First up is Microsoft, and should be interesting! There's been a ton of speculation that they'll be announcing a TV service this year after seeing the success of adding Netflix and Hulu Plus to their Xbox Live service. We'll see! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled here for updates!
Showing posts with label gaming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gaming. Show all posts
Monday, June 6, 2011
E3 Coverage!
The Electronic Entertainment Expo is the event that gamers across the country look forward to each year. Be sure to keep your eye on this blog for my coverage of the press conferences, and what's been announced for the year ahead.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Game Review: Portal 2
Portal 2 has been much anticipated throughout the country over these last several weeks. Last night I finally got the chance to sit down and play it myself. Here are my initial (spoiler-free) thoughts:
Portal 2 is overall just better than the original. It's funnier, more challenging, and longer. Both the graphics and the physics are better than in the original, and the single player storyline is great. The trusty Portal Gun is still your main mode of transportation in both single player and multiplayer, but new challenges have been added such has mirror cubes and tractor beams. There are times in single-player where you're required to change your portal's location in mid-air and other fun challenges. Sometimes the solutions are obvious and easy, but there are other times when you'll have to muddle through every single option until suddenly you realize the answer has been staring you in the face all along.
The single player story is great, giving you more insight into Aperature's history. GLaDOS is even more insane and the character dialog is even more hilarious than in the original. You're playing as Chell again, dragged back to Aperature and undergoing more testing by the not-dead-or-destroyed GLaDOS. The facility is quite worse for the wear, however. The attention to detail in the game is amazing, and the graphics are truly a delight for the eyes.
For me, though, the best part about Portal 2 is the multiplayer, where you and your partner work together through testing challenges. Portal 2 introduced a gesture system of communication for those who prefer not to use voice chat. While GLaDOS insists it's not a competition, in her own sadistic way she still tries to pit you and your partner against each other. Players earn "collaboration" points for figuring things out, and GLaDOS constantly hints that one of you is doing "better" than the other. She also takes great pleasure when one of you is accidentally destroyed by the other, handing out bonus points for extra cruelty. With 2 portal entrances and exits in play the multiplayer mode can get especially tricky, but it is super fun to have your partner falling in an endless loop and then suddenly change the portal location to have them rocket off at an angle to land on a seemingly unreachable platform.
To wrap it up - Portal 2 is awesome, and in every way better than the already great original. The single player story is more in depth and the multiplayer is sure to keep you coming back for more.
Score: 9.5/10
*Disclaimer: I have not been paid by Valve or any other entity for this review.
Portal 2 is overall just better than the original. It's funnier, more challenging, and longer. Both the graphics and the physics are better than in the original, and the single player storyline is great. The trusty Portal Gun is still your main mode of transportation in both single player and multiplayer, but new challenges have been added such has mirror cubes and tractor beams. There are times in single-player where you're required to change your portal's location in mid-air and other fun challenges. Sometimes the solutions are obvious and easy, but there are other times when you'll have to muddle through every single option until suddenly you realize the answer has been staring you in the face all along.
The single player story is great, giving you more insight into Aperature's history. GLaDOS is even more insane and the character dialog is even more hilarious than in the original. You're playing as Chell again, dragged back to Aperature and undergoing more testing by the not-dead-or-destroyed GLaDOS. The facility is quite worse for the wear, however. The attention to detail in the game is amazing, and the graphics are truly a delight for the eyes.
For me, though, the best part about Portal 2 is the multiplayer, where you and your partner work together through testing challenges. Portal 2 introduced a gesture system of communication for those who prefer not to use voice chat. While GLaDOS insists it's not a competition, in her own sadistic way she still tries to pit you and your partner against each other. Players earn "collaboration" points for figuring things out, and GLaDOS constantly hints that one of you is doing "better" than the other. She also takes great pleasure when one of you is accidentally destroyed by the other, handing out bonus points for extra cruelty. With 2 portal entrances and exits in play the multiplayer mode can get especially tricky, but it is super fun to have your partner falling in an endless loop and then suddenly change the portal location to have them rocket off at an angle to land on a seemingly unreachable platform.
