1 Final Fantasy 13-2

Since Square was not pleased with the reception of Final Fantasy 13; they decided to take another stab at it with Final Fantasy 13-2. Many believe that this is the game Final Fantasy 13 should have been. It brings back important feature (exploration, nonlinear character development) and keeps things that fan loved (the battle system). These changes hope to put Final Fantasy back on the top of great RPG franchises.

2 Kingdoms of Amalur

Reckoning: While many will confuse this game as another generic fantasy game, they could not ne more wrong. This game seeks to combine the strategy and customization of RPGs with the action from premier action titles like God of War and Ninja Gaiden. This game has all the ingredients to be become the next great fantasy series of our time.

3 Mass Effect 3

Excitement for this game has reached a fever pitch with its release date drawing closer. With a revamped battle system and a story with much more on the line, this entry promised to be the best in the series. Players of the second game must pick this up, as it is the end of Shepard’s story. This game also introduces co-op play into the game, allowing players to team up in a Horde-like mode.

4 Halo 4

Starting up a new trilogy, 343 Industries wants to continue the legacy that Bungie started with the series. This game begins after the end of Halo 3 with Master Chief waking up on his ship after an unspecified time. Instead of focusing on the normal first-person action of the first trilogy, there will be more exploration and discovery. Hopefully the change in direction does not stunt the further growth of this franchise.

5 Tomb Raider

Hoping to redefine Lara Croft for a new generation, Crystal Dynamic takes Lara back to before she was a famous raider. This games drops Lara in the wilderness after her ship crashes. Gameplay now revolves around survivability, with new systems like crafting, skill systems, and elemental puzzles. There will also be a new emphasis on exploration to find items around the island.

6 Uncharted: Golden Abyss

The most anticipated game on the Playstation Vita, this game is going to be used to show that the Vita is capable of a console level experience. This game is a prequel to Nathan’s PS3 games. Also, Golden Abyss brings the same story telling elements and gameplay from its PS3 brethren, with a few twists that involve alternate control schemes based on the Vita touch screen capabilities.

7 Xenoblade Chronicles

The game that spawned a literal rebellion against Nintendo of America is finally finding its way to American shores. Touted as the best JRPG of this generation, Xenoblade goes a long way to showing that JRPGs are still alive and well. By combining a huge world, many customization options, and a compelling battle system, this game takes all the usual traits of the standard JRPG and revives them for this generation of consoles.

8 Diablo 3

This is the next installment to the series that has sucked hours upon hours of time away from people. Diablo 3 wishes to redefine the hack and slash genre and they have introduced new classes to do so. The game will keep pulling players back with the addictive loot system. The game also has a new rune system that changes each skills nature.

Blizzard has also added an auction house that allows players to access rare equipment without having to spend hours searching for them. All of these additions will allow players to spend more time customizing characters and taking out enemies.

9 Prey 2

Now the first Prey was an above average shooter based around an alien invasion. The sequel has a much different approach. This game is basically a bounty hunter simulator. The player is given different missions and he can use a multitude of ways to accomplish his goals. This game revolves around choice and adaptation to ever changing situations.

10 Bioshock Infinite

Taking place in the air rather than underwater, Bioshock Infinite looks vastly different from the first Bioshock. However, the feel of the game is very similar. The game is a shooter, but it combines shooting with special powers that allow for players have different approaches to take down enemies. Also players will have access to their companion characters power that will give the certain advantages in battle.

Basically, in one easy-to-buy package you get a gift that’s ready to use right out of the box. You’ll have to make the difficult choice of which console to purchase, but here are some great bundles for the current consoles.

Newegg – XBOX 360 Gears of War Limited Edition

Price: $399

Newegg is currently offering the XBOX 360 Gears of War Limited Edition package for $399.00, and along with the bundle they’re throwing in a $100 gift card. This bonus makes an especially great gift for gamers, because the card can be used to purchase two or three new games in the future, as they are released.

The included game is, of course, Gears of War 3, the third-person extra-terrestrial shooter that’s one of the XBOX’s most popular titles of the year. This bundle includes a second controller for easy multi-player gaming, and a custom-designed console. You have to act fast, as this deal is only good until December 18th.

This bundle can also be found for the same price at Best Buy, with a $75 gift card bonus.

Best Buy – 320GB PS3 Console Package

Price: $299

Best Buy also has great Christmas deals in gaming for Playstation fans. The hot bundle they have available is the 320GB PS3 Console packaged with the adventure game Uncharted 3, for $299.00. When bought in addition to either Uncharted or God of War combo packs, Best Buy throws in a free $50 gift card.

These combo packs cost $59.99 and each include the first two installments of the respective titles as well as a dual shock controller. So, for about $360, you end up with the higher-end PS3, three hot games, two controllers, and a $50 gift card. Not a bad deal.

Target – Nintendo Wii Package

Price: $199

Perhaps you’re shopping for someone a little younger, or simply less interested by extremely-violent alien annihilation games. If so, perhaps a Nintendo Wii would be a better choice. Luckily, Nintendo is offering some pretty sweet Christmas deals in gaming.

One such deal is a bundle available at www.Target.com. The package includes the standard Wii console with remote and nunchuk controllers, plus two games: New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Both games are rated “E for Everyone,” making them perfect for youngsters. This package is only $199.99!

Best Buy – Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

Price: $39.99 for Wii, $49.99 for other platforms

If whomever you’re shopping for already has their system of choice, there are currently some great Christmas deals in gaming for the most popular newly-released titles. Best Buy is offering Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 for Wii for $39.99, and $49.99 on all other platforms.

Also, Walmart has rolled back prices on Batman: Arkham City, to just $49.96 on all platforms.

Blizzard – Several Christmas Deals

Price: Starting at $5

Lastly, For those that prefer their battles on the PC, Blizzard Entertainment has some pretty sweet Christmas deals in gaming. They are offering deep discounts on World of Warcraft software via their webstore.

For only $5.00, you can pick up the WoW Battle Chest, which includes the complete World of Warcraft game, The Burning Crusade Expansion Set, a beginner’s guide, and a prepaid first month of online gaming. That’s a deal you cannot go wrong with.

But if you’ve already got a Warcrafter in your life, worry not. Blizzard has also drastically reduced all expansion packs and add-ons, which make great gifts for established players. They’re all half-off normal prices, making Wrath of the Lich King and Cataclysm available for $20.00 each, Celestial Steed for $10.00, and Pandaren Monk for $5.00.

Whatever level gamer you’re shopping for, there’s bound to be a deal out there for you.

What Christmas Gaming Deals are we Missing?

If you know of a great Christmas gaming deal, please share it below in the comments section and help other readers out! Thanks & Merry Christmas

Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
One of the biggest games of this year, Skyrim cast the player in the role of the dragonborn tasked with saving the world. The huge open-world game features many quests that will draw the players into the world. Exploration and a revamped combat system ups the ante that was set forth by previous Elder Scrolls games.

Dark Souls
Looking for something to satiate the masochist in you? This game will definitely do that. It is a punishing game that tests player’s skills to there limit. One of the most unique and inventive games of the year, it takes what made Demon’s Souls a cult hit and increases the scope and volume of the game.

Deus Ex: Human Revelation
Resurrecting a dormant franchise is a tricky business but Human Revolution does it with great respect. Like the other Deus Ex games, Human Revolution stresses player choice and unique play styles. Those looking for RPG gunplay need look no further.

2 For the Platformer Gamers

Super Mario 3D Land
Nintendo is finally releasing games for their 3DS system. Anyone who has played Mario Galaxy will instantly recognize the gameplay and older fans will enjoy the references to older games. If you needed a reason to pick up the 3DS, you can take console in the safety of Mario’s familiar gameplay.

Sonic Generations
Sonic fans can now rejoice for their savior has come. Sonic Generations combines the stop-and-go platforming of the original games and the fast paced roller coaster levels of the newer games. The blending of nostalgia and tight gameplay easily makes this one of the best games in Sonic’s sordid past.

Rayman Origins
This game combines classic Rayman gameplay with co-op play. This game will provide more difficulty then most other platformers, but also has aspects that keep the game from being too punishing when playing co-op. This combined with the beautiful graphics make this a very unique game.

3 For the Action-Adventure Gamers

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception
Delivering the same cinematic tales the series is known for; Nathan Drake is back for the third installment of this amazing franchise. The story delves into the relationship between Nathan and his mentor, Sully, as they track down treasure lost by Sir Francis Drake. The game also includes multiplayer to keep players interested even after the story is done.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
This is the Zelda game Wii gamers have been waiting for. Using Wii Motion Plus, this game uses the Wiimote to follow the player’s arm and relates it exactly to Link’s sword arm. This allow for a new puzzle like mechanic when facing enemies. If you are a fan of Zelda, you owe it to yourself to buy this game.

Batman: Arkham City
After the amazing Arkham Asylum game, fans were eager to resume the role of Rocksteady’s Dark Knight. By taking the basic gameplay from Arkham Asylum and throwing it into the open-world genre, Arkham City reaches heights that other superhero games have failed to reach so far. Arkham City is easily the best superhero game of this generation and a must play for comic book fans.

4 For the Shooter Gamer

Battlefield 3
Taking a more calculated and tactical approach to multiplayer gunplay than its Cal of Duty counter part, Battlefield trades the fast passed gameplay for tanks, jets, and a more tactical approach to gameplay. By combining that with a set piece driven single player, this is a franchise that may be stepping out of the shadow cast over most shooters by the Call of Duty franchise.

Modern Warfare 3
Heralded as the most anticipated game ever, Modern Warfare 3 sticks to what makes the Call of Duty franchise sell like hotcakes: fast paced action, explosions, and an addictive multiplayer component. If you enjoyed any of the Call of Duty games, you know what your in for, but that doesn’t make the game any less impressive.

Gears of War 3
The Gears of War games are focused around shooting enemies or chainsawing them in half. Fortunately, this game delivers on both accounts. It also features a more balanced story and the universally loved Horde mode that has come back with new added features. Those who need a break from the first-person shooters should take a look at the third-person controls of this game.

5 For Sports Gamers

NBA 2k12
This game expands upon the Michael Jordan sections of the last game and adds many new legendary basketball stars. Players will be able to play the games that gave them their status as some of the NBA’s greatest players. The My Player mode and Creating a Legend mode are also back and expanded upon making this the best entry into the series to date.

FIFA 12
FIFA 12 is considered a refinement of the franchise. This game adds many more improvement to the gameplay to make the soccer players seem more lifelike and offer more options to players. The game also has a manager mode as well as online support. There is a lot of content in this game that any soccer enthusiast will enjoy.

NHL 12
NHL 12 adds many new features to their tired-and true formula. Instead of revamping the whole system, the NHL 12 team made changes to their current system to make the hockey matches a more real experience. These changes are also coupled with the Be a GM mode, the Be a Pro mode, and online multiplayer.

6 For Puzzle Gamers

Portal 2
Fans of Valve were pleasantly surprised when Valve released a little gem called Portal. This follow-up takes the same puzzles and gameplay and expands upon the concept. Puzzles are more intricate and the characters make the game unforgettable. This along with a co-op mode allows games to sink a lot of time into such a masterfully made game.

