy to hear that BioWare have posted both the minimum and recommended system requirements.

Minimum Specs
OS - Windows XP SP3/Vista SP1, Win 7
Supported chipsets: NVIDIA 7900 or better; ATI X1800 or better. Please note that NVIDIA GeForce 9300, 8500, 8400, and 8300 are below minimum system requirements, as are AMD/ATI Radeon HD3200, HD3300, and HD4350. Updates to your video and sound card drivers may be required.
CPU - 1.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (equivalent AMD CPU)
RAM - 1GB for XP / 2GB RAM for Vista/Win 7
Disc Drive - 1x speed
Hard Drive - 15 GB of free space
Video - 256 MB* (with Pixel Shader 3.0 support)
Sound - DirectX 9.0c compatible
DirectX - DirectX 9.0c August 2009 (included)

Recommended Specs
OS - Windows XP SP3/Vista SP1, Win 7
CPU - 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (equivalent AMD CPU)
RAM - 2GB for XP / 4GB RAM for Vista/Win 7
Disc Drive - 1x speed
Hard Drive - 15 GB of free space
Video - AMD/ATI Radeon HD 4850 512 MB or greater, NVidia GeForce 9800 GT 512 MB or greater
Sound - DirectX 9.0c compatible

Eager to try out the demo? Well that will be dropping on the 14th of February, so mark the day in your calendars because it sure to blow you away.

Written by: Kyran Morrison

User(s) browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)

View the original article here

[PS3, X360] Silent Hill HD Collection release date slips again

[PS3, X360] Silent Hill HD Collection release date slips again

Unfortunately it has been confirmed that Konami's Silent Hill HD Collection has once again suffered a change in release. Originally slated for a late January release, it has now fallen back into March.

It started with Amazing sending out notifications that the game had been delayed until the 6th of March, with both Gamefly and Gamestop following close behind. Upon being contacted Konami did confirm that the game had slipped back into March but didn't provide a solid release date.

They did confirm, however, that next week they would be announcing release dates for the major Silent Hill releases due in the next few months.

Disappointing that we must wait yet again, luckily it will be worth it.

Written by: Kyran Morrison

User(s) browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)

View the original article here

Spirit Camera – The Cursed Memoir creeping on over in April

Nintendo announced via press release that a new original 3DS software game entitled “Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir” will be arriving in retail outlets in April of this year.

The game looks very promising using the 3DS camera and creating an AR type of story.  Here are the chilling facts taken directly from Nintendo’s website:

The included “diary of faces” is a gateway into the game’s absorbing Story Mode. When viewed through the lenses of the Nintendo 3DS camera, each page of the book displays a variety of augmented-reality experiences.Some pages of the book come to life in the form of video segments that reveal past events and shed light on the game’s central mysterious storyline. Others appear to send spirits floating into players’ real-world surroundings. Some page even summons players to virtually enter a haunted house where Maya is hiding.Additional modes let players use the system’s camera in spooky ways. In Spirit Photography, they can take photos at their leisure and watch as haunting visions appear within the pictures. Spirit Check, lets them snap pictures of themselves and their friends to uncover the eerie spirits that surround them. In Spirit Challenge, they can put their own face or a friend’s face on a spirit and then battle it.Players can also use the notebook with their Nintendo 3DS system to face other challenges involving a mix of memory, hide-and-seek and other game play elements all with a supernatural twist.

Tweet

View the original article here

The Other Side of The Flagpole Webcomic – Weekly Update

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

Review – Antipole (DSiWare)

Game – Antipole (Rated E for Everyone)
Version – Nintendo DSiWare
Obtained – Review copy from Saturnine Games
Reviewer – Steve 

Have you been looking for a challenging side-scroller to take on the go? If you are a fan of Mega Man, then you may want to look into Antipole for DSiWare.

Story & Plot
You are Johnny Hurricane, a guy that looks quite a bit similar to Carmen Sandiego from the back. The government has charge you, their lone mercenary, to take down the mothership. Honestly, that is all there is to the story, and that is a good thing. In a world where story often clouds the gameplay, Antipole keeps it simple.

The thing that makes it different than other games is the ability to control gravity. Soon after you begin, you will get a Gravity Manipulator, which allows you to walk on the ceiling or jump further, but only for a short period of time.

Progress through each stage, leveling up after each boss fight, and you eventually save the day. Each level has a target time, and you can eventually go back and try to beat that time. This is not a requirement, but mainly for replayablity.

Gameplay & Controls
Antipole does a good job of keeping many things simple, except for the gameplay. This is anything but easy. There are two difficulty modes, but most players will find a descent amount of difficulty in “normal” without moving over to “hard.” The two modes are essentially the same, “hard” gives you less hearts in your life meter, and you begin with less energy in your Gravity Manipulator.