To wrap it up - Portal 2 is awesome, and in every way better than the already great original. The single player story is more in depth and the multiplayer is sure to keep you coming back for more.
Score: 9.5/10
*Disclaimer: I have not been paid by Valve or any other entity for this review.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Game Review: Beyond Good And Evil HD
For fans of the original, the re-release of Beyond Good and Evil in HD format was an exciting announcement. Once again we can play as fearless reporter Jade with her loveable "uncle" Pey'j and wacky sidekick "Double H".
The storyline of Beyond Good and Evil remains unchanged from the original. You play as Jade - a reporter on the planet Hillys, which is currently at war with and constantly under attack from the aliens known as the Domz. As the game unfolds, it is your job to uncover a conspiracy between the Domz and Hillys' supposed protectors - the Alpha Sections. In spite of the main story's seriousness, there is a lightheartedness to the characters that makes the game fun and easy to play.
There is one main side-quest to the game that involves photographing all of the different animal species on the planet Hillys. While it sounds easy, this can be a difficult task, as you are sometimes photographing animals that are shy, small, and hard to catch on camera. It adds an interesting element to the game, however, when you're stopping in the middle of a boss fight to snap a picture of the creature you're facing.
While the graphics have been revamped up to HD quality, sad to say the camera angles are still as frustrating and awkward at times as they were back in 2004 when the game was originally released. There also isn't much replay value to the game - once you've played it you've played it. However, it is a fun break from some of the longer, more in-depth RPGs out there. I will personally replay it trying to get all those photos, looter races, and other tidbits that are included throughout the world of Hillys.
As a girl gamer I have to say that my favorite part of the game is Jade herself. At last we have a smart, innovate, funny character to play whose wardrobe does not make her look like a wanna-be porn star. Even her proportions are appropriate!
The game was originally designed as a trilogy and therefore ends with a twist. While the sequel hasn't been produced online, it's been hinted at by the game's creator, Ubisoft that if enough people download the HD release, the sequels will be given the go-ahead. So get out there and get downloading folks, for 800 Microsoft Points, you really can't go wrong with this one.
The storyline of Beyond Good and Evil remains unchanged from the original. You play as Jade - a reporter on the planet Hillys, which is currently at war with and constantly under attack from the aliens known as the Domz. As the game unfolds, it is your job to uncover a conspiracy between the Domz and Hillys' supposed protectors - the Alpha Sections. In spite of the main story's seriousness, there is a lightheartedness to the characters that makes the game fun and easy to play.
There is one main side-quest to the game that involves photographing all of the different animal species on the planet Hillys. While it sounds easy, this can be a difficult task, as you are sometimes photographing animals that are shy, small, and hard to catch on camera. It adds an interesting element to the game, however, when you're stopping in the middle of a boss fight to snap a picture of the creature you're facing.
While the graphics have been revamped up to HD quality, sad to say the camera angles are still as frustrating and awkward at times as they were back in 2004 when the game was originally released. There also isn't much replay value to the game - once you've played it you've played it. However, it is a fun break from some of the longer, more in-depth RPGs out there. I will personally replay it trying to get all those photos, looter races, and other tidbits that are included throughout the world of Hillys.
As a girl gamer I have to say that my favorite part of the game is Jade herself. At last we have a smart, innovate, funny character to play whose wardrobe does not make her look like a wanna-be porn star. Even her proportions are appropriate!