Professor Layton and the Last Specter
Professor Layton and the Last Specter is the latest game in the popular puzzle/adventure series. With over 170 puzzles in the game, there is enough content in the game to last players for a while. Also, the games comes with an Animal Crossing type game called Professor Layton’s London Life, which allows players to assume the role of their own character and interact with characters from the Professor Layton series.

Catherine
Now this is a weird one. This game is one part puzzle game, one part morality simulator. They combine to form a distinctly Japanese feeling game. The puzzles come in the form of difficult, timed block puzzles and the simulation aspects comes into play based on your reaction to the two women vying for your characters affection. Anyone who enjoys a more Japanese-like game will feel right at home.

7 For Racing Gamers

DIRT 3
Dirt 3 combines racing, rallying and a new mode called gymkhana to make the game a very unique racer. Whether it is racing, or doing one of the many time trial there is always something to do. When players get tired of racing they can turn to the skill based gymkhana mode that tests a player’s ability to control the car in different situations. This game is a good choice if players want something more than just racing.

Forza Motorsport 4
Forza is Microsoft’s answer to Sony’s Gran Turismo series. This game features a career mode that allows players to race all round the world while collecting and customizing cars. Those customized cars can be shared and raced online with up to 15 other players. The game also features content from BBC’s show Top Gear, which gives information about racing and cars. If you own an Xbox 360 and love racing games, you can’t go wrong with Forza 4.

Driver: San Francisco
Driver: San Francisco is an interesting departure from the Driver series and from racing games in general. The game revolves around the concept that the character can swap between cars on the fly, which makes for some interesting racing segments. The game also has spilt screen and online multiplayer. This also game has a much more arcade-like feel than a title from the Forza or Gran Turismo series

8 For Fighting Gamers

Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds
The latest release to the crazy mash-up series, it does away with many of the characters to offer a more streamlined experience. Each character now feels vastly different from other characters and offers more room for team strategy. This game relies heavily on combos and juggles and fighting game fans will find a lot of depth to the gameplay. If you every wondered who would win if Dante from Devil May Cry and Magneto ever got into a fight, this is the right game for you.

Mortal Kombat
After trying many new things to try and spice up the franchise, Mortal Kombat finds solace in what made them great games in the first place. They have raised the ridiculous factor and tightened the gameplay the put Mortal Kombat back in the league of great fighting franchises.

The King of Fighters XIII
One of the more underrated fighting series, King of Fighters XIII tries its best to distinguish itself from other fighters while simultaneously reaching back into the elite camp. It gives players more options during fights than Street Fighter and Tekken, allowing players more ways to take out opponents. However, while new gamers might find all the systems a bit hard to get into, fans of the series will feel right at home.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

If Bethesda had any notions of making this a full length feature film I would be one of the first in line to see it!

Recommended Specs

• Windows 7/Vista/XP PC (32 or 64 bit)
• Processor: Quad-core Intel or AMD CPU
• 4GB System RAM
• 6GB free HDD space
• DirectX 9.0c compatible NVIDIA or AMD ATI video card with 1GB of RAM (Nvidia GeForce GTX 260 or higher; ATI Radeon 4890 or higher).
• DirectX compatible sound card
• Internet access for Steam activation

Minimum Specs

• Windows 7/Vista/XP PC (32 or 64 bit)
• Processor: Dual Core 2.0GHz or equivalent processor
• 2GB System RAM
• 6GB free HDD Space
• Direct X 9.0c compliant video card with 512 MB of RAM
• DirectX compatible sound card
• Internet access for Steam activation

Happily these specs are pretty tame, so any decent computer less than a couple of years old should probably do the trick. Happy gaming!

A couple of weeks ago I shared some Gears of War 3 wallpapers I created from elements I found around the web. You guys seem to have liked them since they’ve gotten quite a few downloads and I’ve seen them shared on several other sites – so I decided to share some more!

I was checking out some of the new trailers and images that have been trickling out with the launch just around the corner and my Gears Fever has been really kicking in. The only treatment was to crack open Photoshop and take another stab at some more wallpapers.

I found a great shot of one of the newer weapons the C.O.G. One Shot and I used it in one of the new Gears of War 3 wallpapers, hope you guys like ‘em.

Also – If you find a large, high quality shot of the Lancer assault rifle that won’t take 3 days to cut out – let me know. Had a request to make a wallpaper using the Lancer, but can’t find a decent source image.

More Free Gears of War 3 Wallpapers

Nintendo recently unveiled the Wii U it’s latest console offering. The first to announce an 8th generation console, Nintendo hopes their first-to-market strategy will gain them a strategic advantage in the console war’s next round of battles.

Nintendo’s Wii U, the First 8th Generation Console

Nintendo is prepared to go-to-market with it’s Wii U consoles in 2012, but there won’t be a new Xbox or PlayStation for another 3-4 years according to most sources. This will give Nintendo, already a dominant force, will have a significant head start against its primary competitors, Sony and Microsoft.

Always the innovator, Nintendo’s latest console introduces a number of first’s for consoles and has been met with mixed responses. Some reviews are ecstatic about the consoles massively improved hardware, graphics processing and innovative controls, while others are less enthusiastic about the consoles price, game availability, and innovative controls.

But Nintendo’s no stranger to mixed reception…

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Nintendo’s Domination in the Marketplace

While core gamers often dismiss the Wii, it’s wider appeal has led it to dominate the 7th generation console marketplace helping it beat out Sony’s PlayStation 3 and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 at home, in North America and worldwide.

Japanese sales figures

1. Wii – 11,534,590 as of 1 April 2011^[38]
2. PlayStation 3 – 6,341,950 as of 1 April 2011^[38]
3. Xbox 360 – 1,448,665 as of 1 April 2011^[38]

North American sales figures

1. Wii – 30 million as of 10 August 2010^[43]
2. Xbox 360 – 18.6 million as of 31 December 2009^[44]
3. PlayStation 3 – nearly 12 million as of 14 April 2010^[45]

Worldwide sales figures

1. Wii – 87.57 million as of 30 June 2011^[9]
2. Xbox 360 – 55 million as of 4 June 2011^[36]
3. PlayStation 3 – 50 million as of 31 March 2011^[37]

Is First-To-Market the Best Strategy?

PlayStation was first to market in the 5th generation console match up, releasing the PlayStation in 1994, 2 years prior to Nintendo’s N64 console release. PlayStation sales dwarfed Nintendo’s 3 to 1 (102m vs. 32m).

Sony hit the pavement early again with hit’s 6th generation contender, the PlayStation 2 released in 2000, beating competitors to market by a year, including newcomer Microsoft who introduced the Xbox, their first console. Microsoft stepped into the gap left by Sega who had bowed out of the console wars after two disappointing runs at the title (first Sega Saturn, then Dreamcast). Once again Sony’s sales swallowed the other consoles with-out breaking a sweat (150m Sony PS2 vs 24m Microsoft Xbox, 22m Nintendo Gamecube)

The 7th generation of consoles was kicked off by the new up-and-coming contender Microsoft releasing their Xbox 360 console in 2005. It was a full year before Nintendo or Sony released a contender. however, despite Microsoft’s full year head start, Nintendo’s behemoth marketing machine helped propel the later console ahead in the market. The Wii now holds a healthy margin on its fellow 7th generation consoles (87.5m Nintendo Wii vs. 55m Xbox 360, 50m Sony PlayStation 3)

While being first-to-market appears to have given PlayStation a significant advantage in the 5th & 6th generation releases, getting the Xbox 360 out early wasn’t enough to allow Microsoft to dominate. On the other hand it did help cement Xbox as a MAJOR rival, carving out a strong second place in a market dominated by entrenched, veteran console developers.

So what do you guys think?

Is Nintendo diluting their own 7th generation market by releasing the Wii U too early? Will this early leap to 8th generation help keep them the dominant console in the marketplace? What do Microsoft & Sony have to do to gain market share? Is Nintendo Wii U paving the way as ‘the next hottest thing’ in consoles?

More DLC exclusiveness drama – this time it involved The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, one of this years most anticipated titles. Microsoft and Bethesda have forged a deal where the first Skyrim DLC will be available for Xbox 360 players for a month before releasing on PS3 & PC.

This news has PlayStation 3 players causing a quite a ruckus. Then there are the PC gamers who as faithful fans of the early Elder Scroll’s games helped cement Bethesda as the powerhouse game developer we know today. While gamers have become more vocal recently about their displeasure with DLC exclusivity, developers continue to ‘make deals with the devil’.

What do YOU think?

Is it fair or good business for developers to continue offering exclusive deals to certain groups? Will this trend continue or is it nearing its last days? Will unhappy gamers have their voices heard, or will they continue to be ignored?

Whether or not you’re a fan of Valve’s breakout single player puzzle-platformer you’ll really dig this short Portal-based movie. This short 7 minute flick features some incredible special effects and a great actress. Check it out!

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Just one more month to go before Epic Games releases the latest installment of it’s incredibly popular Gears of War series – and man do we have Gears of War fever!

24/7 Tech Junkie is giving away a copy of Gears of War 3. As part of the contest he’s looking for contenders to get creative and do some Gears of War 3 artwork or a video response – so I popped open Photoshop and cranked some gaming tunage to get in the mood.

I crafted a few Gears of War 3 wallpapers using elements I found around the web. Feel free to download and share these, please link back to us if you post on your site – that would be awesome!

Gears of War 3 Wallpapers [ 1600x1000, 1920x1200, 1920x1440]

Story

This game will resume where the plot left off after Modern Warfare 2. Russia’s forces are still attempting to invade America, but now their conquest has spread to many other locales around the world. Confirmed locations are England, France, Germany, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Moscow, and Dubai.

The game will also feature a few returning characters, namely Captain MacTavish, Captain Price, and Wallcroft who was only in the first Modern Warfare. The characters that are new to the franchise are Frost and Sandman, two Delta Force soldiers; Sergeant Marcus Burns; and Yuri, a Russian security agent.

All these characters will be playable in different sections of the game just like the previous protagonists in the earlier entries of the series.

Gameplay

If the gameplay videos are any indication of how this game will play, it will control exactly like all of the Call of Duty games. This is your standard military first-person shooter, and as sales have shown, this is many gamers’ cup of tea. The Call of Duty series has continually shown that, even with a yearly release, that it stays relevant and that people love the series.

Infinity Ward hopes to be even more loved by fans by implementing a few changes that will open up doors to new fans. One of their more prominent changes is the addition of the Survival Mode. It is a standard wave mode like Halo’s Firefight and the non-Modern Warfare Call of Duty’s Nazi Zombies. However, the Survival Mode is able to take place on all of the multiplayer maps and the spawn points of the enemies are not fixed to certain points.

In the case of the competitive multiplayer mode, Infinity Ward is revamping the whole killstreak system, and the progression system. They are also re-balancing the multiplayer by removing certain perks. Infinity Ward wants the multiplayer to be based on the players’ skills and not on their perks.

