Critics Slam PS3
December 21, 2006
PC World’s Dan Tynan has released a new article titled “The 21 biggest technology mistakes of 2006,” and coming in at the number 8 spot…you got it…Sony’s PS3.
Tynan starts off as describing PS3 as “late, expensive, and incompatible.” Ouch. “When it was announced in spring 2005, the Sony PlayStation 3 was going to be the greatest thing to hit home gaming since a hedgehog named Sonic. Then came the delays. By the time the PS3 arrived, it was six months late, and Nintendo’s cheaper and more innovative Wii had stolen much of its thunder. At $599 for the 60GB model, the PS3 is twice the price of the original PlayStation 2, yet research firm iSupply — which describes the PS3 as having supercomputer qualities–estimates that Sony still loses more than $200 per unit.”
Tynan cited the manufacturing delays that have drawn ire from gamers across the globe, as well as Son’y shipment of “less than half the number it had originally planned.” Tynan then knocked PS3 for being “incompatible with more than 200 PlayStation and PS2 games.”
Tynan did, however, see a silver lining surrounding the delays and skeletal number of launch units: “Game-crazed youth are buying up PS3s and reselling them on eBay for double the asking price. And unlike, say, Sony batteries, they don’t catch fire…at least, not yet.”
Tynan writes that one big mistake was “trying to turn a supercomputer into a gaming device,” and an even bigger blunder was “failing to drive a stake through the heart of Nintendo when the opportunity offered.”
And the hits keep on coming…
Time Magazine labels PS3 a huge bust for Sony.
In an article titled “5 Things That Went From Buzz to Bust,” Sony received quite the vicious lashing for its PS3. Unproven Cell and Blu-ray technology, a hefty $600 price tag, and the “lamest launch titles ever seen” all contributed to Time Magazine’s brutal assessment of Sony’s PS3. “You know you’re in trouble when you get beat by something called a Wii,” said Time.
“Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam” Ready for Wii Launch
October 17, 2006
For Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam, Activision called upon developer Toys for Bob to work its magic for the Wii-exclusive installment of the popular Tony Hawk series. According to Toys for Bob producer Alex Ness, the developers have “kept the best parts of the Tony Hawk games, the core mechanics and the trick system, and given the audience a new way to play with them.”
The tracks include urban settings, outdoor environments, and “everything in between.” As you play through different events, you will unlock certain goodies, some of which are clothing and skateboards. The skateboards enhance player stats, and each board unlocked is better than the one previously used. The clothing? Just for looks.
The game features three types of main events: races, slalom, and tricks. The racing is pretty straightforward: make it down the course before the other guy. The slalom requires hitting the gates with precise skating, and the trick events are scored based on your downhill trickery prowess. There are also special task-specific events, such as tricks, knocking people down, and destroying things, all of which fill up the “boost meter,” which is similar to a power-up. Collecting the letters S,K,A,T, and E will double your total score.
”I think combat is another cool aspect of our game,” said Ness. To win races, skaters can knock other skaters off of their boards. For the game’s “ghost feature,” Toys for Bob has saved ghost runs down each of the events. “You can actually see our skater on their run while you play. People can compete directly against our ghosts and if they win, they unlock what we call the super jewel ghost. The super jewel ghost is basically the best anyone here can do. Beat the super jewel ghost and it means you’re better than we are. Suffice to say, this is ridiculously difficult. I’d be amazed if anyone can do it.”
Ness says that the Wii remote, unlike conventional wireless remote, enables players to steer, tilt, and turn to control the skater. Shaking the Wiimote activates a speed boost and allows the skater to get up after a spill. Front and back flips (in the air) are completed by tilting the remote forward or backward.
Downhill Jam also has a split-screen mode for 2-4 players. Ness believes the development team is on its final version of the game and says the game will be ready for the Wii launch.
Oct. 27 Kickoff for Pro Evolution Soccer 6
September 29, 2006
Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer 6 for Xbox 360, PS2, and PC will hit stores on October 27, with the PSP and DS versions to come “shortly after,” says Konami. The latest version of the much-loved soccer title is still boasts its realistic gameplay and has undergone significant enhancements. Series creator Shingo “Seabass” Takatsuka has successfully refined the game’s shooting system, and the AI has been upgraded; players wihtout possession of the ball now run into and point to a position where they could receive a pass and continue the attack. In addition, players must now work to turn defenders upon receiving the ball, and the defender, in response, must back off a bit to prevent being turned.
Other new features include the following:
- international rosters now feature official kits for the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Italy
- more balanced, animated referees
- International Challenge: lead your home country through entry and tournament rounds
- Random mode: players engage in quick games with randomly generated match day settings
- full 11 vs. 11 play means 22 individually controlled players
- improvements to Master League mode
- far more realistic ball physics than ever before
- more physical play between players
- increased player animations: players pound grass after a missed shot, defenders appeal for offside calls, incredibly accurate player-specific dribbling styles
Scarface: The World Is Yours Preview
September 26, 2006
Remember at the end of Scarface (the movie) when Sosa’s guys ambush Tony Montana and shot him about a thousand times? Well, Scarface: The World Is Yours picks up here. That tough bastard lived. He’s pissed off and wants everything back immediately. You play as Tony Montana, who has been recreated masterfully for this game. The voice, though not Al Pacino’s, is dead-on, and Tony is as power-hungry and fearless as ever. And no, this game is definitely not suited for the kiddies.
