Ninja Theory is the team responsible for PS3′s Heavenly Sword and with that project, they not only demonstrated competent game design but they set the bar for story telling and character presentation in gaming. Today, I kicked off my E3 experience with some hands on time with “Enslaved: Odyssey to the West”, a multi-platform game from the same team. It seems the team has stuck to what they do best and adapted it to an entirely new experience with fantastic characters and an intriguing take on the post apocalypse. While the game has some serious flaws that require discussion, the concept and execution are good enough to warrant my approval.

The demo today began at a segment at some point near the beginning of the game (I assume) in which both of the main characters are already acquainted. The details of their union are left unanswered and instead the demo focused on introducing their personalities, the dynamic of their relationship, and of course, the game-play mechanics. For those not in-the-know, the story takes place far in the future in a post-apocalyptic world where most human life has been extinguished and the remaining survivors live together in tightly knit communities. What I find to be so interesting about this take on this common setting is that Machines, who I assume are responsible for this human fallout, have become so intricately woven into this world that the wildlife has actually become machinery as well. At one point in the demo, Monkey, the main character, is tasked with chasing down and capturing a dragonfly which is actually a robot that can be reprogrammed to scan for invisible land mines throughout the world. Cool right?

Where the game truly stands out for me is in the interactions between the two main characters, Monkey and Trip. The game will tell the story of a young girl (Trip) who uses a special head band to enslave this powerful brute (Monkey) in order to gain his help in surviving the journey back to her home village. Both characters are extremely well presented and it is already easy to see how the tension between these two characters will eventually evolve into unwavering trust and loyalty. These kinds of stories are common, maybe even a bit cliche, but they are engrossing as hell and I can’t imagine another developer besides Ninja Theory helming this project. Both characters were rendered beautifully, with fully rendered expressions, and silky smooth animations (in most instances).

The game-play itself is a combination of Prince of Persia (2008) style platforming, Ico style partner based game-play, and third-person action. The game centers around these two characters and the primary goal is obviously to transport this girl to safety while protecting her at all costs. This is where it gets a little iffy. While the actual combat (w/ the machines) is rather simple to execute and actually rather satisfying, the lack of a cover mechanic and the wonky camera controls make it more difficult than necessary. I often found myself wanting to take cover behind various objects but couldn’t. This obviously led me to try and and compensate with the camera to no avail. While it never became so bad that I failed the mission, it was distracting from an otherwise brilliant experience.

The next sequence demonstrated the ability to give various commands to Trip using the left bumper. I used the right bumper to create an audio distraction while I used the left bumper to command Trip to maker her move into position. After a few competent platforming sequences, I was tasked with capturing the elusive dragonfly that I mentioned earlier. Using the mechanical dragonfly, Trip uploaded the mine scanner data into my head set which made them visible only to me. I loaded Trip on my back and navigated the mine field where we treated to a final cut-scene that set the stage for what is sure to be an epic story.

The game has some issues that need to be addressed prior to release but it is shaping up to be another quality story telling experience with some fun platforming and melee combat to boot. Ninja Theory has impressed me yet again and I hope that they get the feedback they need from E3 to make this a really quality title when it releases later this year.

(Show Floor footage forthcoming, check back)

-Nick

It has been nine years, and now we are finally able to jump back into the country of Donkies and Kong. Retro Game Studios has decided to bless us, and possibly Nintendo, with the successor to a series many of us grew up loving (with tongue).

Donkey Kong Country Returns, A game that hopefully revitalizes the Country series to wow children all over again. If I remember correctly, which I always do, the Countries was a series I held closer to my heart than Sonic or Mario.  Donkey Kong Country never failed to deliver fast-paced, challenging, and exciting 2.5 dimension platforming to the millions that undoubtedly enjoyed the shit out of it.

After viewing this trailer and getting some time hands on with it, I am more than happy to announce that it seems to be more of the same spirited Donkey Kong. Thank God.

Alright, let’s go ahead get the new features of this DKC out there…

First, and what should be most important, is that this DKC features full Co-op. This co-op is similar to the original co-op of the first three DKC’s except both players are in full control of their character at ALL TIMES. If you are familiar with the predecessors of this game, you understand how this will significantly change the gameplay of co-op in general, especially when I discuss the following features.