Another change that will add a whole different dimension for the series is the Call of Duty Elite service. This service will have subscription and will allow players to see their statistics across the Call of Duty games and it will also feature Call of Duty based programs.

With all of these revisions, Infinity Ward is looking to surpass all of the doubts that have surrounded their company and show the gaming community that they are still alive and kicking.

Modern Warfare 3  Game Play Videos

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Modern Warfare 3 Screenshots, Images & Wallpapers

This game will be released on November 8, 2011 for PC, Playstation 3, and Xbox 360. There will also be a Wii version and a Nintendo DS version.

One of my favourite games of last year had to have been Batman Arkham Asylum so naturally I can’t wait for Batman Arkham City. If you are not familiar with the first one you basically played through Arkham Asylum fighting not only lunatics but Killer Croc, Poison Ivy, Bane, encounters with Harley Quinn, Scarecrow and of course, Joker.

With innovative gameplay, cool challenges and a deep storyline the first game was nothing short of amazing and Batman Arkham City is lining up to be exactly the same. The character reveals so far have some stunning videos and include Two Face, the Riddler and a very cockney Oswald Chesterfile Cobblepot, better known as The Penguin.

Not only that but there are going to be playable characters other than Batman that include Catwoman and if you pre order from Best Buy you will also get Robin. However the game isn’t due out until October this year so keep your ear to the ground for more offers including special editions.

Batman Arkham City tells the tale of a newly appointed Mayor, Quincy Sharp, who was the governor of Arkham Asylum, decides that it’s time to bring Arkham Asylum to an end use Gotham City as the constraint for all the lunatics, and criminals. Walls are built around the city and it is renamed as Arkham City.

Quincy has decided to appoint somebody that could cause major problems for Batman to run his new prison and that is Dr. Hugo Strange. The reason this is a problem is because the doctor knows the link between Bruce Wayne and Batman (hopefully there’s no spoiler in that for you).

Interestingly all this is going to be made into a comic book series as well. They are written by Paul Dini and the artwork is coming from Carlos D’anda. Carlos drew the concept art for Arkham City and Paul penned the stories for both Batman Arkham Asylum and City so this level of continuity can only add more depth to events that will be unveiled in the new game.

So far Batman Arkham City is shaping up to surpass the first game and in all honesty I hope it does. As I said I couldn’t get enough of the first game and have extremely high hopes for the follow up.

Batman Arkham City Images & Wallpapers

Also check out Colin’s post on The247Arcade about some of the characters in Batman Arkham City

There are few games that have received almost universal praise throughout the gaming industry. It rarely happens that the gaming community, as a whole, looks at a game and says, “This game must be experienced.”

 Story

The story takes place after the first game, continuing your Shepard’s story. This is one of the coolest features in the game. Whatever choices you made in the first game have translated into this game. If you killed Wrex in the first game, he will not come back. If you sacrificed the Galactic Counsel, human members will have replaced them. However, anyway the game turns out, it is sure to be an amazing ride.

Players start the game in the midst of an attack by the Reapers; an attack that ultimately leads to the untimely demise of Commander Shepard. Not one to let something like deaths keep him out of the world-saving gig, the pro-human corporation Cerberus resurrects him so he can fight once more. The Illusive Man, Leader of Cerberus, has discovered that the Collectors, a species working in conjunction with the Reapers, have been abducting colonies of humans. He sends Shepard to recruit a team to investigate what is happening.

Now, while the plot may have a few clichéd points, the character interactions are what really make the story interesting and relatable. Shepard can converse with characters and find out about their past. They also have special missions that they can partake in to clear up issues from their past. Each character is unique and makes the stories somewhat clichéd elements into something unique as well.

Gameplay

The Mass Effect series implements a third-person cover-and-shoot system that is popular with many third person shooters. The controls are tight and responsive. The weapons make a definite impact when they are shot and there are a few different types of weapons that the player can choose form depending on their class.

However, herein lies the problem. Mass Effect is supposed to be an action-RPG. There is very little character customization in this game. All of the RPG like modifications from the first game is not here. While this is a major disappointment for the hardcore RPG gamers, the game functions very well even without most of the RPG elements.

There is really only one thing that will really frustrate players. That feature is the planet scanning system. Players have to scan planets for recourses to afford upgrades for weapons and their ship. The process is tedious and not entertaining in the least, yet it is still a mandatory part of the game if players really want to invest in the game.

With the exception of the planet scanning, the gameplay is surprisingly deep even without the RPG elements. Players can order their party members to different vantage points or make them use their special abilities on a certain enemy. Each firefight requires players to stay on their feet and use strategy to defeat their enemies. At the end of the day, the gameplay is a satisfying and enjoyable third-person shooter.

Graphics

This game has really beautiful graphics and there are a whole lot of graphics to show. This game combines two styles of science fiction architecture. The used Galaxy look and the sleek, silvery look are both used in the world of Mass Effect.

They use these two types of styles to contrast the different worlds in universe. The pristine looking Citadel is radically different from the Krogan home world. This characterizes the inhabitants of the universe as well as being, as stated before, incredibly beautiful.

Sound

There is nothing really spectacular about the soundtrack. Nothing really stands out as really great. It is what you would expect from a space opera like adventure. While the music is exactly the greatest, it really fits the game well. It is just not a very memorable part of said game.

Replay Appeal

The major factor in the replay appeal is the story. Many decisions have major consequences and can change the course of this game and its sequel. Replaying this game allows the player see how the game would change if they made different decisions.

Another reason to replay this game is linked to the sequel. Since you have changed this game, Mass Effect 3 will be different. Also, there are different classes to play, which will change the gameplay experience of the game. These reasons should be sufficient enough for anyone to want to replay the game.

Mass Effect 2 Images & Wallpapers

Comparing Character Models

A recent thread over at Reddit gave us this little gem below. A race by race comparison of the character models starting with Morrowind, through Oblivion and finally to Skyrim’s character models. The progression is stunning. I did not recall my Morrowind characters as being so incredibly low tech looking – a testament to the games story and a gamers imagination. Skyrim’s character models look unbelievable.

[via G4TV, Destructoid, JeuxVideo, Eurogamer, EpicBattleAxe, Ripten, Kotaku, VideoGameWriters, GameInformer]

We announced the rumor of a new Counter-Strike game late last night,, but after a whirlwind of rumor and speculation Valve has officially announced the new Counter-Strike: Global Offensive game. This is great news for both long time fans and newcomers to the Counter-Strike franchise.

Quoted from their Steam product page

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) will expand upon the team-based action gameplay that it pioneered when it was launched 12 years ago.

CS: GO features new maps, characters, and weapons and delivers updated versions of the classic CS content (de_dust, etc.). In addition, CS: GO will introduce new gameplay modes, matchmaking, leader boards, and more.

“Counter-Strike took the gaming industry by surprise when the unlikely MOD became the most played online PC action game in the world almost immediately after its release in August 1999,” said Doug Lombardi at Valve. “For the past 12 years, it has continued to be one of the most-played games in the world, headline competitive gaming tournaments and selling over 25 million units worldwide across the franchise. CS: GO promises to expand on CS’ award-winning gameplay and deliver it to gamers on the PC as well as the next gen consoles and the Mac.”

CS: GO is being developed by Valve in cooperation with Seattle-based Hidden Path Entertainment. The title is targeted for release in early 2012 and will be playable at this year’s PAX Prime and Eurogamer Expo.

Valve is still being pretty stingy with specifics on gameplay, visuals, and features but for now at least we have official confirmation.

For more about the rumored and confirmed features check out our earlier an
nouncement -  New Counter Strike Game On the Horizon [RUMOR]

As soon as video games reached even the most basic level of competency, game makers realized that they needed faces to sell their products. Sports titles naturally gravitated to whatever sportspeople were within the advertising budget, movie tie-ins used superstars on the box (but rarely in the game) and serious strategy titles were even brave enough to build their reputations on the names of mega geeks like Sid Meier and Will Wright.

Action and Arcade games had to scratch their heads and create something iconic. With little to work with, this was deceptively easy: Mario’s mustache was a necessity, if he didn’t have it, he would essentially be featureless.

In this time, there was an explosion of new mascots. Some of them stuck for decades to come. Then there were the product tie-ins (Cool Spot), and the BOLD ITALIC UNDERLINE ALLCAPS (the hideous Bubsy the Bobcat), who thankfully, drifted into obscurity. SEGA were probably the worst offenders, especially as their creation, Sonic the Hedgehog, created a trend towards ‘cool’ mascot characters specifically designed to appeal to kids already ‘radicalized’ by Vanilla Ice and the Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles.

And then there were those characters that drifted into obscurity for no good reason, or those that started out well and declined. Even those that had the misfortune to be created by developers that had no interest in exploiting a great character further. This list is for those fallen heroes, those mascots that didn’t quite become as legendary as perhaps they could have.

Alex Kidd

If Mario is most recognizable for his mustache. Alex Kidd is most recognizable for his gigantic ears. Neither are facial features that most would associate with heroism perhaps, but both were among the few characteristics you could accurately model on the 8-bit consoles. Alex Kidd is mostly remembered as the character brought out to be SEGA’s answer to Mario and well, things never went his way.

There were plenty of contributing factors: you can’t recount a story of the SEGA Master System years without pointing out how much the love it received in Europe (and Brazil) contrasts with the disinterest in North America and Japan. And it also has to be acknowledged that the quick succession of unrelated, disparate games in which he starred (Lost Stars, BMX Trial, Enchanted Castle, High Tech World) weren’t just inconsistent in form, they were often unplayably bad.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

But debut game Alex Kidd in Miracle World isn’t just a classic platformer, it really set out to feel different to Mario at a time when everyone was rushing to emulating it. Rather than the psychedelic Mushroom Kingdom, Alex is a martial artist in a relatively believable eastern-medieval fantasy world. The story isn’t Shakespeare, but at least the game takes time out to tell you what’s going on.

If only SEGA had stuck with its template, perhaps they wouldn’t have ditched him altogether when Sonic was focus grouped into existence. The poor little guy has been MIA since 1990’s Alex Kidd in Shinobi World.

Opa-Opa

SEGA didn’t limit themselves to one mascot. Alex Kidd was the hero of the home-console, but cute winged spaceship Opa-Opa was their hero in the arcades, thanks to the Fantasy Zone series of arena shoot-em-ups.

These games and their hero were colorful, fun and abstractly cute in a way that shooting games usually weren’t. And whilst the games didn’t have any dialogue in them, the way Opa-Opa walked along on little yellow legs when you got to the bottom of the screen was simply charming.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Appearing in two SEGA Master System titles, and separate games on the Game Gear and Mega Drive, Opa Opa is primarily missed for the games he took with him into obscurity. Shoot-em-ups are a dying breed, though they still have a hardcore following. And if any one character could make that world of unappealing, hard as nails shooting more appealing, it would have to be Opa-Opa.

Dynamite Headdy

Tokyo-based and of a modest size, Treasure aren’t exactly a household name, but they’ve made some absolutely spectacular games over the years. Run and gun shooter Gunstar Heroes was their first, it took the Contra formula and created an intense, fast-paced game in a classic anime style.