The game was originally designed as a trilogy and therefore ends with a twist. While the sequel hasn't been produced online, it's been hinted at by the game's creator, Ubisoft that if enough people download the HD release, the sequels will be given the go-ahead. So get out there and get downloading folks, for 800 Microsoft Points, you really can't go wrong with this one.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
The Top 10 Video Game Themes
In honor of the Oscars tonight, I thought I'd send out a little "Top Ten" action. Only instead of being for "best acting," here are my nominations for Top 10 Video Game Themes (and yes, I know this post may have been better suited to the Grammy awards but oh well):
10. Super Mario Bros.
10. Super Mario Bros.
9. The Legend of Zelda
8. Command and Conquer: Red Alert (Hell March)
7. Dragon Age: Origins
6. Fallout 3
5. StarCraft II
4. Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion theme
3. Halo 3 (One Final Effort)
2. Castlevania Symphony of the Night (Moonlight Nocturne)
1. Final Fantasy 8 (Liberi Fatali)
Monday, February 14, 2011
Game Review: Dungeons
Welcome to the anti-Valentine edition! No gooshy lovie-dovey stuff or candy hearts over here. Instead, I'll be reviewing Dungeons: a game where the main goal is to build evil... well dungeons and lure heroes to their doom.
In Dungeons by Kalypso Media you play a former Prince of Darkness who has been overthrown by his vile, vicious, and also now ex-girlfriend Calypso. Banished to the lowly rank of Dungeon Lord, you must now work your way back down through the levels of the underworld by placing gimmicks, treasure, and monsters all designed to lure heroes to their doom. Placing gimmicks (essentially dungeon decoration) earns you prestige, which is necessary for various tasks throughout the game. It also helps lure heroes through the dungeon, as they tend to follow from one gimmick to the next. Every hero is motivated by different needs; some are motivated by piles of shiny treasure, others by battling monsters. As their needs are met, they fill with "soul energy," which is what YOU are after. Satisfy your heroes and then slay them for a percentage of their soul energy, or imprison and torture them in order to squeeze every last ounce out.
While it sounds fairly straightforward and easy, there is some strategy involved. Each entrance into the dungeon releases heroes at the rate of one or two every 3-5 minutes (some even faster). Let me tell you keeping track of 5-10 different heroes and fulfilling their needs while simultaneously not letting any of them escape or attack your Dungeonheart (the source of your life and power in the underworld) isn't as easy as it sounds. That's not all there is to each level, though. There is usually some quest that you are fulfilling while waiting for heroes to be ready for death or imprisonment which is also taking your time and attention. In addition from time to time (and usually at the worst possible moment) your bosses will show up with a job for you to do, and you have to keep the bosses happy! Of course, if you get tired of the strategy aspect you can always switch over to "sandbox mode" which allows you to simply build dungeons and lure heroes to their doom outside of the main plot line.
Throughout the game the heroes will spout off hilarious phrases like "mmm, treasure!" or "taste my +1 dagger!" On the whole the game is fantastically light and fun, making it a good break if you've been on run of heavy gaming sessions. The game has a little for everyone, and while it may seem overly simple at first, it soon reveals itself to be a challenge. I give it a 4/5.
Happy Gaming!
In Dungeons by Kalypso Media you play a former Prince of Darkness who has been overthrown by his vile, vicious, and also now ex-girlfriend Calypso. Banished to the lowly rank of Dungeon Lord, you must now work your way back down through the levels of the underworld by placing gimmicks, treasure, and monsters all designed to lure heroes to their doom. Placing gimmicks (essentially dungeon decoration) earns you prestige, which is necessary for various tasks throughout the game. It also helps lure heroes through the dungeon, as they tend to follow from one gimmick to the next. Every hero is motivated by different needs; some are motivated by piles of shiny treasure, others by battling monsters. As their needs are met, they fill with "soul energy," which is what YOU are after. Satisfy your heroes and then slay them for a percentage of their soul energy, or imprison and torture them in order to squeeze every last ounce out.
While it sounds fairly straightforward and easy, there is some strategy involved. Each entrance into the dungeon releases heroes at the rate of one or two every 3-5 minutes (some even faster). Let me tell you keeping track of 5-10 different heroes and fulfilling their needs while simultaneously not letting any of them escape or attack your Dungeonheart (the source of your life and power in the underworld) isn't as easy as it sounds. That's not all there is to each level, though. There is usually some quest that you are fulfilling while waiting for heroes to be ready for death or imprisonment which is also taking your time and attention. In addition from time to time (and usually at the worst possible moment) your bosses will show up with a job for you to do, and you have to keep the bosses happy! Of course, if you get tired of the strategy aspect you can always switch over to "sandbox mode" which allows you to simply build dungeons and lure heroes to their doom outside of the main plot line.