The game’s hidden agenda seems to be for you, as Tony, to “shoot, kill, taunt.” After blasting through an enemy gang, hit the B button and listen to Tony unleash a profanity-laden insult. This is the Taunt feature, which is not restricted to post-kill situations. Press the button at any time and Tony will have something to say. If you’re walking in the road and a car whizzes past, bumping Tony on the way, or if some slouch is looking at you the wrong way, hit B and Tony will tell set it straight. There’s also a feature referred to as Balls Points. Every time Tony’s mouth lets loose, you accumulate points. The culmination of these points is Blind Rage mode, which comes in handy when your health is low and you’re in hot water. During Blind Rage mode (not just a clever name), you assume a first-person view, you have unlimited ammo, and you go completely bananas!
Like that in the movie, success the game’s seedy drug underworld depends on respect, reputation, and all-around drug kingpin savvy. The game quantifies your reputation for your drug business dealings, and playing as Tony allows you to blow cash on boats, cars, henchmen, drivers, and assassins (who refuse to kill innocent people). And then there are the cops. The amount of heat you draw as you rise to the top of the drug game depends on your (surprise, surprise) Cop Heat meter. It’s important - and very pricy- to pay off the Vice to keep this meter down, as too much heat will anger the Feds, who will chase and shoot at you relentlessly, thus ending your game. Otherwise, a cop can be bribed or run from, which will definitely raise your Cop Heat status.
The game also features a very cool “Mix tape” feature that lets gamers create their own music compilations. You can listen to just the original film score by Giorgio Moroder, popular hits from the 80’s, contemporary songs, or a mix. Pre-made mixes are by genre and time period – rock, hip-hop, reggae, reggaeton, Latin, and country. The artists featured are awesome: Johnny Cash, Debbie Harry, Pit Bull, Rick James, Judas Priest, Grandmaster Flash, Burning Spear, Iggy Pop, Public Enemy, Run DMC, and Peter Tosh. Lending their vocal talents to the game are James Woods, Michael Rappaport, Ice T, Oliver Platt, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Joy Mohr, Roma Maffia, Cheech Marin, Tonny Chong, Ricky Gervais, Tommy Lee, Anthony Anderson, Kevin Dillon and Jerry Ferrara from Entourage, Bam Margera, and Cypress Hill’s Sen Dog and B. Real, among others.
Originally scheduled for relase yesterday, Scarface: The World Is Yours will be available on October 8 for Xbox, PS2, PSP, and PC.
A Quick Look at “Family Guy”
September 5, 2006
2K Games’ Family Guy successfully delivers the beloved animated series to PSP, PS2 and Xbox. The game boasts the vocal talents of Seth McFarlane, Seth Green, Mila Kunis and Alex Borstein, as well as the show’s entire writing staff. As you’ll see, the writers are uninhibited by TV broadcast restraints and took advantage of it. Oh yeah, it’s on.
As part of the game’s ”interactive comedy” format, there is no single grand plot, just a series of intersecting storylines starring Peter, Stewie and Brian, each embarking on his own mission. Peter seeks revenge on Mr. Belvedere (yes, the guy from the sitcom), whom he thinks is responsible for destroying his satellite dish and therefore ruining Peter’s Mr. Belvedere marathon. From there, Peter either gobbles up or smashes pretty much everything in sight. The dish was really destroyed by Bertram, whom Stewie (equipped with his favorite laser gun and mind control helmet) battles throughout the game for control of the world. Finally, Brian must clear his name after being wrongly assuced of impregnating Seabreeze and find the real culprit.
As the game progresses, you switch from character to character, and the gameplay itself involves combat, stealth and problem-solving. Plus, over 200 characters from the show make cameos in the game, including Herbert the old pedophile, the sex-crazed Quagmire, finger-sucking Opie and the evil monkey. Family Guy will be available for PSP, PS2 and Xbox on October 23, 2006.
A Quick Look at “Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII”
August 30, 2006
Square Enix’ Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII, the third installment in the Final Fantasy VII compilation, takes place three years after the original game. For this first-person shooter game (that can be played with a PS2 controller or with a USB mouse and keyboard), you play as Vincent Valentine (pictured), a hidden character from the first game who had a ill-fated love affair with Lucrece (the scientist) and who was the subject of Hojo, the mad scientist.
Dirge of Cerberus certainly has some RPG (role playing games) treats: add magic, upgrade your guns, and buy and sell items. You can also customize three guns for short-, medium- and long-range fun. Ultimately, you’ll be squeezing the trigger more than employing any magic or upgrades. The missions in the game are few in number and optional. Points earned on them will level up Vincent between stages and help you purchase items and weapon upgrades.