The oddly named Radiant Silvergun added several revolutionary ways of shooting things into a classic shoot-em-up: a few years later, Ikaruga revisited the genre and revolutionized it by only giving you two ways. In short, they’re a developer that goes into creatively crowded spaces to make something new and exciting.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

So at the height of the mascot craze, Treasure created a one-size fits all solution. Dynamite Headdy, a puppet who can swap his head out for various effects: spiked heads, bomb heads, triple heads, hammer heads, vacuum heads. It’s an incredibly versatile design that takes you to many crazy worlds to fight some really wild bosses – my favorite being ‘baby face’, a gigantic baby’s head on a stick that breaks apart to reveal a young boy, then a middle-aged man and finally the tiny grey face of an Old Age Pensioner.

Mascot characters are only as cool as the games in which they appear in, and Dynamite Headdy was a damned cool game. So why did he never return? Treasure rarely do sequels, and that’s about the extent of it.

Despite earlier plans to bring the mobile gaming phenomenon Angrybirds to the Facebook platform, the games developer ROVIO has opted to skip Facebook for now, launching on Google+ games instead.

While the virtues of Google’s latest delve into the social networking scene are debatable, its clear that Google+ has made an impression on some.

“Angry Birds for Google+ Games is a great start,” Rovio CEO Mikael Hed added. “But it’s just our first step in social gaming. ”

He went on to say “As our fans know, we constantly look for ways to update and innovate our products. We want to delight our users by going way beyond what they were expecting. Social gaming is going to be massive, and we’re very excited about what we have coming up next.”

Plans to launch on Facebook have been delayed but not canceled, so have no fear loyal Facebook lovers, you’ll be flinging fat little red birds across your screen sooner or later.

The internet is beginning to buzz with rumors that Valve in the midst of developing, even testing an all new Counter-Strike game!

The new CS title – Counter-Strike: Global Offensive – is apparently already well into it’s development and is currently being game tested by some of eSports most recognizable competitive Counter-Strike players.

As for specifics, rumors abound. Some of the more plausible bits of information appear to be…

• Due out Q1 2012
• Beta open in September/October (unconfirmed)
• Built on Valve’s new source engine
• Will look/play more like Source than 1.6
• A new set of weapons
• New grenade types include Molotov cocktails, Decoy grenade (depicts player fire on map wherever deployed)
• Armor options
• Free ammo, probably (still debating)
• New maps, maybe the revival of few fan favorites – Aztek, Dust, Dust2, Train, Inferno and Nuke
• Competitive and Casual modes
• Multiplayer will focus on 5 v 5 play
• Individual and team rankings, plus matchmaking integrated

According to emerging alerts we should see a press release or some form of official confirmation later this morning. We’ll have a  whole lot more to talk about tomorrow as one of the industries most loved FPS titles re-emerges with a fresh coat of paint and some new features.

So, who is STOKED about a new Counter-Strike game?

Sources and Related articles:

• https://www.facebook.com/ESEA.net
• https://twitter.com/#!/bastianveiser/status/101847775192432640
• http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?p=24307076
• http://exophase.com/24180/rumor-valve-prepping-counter-strike-global-offensive/
• http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-08-12-counter-strike-global-offensive-spotted
• http://www.goodgearguide.com.au/article/397079/counter_strike_sequel_rumours_surface_around_internet_updated_/
• http://kotaku.com/5830230/is-valve-releasing-a-new-counter+strike-game
• http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/jgehv/iama_guy_who_spend_the_day_at_valves_headquarters/c2bvrby
• https://twitter.com/#!/Joe_Miller/status/101839768421281792

Bethesda Softworks announced their Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Collectors Edition details today. Included in the bundle are a dragon (statue, real ones are on back order), art book and ‘making off’ DVD.

Skyrim Collector’s Edition Details

At QuakeCon today game director Todd Howard confirmed that there is in fact a Collector’s Edition of the much anticipated 5th installment of the Elder scrolls franchise – Skyrim. This was a point that until today had not been confirmed. although thoroughly expected given the titles incredible pre-launch popularity.

Statue: Alduin the Dragon

With help from the folks at IP Factory Bethesda has designed & crafted an incredible looking dragon statue. Sculpted in high quality PVC and painted with care the statue of a dragon perched atop the crumbling remains of a wall stands 12 inches. A formidable guardian for your coffee, mouse and post-t notes, this is one ornament that I wouldn’t mind adorning my desk.

 Book: The Art of Skyrim

With over 200 pages of incredible, full color illustrations, models, sketches and concept art this is no booklet. At 9″ by 12″ this bound testament to the creativity of the Skyrim team, will be quite the conversational piece.

DVD: ‘The Making of The Elder Scrolls 5 Skyrim’

A documentary DVD full of behind-the-scenes video footage, interviews of game designers, artists and developers. This glimpse into the inner workings of the development of the latest title in the wildly popular Elder Scrolls series.

But at $150 it’s not for the faint of heart.But then again, it DOES come with a dragon so…

What about you? Will you be ordering the Collector’s Edition?

In an effort to boost new player subscriptions Blizzard has migrated the free to play strategy they recently deployed for World of Warcraft over to their StarCraft franchise.

Instead of a playable StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty Demo, new players can play through the actual game. Since StarCraft doesn’t have the leveling system that WoW does, the cap couldn’t be based on level.

Instead new players can play through the games first 3 missions, and select either Tychus or Hansen’s first opt-in mission. There are also a couple of Challenges and a few multiplayer maps available in the free to play model.

Anyone with a Battle.net account can grab the StarCraft II Starter Edition today and be playing StarCraft II with-out any investment. Word is that any achievements and progress made during this play will be transferred to you actual account if you choose to purchase and play the full game.

From what we gathered the free to play shift that WoW recently employed has been quite successful – helping to stem the tide of subscription loss they were experiencing over the last quarter. Given other shifts in Blizzards revenue model lately – this switch to free to play is really not a surprise.

Will we ever see a real currency marketplace for starCraft II that offers extra mercs of tech upgrades for real cash? Unlikely, but don’t take your eyes off Blizzard, here is surely more to come.

Just hours after a tweet from Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford railed “…Shoddy journalism is not an announcement” in response to an early leak by Eurogamer, Gearbox (developer of the wildly popular Borderlands) has officially announced Borderlands 2 is in fact in development.

2K Games and Gearbox Software announced today that the sequel to the extravasplosive breakout hit, Borderlands™, is currently in development at world-renowned developer Gearbox Software. Coming to the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC during Take-Two’s fiscal year 2013 beginning on April 1, 2012, Borderlands 2 is the epic sequel to the ultimate four-player Role-Playing Shooter loot fest. Combining invention and evolution, Borderlands 2 features all new characters, skills, environments, enemies, weapons and equipment, which come together in an ambitiously crafted story. Players will reveal secrets, and escalate mysteries of the Borderlands universe as they adventure across the unexplored new areas of Pandora.

Game Informer will feature Borderlands 2 on the cover of their September issue. The issue will contain a 12 page spread highlighting the virtues of this sequel including screenshots and gameplay details. If you aren’t already – I highly recommend becoming a subscriber to Game Informer

Source: Borderlands 2 Offcial Site, Game Informer Article

It came as a surprise to many of us when Blizzard unveiled their new auction house feature. For years Blizzard has resisted the trend of free-to-play and real currency marketplaces. Now with-in a few short months they have severely altered course to embrace both of these trends. Last month they would extend all trial accounts from 14 day trials to infinitely free-to-play (up to level 20) – and now this open, real currency marketplace opens the door for changes many WoW fans never thought they would see.

Blizzards announcement caught most of the gaming community off guard. While there is an obvious and overwhelming trend towards free-to-play MMORPG models that rely on real world currency purchases of in-game items as the primary revenue source, Blizzard has always shunned the concept relying on a pure subscription model. However, in retrospect, there were signs of the coming shifts. Over the last two years or so World of Warcraft has introduced a number of ‘micro transaction’ opportunities including paid server migration, name changes, and faction changes. They have also opened the door a little wider for real world currency purchases of in-game gear with purchasable mounts and companion pets.

Still yet, these latest shifts in the WoW’s revenue model are bold and more than a little unexpected. But should it really surprise us?

Real Currency. Real Impact.

According to Bing Gordon of venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers gamers should generate $3 of value an hour – an incredibly interesting look at the value of our time and how we choose to be entertained. With the practice of real world currency transactions for in-game gear becoming ever more prevalent, the potential for earning real revenue from your entertainment time is a real, and tangible possibility.

Despite having no set release date, and only just recently entering beta testing, Diablo III already boasts an incredibly large fan base. Many of these fans have been anticipating a third iteration of the franchise since very shortly after Diablo II was released back in 2000 and many of them are active players of Blizzards flagship title World of Warcraft (WoW).

What could this latest shift in policy mean for World of Warcraft players in the near future? Will we see the real currency aspect of Diablo III’s marketplace introduced into the WoW environment? How will that effect in-game economies? How will that effect real world economies? The World Bank estimated that gold farming was a nearly $3 BILLION a year business, and that was in 2009. The potential overall effect of such a shift is staggering.

What are your thoughts?

After years of battling gold farmers, paid leveling services and other 3rd party black markets Blizzard shocked the industry by introducing an auction marketplace for Diablo III that allows purchases to be completed using both in-game and real life currency.

The latest Diablo III announcement from Blizzard includes the much talked-about auction house. The auction house in Diablo III, as in WoW and most other MMORPGs these days, is a centrally located ‘trading post’ where players can buy and sell in-game items in exchange for in-game currency. Adventurers can post items they receive as rewards for defeating enemies, and buy items that others have posted.

Diablo III’s auction house is unique in that items can not only be purchased using in-game currency, but for the first time in a Blizzard developed game environment, players can choose to purchase in-game items using real world currency.

Diablo III Auction House Details

Blizzards auction house system is a safe, fun and simple way to trade in-game gear.

An easier way to trade

Finding the gear you want is easy. Kill lots of baddies, collect random gear, sort through the gear and pick out the useful stuff. The auction house makes it even easier, and more efficient.

Kill lots of baddies, collect random gear, use what you can then put everything you don’t need in the auction house, buy anything you’re still missing from the auction house, go kill more baddies.

Don’t Need it? Put it up for Auction!

Previously, in Diablo II if you found an item unusable by your class the best you could do was vendor it (sell it to an in-game vendor).

With the Diablo III auction house you can save any items not usable by your character and auction them off to other players for fun and profit. Let the farming begin!

Amazing Search Functionality

Finding the right item is super simple with the built in search functionality. Order items by item category, classes, preferred stats and more.

You can also search for items for any of your characters no matter which you’re logged in with. So equipping all of your characters should be a breeze.

The Choice is Yours

As you might expect you can purchase auction items using in game gold, but you can also make your in-game item purchases using real world currency.

Too busy to farm for the gold & gear you want? Charge it baby! And think of all the moolah you’ll make off all that off-class gear you can sell off.