In many ways, it is similar to Mega Man. However, you have no lives. Instead, you will start back at your last checkpoint each time you die, which usually involves moving into another room. Even with this, it still makes for a difficult romp through space. Usually, though, if you keep your patience, you can make it. The only problem is that the clock is ticking the entire time, which makes you rush. This usually ends with you taking leaps of faith onto enemies or spikes.

Challenges can be unlocked after collecting Challenge Coins throughout the levels. These are extra levels where you can try for a fast time under specific conditions. After you complete all the normal levels in their target times (not an easy task), you can unlock Infinite Gravity mode, which allows you to have unlimited energy in your Gravity Manipulator. As a bonus, if you also have Cosmos X2 on your DSi, you can unlock the Power, Attraction, and Repulsion weapons from that game, after completing another mode in Antipole. Packed on top of all this is an Awards (achievement) system.

The controls go back to the simplicity side. You control Johnny with the control pad (or circle pad on 3DS). All other movements are mapped to three buttons, which are fully customizable. One jumps, the other shoots, and the last one controls your Gravity Manipulator.

Graphics & Sound
Antipole has a space-like feel, which is perfect for its story. The graphics are not going to blow you away, as it looks like a cross between an 8-bit and 16-bit style. Only occasionally does the background and foreground get confusing, but it is never a problem.

One of the best things about the game are the boss fights. They often involve enemies that take up more than your entire screen. This makes for fun but difficult rounds with the baddies. It will have you jumping and manipulating gravity in order to even get a descent shot.

The music, which gives the feeling of a 16-bit orchestra, definitely brings out the lonely feeling of the game. It is not quite as lonely feeling as Metroid, but you can tell that is the direction they were going. The sound effects are few, but they all sound good; nothing was out of place.

Concluding Statements
Antipole packs quite a punch for such a low price. At 500 Points on the DSiWare Shop ($4.99 on 3DS eShop), it is quite the deal. It is challenging, however, which may frustrate the casual gamers. In the end, if you have been looking for a challenging side-scroller on DSiWare, look no further than Antipole.

FINAL SCORE: 4.5 out of 5

For more on Saturnine Games, visit their website at http://www.saturninegames.com.

View the original article here

[PC, PS3, X360] Take-Two announces Max Payne's next delay

[PC, PS3, X360] Take-Two announces Max Payne's next delay
We hope that you weren't getting attached to the idea of playing Max Payne 3 in March, because Take-Two has announced that the release date is now slipping back to May.

Take-Two offers a typical stock PR response, citing the desire to ensure the highest quality at launch for the game as well as using this to boast about their robust 2013 fiscal line-up. They have however stated that they would comment on the delay later today, so hopefully we'll gain some better insight at that time.

More time for Mass Effect 3 I suppose?

Written by: Kyran Morrison

(This post was last modified: 01-17-2012 07:37 AM by LemonManX.)

User(s) browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)

View the original article here

[PC, PS3, X360] Two 'Game of Thrones' trailers sneak into the wild

[PC, PS3, X360] Two 'Game of Thrones' trailers sneak into the wild

Game of Thrones: Genesis was nothing memorable, however the development of the Game of Thrones RPG is hoping to change that trend. Looking to be strongly inspired by the TV series (with the Bear resembling the actor in the TV series, as well as the trailer using the TV show's music), which means it could really go either way.

The game takes the story away from the novels, instead focusing on a new story. Though fans of the franchise will probably be able to pick several key locales and characters (The Wall, Mormont, Red Priests, etc).

My fingers are crossed that this game will be worthwhile, but naturally I am approaching it with a certain degree of skepticism. Are you prepared for Winter's arrival? Because apparently it is coming in early 2012, which seems a bit soon to me but time will tell.

Written by: Kyran Morrison

(This post was last modified: 12-22-2011 06:14 AM by LemonManX.)

User(s) browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)

View the original article here

More on Kid Icarus: Uprising Story and 3D Classics Pre-Order Bonus

Have you been wondering about the Kid Icarus: Uprising storyline? Has your curiosity peaked when thinking about the single-player mode? Have you questioned the existence of 3D Classics: Kid Icarus game? Today is your lucky day. Nintendo has provided many details about all of the above, including the game’s weapons, the new Fiend’s Cauldron, and the pre-order bonus. Check it all out in the press release below.

NEW STORY AND SINGLE-PLAYER MODE DETAILS REVEALED FOR KID ICARUS: UPRISING

Jan. 19, 2012

Nintendo has revealed new details about the storyline and single-player game play in Kid Icarus™: Uprising, which will launch exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS™ system on March 23. More than 25 years after the launch of the original Kid Icarus game for NES™, Kid Icarus: Uprising brings the action and adventure of this beloved series to new heights.