Hearts. Whether or not you are able to build up more, I am unsure (doubtful) , but you ARE able to survive more than one hit. Along with being able to fully cooperate with your partner, you are no longer needed to safely tip toe through the tulips of DKC, constantly worrying that you may die and lose your attempt at the level. While DKC has always been a challenging series, and still is by far, there is now a little more leeway in how gutsy the game will allow you to be.

Abilities. In the original games, there were multiple characters (hopefully they will announce multiple characters in this single game) who all had somewhat unique abilities. Donkey Kong Rolled, Diddy cartwheeled, and Dixie could glide. Donkey Kong Country Returns introduces us to four unique abilities that are able to be used in multiple ways. DK can slam the ground, forcefully push back opponents with his breathe, and roll forward as he as always been able to. Diddy now has a jet pack, can throw bananas, and of course his classic cartwheel.  In addition to these abilities, you are still able to throw Diddy as DK OR have him essentially become Donkey Kongs personal jet pack. Also, there are subtle differences which I have not been able to differentiate completely, and probably won’t be able to until the game is released. One I noticed was DKs ability to bounce a little higher on certain objects for he is heavier.

This game is very consciously giving those who love the series what they want, what they need, and what is important.

We will be able to explore every level for secrets which there are a plenty of. We will be able to ride cart levels. We will be able to collect coins and such to unlock… well, something. We will be able to enjoy the obvious updates to this sixteen year old game for they ONLY enhance, not bastardize the series. We will be able to enjoy a game in a way that was previously thought to only be possible on the SNES.

This is gaming at it’s best. Simple and fun. Challenging, yet rewarding. Quick, but paced. Exciting and competitive.

Kids, this is mother fucking Donkey Kong.

Retro, don’t screw me.

The original Force Unleashed was a strange creature. As a game, it had trouble standing apart from other hack-n-slash adventure games like God of War and Devil May Cry and was easily the shallowest in the genre. The gameplay was fun but the lack of character customization and sheer skill required to be good at the combat left a lot to be desired. On a more positive note, the story of the game was probably the best told Star Wars story since Return of the Jedi.

Come October, Lucas Arts will continue the story of Star Killer, Darth Vader’s secret apprentice, as he turns his back on his former master. The story looks to take a page from the Clone Wars era of the universe and hints that Star Killer will be forced to fight clones of himself! Sure, it’s been done before but something about the Star Wars Universe makes it all the more compelling to me. My only hope is that they flesh out the story, beef up the gameplay, and deliver a game that is all around better than it’s predecessor.  Perhaps I can get some hands on time next week if it is playable at E3 but until then, feast your eyes on this beautiful trailer.

2 Things I want to say before you watch this:

• Lucas Arts… i’m talking to you!  If this cutscene does not appear in the game or on the disc with the retail copy of this game, shame on you!  You obviously spent a ton of money on this trailer, so make use of it!
• Secondly, I almost wet my pants when I heard the “Duel of the Fates” start to play…

And we all rejoice as the heavy rains of E3 trailers begin to wash us with their splendor!

These newest droplets come in the form of a gameplay trailer for Dead Space 2.  My embarrassing secret is that I am currently playing through the first Dead Space right now for the very first time.  Simply put, I can’t believe I’ve waited this long. 

Looks like they’ve spruced up the, already fantastic, graphic engine and done some cool thing with spatial effects.

-Joseph-

EVE Online might be the current king of the space MMO but Jumpgate Evolution has been making waves throughout its development process.  Developer NetDevil has certainly been pouring a lot of love into this project and its really starting to show.  Needless to say, over the past year the tidbits they have been releasing have been succulent to say the least.

E3 2010 brings us their latest trailer called Octavius and gives us a little dramatic speech concerning one of the games races.  Is it me or does this race have a nicely done Dune feel to it?

In any case…this is looking to be coming alone quite nicely.