Players Only

Blizzard assures us that the auction house items will only be player posted items.

So, for now at least, there won’t be any items posted to the auction house by Blizzard. Sad news for anyone hoping to plop down $10k for the Sword of a Thousand Truths.

Safe & Secure

Protect yourself from scams and theft by using the Blizzard-sanctioned auction house. Blizzard states that all in-game transactions are guaranteed safe & secure.

Shop with confidence that your purchases are secure and safe from hackers, thieves and such.

 Diablo III Auction House Images & Screenshots

Will the next World of Warcraft expansion bring us a playable Pandaren race? Will there be a new playable Monk class? The rumor mill is abuzz with speculation and we’re loving it!

At 2:30 Tuesday August 3rd Blizzard secured the rights from USPTO for “MISTS OF PANDARIA” (although filing date appears to have been 7/28/2011). Most avid fans of the intricate and far reaching lore of the Warcraft franchise will recognize ‘Pandaria’ as the distant island nation and home to the Pandaren empire.

Pandarens first appeared to WoW players as part of an April Fools joke back in 2005 – but quickly found their way into the hearts and minds of WoW players everywhere, eventually becoming part of the games rich lore.

Since then it’s been speculated about, pondered upon and discussed – bottom line, a lot of WoW fans think a playable Pandaren character would be totally awesome. Blizzard has flirted with the Pandaren theme, even went so far as to add a Pandaren Monk as a purchasable non-combat companion/pet.

Has the Pandaren fan base voice been heard? Will this lead to a Pandaren-centric expansion? While none of this can be determined from this vague registration information we do know a few things based on the hard evidence.

• These trademark registration types (class 009 and 041) is directly related to computer game software, and online computer game/entertainment services not printed material (IE comics, books, trading card game etc)
• This is the exact same method of registration that Blizzard went through for the Cataclysm expansion

None of this ‘proves’ anything, but that doesn’t stop us from our rampant speculation! Join us in the comments – what do YOU think is going on? Would you be stoked for playable Pandaren Monks? Would you be face-palmingly annoyed by a Pandaren-centric expansion?

* I made the main post image from various elements found online including Kung Fu Panda game concept art, Blizzard & WoW logos and he character model for the Pandaren companion/pet. All copyrights belong to the respective owners of the various elements

In June we talked about rumored Battlefield 3 pre-order reward bonuses for various retailers. Today Joystiq and several other prominent gaming news sources are reporting some additional details.

All pre-orders are Limited Edition

The limited edition versions will all include free access to the first DLC when it launches. See our recent post – Battlefield 3 Expansion: Back to Karkand – for more details on that expansion.

EA’s Origin store Pre-Order Rewards (no news)

• Limited Edition (see above)
• Unlock Battlefield 3 Edition 870 Combat Shotgun & Beret

Amazon.com Pre-Order Rewards

• Limited Edition (see above)
• Pack of exclusive multiplayer dog tags   [UPDATE]

BestBuy Pre-Order Rewards

• Limited Edition (see above)   [UPDATE]
• Pack of exclusive multiplayer dog tags    [UPDATE]

GameStop Pre-Order Rewards

• Limited Edition (see above)
• hysical Warfare Pack (see below)   [UPDATE]
• Week 1 XP bonus in multiplayer (unconfirmed)
• PowerUp Rewards members get an extra bonus – the Prima Battlefield 3 strategy guide   [UPDATE]

The Physical Warfare Pack

• Type 88 LMG (light machine gun)
• Day-one access to the DAO-12 semi-auto shotgun
• Armor-piercing Flechette rounds for the DAO-12 semi-automatic shotgun
• SKS sniper rifle flash suppressor weapon mod

As a reminder – this DLC will be free to everyone, but will be available early to those who pre-order (per DICE General Manager, Karl Magnus Troedsson)

As of late, flexibility has become the go-to description for developers describing their games. Games want to give you choices on how to play the game. In fact, they want to implement RPG elements into different types of genres just to give the players the feeling that they are developing their own characters. One of the early adopters of this strategy was the Deus Ex series.

As a first-person action game it adopted a dynamic story system, with many different endings, and a cybernetic system, which allows players to upgrade their character with stats and abilities. Square Enix and Eidos hope to achieve the same success that the Deus Ex series has achieved over the years with this new title, Deus Ex: Human Revolution.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Story of the Human Revolution

Deus Ex: Human Revolution stars Adam Jensen, a former police officer and now a security expert at Sarif Industries. Sarif Industries is a company that is one of the pioneers in the mechanical cybernetics market. However, due to increased competition in the cybernetic market, Jensen has been hired to protect Sarif’s scientists. After an attack on Sarif Industry by a special ops force, Jensen is critically injured and must be outfitted with his own implants. Now, it is up to Jensen to discover who sent the people that attacked Sarif, what they wanted, and how deep this conspiracy goes.

Gameplay

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

The gameplay from Deus Ex: Human Revolution takes a lot of cues from the previous entries in the series. However, the gameplay is faster and more action-oriented then the first two games. The developers have stated that the game relies on 5 “pillars of gameplay”: Combat, Stealth, Technology, Exploration, and Social.

All of these pillars can be enhanced by different augmentations. Augmentations are divided into Cranium, Torso, Arm, Eye, Back, Skin, and Leg. These augmentations can be unlocked and upgraded with the use of Praxis Points which can be obtained from Praxis kits, clinics, or leveling up.

5 Pillars of Gameplay

Combat:

Since this game is more action oriented, gunplay is now based on the player’s skill instead of the character’s stats. Another change is the use of the regenerating health model. This allows the run-and-gun strategy to be a more viable option.

Another addition to the gameplay is that every enemy squad has a leader and dispatching that leader will lead to other soldiers becoming disorganized and less effective. There will also be instant kill takedown moves that Jensen can execute.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Stealth:

One of the major changes to the stealth system is that the shadows aren’t the player’s best friend anymore. Now players will have to be in cover to avoid detection. Proper use of cover and cloaking will allow players to get by enemies unnoticed and without violence.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Technology:

The basis of technology is hacking. Hacking is puzzle minigame in which players hack different nodes in an effort to get to the final node and unlock the system. Hacking more nodes can result in obtaining more information, but the player also runs the risk of being discovered and locked out of the system. Failing to hack a system can also result in alarms that will guide enemies to your position. Players can improve their chances of hacking by using augmentations. There are also auto-hacking tools in the game.

Exploration:

There are many different ways to go through levels in this game. This pillar of gameplay encourages players to find their own path throughout the game. The augmentations will be able to help players find different paths. For example, the Icarus Landing System can allow players to quickly descend from great highs. Another power that can open up different paths is the Cybernetic Arm Prosthesis, which allows Jensen to break down walls.

Social:

Conversations take place in a different way than the first two games. Instead of picking a dialogue choice, you pick a certain attitude that you want Jensen to take. This is similar to the dialogue in games like Alpha Protocol and Dragon Age 2. Augmentations in this pillar revolve around reading a person’s personality and the use of pheromones to allow players to have an edge while picking their conversation options.

 Release, Augmented Editions & Preorders

This game is looking to totally reinvent and reinvigorate the Deus Ex series. This game is looking to be one of the best games of this year, but we have to wait for it to come out.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution will release on August 23, 2011. There is also the Augmented Editions which will include a 40-page art book, a “Making of” DVD and a motion graphic novel.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution is also offering special in-game items when you preorder the game from specific retailers. When you preorder from GameStop, you receive the Linebacker G-87 grenade launcher, the utility remote-detonated explosive device (UR-DED), an automatic unlocking device, and a special mission. When you preorder from anywhere else you get the Huntsman double-barreled shotgun, and the Longsword sniper rifle.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution Images & Wallpaper

 Deus Ex: Human Revolution Videos

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

As one of the most anticipated games of this year, Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim seeks to reinvent the Elder Scrolls series and give players a high fantasy RPG adventure.

The Vast World of Skyrim

In Skyrim, the player takes control of the last Dovahkiin (dragonborn). The land of Skyrim is in the midst of a civil war and the god Alduin has risen in Skyrim as a dragon to destroy the land. Instead of being a sequel to the loved Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, this game takes place 200 years in the future. However, the game starts out just like the other Elder Scroll games; your character is a prisoner on the way to demise. Because your character is the last of the dragonborn, he has inherited the task of defending Skyrim from the dragons.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Just like all the games in the series, the land of Skyrim will have a vast game world. Skyrim will have 5 major cities and also about 15 smaller towns for players to go interact with NPCs, get quest, buy equipment, etc. Each city has an economy which will change based on the characters actions. There are also over 150 dungeons across Skyrim that the player can explore. Bethesda promises a rich environment for players to traverse and craft the story of Skyrim.

Elder Scrolls 5 Gameplay

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

While the gameplay of Skyrim is very similar to that of Oblivion, Bethesda has changed a few of the gameplay systems to make the game more intuitive and friendlier to player trying to craft their own characters. One of the most significant changes from the game is the class system. It is now completely gone and just replaced by stats that players can increase depending on how they want to play the game.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

The developers felt like they were shoehorning players into specific roles with the class system in the previous game. By removing it, players will be able to play how they want and not preconceived roles. Now, players will put points into perks, which are in specific skill trees.

New Skill Trees & Weapons for Skyrim

The confirmed skill trees are Speechcraft, Alchemy, Illusion, Conjuration, Destruction, Restoration, Alteration, Enchanting, Smithing, Heavy Armor, Block, Two Handed, One Handed, Archery, Light Armor, and Sneak.   Another change is how weapons and magic are equipped. Each hand is able to equip any weapon. This allows for many different weapon combinations.

Players can use a sword-and-shield, two one-handed weapons, a two-handed weapon, or even a one-handed weapon and a fireball spell. Bethesda has also implemented a system that, if two of the same type of spell is used at the same time, they combine and become stronger. There are many different types of weapons to choose from and also over 85 spells that characters can use to craft the type of character they want.

Beware of Dragons

Because of the players a status as a dragonborn, players will be able to use special dragon shouts. These powerful abilities can do anything from teleportation to summoning a dragon. However, there is a catch for using these skills. Dragon shouts are powered by a dragon’s soul. So, to utilize a dragon shout the player must defeat one of the any dragons roaming Skyrim.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

These dragons have special AI that allows them to do whatever they want, whenever they want, forcing players to stay on their toes. It also means that in one playthrough a player may find the same dragon in a different place than they are in another playthrough.

Enemy & NPC AI

The Radiant AI system from Oblivion has also been changed. NPCs will also go through routines each day that consist of farming or mining, things that players can learn for themselves. NPCs can also challenge you to duels, which are random encounters akin to Fallout 3.

This game also introduces the Radiant Story system. Nothing in this game is scripted anymore. Sidequests will now changes depending on what dungeons you have been to. If the player has not been to a dungeon in that region, then the quest will take place there. All of these changes will allow players to feel like they are in an actual world of swords and sorcery and will immerse them in all of the abundant RPG elements.

The planned release date for Elder Scrolls: Skyrim is November 11, 2011 – it will be available for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC.

Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Images & Wallpapers

We have come this far. Fighting aliens and robots along the way, we have finally reached the conclusion of the sci-fi epic that is the Mass Effect series.

Mass Effect 3 opens up with Commander Shepard on trial for committing genocide (these events are covered in the Arrival DLC for Mass Effect 2). Just as the trial is getting underway, the Reapers invade the Earth.

Now the fate of Earth and the entire galaxy rests in the hands of Shepard and his crew. Now Shepard must gather all the civilizations of the galaxy to fight off the Reapers and shape the Galaxy.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

The Mass Effects Story Continues

Just like in Mass Effect 2, all of your choices that have been made in the prior installments will have an effect (no pun intended) on the story of Mass Effect 3. Whether you destroyed the Rachni Queen in the first game or had your whole team killed of in the suicide mission of the second game, all of the choices change what happens or sometimes what does not happen in Mass Effect 3.

This helps keep long-time players invested in a story that they have shaped since the first game. BioWare has stated that all of the characters from the previous entries are returning; yet some may have a different capacity. There will be less party members in this game, but some will come back for certain missions similar to Liara in the Shadow Broker DLC.

New Characters and Some Familiar Faces

While Shepard heads around the galaxy gathering followers, he will encounter these characters, and while they may not join your party, they will undoubtedly be integral to the story. Information is still a little sketchy about which specific characters will be a part of the entourage, but speculation abounds.

From what we’ve been able to piece together we believe Mordin, Garrus, Tali’Zorah and Liara T’Soni will return. There is also good reason to believe we’ll be seeing Ashley Williams,  Kaiden Alenko and David Anderson. The only new companion we’ve seen confirmation on is James Vega (information care of G4TV)

You can be sure that epicaGames editors have our ears to the ground and will share any information as soon as it surfaces and can be confirmed – until then, a little detective work and a lot of speculation.

Gameplay Changes for Mass Effect 3

The Mass Effect series has set a new precedence in modern action-RPG combat. Mass Effect 3 seeks to continue their high standard of combat with a few tweaks from the Mass Effect 2 system. Shepard is now more agile in combat, being able to roll into cover. He also has specific melee attacks for each class, as opposed to the rifle butt attacks from previous entries. We can also expect a lot more versatility in the terrain and map progressing, with the ability to climb, leap across gaps and roll from cover to cover.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

The enemies AI has also been improved and are now able to use complex battle maneuvers. Don’t expect the enemies to just stand there and get shot – it’s going to be a lot more challenging with enemy units stationing strategically, out flanking, and boxing you in.

There have been a few changes in the weapons department as well. Classes are now able to choose whatever weapons they want but the classes have a certain number of weapons the player can hold. There are a number of ‘grenade’ weapons as well – including concussive, antigrav (toss enemies into the air) and traditional explosive grenades. The weapon customization options are going to be pretty interesting in Mass Effect 3 as well, with customizations effecting the look and operation of the weapon – reduce recoil, increase damage, range and accuracy among other things.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

BioWare also is striving to bring back the overall RPG feel to the powers in the series. Instead of just one major upgrade once they reach level four, Mass Effect 3 will allow the player to upgrade their powers multiple times. Also those who hated the mining mechanic of the second one will be glad to hear that this feature will be changed to something less boring.

Xbox 360 Kinect Gameplay

Kinect support has also been confirmed for the Xbox 360 version in the form of simple voice command. Xbox 360 players will now be able to command their teammates in battle, telling them where to move and what abilities to use. Kinect players will also be able to say which dialogue choice they want their Shepard to say. Because of all these changes to the battle system, BioWare has stated that this game is harder than the previous entries.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Mass Effect 3 Will Be More Difficult, By Design

Casey Hudson has stated that “Normal is the new Veteran” in reference to the difficulty of the game. However, with all these new abilities and equipments, the end of this Trilogy will be sure to impress all. So far this game is shaping up to be better than the previous entries by combining the things that made people adore both of those games. Make sure you load up Mass Effect 2 soon to get that “perfect” play through.

Release Information for Mass Effect 3

The latest installment of the Mass Effect franchise is poised to launch March 6^th 2012.

The Collector’s Edition that comes with an 70 page art book, a Mass Effect comic, a N7 fabric patch, a lithograph, a digital copy of the soundtrack, and, for Xbox 360 user, a Xbox Live Normandy Prop for their avatars.

The Collector’s Edition also comes with a few in-game goodies. It comes with the N7 Arsenal Pack, which is a weapon pack, a robotic dog, alternate outfits for Shepard, Ashley, Kaiden, James Vega, and Liara, and an extra character and mission. This all comes in a metal case with both male and female Shepard on either side.

Mass Effect 3 Screens, Concept Art & Wallpapers

Be sure to check out this Incredible Mass Effect 3 fan art

concept art images © via Robert Simons | other images © BioWare
Check out the Official BioWare Mass Effect YouTube channel
Follow @epicaGames &@MassEffect on Twitter for more news as its available

This Gamer Spotlight is a bit unique, because although Patryk is an avid Mass Effect fan our focus today isn’t his play style so much as his visual style. Patryk is an incredible artist, and has drafted some amazing fan art for the upcoming Mass Effect 3 release. And it’s good. Really good.

So good in fact, he was announced earlier on the BioWare Pulse live stream from Comi-Con, BioWare announced Patryk Olejniczak of Poland the overall winner of the fan art competition. His hyper-real/photo real style and incredible use of light left judges so impressed that BioWare has even offered Patryk a job drafting concept art for their team.

While the love and dedication of many BioWare fans was on display, with several really decent pieces and lots of fantastic amateur entries – Patryk’s artwork is head & shoulders above the rest. This guy is really, really good. Check out Patryk Olejniczak’s Mass Effect 3 fan art below, and judge for yourself.

Mass Effect 3 Fan Art

ALL image credit goes to the incredible artist Patryk Olejniczak

ALL image credit goes to the incredible artist Patryk Olejniczak

1. Assassin’s Creed: Revelations

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations is an open world third-person action-adventure game developed by Ubisoft and published by Ubisoft. This game continues the story of Desmond through the life of his relative Ezio. It has also been revealed that Ezio can have a similar experience though the life of Altair, the protagonist from the first game.

The story follows Ezio to Constantinople as he tries to find a way to unlock the secrets Altair left for him. New gameplay elements include the hook blade, which can be used as a zip line or a combat tool. Also new customization options are available to characters.

Players will be able to customize how their player looks and start guilds with friends. Ubisoft hopes to expand what is already considered on of the best video game properties this generation.

Releasing on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows – November 15th 2011

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations Trailer

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Assassin’s Creed: Revelations Gameplay Video

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Assassin’s Creed: Revelations Multiplayer Video

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2. Battlefield 3

Battlefield 3 is a first-person shooter developed by EA Digital Illusions CE and published by Electronics Arts. This year, EA is really pushing to step out of the shadow of the Call of Duty franchise. This game reintroduces aerial combat to the Battlefield series.

The multiplayer will still keep the class based system. Also, a few new multiplayer modes, Conquest, Rush, and Team Deathmatch, have been announced. The PC version also features 64 player battles. Expect the trademark destructible environments to be present in this installment and there is already  Battlefield 3 expansion pack in the planning as well as pre-order perks – check it out!

Debuting on PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 – October 25^th 2011

Battlefield 3 Trailer

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Battlefield 3 Gameplay Video

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

3. Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception is a third-person action-adventure game developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. The sequel to the critically acclaimed Uncharted 2: Among Thieves plans to deliver the same third-person action adventure style it has become known for.

This time Nathan Drake heads to the desert in search of another ancient city called the Iram of the Pillars. This game will continue the tradition of huge set piece moments and a generous amount of cinematic moments.

Drake’s Deception is releasing only on PlayStation 3 – November 1^st 2011

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception Trailer

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception Gameplay Video

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

4. Batman: Arkham City

Batman: Arkham City is a open world third-person action-adventure game developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive and DC Entertainment. Arkham City takes the gameplay that made Arkham Asylum so great but puts in on a bigger scale. This game will retain the detective elements but they have been tweaked so players won’t be able to take advantage of them.

Batman’s gadgets have also been given new functions and will all be allowed in the reworked combat system. The game also has put a focus on side-quest to make players feel like they want to do them. In addition to Batman, Catwoman and Robin will also be playable.

Releasing for PlayStation 3, PC, and Xbox 360 on October 18^th 2011

Batman: Arkham City Trailer

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Batman: Arkham City Gameplay Video

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

5. Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is a first-person action-adventure/RPG developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. The latest entry in the Elder Scrolls series puts the player in the roll of a dragon born warrior.

This game features major changes from the last installment, Oblivion. For one, the class system has been dropped for just straight skills that allow more flexibility for the player to play how they want to play. Also, weapons and magic work differently as well. Each hand can be assigned a weapon or a magic spell, so, theoretically, this allows for dual wielding and dual casting.

This game also features a new AI system foe its dragon enemies. They are allowed to behave in unscripted ways and appear at anytime. Bethesda is trying to take all the lessons they learned from their previous games and put them in this game.

To be released on the PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 – November 11^th 2011

Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Trailer

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Gameplay Video

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6. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is a first-person shooter developed by Infinity Ward, Sledgehammer Games, and Raven Software and published by Activision. The single player will continue off where Modern Warfare 2 ended. This game will take place in many different locales such as New York, England, France, Somalia, and Moscow.

The game will also introduce a new survival mode that is basically a co-op wave mode. Each kill will net you money that can be used to upgrade your character. The game will also include a multiplayer option that will be familiar to anyone who has played a multiplayer first-person shooter.

Available for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 – November 8^th 2011

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Trailer

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Gameplay Video

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

7. Dark Souls

Dark Souls is a third-person action/RPG developed by From Software and Namco Bandai Games and published by Namco Bandai Games. Dark Souls is the spiritual successor to Demon’s Souls, the most surprising hit of 2009.

One of the main draws of the series is the crushing difficulty. Many of the features will still be the same as Demon’s Souls including the unique multiplayer options and character customizations. This game is also said to be significantly harder than Demon’s Souls. This is a hardcore gamers’ game that does not take mistakes lightly.

Emerging for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 – October 4^th 2011

Dark Souls Trailer

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Dark Souls Gameplay Video

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

8. Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Deus Ex: Human Revolution is a first-person action/RPG game developed by Eidos Montreal and Nixxes Software and published by Square-Enix. This game is the prequel to the first two Deus Ex games. It intends to build upon the original games formula of branching paths considering the choices you make in the game.

The game allows for character customization depending on the player’s style, whether that is a silent killer or a gun-blazing commando. These customizations fall under 4 categories: combat, stealth, technology, and social. Another feature added to this game that was absent from the first two is a cover system that allows gunning through the game to be a more viable option. This game encourages players to find their own route through the game.

The revolution comes to PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC – August 23^rd 2011

Deus Ex: Human Revolution Trailer

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution Gameplay Video

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

9. Rage

Rage is a first-person shooter developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Software. The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world similar to that of Fallout 3. The game’s single player is a shooter at heart with RPG elements mixed in. Gamers will be able to customize their different weapons with things like scopes and ammo.