As for your enemies, you’ll be facing soldiers and beasts that come from every angle. After a while, their location and tactics become predictable. Boss battles will be more difficult than your typical enemy encounters, so you’ll have to use some unorthodox methods to make it out alive. Be sure to look for…cough, cough…any explosive barrels that you can shoot. Just an idea. You play with very little interaction with your surroundings, which you may find unassuming and repetitive.
Character movements and facial expressions are fluid and life-like, easily placing them among the best in the world of PS2. And the CG movies? Awesome. On “Normal” mode, this game is not particularly difficult at all. There are plenty of power-ups around and your bullet supply is seemingly endless (a blessing for RPG fans that might not play FPS (FreeSpacePort) games). FSP aficionados might want to go straight to “Hard” mode.
Nintendo’s Big Wii-lease
August 16, 2006
The Wii console will come out of the gate strong, boasting no fewer than 26 titles in its release date. The quality and quantity of games is there, making the Wii debut line-up one of the most highly anticipated ever. CVG reports that Wii’s launch line-up will consist of the following:
- The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
- Metroid Prime: Corruption
- Wii Sports
- Red Steel
- Elebits
- Call of Duty 3
- Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
- Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam
- Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII
- Far Cry
- GT Pro Series
- Open Season
- Rayman Raving Rabbids
- Excite Truck
- EA’s Need for Speed: Carbon
- Madden NFL 07
- THQ’s Avatar: The Last Airbender
- Cars
- Spongebob Squarepants: Creature from the Krusty Krab
- Blitz: The League
- Atari’s Dragonball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2
- Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors
- Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers
- Sega’s Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz
- Trauma Centre: Second Opinion
- Metal Slug Anthology
There are also another 151 games that are reportedly in development at this time!
Nintendo’s Wii Concole: Focus on Fun
August 15, 2006
Reginald Fils-Aime, president and COO of Nintendo of America, is confident that with the launch of Wii, Nintendo can once again claim the top spot in the billion-dollar video game industry that it helped build 20 years ago.
The focus behind Wii, Fils-Aime told USA Today, is interactive game play for everyone, not just the hard-core gamer. Because of the controller’s interactive capabilities, less button-pushing is required, so practically anyone can play. Similarly, it is the interactive fun, not pretty graphics, that will serve as Wii’s big draw. The controller can be pointed like a pistol, turned like a steering wheel, and swung like a racket, and it is this accessibility that Files-Aime believes will attract players in their 20’s, 30’s 40’s, and 50’s. The Wii also has no hidden fees or costs. The console is Wi-Fi enabled, so just plug in and play.
USA Today reports that the Wii console will be launched some time in November and will cost less than $250.
Check back for more deatils in the coming months.
Microsoft: Create Your Own PC & Xbox 360 Games
August 14, 2006
Microsoft is scheduled to announce today the August 30th release of XNA Game Studio Express, a free set of tools that gamers can download from www.microsoft.com/xna to their Windows PC and use to create their own games.
For the holidays, Microsoft will unveil a “Creators Club” membership ($99/month) for Xbox Live, allowing novice game developers to test their games on Xbox 360. Games developed through XNA will only be available to members of the Creators Club, a name that is expected to be changed. Microsoft plans to eventually allow independent game creators to demo and sell their games on Xbox Live.
In addition to the XNA tools, GarageGame’s Torque Engine will be included in the package from Microsoft and will help gamers refine and run a game. Spacewars, a free game in the Microsoft package, can be easily modified and run by beginners who may not have too much computing know-how.
With this program, Microsoft will tie gamers to Xbox and be in a position to explore some new ideas. It will also increase the pool of game developers. Most games take between a year and a half to three eyars to develop; companies want to back the sure thing, which is why there is not much risk-taking in video game development nowadays.
So far, ten universities have added game Studio Express to various curricula for the upcoming fall semester, which means that students can test their prototypes on an Xbox 360 console, rather than on a high-powered, more expensive PC.
Halo Film Details
August 11, 2006
Microsoft announced yesterday that Neil Blomkamp will direct Halo’s silver screen debut. Blomkamp is a “massive fan of the games,” as well as ”the world and universe of Halo.” In an interview with Ain’t It Cool News, Blomkamp also revealed that the film will be based on the story of Halo 1, not the Xbox sequel. The director maintains that some elements of Halo are “sacred” and not to be tampered with; he names Master Chief as an example. Nonetheless, some changes will be made (purely from a technical standpoint) to Matser Chief, as his movements will have to more strongly resemble those of humans. “I’ve been given the resources and the source material to make something awesome, so I have to really invest myself 100% in a film that I love every frame of, and for me to love every frame means it has to have something that sets it apart,” Blomkamp said. “Fans of the game should love this film, people who don’t know the game should be transported to a place that blows them away for two hours.”
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