Introduction: The game’s story begins with the return of the dark goddess Medusa and her Underworld Army. With the help of Palutena, goddess of light and guardian of the human race, the heroic angel Pit must combat the forces of darkness as he battles Medusa and her minions by air and by land.Fiend’s Cauldron: The Fiend’s Cauldron is an incredible new system that allows players to customize their play experience by adjusting the intensity level. Intensity ranges from 0.0 – 9.0 for each individual Chapter. As the intensity increases, players will be able to earn more Hearts and more powerful weapon drops from defeated enemies. Hearts also can be used to purchase new weapons. The standard intensity setting is 2.0, but players can precisely adjust it by increments of 0.1. In order to increase the intensity, players must bet by placing an increasing number of Hearts into the Fiend’s Cauldron. If the player is defeated during the Chapter, some Hearts will be lost and the intensity will be lowered.Weapons: A wide variety of collectible weapons offers an extraordinary amount of replay value. With nine different categories of weapons, ranging from Bows to Claws, players can learn the unique characteristics of each weapon and determine which is best suited for each battle and their style of play.Vehicles: During certain parts of his adventure, Pit will have access to special vehicles such as the Exo Tank. Pit can use the tank’s powerful drift ability to boost over jumps or defeat enemies with the tank’s ramming horn.Stand: Kid Icarus: Uprising uses a control scheme designed to fit the game’s unique blend of flight, shooting and melee combat, and offers tremendous precision and depth for dedicated players. The left hand uses the Circle Pad while the right hand uses the stylus. Every copy of the game will come with a free stand that holds the Nintendo 3DS at an angle above any flat surface, providing players with a new kind of gaming experience.Circle Pad Pro: Kid Icarus: Uprising is compatible with the Circle Pad Pro accessory, offering an alternate control scheme for left-handed players. With the Circle Pad Pro, players hold the stylus in their left hand and use the Circle Pad with their right hand.

Additionally, consumers who pre-order at select retailers will receive a bonus download code for the 3D Classics: Kid Icarus™ game, a re-mastered 3D version of the NES original. The download code will be delivered with the purchase of Kid Icarus: Uprising. A deposit may be required for pre-order.Kid Icarus: Uprising will carry a suggested retail price of $39.99 in the United States.

More details about Kid Icarus: Uprising will be revealed prior to its March 23 launch. For more information, please visit http://kidicarusuprising.nintendo.com.

[Nintendo PR Email]

Tweet

View the original article here

[PS3] Starhawk public beta gets a start date

[PS3] Starhawk public beta gets a start date

Are you a PlayStation Plus subscriber? If so, mark your calendars because Plus subscribers will be able to jump into the Starhawk demo as of the 17th of January. The rest of you? Well, there is a roll-out period as follows:

Plus subscribers are receiving access on the 17th of Janauary, those who hold US beta keys from Uncharted 3 will receive access on the 31st of January, the so-called early access codes from Facebook and Gamestop will grant access on the 7th of February, an IGN promotion will grant access on the 14th of February and then finally the public beta becomes ultimately public on the 21st of February.

You may be wondering why it is so staggered, well here is what the developer's had to say about the upcoming beta, "This is a crucial step for us as we'll be testing all sorts of things, including game balance, server traffic, and general bugs. This is also a chance for more players to finally see what we've been working so hard on."

Written by: Kyran Morrison

User(s) browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)

View the original article here

[Multi] 2012 Video Games Preview - Part I (#41-50)

2011 kicked ass. Our ass, to be more specific. Most of you are probably still plugging away at just one more quest in Skyrim, just one more Battlefield 3 or Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer match, one more mission in Assassin's Creed: Revelations, or just one more dungeon in Skyward Sword, meanwhile a pile of other games you swear you'll get around to someday soon sit untouched nearby. The good news is that the holiday madness is finally over and you will have some time to play catch-up on all the amazing games 2011 had to offer. The bad news is that the lull won't last long, as 2012 has a remarkably formidable software line-up of its own ready to assault your piggy bank. Okay, maybe that's good news too, in a way. 2012 will see no fewer than two new platforms launching in the PlayStation Vita and Nintendo's Wii U, along with a host of very promising software that already has the year shaping up to give last year a run for its money. We've narrowed down the games expected to be released in 2012 into a countdown of 50 games that we're looking forward to playing the most. Obviously the year still holds many secrets that are yet to be revealed (we have no idea what the Wii U holds in store for its launch), but there is already much to get excited about. Enjoy!