-Joseph-

Turns out we didn’t really have to wait too long to find out what Warner Bros. Games had up their sleeves, though its not like there were many options to choose from. Whether or not there will be another Mortal Kombat film, at least we know now that we are finally getting a real Mortal Kombat.

I have never been a fan of Mortal Kombat. Occasionally I have been able to sit down and play it with friends for shits and giggles. I have never been able to seriously play through a tournament though, let alone learn any special moves. Mortal Kombat’s fighting system has always seemed too robotic for me. The actions of the characters were never fluid enough for my high brow taste. I don’t believe this problem was apparent in MK vs DC, but I am very familiar with this mechanic being done again and again by Midway.

Luckily for me, a player of Dead or Alive, it seems as if this rendition of Mortal Kombat (which looks as if it’s JUST Mortal Kombat with better graphics) will be a more fluid fighter, with combos being easier to piece together than before. If that is the case, sweet. If not, well it was nice knowing you Mortal Kombat, you can go ahead and die now. Frankly, if this MK doesn’t really catch on, I don’t see anyone bothering with another one. At least, I won’t.

Keepin’ it real homies.

-Travis

While I expressed some minor concern last night with Ninja Theory’s new title, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, I feel a lot better but a little surprised by the new E3 2010 trailer.

While I no longer feel worried about the characters in Enslaved, for it seems that they are as well developed as they were in Heavenly Sword, I was a little surprised by just how human the main character, Monkey, is. Allow me to explain: from the descriptions that I had read and the synopsis given by the developers in interviews, I was under the impression that Monkey was more of a Tarzan-like character who didn’t speak much. Turns out… he sounds rather… well spoken… educated even! This was largely the basis of my concern but it seems I no longer have anything to worry about.

Enough of my rambling. Make the jump and check out the new trailer for one of my most anticipated action games of 2010.

-Nick

Let the E3 trailers begin…

I am horribly split when it comes to the new Spider-Man game from Beenox… It looks like it could really be the worst thing to happen to Spider-man games since…. well… Web of Shadows. Here we have a relatively unknown and unproven (at least among “hardcore” gamers) developer handling a beloved IP that has never had a lot of luck in the realm of gaming. On the other side of the coin however, I am really digging the approach to marketing and revealing the different universes a bit at a time. I definitely applaud the team for putting a unique spin on an established formula.

The new trailer, debuting Spider-Man 2099 as the 3rd universe, is awaiting you after the jump.

A short (7 minute) live action Mortal Kombat movie was released today. No one really seems to know exactly what this is for, but latinoreview.com is stating that it is most probably a demo reel used to sell a project to big publishers. This could mean that this is not footage from the actual movie but, rather, a directors vision of what they would create if they get the funding.

Hit the jump for some more tidbits and the video.

Some other information taken from latinoreview.com

• The short was directed by Kevin Tancharoen, who did the remake of Fame last year. Judging from this short, Kevin is the perfect director for this movie.

• Jacks is played by Michael Jai White. Michael played Spawn and was in Undisputed II. Michael makes a great Jacks (Jax).

• Sonya Blade is played by Jeri Ryan, who played Seven of Nine in Star Trek: Voyager.

• Baraka was played by the very talented Lateef Crowder, who plays the Brazilian fighter in Undisputed III.

• Scorpion is played by Ian Anthony Dale. Ian plays Kazuya in the upcoming big screen version of Tekken.

• Johnny Cage was played by up and coming martial arts sensation Matt Mullins.

I know some may be skeptical but I like the direction this is going in.  Sure Mortal Kombat has a rich history but I wouldn’t exactly call it prime literary material.  And I would certainly rather have a new, and good, Mortal Kombat movie then none at all.

UPDATE: Confirmed as a movie.

-Joseph-

There was a time when Squaresoft made CG (at least that’s what we called it back then) that was years ahead of anyone else who even attempted it. They also made really great games back then too. And while the “great games” part is highly debatable these days, this trailer proves their CG team still has chops.

No one knows much about Deus Ex 3. We know that Deus EX 1 is a beloved and revolutionary game. We know Deus Ex 2 is not. We also know nothing at all about the Eidos studio that is working on this game — they have never shipped a game and their other project, Thief 4, is also a sequel to a beloved franchise.