Throughout the game the heroes will spout off hilarious phrases like "mmm, treasure!" or "taste my +1 dagger!" On the whole the game is fantastically light and fun, making it a good break if you've been on run of heavy gaming sessions. The game has a little for everyone, and while it may seem overly simple at first, it soon reveals itself to be a challenge. I give it a 4/5.
Happy Gaming!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Anticipation
You gotta hand it to the folks over at Blizzard - they certainly know how to keep an audience in suspense.
Any other company that kept a fan base waiting more than 10 years for a game, and 2 full years after the game's official announcement would have lost them long ago. But fans of the iconic Diablo franchise are just as excited about Diablo III today as they were 2 years ago when it was officially announced.
Blizzard has done a masterful job of releasing tidbits to keep its audience waiting, while still making us feel like we were getting something. Concept art, screenshots, gameplay previews, even playable demos (the Diablo III PvP demo was available for play at Blizzcon 2010) have kept fans just satisfied enough to keep us hanging on. And let's face it, the fact that Diablo II was one of the best RPGs of all time doesn't hurt - NPD Group listed the Diablo II: Battle Chest in their top 10 best selling computer games even last year, 10 years after the original release.
Many fans were psyched to find out that Diablo III was being previewed with Morgan Webb on G4's X-Play last night, holding their breath that at last we would hear an official release date. Imagine the wave of disappointment when all we were rewarded with was a "hopefully in the near future" - sounds like Morgan is as excited as the rest of us to get her hands on the game. The preview did include a great look at some of the skills of the different classes, the knowledge that the game will again have a randomized world, and "essentially endless combinations of skills and tons of equipment and things to explore". The other big reveal? Diablo III is going to be even more focused on multiplayer and getting people to explor how the combination of different classes and their skills can make the game even more dynamic.
Personally, I can't wait. In fact, I went online today to preorder the game. Want the gem I found? Go to walmart.com and search for Diablo III and you'll find this gem:
"Preorder this item today and it should ship on 08/01/2011"
Happy gaming!
Any other company that kept a fan base waiting more than 10 years for a game, and 2 full years after the game's official announcement would have lost them long ago. But fans of the iconic Diablo franchise are just as excited about Diablo III today as they were 2 years ago when it was officially announced.
Blizzard has done a masterful job of releasing tidbits to keep its audience waiting, while still making us feel like we were getting something. Concept art, screenshots, gameplay previews, even playable demos (the Diablo III PvP demo was available for play at Blizzcon 2010) have kept fans just satisfied enough to keep us hanging on. And let's face it, the fact that Diablo II was one of the best RPGs of all time doesn't hurt - NPD Group listed the Diablo II: Battle Chest in their top 10 best selling computer games even last year, 10 years after the original release.
Many fans were psyched to find out that Diablo III was being previewed with Morgan Webb on G4's X-Play last night, holding their breath that at last we would hear an official release date. Imagine the wave of disappointment when all we were rewarded with was a "hopefully in the near future" - sounds like Morgan is as excited as the rest of us to get her hands on the game. The preview did include a great look at some of the skills of the different classes, the knowledge that the game will again have a randomized world, and "essentially endless combinations of skills and tons of equipment and things to explore". The other big reveal? Diablo III is going to be even more focused on multiplayer and getting people to explor how the combination of different classes and their skills can make the game even more dynamic.
Personally, I can't wait. In fact, I went online today to preorder the game. Want the gem I found? Go to walmart.com and search for Diablo III and you'll find this gem:
"Preorder this item today and it should ship on 08/01/2011"
Happy gaming!
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