(Please note that release dates are subject to change)

50. Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City

Platform(s): PC, PS3, X360
Genre: Shooter
Developer: Slant Six Games, Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Release Date: March 20, 2012

There has been no lack of displeasure voiced by long-time Resident Evil fans in recent years over the series’ tendency to gravitate away from its survival horror roots toward a more action-oriented style of gameplay. Unfortunately for those people that sentiment is likely to be magnified with Operation Raccoon City, a squad-based third-person shooter that seems to be much more about killing than surviving. That doesn’t mean that it should be ignored however, as those willing to overlook the fundamental gameplay changes should have a solid shooter wrapped in Resident Evil lore to look forward to. Set during the events of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, players will choose four of six playable members of the Umbrella Security Service (USS) tasked with containing the Raccoon City outbreak and eliminating any witnesses that could incriminate the company’s activities. Each team member has his or her own unique weapons and special abilities (medic, sharpshooter, explosives expert, scientist, etc.), so players will want to carefully consider the makeup of their squad. The gameplay itself seems to be pretty much in line with standard shooter fare, but with a Resident Evil twist. Players will be able to utilize a new cover mechanic that should not be unfamiliar to shooter vets as they blast their way through hordes of zombies and other grotesque abominations like Lickers and Hydrants. True to the spirit of RE will be a variety of herbs and sprays to heal squad members with as well as to ward off infection, and Capcom says the plot will fill in some missing bits and pieces to the series’ storyline. Operation Raccoon City is a far cry from the games its plot is inspired by, but with some solid shooting mechanics and an opportunity for some entertaining co-operative gameplay, hopefully Capcom will deliver an enjoyable if not entirely faithful spin-off to one of the industry’s most popular franchises.

49. Prototype 2

Platform(s): PC, PS3, X360
Genre: Action Adventure
Developer: Radical Entertainment
Publisher: Activision
Release Date: April 24, 2012

Let’s face it, Prototype was disappointment. With a cool gameplay concept and some stylish, action-packed trailers, Activision built up some considerable hype prior to its 2009 launch, but failed to live up to expectations. Why then would anyone be excited for the sequel? In a word: potential. It was evident in the original, and we’re hoping that developer Radical Entertainment has learned its lesson so that the potential of this concept can be realized. The story follows a different protagonist this time: Sgt. James Heller, whose family was killed after the Blackwatch failed to protect them during the events of the first game, seeks out revenge on Alex Mercer (star of the first game) but ends up absorbing some of his powers instead and begins putting them to use against the Blackwatch with eventual goal of killing Mercer. Unlike Mercer in the first game, Prototype 2's star actually seems to have a purpose this time around. The basis for the gameplay remains similar to its predecessor, with Heller able to assume other people’s identities, and he will be creating mass chaos throughout New York City. Shape-shifting has been fine-tuned to become more tactical, Heller will be able to use a new dodging ability and has several other useful new abilities, enemy AI has been improved, and an improved upgrade system will allow players greater control over customization of Heller's abilities. Heller has also been imbued with powerful tendrils that sprout from his arms to smash or throw large objects, suspend enemies up into webs Spidey-style, and literally tear enemies apart limb from limb. Conversely, Prototype 2 won’t force you to come down so hard on civilians, giving players the option to let them be. Though there don’t appear to be many massive changes, Radical is insisting that it is fixing the common complaints from the first game for the sequel. If they can do that, Prototype should be an enjoyable way to induce some virtual carnage, and provide a worthy villain to would-be rival franchise inFamous.

48. Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance

Platform(s): 3DS
Genre: Action RPG
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Release Date: TBA 2012

While it has been all quiet on the console front lately for Square Enix’s popular Kingdom Hearts franchise, the series will continue to chug along in handheld form with its first appearance on the 3DS. The command-based battle system from Birth by Sleep and Re:coded will once again be utilized in Dream Drop Distance, along with some interesting new gameplay features. The new “Free Flow” mechanic will provide players the opportunity to bounce off walls, grind rails, and swing off of poles for a fast and furious style of combat. Also new to the series are the “Reality Shift” moves which utilize touchscreen commands to string together powerful attack combos. For example, Riku’s “Holy Rope” Reality Shift pauses the action in order to allow players to draw out Riku’s path from enemy to enemy on the touchscreen, after which he will faithfully dash from foe to foe in a continuous impressive and destructive display. Also new to Kingdom Hearts 3D are “Dream Eaters”, of which there are two varieties: Nightmares eat good dreams and replace them with nightmares, while Spirits eat nightmares and replaces them with good dreams. It’s a bit unclear as to what role the Dream Eaters play in the game, but we do know that players will be able to hunt and collect these creatures, and some of them will act as allies in combat. Players will rotate between Sora and Riku throughout the game, and expect some new characters to the Kingdom Hearts series to make an appearance (Neku, Joshua, and Beat from The World Ends With You join the cast) as well as some new levels based on the Disney universe (The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Pinocchio have been confirmed to provide some of the locales). Dream Drop Distance is shaping up to perhaps be the best handheld entry in the Kingdom Hearts series and one of the best third-party efforts for the 3DS yet.