Either way, this trailer has me excited if not for the cyber-punk setting alone. Oh and that mind control wire thingy is pretty sweet too.

Brad

As I was organizing through older posts, I ran across this.

You remember where it’s from?
David

Here – Brad’s Post

The trailer for the new Call of Duty game by Treyarch was put up just last night. Check it.

What do you guys think?

I don’t know why, and I don’t mean to offend anyone but to me it looks like Modern Warfare 2: The Blooper Reel.

It looks like there will be quite a bit of swinging into buildings, vehicles, some crossbow action and the plane from the X-Men movies. These games with guns; Hasn’t it been enough? Sheesh. What does seem interesting is the ‘covert’ feel the game is
aiming for. Maybe if the game is constantly letting you know how your actions are being covered up as you ‘save the world’, well that could make for an interesting narrative. The world just doesn’t know! No one thanks you! But you just have to keep shooting.

Also, at 1:10.  Is that Vasquez?

Where’s my Aliens game, Gearbox?

-Carlos

Bathe thine self in the ludicrous scandalocity that is this leaden tempest.  Watch it in HD.

Say what you will about video game release cycles but there is something comforting about knowing that you won’t have to wait years for another game in your favorite franchise. Games like Call of Duty are quickly adopting a sports game business model and shelling out new titles every year. By devoting multiple studios to different projects within the same IP, publishers are managing to exploit these properties without necessarily sacrificing quality (arguably). With Infinity Ward and Treyarch each having two years to develop their next Call of Duty, consumers are getting a constant stream of quality games. IP’s like Gears of War and even Fallout seem to be moving in the same direction so I would argue that this is an inevitability and will quickly become the standard in the industry in the next few years.

In a rather surprising turn of events, Ubisoft is the next major publisher to take advantage of this tactic. With the success of Assassin’s Creed 2, there was no question as to whether or not their would be a sequel. What I didn’t see coming was a spin-off series starring Ezio (AC2) as he recruits and trains new Assassin’s in Rome! This past week saw the reveal of Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood for the Xbox 360 and PS3 for release this fall. While I am a little weary of this move for the series, I can’t help but be optimistic.

The improvements made with Assassin’s Creed 2 were astronomical when viewed in comparison to the original. Almost every problem I had with the first game was addressed and I felt that the series had finally found it’s footing. The thought of getting another look at the universe is incredibly exciting for me but I think Ubisoft should do several things to ensure the success and continued loyalty to this IP: (pay attention Ubisoft):

• Remember the original plan for Halo ODST? This game should subscribe to that business model. The game should launch at $39.99 and be advertised as a spin-off. There should be no question that this game exists for the sole purpose of expanding the fiction and satiating the masses while they wait patiently for Assassin’s Creed 3.

The details are slim but the fact that this game stars the same character in a similar setting is reason enough to justify releasing this game at a lower price point. Not to mention, I think the game would sell a hell of a lot more copies if this were the case.

As for details, what we do know is that the game will feature a solid single player adventure starring Ezio Auditore and feature a prominent multiplayer mode. The game seems solid enough and the fact that the team responsible for the Splinter Cell Chaos Theory multiplayer are in charge of the multiplayer in this game is promising. While I can’t say that I am completely in support of the decision to make the multiplayer competitive rather than cooperative, they have my attention and I definitely won’t write it off just yet.

It seems that Ubisoft has found a creative way to release a new AC game every year. If this continues, we can either expect another spin-off next holiday or perhaps even an official Assassin’s Creed 3. My money is on another spin-off starring Altair or Desmond though. Either way, the structure of the series has definitely taken an interesting turn and I am eager to see how it turns out.

Any thoughts from our community?