The single-player will also have racing sections that will allow players to customize their cars. The multiplayer is composed of two modes. There is a vehicular combat mode and a co-op mode that allows two players to play through a mission based on a legend you have heard in the single player option.

Coming to Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC, and Mac on October 4^th, 2011.

Rage Trailer

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Rage Gameplay Video

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

10. Dead Island

Dead Island is a first-person action/shooter developed by Techland and developed by Deep Silver. Dead Island takes place on an island, which has been overrun by zombies.

Instead of a focus on firearms like most first-person shooters, this game focuses more on melee weapons and customizing them to make them more effective. This game also implements RPG elements to the game such as experience points and skill systems.

Join the mayhem on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC - September 6^th 2011

Dead Island Trailer

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Dead Island Gameplay Video

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There is a lot to be excited about this year. The one qualm I have with these games is that there are all existing IPs . There is a lack of new series debuting this year that gamers are actually excited about. Once these series run their courses, the gaming community will be hard pressed to find a replacement for their excitement.

Being an avid gamer these days takes quite a bankroll. It seems like every time you turn around there’s another must-have title launching. Given the significant release prices on most games these days I usually wait for a little while before picking up my copy of a newly released game. Waiting just a few weeks after the release you can usually hop on Craigslist or hit up your local GameStop and save a good $20 bucks or so easy.

Then, every so often, a new game emerges and blows my mind so fully that I just can’t help but jump on the pre-order band wagon. For me, Battlefield 3 is one of those games. The incredible visuals and seamless gameplay flow make this a must-have for my 360 library – and waiting around for the price to drop just isn’t an option this time.

After reading all the uproar in the gaming community about pre-order bonuses, especially the anger around the UK releases getting the ‘unfair advantage’ with the exclusive Physical Warfare Pack, I decided I needed to shop around and investigate who really is offering the best pre-order benefits.

Here’s what I’ve found so far. (feel free to help me out in the comments if you find some others)

All pre-orders are Limited Edition

The limited edition versions include the first DLC expansion pack, “Back to Karkand”, for free! While this content will be available to everyone at the same time, the expansion will be free to those who pre-order. The expansion includes…

• Access to unique vehicles & weapons popular in Battlefield 2
• 4 legendary Battlefield 2 maps, re-invented with all new visuals

See our recent post – Battlefield 3 Expansion: Back to Karkand – for more details.

EA’s Origin store

• Limited Edition (see above)
• Unlock Battlefield 3 Edition 870 Combat Shotgun & Beret

Amazon.com

• Limited Edition (see above)

GameStop

• Limited Edition (see above)
• Exclusive weapon (details undisclosed as yet)
• Exclusive map (details undisclosed as yet)
• Week 1 XP bonus in multiplayer

GAME & GameStation (UK)

• Limited Edition (see above)
• Physical Warfare Pack (see below)

The Physical Warfare Pack

• Type 88 LMG (light machine gun)
• Day-one access to the DAO-12 semi-auto shotgun
• Armor-piercing Flechette rounds for the DAO-12 semi-automatic shotgun
• SKS sniper rifle flash suppressor weapon mod

This DLC will be free to everyone, but will be available early to those who pre-order (per DICE General Manager, Karl Magnus Troedsson)

So where are YOU going to pre-order Battlefield 3?

Personally I’m going with the GameStop option – I need all the bonus XP I can get to try and keep up with you guys that play 24/7. Plus I dig the Power Up Reward Points. Will you be pre-ordering Battlefield 3? Where will you pre-order from? Let us know in the comments below!

The first Battlefield 3 DLC expansion pack, “Back to Karkand”, will arrive shortly after the launch of Battlefield 3 in October of this year.  As a bonus to early adopters the expansion will be free to everyone who pre-ordered. The Back to Karkand expansion includes…

• Access to unique throwback vehicles & weapons popular in Battlefield 2
• 4 legendary Battlefield 2 maps, re-invented with all new visuals
  • Strike at Karkand
  • Wake Island
  • Gulf of Oman
  • Sharqi Peninsula

Die hard Battlefield 2 fans will recognize these insanely popular maps – together these four maps have seen over 25,000 YEARS of online play time. Where do you guys find the time..? heh.

Back to Karkand Expansion Maps

So what made these maps so popular? Developers state that they paid special attention to balance on these maps in particular, leaving either side with little advantage over the other, making for more even and fair gameplay.

We’ve also heard from players that these maps are particularly fun because of the many creative options the layouts allow, ambushing, cross-firing, blitzing (zerging for you StarCrafters) – you name it, these maps allow for some pretty creative gameplay options. and to the fact that these maps in particular allow for more creative strategy options.

Whatever your reason for loving these incredibly popular maps, chances are you’re going to love them even more with completely re-designed graphics, textures, and destructible models. The videos and images from these maps look INSANE, personally I can’t wait to play them.

Expansion Media: Images & Videos

There are some great pics and videos I’ll post up if anyone’s interested. This game is looking INCREDIBLE.

Introducing the PS Vita, Sony’s latest console for the mobile gaming marketplace – packed with motion sensors, front touch screen, rear touch pad, front & rear facing cameras and a enough bells & whistles to keep gamers and tech heads drooling.

In March of 2005, Sony released its first portable system, the PSP here in the USA.  While it supported better graphics than that of any Nintendo released handheld at the time, it was considered inferior mainly due to the lack of actually entertaining software. With the release of the PlayStation Vita, Sony wishes to retake those customers that opted for a Nintendo DS instead of a PSP. One look at their proposed software shows that they are highly invested in this idea.

The title that they are promoting the most is the new Uncharted title. The Uncharted series has been known for their huge cinematic moments. The demo demonstrated at E3 2011 has shown that this title is not a smaller Uncharted game, but, using the PlayStation Vita’s features and strong graphics, the game is turning into a unique experience that still has the feeling of a console Uncharted game.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

So what about PS Vita games?

Along with the new Uncharted game, there are a plethora of games that are in development for the system. Games like LittleBigPlanet, Killzone, Call of Duty, Sonic Generations, Bioshock, and Street Fighter x Tekken are all coming to the PlayStation Vita. Check out all of the game titles that have already been announced and will be available when the PS Vita is launches! Sony has done it’s homework here and has a ton of developer support to prove it.

• Uncharted: Golden Abyss
• LittleBigPlanet
• ModNation Racer
• Ruin
• Wipeout 2048
• Killzone
• Real Fighters
• Little Deviants
• Call of Duty
• Lumines
• Sonic Generations
• Hustle Kings
• Top Darts
• Mr. Ink Jet
• BlazBlue Continuum Shift Plus II
• Silent Hill: Book of Memories
• Mortal Kombat
• Lego Harry Potter (5-7 years)
• Pro Evolution Golf 2012
• F1 2011
• Hot Shot Golf (Everybody’s Golf)
• Fifa 12

• Smart Ash
• Broken
• Super Stardust Delta
• Sound Shapes
• Dynasty Warriors
• Rayman Origins
• WWE ‘12
• Resistance
• Dungeon Defenders
• Gelding
• BioShock
• Street Fighter x Tekken
• Virtua Tennis 4
• Ridge Racer
• Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee
• Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath
• Gravity
• Dust 514
• Michael Jackson: The Experience
• Dragon’s Crown
• Shinobido 2
• Rugby Challenged

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

PS Vita Specs & Features

press buttons, flick sticks, touch the screen or tilt the thing

This device has rear and front touchpads and cameras an OLED screen and a SIXAXIS motion sensor. The cameras and the SIXAXIS motion sensor will be used for augmented reality games similar to the 3DS AR cards. The system will also change how it plays its games. Instead of the Universal Media Discs (UMD), the Vita will play games off NVG cards which are basically memory cards with the game on them.

All of these features are offered to make games more unique and engaging. With this new game system, Sony intends to take a bigger share of Nintendo’s portable dominance. And with the 3DS’s sales off to a slow start, they may be in position to do just that.

A lot has been said about the insane performance of the system, but some of us want to look under the hood and see what makes it tick. For you spec-hounds out there we dug up the following specs for the PS Vita. These are the latest specs we could scrounge and we’re pretty confident these are the launch ready specs.

• 2 different models (3G and Wi-FI and Wi-Fi only)
• 5-inch high-res OLED screen
• 2 memory card slots (one for games and one for memory)
• Front and rear touchpads
• Front and rear cameras
• SIXAXIS motion sensor
• Dual analog sticks
• Access to PSP, PSP mini, and PS1 classic games from PSN
• Rechargeable battery
• Bluetooth support
• 4 core ARM Cortex-A9 core processor
• 4 core SGX543MP4+ graphics processing unit
• Microphone
• Compass
• GPS

So how much is one of these going to cost me?

One of the most pleasantly surprising aspects of the PlayStation Vita is actually the cost. This system comes at two price points; there is a 3G and Wi-Fi version for $299 and a Wi-Fi only version for  $249. This is a welcome price considering that most analysts had the system priced well over $300, and looking at all the features crammed into this device it is easy to see why.

So what do YOU think about the PS Vita?

We’d love to hear your comments & feedback on Sony’s latest portable platform – sound off in the comments below!

Introducing the Nintendo Wii U – Nintendo’s much anticipated addition to the console wars, unveiled today at the E3 conference.

Nintendo innovation

Nintendo, the consummate innovator, has introduced groundbreaking features and ideas to the gaming world over the years. They were the  first to master and market a wildly popular handheld gaming system (Game Boy), to introduce the concept of force feedback (Rumble Pak), and more recently reasserting it’s innovative dominance on handhelds with dual screen & 3d handheld gaming systems (DS, 3Ds) and perhaps most paradigm shifting – they introduced a completely new, totally immersive method of gaming by integrating the players physical movements & gestures into gameplay (wii).

Not content to be innovators of the past, Nintendo is once again introducing a new interface concept with its touchscreen controller.

The new Nintendo Wii U controller

While there are a number of improvements and changes to the platform perhaps the most striking innovation with the Wii U is the unique touchscreen controller.

The incredibly versatile touchscreen controller includes a varied feature/control set including a microphone, a gyroscope, accelerometers, dual analog controls, two shoulder buttons & two trigger buttons, an integrated camera for video chatting. Gameplay could potentially consist of a combination of traditional button mashing & stick toggling, touchscreen tapping & gestures, and physical movements.

If Nintendo got us off the couch with the Wii, the Wii U brings some of that gameplay back to the couch. Oh and ALL of the Nintendo Wii games, controllers and accessories are 100% compatible – so you can still play tennis to your hearts content or at least until you toss your wand through your $5000 TV.

Check out the new Nintendo Wii U controller in action…

What about the Nintendo Wii U graphics?

While the Wii graphics were not quite on par with other consoles of the era (Xbox 360, PS3) the new Wii U boasts some pretty stout technology improvements to allow for more flawless video rendering and more processing power. Check out this graphics demo also shown at the E3 conference.