47. Street Fighter X Tekken

Platform(s): PC, PS3, X360, Vita
Genre: Fighting
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Release Date: March 6, 2012

What a world we live in where two rival fighting franchises can be brought together in a single game to duke it out for the amusement of fighting fans everywhere. Capcom has ditched Marvel for the time being and has found a new ally/opponent in Namco Bandai to bring us Street Fighter X Tekken, the first of two titles featuring two of the industry’s top brawlers (the other being Tekken X Street Fighter, which will be developed by Namco Bandai and is scheduled for next year). This one, developed by Capcom, features gameplay derived considerably more from the Street Fighter series than from Tekken, right down to the refined Street Fighter IV visual style. Players will choose two combatants from the Tekken and Street Fighter rosters (a few guest characters like Cole McGrath from inFamous and Sony mascots Toro and Kuru will also be present on the PS3). The first team to have one of its fighters’ health reduced to zero loses the round, and the first team to win two rounds is crowned the winner. The fighting system generally follows Street Fighter's six-button configuration and 2D-plane, although a few elements from the Tekken games will be blended in, such as throws and combos that utilize Tekken’s four-button style. Emphasis is clearly placed on the tag-team element (as evidenced by the “one fighter down and you’re out” method of winning and losing), with a wide variety of opportunities to use switches to your advantage, such as the ability to switch characters mid-combo or while an opponent is in the air, combine Super Combos, or even have both characters on-screen simultaneously for a limited time. The ability to execute these Cross techniques are dependent on the “Cross Gauge”, which fills over the course of the match and can also be used to pull off EX Attacks, Cancels, and other special abilities. Players can also customize a set of gems for each match that will affect their characters’ stats depending on the conditions of the fight. Early indications are that the Tekken characters have been tweaked nicely to fit into this unfamiliar fighting style, and Street Fighter fans will feel right at home in Street Fighter X Tekken. When two of the world’s best fighting game developers put their heads together, it can’t possibly be a bad thing.

46. Prey 2

Platform(s): PC, PS3, X360
Genre: Shooter
Developer: Human Head Studios
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Release Date: TBA 2012

Most of you may not even remember the first Prey, which quietly came out way back in 2006 on PC and Xbox 360. It featured an interesting Portal-esque mechanic (before Portal was ever even heard of) and a very unique arsenal of alien weaponry, but was otherwise a fairly generic shooter even for six years ago. If you’re one of those people, fret not, because the sequel has relatively little in common with its predecessor. In fact, based on what we know so far, it’s a bit surprising that this game even bears the Prey name. Players will take control of U.S. Marshal Killian Samuels, a passenger on an aircraft that crashes into an alien object known as the Sphere. Years later, Samuels finds himself as a bounty hunter on an alien world called Exodus. Whereas the first game was more of a corridor shooter and extremely linear in nature, developer Human Head Studios is adopting a much more open-world shooter concept not unlike those found in Fallout: New Vegas or Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Players will wander the steamy, neon-lit, punk-style streets of a large city on Exodus, where they will interact with residents to acquire missions and side-quests that will earn them cash and experience vital to moving the plot forward. Human Head is also aiming for a very fast and fluid acrobatic style of movement that allows Samuels to leap across gaps and scale walls almost parkour-style not unlike in Mirror’s Edge. While Samuels believes himself to be the only human living on Exodus, the developer has confirmed that at some point in the game he will encounter Domasi Tawodi (a.k.a. Tommy), the protagonist from the first game. It’s difficult to say at this point how well Prey 2 will turn out given the radical philosophical changes from the first game and Human Head’s relatively unproven track record, but if they can create a world worth exploring and the unique gameplay style is executed as well in practice as it sounds in theory, Prey 2 may be a potential sleeper hit for 2012.

45. Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

Platform(s): PS3
Genre: RPG
Developer: Level-5
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Release Date: TBA 2012

Probably the most obscure title on our list, you’ll be forgiven if you don’t have this one on your radar yet. In fact, it’s a bit of a surprise that Ni no Kuni from established Japanese developer Level-5 (the studio behind Dark Cloud, Dragon Quest VIII and IX, White Knight Chronicles, and the Professor Layton games), is even coming to North America and Europe given the alleged decline of JRPGs in recent years. After achieving exceptional sales and high praise on the DS in Japan though, we’re excited that it will be. What should strike you first is the game’s absolutely gorgeous aesthetic style that combines remarkably charming, cartoony-looking characters with highly-detailed, vibrant worlds to explore. The story follows a young boy named Oliver, whose mother tragically dies in the process of saving her son from drowning after he sneaked away with a friend one night. A doll, given to Oliver by his mother, comes to life as a fairy soon after though and informs him of a parallel world where his mother may yet exist. Equipped with a magical book containing various magic spells given to him by the fairy, Oliver journeys to this mysterious world in search of his beloved mother. The magic book contains a plethora of spells that can be cast in battles, and players can organize their characters and manage their battle tactics to prepare themselves for the game’s many varieties of enemies. Additionally, Oliver can summon warrior creatures to fight alongside him should the need arise. The battle system is fairly simplistic and pretty standard fare for JRPGs, but these confrontations are a visual splendour and apparently contain enough depth and variety to keep combat feeling fresh and exciting dozens of hours into the experience. This is pretty much the stereotypical Japanese RPG, but indications suggest that Ni no Kuni may do it better than has ever been done before. If you’re at all a fan of the genre, this is definitely a can’t-miss title in an era where quality JRPGs are becoming increasingly rare.