-Nick

Marketing is a complex process.  Marketers must use expertise and their own personal life experiences to make assumptions as to what would sell in the marketplace.  Video Game marketing is no exception and with the constant growth of the used game market and the impact that critical reception has on buying behavior, marketers are constantly trying new methods of getting an extra purchase.  I’ve seen a lot of new strategies attempted and witnessed a lot of backlash from the gaming community in the past few years.  Exclusive DLC, DRM, and extra content available only to new adopters are among the first that come to mind.  However, I have noticed a new trend beginning to emerge and I hope to god that it continues.  Not only is this new trend saving me money in the long run, but it is also getting me to play games that I never would have played otherwise.  What am I talking about?

THQ was the first publisher to offer a free game by mail with the purchase of their newest “hot title”.  When Darksiders released this year, I was initially going to wait for a used copy before I made my purchase but then it was revealed that early adopters would qualify to receive a free copy of “Red Faction Guerilla” by mail!  i immediately pre-ordered the game and was happy knowing that my $60 of hard earned cash would go a little bit further and I would finally be able to enjoy a game that I was meaning to play for the longest time!  When you think about it, this really is an ingenious promotion.  Let’s break it down to see exactly how this benefits both parties:

1. The consumer gets 2 games for the price of 1.  Satisfying…
2. The consumer is exposed to multiple titles from a single publisher, henceforth expanding their mental catalog
3. The publisher creates brand recognition and loyalty among consumers.
4. The publisher gets to put an otherwise expired product onto more shelves, building demand for the inevitable sequel in the future
5. The retailer gets more pre-orders

As you can see, these are just a few of the ways  in which this kind of marketing is awesome.

So, now a second publisher has stepped up and created a similar deal.  One of the most loathed publishers in the industry; the company responsible for practically monopolizing the war simulation genre, dismantling one of the most respected FPS developers in biz, giving you a shitty plastic skateboard to play Tony Hawk, and publishers of Bungie’s next major IP; Activision has finally done something cool….

I’ll be the first to admit that Activision’s upcoming FPS, “Singularity” looks a bit like a second rate shooter but the concept is interesting enough to warrant me giving the game a chance.  However, by purchasing Singularity brand new on the Xbox 360, you can receive a free copy of last year’s open world gore-fest, Prototype by mail!  Sign me up!

With a deal like that, I am willing to give Singularity the benefit of the doubt and give Prototype another chance.  So if you were sitting on the fence about whether or not to give Singularity the time of day, you may want to take this into consideration.  Because trust me, receiving a free game in the mail is a fantastic feeling; I have a copy of Red Faction on my shelf that proves it.

-Nick

Thats my theory anyway.  Gordon Brown obviously saw the new European Release trailer and realized that he will never be able to govern properly AND get his Demon’s Souls playtime in.  Good on him for being honest to himself and the country he represents.  If only more leaders took those types of honest steps.

For the rest of our European readers check out the new trailer after the jump. June 25, 2010 is the day you can join in on this fantastic RPG experience.

-Joseph-

A bunch of new screens have been released today for WiiWare title Pearl Harbor Trilogy: 1941 Red Sun Rising.  Honestly it looks just O.K. and its really going to come down to price on this one.  Price and control, but the latter is always the crap shoot for a lot of Wii titles.

The most interesting thing I’ve found about this title is not what it does, but what they didn’t do.  I’ve put the teaser trailer below the jump and I want you to watch it. Watch it and then ask yourself why they didn’t go with the cell-shaded look of the game that is shown in the first few, and last, moments of the trailer.  Those parts look amazing and it would have been great playing a WWII aerial shooter what that type of stylized look.  And honestly, its a look that the Wii really excels in. Unfortunately they ended up trying to go with a realistic look which does nothing but really exemplify the Wii’s weaknesses in the graphical department.

Trailer and new screen shots after the jump.

-Joseph-

Below the fold you will find the newest trailer for Medal of Honor (2010).  The tone this trailer sets for this game is perfect, and if they can keep it up in the main game we are not only going to see a truly visceral experience but an emotional one as well.

The emotional experience of war is something I feel has been somewhat lost in games recently, with those feelings being replaced with a sort of bromance (HOO-RA) atmosphere.

If the new Medal of Honor can bring this back then I think we are in for a really deep and fantastic experience.

Check out the trailer after the jump.