44. Starhawk

Platform(s): PS3
Genre: Shooter
Developer: LightBox Interactive
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Release Date: TBA 2012

Warhawk is commonly recognized as one of the premier multiplayer titles of this generation, despite being released more than four years ago. It’s time for an upgrade though, and Starhawk, deemed to be the “spiritual successor” to Warhawk, is absolutely teeming with depth. The third-person shooter and vehicular combat components of the game will make their triumphant return (this time in space), but what is most exciting is the extra layer of complexity and strategy Sony is infusing with a new RTS-style base-building component. Players can now deploy supply pods from orbit by spending Rift Energy, which will develop into structures like walls, turrets, lasers, supply bunkers, and numerous others shortly after striking the ground. These structures can also be upgraded throughout the match. This added element of strategy will become vital to emerge victorious in objective-based matches. For example, it might be a good idea to make heavy fortifications around your flag in a game of Capture the Flag, and trigger-happy players may benefit from maintaining a supply bunker so that they can occasionally visit to stock up on weapons and ammo. For those more interested in the action, they will be happy to know that Starhawk will feature a wide variety of weapons and vehicles, 32-player multiplayer matches, a single-player mode (which was absent from Warhawk), and a Gears of War Horde Mode-inspired cooperative mode. What was already an incredibly fun multiplayer game will become that much more interesting with the new RTS features and several new modes, making Starhawk one of the truly unique multiplayer titles to look forward to in 2012.

43. Torchlight II

Platform(s): PC
Genre: Action RPG
Developer: Runic Games
Publisher: Perfect World
Release Date: TBA 2012

Torchlight caught dungeon-crawling fans a bit off-guard in 2009: despite its super-basic gameplay design, players became hopelessly addicted thanks to its brilliant visual style, smartly-executed levelling procedure, simple but fun combat, and incredibly robust loot system. Despite all the praise, there was one glaring omission that had nearly all fans clamouring for a sequel: multiplayer. Enter Torchlight II, whose main selling point is the long-awaited co-op feature. Players will allegedly be able to team up with up to seven other players (the number of players is not yet confirmed) via LAN or online to disperse the hordes of a brand-new world. Mutliplayer isn’t the only reason to get excited for Torchlight II though, as developer Runic Games is fleshing out the whole experience. Though dungeons will once again be randomly-generated, there is also a large overworld featuring numerous hub towns and open terrain spread out over a three-act story that is told through cinematic cut-scenes, populated of course by endless hordes of enemies carrying valuable and not-so-valuable loot. Players will be able to customize the physical appearance of their character, and can once again choose a pet to accompany them throughout the adventure. There will also be four classes to choose from, each with their own specializations: Engineer (heavy melee fighter), Outlander (ranged weapons and low-level magic), Berserker (quick attacks and animal powers), and Embermage (powerful spell-caster). Torchlight II may not offer quite the same level of depth as Diablo III this year, but that shouldn’t stop this charming action RPG from devouring dozens of hours of your time if you’re an avid loot-plunderer.

42. The Darkness II

Platform(s): PC, PS3, X360
Genre: Shooter
Developer: Digital Extremes
Publisher: 2K Games
Release Date: February 7, 2012

Back in 2007, developer Starbreeze brought us a solid horror shooter title called The Darkness (based on the comic book of the same name), following mafia hitman Jackie Estacado, who also happens to be possessed with some fearsome demonic powers. Digital Extremes has decided to pick up the IP for 2012, and plans to add a ton of gameplay upgrades. The story in The Darkness II picks up a couple of years after the first game, with Jackie having found a way to repress The Darkness through the help of an occultist. A sudden attack on Jackie’s life, however, leaves him on the verge of death and forces him to unleash The Darkness and hunt down his would-be assassins while continuing to uncover the motivations of The Darkness itself. The Darkness II will play similarly to its predecessor; however numerous changes should make for an even more satisfying experience. Jackie now has the ability to “quad-wield”, allowing him to simultaneously wield firearms and control Darkness powers. Jackie’s demon arms are more versatile this time around, able to pick up and toss enemies around, slash them in half, or tear them to pieces. Since points are awarded for using special abilities, players are encouraged to torment and impale enemies rather than simply shooting them. The introduction of four skill trees (Demon Arm, Darkness Powers, Hitman, and Executions) gives players greater power of customization, effectively deciding the type of killer they want Jackie to become. Veterans of the first game will remember the power to control Darklings, which has been retooled into a single Darkling that follows Jackie around. The Darkling will attack enemies and perform other attacks, and the player will be able to assume direct control of the Darkling in certain areas. The Darkling also has a distinct personality, offering humorous quips throughout the experience. Add in a couple of fairly robust four-player co-op modes and striking new cel-shaded visual style, and The Darkness II is definitely one to watch for veterans and newcomers alike early this year.

41. Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time

Platform(s): PS3
Genre: Platformer
Developer: Sanzaru Games
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Release Date: Q2 2012

It’s been a long time since gamers saw a new Sly game. In fact, the PlayStation 2 was alive and kicking and the PS3 was more than a year from launch when Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves, the last time Sly made an appearance, delighted fans on the PS2. Seven years later, and developer Sucker Punch has relinquished control of the franchise to allow Sanzaru Games (Secret Agent Clank) to bring the series back to life on the PS3 with Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time. Set after the events of Sly 3, the story picks up with the pages of the precious Thievius Raccoonus having been lost in time thanks to Bentley’s unfortunate time machine. Sly and the gang suit up and head into the time machine to recover the missing pages of the family tome. One of the first things you will notice is that while the remarkable cel-shaded visuals of the original trilogy make a return (in gorgeous HD this time), the game world has a noticeably darker tone to it, with the characters themselves sporting an older and more mature look. The gameplay remains largely the same though, including a primary hub world in which players can find branching missions. The parkour-style platforming provides the basis for the gameplay and there will be multiple playable characters, but one of the key new features in Thieves in Time is the costumes. While collectible costumes are typically an inconsequential aesthetic reward in most games, they serve an important purpose for Sly in Thieves in Time. For example, a gypsy outfit gives Sly the ability to slow time while a samurai suit makes him resistant to fire. These costumes, which are found after progressing a certain distance through a level, are not only key to defeating bosses at the end of these levels, but can also be used to replay missions where players will now be able to open up previously inaccessible areas, giving the game a much higher replay value. Sly’s long-awaited return will be most welcome to fans who will find Thieves in Time quite familiar despite some significant changes, but hopefully its transformation into the current generation will capture the attention of a much larger audience befitting of the series’ legacy.

Make sure to check out the rest of our 2012 countdown:

Part II (#31-40)
Part III (#21-30)
Part IV (#11-20)
Part V (#1-10)

Written by: Mike Glubish

View the original article here

Super Mario Bros. Crossover 2.0 Trailer

If you like what you see in the video, then go to the OFFICIAL Website (Exploding Rabbit) to play the game, NOW!

Tweet

View the original article here

[3DS] Enterbrain: 3DS shatters monthly sales record in Japan

[3DS] Enterbrain: 3DS shatters monthly sales record in Japan

3DS had a rough start, I don't think anyone would deny that. But just this month it has really solidified that those days are in the past now, as it completely blew away all the competition in Japan over the December period.

The Japanese tracking firm, Enterbrain, says that the handheld sold a staggering 1,492,931 between November 28th and December 25th. Those are the highest figures ever recorded since they started in 1997. December was also the seventh month straight that the 3DS had topped Japanese sales.

To add some perspective to this news, second place was held by Sony's newly released PlayStation Vita. The Vita managed to sell 402,794 since the December 17th launch, claiming a distant second.

Whilst it is a bit early to say the 3DS is definitely out of the woods everywhere, I think it is definitely the case in Japan.

Written by: Kyran Morrison

User(s) browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)

View the original article here

[CES'12, Wii U] Wii U shows off a panoramic view of Tokyo

[CES'12, Wii U] Wii U shows off a panoramic view of Tokyo
Nothing new emerged from Vegas about Nintendo's upcoming console, but they did have a neat (and new) little demonstration here with the tablet controller. Essentially it features a TV playing some footage of Tokyo at a fixed angle, but using the tablet controller you are able to freely look around the environment, which of course you can't see on the TV.

The video comes courtesy of NintendoLife.

Written by: Kyran Morrison (This post was last modified: 01-13-2012 06:58 PM by LemonManX.)

User(s) browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)

View the original article here

[PC, PS3, X360] Rumour: Potential Aliens: Colonial Marines special edition images

[PC, PS3, X360] Rumour: Potential Aliens: Colonial Marines special edition images
An image has surfaced on Gamekyo that alludes to the contents of a potential Aliens: Colonial Marines special edition.
According to the as-of-yet unconfirmed image, the collector's edition will include a load of in-game weapons, a new 'USMC Academy Firing Range' game mode and a USCM Dossier that will offer essential briefing notes on the Xenomorph infestation. Oh, and a bad-ass power loader statue with a Xenomorph attached to its arm.

At this point Sega is not commenting on how official this is, so take the image with caution. But it won't be surprising if it is confirmed any day now.

Written by: Kyran Morrison

User(s) browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)

View the original article here

[PC] Things you probably guessed: No Steam launch for Mass Effect 3

[PC] Things you probably guessed: No Steam launch for Mass Effect 3

I think a lot of people saw this coming after 2011's Battlefield 3 Origin debacle. Now it seems that Mass Effect 3 is joining the Origin flagship as well with both physical and digital copies apparently requiring Origin to run.

The news comes from BioWare's manager, Chris Priestly, in a FAQ that was posted recently. In it he mentions that "during initial release, Mass Effect 3 will be available on Origin and a number of other 3rd party digital retailers, but not on Steam at this time." This leaves a pinch of hope that it might saunter onto Valve's digital platform after launch, but people have long since stopped holding their breathes for Battlefield 3 to do the same thing.

BioWare is sticking with the classic "restrictive terms of service" as the reason for it missing launch, but we still don't expect any changes any time soon. No one else is complaining after all.

Do you think this is going to harm Mass Effect 3's launch on PC? Or are you getting it on console anyway?

Written by: Kyran Morrison

RE: [PC] Things you probably guessed: No Steam launch for Mass Effect 3
ADSCGKOSDAFKSFOKASDFKOASOKFASKFOAJKFJAFJADSFJADSFJAJFJDASJOGFJSG.

Displeased. I guess I might have to boycott this until a steam release.

EA has done this because they don't want to sell their DLC on the steam store where valve takes a small cut. Kinda makes a bit of business sense until you realise using the EA solution is a pain in the ass as you have to buy the DLC from the site and download extra files and install them separately. The steam version basically has you buying from within steam and then it gets downloaded and activated without any user interaction. Having a PC game and it's DLC on steam will always result in more sales because pretty much every PC gamer has steam installed and it isn't a pain in the ass to buy things (In fact it's pretty much the opposite, I frequently find it hard not to buy things on steam).

Also Steam Achievements, Steam Cloud, Steam Overlay Integration, blah, blah.

Problems with origin Origin looks through your _entire_ file system and sends data off to EA about it. There are viruses that don't abuse a users privacy as bad as that.It's another application installed to run this game that doesn't add anything to the user. No Achievements, No Steam CloudLooking at EA's past with download clients, who knows if it'll be around in a couple of yearsEA has used some pretty bad DRM in the past, Steam forces developers to use their user-friendly DRM, which has been generally accepted as the best solution to the problem.The customer service is apparently non-existent.The prices on origin are ridiculous. PC games do not have the same licensing fees that console games do, They shouldn't cost anywhere near as much.

Forcing people to use their (very flawed) system is not the way get people to use it. If anything it's the way to make it fail. (This post was last modified: 01-17-2012 09:40 AM by Irony.)

User(s) browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)

View the original article here

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from your favourite Mother-Brain's, yo

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from your favourite Mother-Brain's, yo
Quiet times are afoot in the gaming (and non-gaming) world as everyone prepares for Christmas. So, from everyone here at vgZero, we hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

2011 was a pretty big year and crammed full of blockbuster releases (especially towards the latter half of the year) but by the looks of things 2012 is looking like it won't be pulling any punches. We'll have Sony's new baby hitting the Western world in February and from there March is promising some big hits with Mass Effect 3, Silent Hill: Downpour, Kid Icarus: Uprising and Max Payne 3. From there we'll just roll with whatever releases, with rumours starting to boil to the surface that a new generation of consoles isn't very far off (with Nintendo's Wii U being the first).

At the same time, I don't think people will forget 2011 anytime soon either. In 2011 Sony's PlayStation Network was breached to the dismay of many customers stirring up more controversy than anyone had prepared themselves, we actually got to play the incredibly illusive Duke Nukem Forever (despite the incredible mediocre form it released in), we lived through Activision and EA's awkward back-and-forth over the intense Modern Warfare 3 vs. Battlefield 3 period and we got both a new Zelda and Elder Scrolls title.

We aren't done though!! Keep your eyes out next week for some original pieces, including some Game of the Year stuff and a piece from Mike about 2012's biggest titles. So definitely stick around and see what we have in store. Let us know about your gaming haul this Christmas, because there were plenty of big titles to go around.

Happy Holidays everyone!!

Written by: Kyran Morrison (on behalf of everyone, especially Nathan) (This post was last modified: 12-24-2011 05:29 PM by LemonManX.) DPrinny
Cant change name

Posts: 1,267
Joined: Aug 2007
Reputation: 14

RE: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from your favourite Mother-Brain's, yo

Yup Im playing it

Quote:and a piece from Mike about 2012's biggest titles.

Wut?
I aint writing this

(also derp)

RE: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from your favourite Mother-Brain's, yo

(12-24-2011 05:56 PM)DPrinny Wrote:  

Yup Im playing it

Quote:and a piece from Mike about 2012's biggest titles.

Wut?
I aint writing this

(also derp)

Good thing or it would be an awfully short list.

Still 45 minutes of Christmas here so cheers hope you all had a great Christmas!

XBL: GlueGun18
PSN: GlueGun18
Wii: 4903 7495 3015 2654
3DS: 3909-7594-8619

DPrinny
Cant change name

Posts: 1,267
Joined: Aug 2007
Reputation: 14

Lukémon101
eternal pokémaniac

Posts: 622
Joined: Aug 2011
Reputation: 1

User(s) browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)

View the original article here