-Joseph-

Yesterday, Brad mentioned to me something that he thought would appeal to me regarding the new MGS Peacewalker. He mentioned Snake, a female character, and a beach. I really hope this wasn’t what he meant because there is no way that….wait, she started dancing. Ok, it’s not bad.

But still this isn’t exactly what would interest me about this game. I think the female character is a little awkwardly designed, her eyes and nose are creepy. It isn’t my musical preference and it’s Metal Gear Solid on a PSP, so I’m still pretty uninterested about Peacewalker. As for the video, I got a good laugh.

Was this the right video, Brad?
David

Updated.

**EDIT**
Maybe this was the video Brad was talking about. (Thanks Skyjino for the link)

Or maybe this one? (Spoiler Warning)

Video games don’t sell themselves. Not anymore anyways. Back in the day when this technology was new and video game journalism didn’t exist, people would rush to stores to buy games because it was cool and exciting. Today, the market is overrun with gaming experiences and genres and consumers often base purchase decisions on a number of different factors including advertisements (billboards, TV commercials, and product placement), review scores, and media coverage. Games are expensive and people are far less likely to shell out $60 bucks for a game when there is a potentially better experience to invest in. My degree in Marketing has fueled my interest in video game marketing and really made me pay more attention to the way these games are marketed to the mass populace.

Trailers and a few thoughts after the jump.

Today we get two high profile trailers from two major publishers; each with their own approach to developing trailers.  Obviously, a lot of factors play a role in building games and the way in which they are marketed.  Decisions are made to effectively effectively appeal to a broader audience.  Sometimes, these decisions don’t make everybody happy.  For instance, Bioware’s obligatory use of a Marilyn Manson song throughout their marketing campaign for Dragon Age Origins made a lot of people upset and even wary of the games quality.  However, the decision i’m sure, was made in order to appeal to the slice of the market who looked at RPG’s as childish and “kiddie.”  Whether you like it or not, there is a large portion of the market that simply won’t touch a game unless it radiates with a violent aura.

In the end, it boils down to the tone of the game being developed and the audience they want to reach.  Take for instance, the new trailer for Crysis 2.  EA could have thrown together a high octane, shoot-em-up trailer with space marines cursing at each other, a la Killzone 2, but instead took a more subtle approach.  The game seems poised to appeal more to the Half Life 2/Bioshock crowd than the more twitch based shooter fans.  Whatever the reason, I applaud Crytek/EA for creating such a beautiful trailer.

Crysis 2

A trailer can be dramatic, emotional, cinematic, artistic, or minimalistic but how does a studio choose which approach to take? With Crysis 2, EA has combined great CG cinematography with emotional music to capture consumers attention. I come away from this trailer ready to see what it is I can do to take a stand against these frightening aliens. I feel like I am needed and I want to step into the boots of that awesome Nanosuit and take the fight to them. Even though there is no gameplay shown at all, the overall feel of the game’s setting and tone is expressed.

Then there are trailers like the following for the upcoming F.3.A.R.  Warner Bros./Day 1 Studios clearly took a different approach.

Remember that crowd I mentioned earlier?  The one that won’t touch games that aren’t violent and in your face about it?  This trailer appeals to that crowd.  Emphasis is placed on disturbing imagery, hectic camera cuts (probably meant to mimc the craziness of battle), and terror.  It seems that FEAR has become less about tension and more about shock value in each iteration and F3AR looks to be no different.

On another note, I have never been a huge fan of live action trailers but their popularity has sky rocketed in recent years. With Ubisoft blazing a trail for these kinds of videos with their live action Assassin’s Creed and Ghost Recon shorts, other developers are certain to step up to the plate. While I don’t necessarily think that this was a poorly made live-action trailer, I don’t think it was the best choice for a debut trailer of the game and it doesn’t seem nearly as effective as EA’s approach to Crysis. It certainly sets the tone of the game but it isn’t as inspired as it could have been.  Do you remember the initial trailers for Project Origin?  Those were great.

So here is what I want to know:

1. Which trailer do you think was more effective at creating excitement and expressing the tone?
2. How do you feel about the recent trend of live action trailers?

-Nick