Pretty impressive eh? Not what we’ve come to expect from Nintendo the last few years – does this open the door for a ton of new game possibilities for the Wii U that we didn’t see on the Wii? Yes it does.

Will there be any Nintendo Wii U Games?

With all of the improvements it’s no surprise that more developers than ever are jumping on the Nintendo bandwagon. Check out some of these titles launching Wii U ready.

• Tekken
• Arcam Asylum (Batman)
• Darksiders II
• Assassins Creed
• Ghost Recon Online
• Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge
• Dirt
• Aliens: Colonial Marines
• Metro: Last Light

And a slew of top game developers have pledged their support and have added Nintendo Wii U to their production list for future games including

• EA Sports
• Vicarious Visions
• THQ
• Ubisoft
• Warner Bros
• 5th Cell
• Namco Bandai
• Irrational Games
• Disney
• EA Games

So there won’t be a shortage of top game titles on the Wii U platform. This is perhaps one of the biggest shifts for the platform since alienating a certain set of gamers for the last 5 years – can they win us back?

Check out more details on upcoming Wii U games at 1up.com

Your thoughts on the Nintendo Wii U?

So there you have it – a first sneak peak at the official Nintendo Wii U introduction – your thoughts..?

In this day and age, certain series are synonymous with their genres. For MMOs there is World of Warcraft, for open-world action games there is the Grand Theft Auto series, and for RPGs there is Final Fantasy. Although a relative newcomer to achieve this status, Call of Duty is that series when it comes to military shooters. However, the Battlefield series has become the secondary choice and it is looking to change that this year.

Technical Stuff

Taking a look at the various videos that the developer, DICE, have put up, there is one thing that is quite obvious; this is a beautiful game. The guns and equipment are fully detailed. The backgrounds are almost photorealistic. To achieve this feat, this game uses the newly developed Frostbite 2 game engine. Another feature of this engine is its lighting system. It allows the team to set an enormous amount of lights and create a more realistic world. The game also uses a new animation engine called ANT. It allows for much smoother transitions between the character’s actions. From the first trailer, people have been astounded by how the game looks and hopefully it will continue that tradition.

Battlefield 3 Gameplay Trailer

By now you’ve probably already checked this out, but its so delicious we just had to take another look. Also if this just isn’t enough, check out the full length (12 mins) clip at the end of the post.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Battlefield 3 Single Player

The single-player campaign takes place on the Iran/Iraq border and players will take on the role of Staff Sergeant Black of the U.S. Marine Corps. An interesting feature of the single-player mode is the objective based gameplay. For example, in one scene, a teammate sends you down into the basement of a building to follow a wire that they believe is connected to a bomb.

Once he reaches the bomb, an enemy combatant attacks him. After dispatching the enemy, he hurriedly turns disarms the bomb and races back to the streets because his comrades are being attacked. In another scene, a sniper is attacking your team. The team ascends a building and then, after sneaking across the roof, the player fires a rocket launcher at the sniper taking him out of action. This is an excellent approach to the single player part of the game unlike the wave-based system in other shooters.

This game also includes the option to destroy the environment around you. For example, if you shoot at a enemies cover long enough, you can chip it away to reveal them. Or, you could forgo all of the wasted ammo and just send a rocket into the building above them and watch it fall on top of them. All of the guns in the game feature different firing modes (full auto, burst, single shot, etc…) and also different types of ammo. The team at DICE is using the lessons the Learned from the Bad Company series to craft a more engaging single-player experience.

Battlefield 3 Multiplayer

There have not been many details on the multiplayer, but what has been released shows that the Battlefield series is trying to distinguish itself from the many other first-person multiplayer experiences. One aspect they are adding back to the series that they took out for the Battlefield: Bad Company series is the aerial combat. The game will also have vehicular combat. Both of these things are admittedly absent from most military shooters. The PC version will also sport 64-player battles. Because of the smaller number of players on consoles, they will not have access to this feature.

It has also been revealed that Battlefield 3 will have a site that tracks their statistics as well as your friend list, a feed of what your friends are doing, a voice chat option and other social tools. Although there is a lack of info regarding the multiplayer, DICE’s expertise regarding multiplayer is sure to shine through.

This game will be released sometime in the fourth quarter of 2011 for PC, PlayStation 3 And Xbox 360. We’ll come back with more as its available – for now feast your eyes on this 12 minute preview of Battlefield 3 gameplay – dubbed “Fault line”.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Hard to believe, but it’s been nearly 15 years since Final Fantasy VII was released. With an incredibly immersive narrative, the adoption of 3D elements into it’s game play and over 40 minutes of animated cut scenes it is still regarded as one of the best RPG games of all times, selling more than 10 million copies since its release.

1997 was an incredible year for the gaming industry with the introduction of a number of gamer favorites including Diablo, Mario Kart 64, GoldenEye 007, the original Fallout, Grand Theft Auto and Gran Turismo and the emergence of new game development studios that would go on to wow us in the future including Bungie Studios and 2015, Inc (these guys would later start Infinity Ward). It was also the year Square (now Square Enix) released Final Fantasy VII.

Originally in development for Nintendo first for SNES, then for Nintendo 64, development was derailed when Nintendo made a sudden shift in the development of their newest platform. Opting to stick to cartridges rather than making the leap to discs, the N64 system was just not able to accommodate data necessary for the game’s massive story & cutting edge graphics. Subsequently the whole project was migrated to Sony’s PlayStation platfor – and the rest is history.

This is a retrospective on this much anticipated installation of a much loved Final Fantasy franchise became one of the most critically & commercially successful games of its time, selling more than 10 million copies.

The Final Fantasy VII Story

The story begins with a young man named Cloud who joins up with a terrorist group that is trying to save the world from the Shinra Company, a company who is sucking the life energy from the world. However, the team soon finds out that Sephiroth, an old ally of Cloud, is actually behind the slow death of the planet. Cloud and his band of friends go on quest to defeat Sephiroth and save the planet.

While this story line may seem like standard video game fare, this story is crafted expertly weaving in a tale of a man searching for his identity as the world he is desperately trying to save falls apart around him. The only problem with the game’s story is the localization. Some aspects of the story did not translate correctly from the original Japanese text. However, this should not mar the experience of the game. Despite being quite complex, the story is understandable and draws the player into the world.

In addition to the typical scripted dialogs familiar in RPG of the time, Final Fantasy VII made extensive use of animated cut scenes. With over 40 minutes of cut scene footage, the FF VII story was the most cinematic of RPG at that time.

Complex cut scenes like this outline key story points, or underscored certain events with deeper emotional connection. (long clip)

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Scenes like the death of Aeris (Aerith) helped to reinforce the emotional connection & investment players had with the characters and ultimately story line, compelling the player to press forward as each chapter unfolded. This scene in particular survives as arguably one of the most iconic and impacting scenes in video gaming history.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Final Fantasy VII Game Play

Final Fantasy 7 has a pretty standard JRPG battle system. It is a turn based battle system using the Active-Time Battle style. The characters have bar that fill up according to their speed attribute, and once it fills they are given a turn. The customization options of this game’s battle system come in the form of materia.

Materia comes in the form of magic, extra abilities, passive skills, or for use in the interaction of the world. The weapons that the characters can equip come with slots that allow materia to be attached to them. Some weapons also allow for materia to be combined with one another. For example, in one slot could be the “Cure” spell and the other could have the “All” passive ability.

This would allow the character to cast the “Cure” spell on the entire party. The party also has special “Limit Break” skills. These skills activate after a certain member has been attacked enough times. The effects of these skills can range from huge damage to the enemy to healing the party. All of these factors combine to make the battle fun and entertaining. While the battle system may be steeped in tradition, it still adds enough game play to make people keep coming back to it.

Final Fantasy VII’s Graphics

One of the low points of this game manifests in its graphics. By today’s standards, the sprites that are used most of the time are, to put this plainly, ugly. They are blocky masses that look more like Play Doh creation than a real person. Still, all is not lost.

The settings of this world look amazing. The settings are covered with detail and the world looks like it has been around for a while and not like it was just created. The battle sprites and animations are also pretty good. The characters actually look like humans. While graphics do not make or break a game, the blocky sprite design really detracts from the overall beauty of this game.

The Music of Final Fantasy VII

Nobuo Uematsu has made some beautiful music in his career as a composer. However, the soundtrack for this game is definitely one of the greatest videogame soundtracks ever. Where Uematsu really shines is in his battle music composition. His tracks Those Who Fight Further and One-Winged Angel are among some of his top compositions.

The music in this game also really helps to set the tone of the game. The battle music pumps you up and the soft melodies amplify the character’s emotions. The music is an important part of this game and stands high on the list of its achievements. Unofficial guide site Final Fantasy Online (ffonline.com) has a great page where you can check out the music of Final Fantasy VII.

So, IS Final Fantasy 7 the best RPG ever?

Without a doubt, Final Fantasy 7 is one of the most popular, if not THE most popular entry into the venerated Final Fantasy series. It is widely considered the game that brought JRPGs out of the realm of the niche genre. While all of this is true, many consider this game to be slightly overrated. Most complaints revolve around the fact that, while the game was revolutionary during the time it came out, it does not hold up in today’s standards. While this game may have not revolutionized the JRPG genre, it is still a great game and one that is still enjoyed to this day.

But… what do YOU think about it?

This March Epic Games Inc. unveiled the updated Unreal Engine 3 in all it’s glory with an incredible demo, dubbed “Samaritan”, at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco (see video). Later that month they released released the March 2011 UDK Beta,  the most recent version of their Unreal Development Kit.

Unreal Engine 3 “Samaritan” Demo

The video demonstrates not only the seamless & incredibly beautiful real-time rendering we’ve grown to expect of modern engines, but also a number of major improvements over other peer engines.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

High-end rendering features include:

• Image-based reflections that allow surfaces of any shape to reflect an approximate version of scenes, with varying glossiness across surfaces, anisotropic HDR highlights and anti-aliasing;
• Subsurface scattering (SSS) that simulates the light that scatters inside semi-translucent materials, making character skin come alive;
• Anti-aliased masked materials that super sample the edges of masked and alpha-tested materials, making character hair more look realistic than ever before;
• Deferred rendering with MSAA support;
• Bokeh depth of field providing close to film-quality DOF, with artist-controllable Bokeh; and
• High-quality dynamic shadows from many lights on the environment, such as shadows for point lights and other light sources.

Important DirectX features now shipping with UDK include:

• Tessellation and displacement;
• Geometry shaders;
• Multisampled textures; and
• Shader Model 5

Bokeh..? Tessellation..? Subsurface Scattering..? Say What?

So if you’re anything like me you’re not incredibly immersed in the tech side of graphics rendering engines, so I needed a little more explanation on some of this. I found this great clip where IGN editors breakdown the “Samaritan” demo which really helps to explain many of the new or improved features – in context. (check out the IGN Unreal Engine 3 “Samaritan” Demo write-up for even more clarification)

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Unreal Engine 3 Has Incredible Scalability

Among the other more technical improvements one of the most important feature in my opinion is the scalability and cross platform viability of the new engine. Epic’s Mark Rein says, is that it “scales all the way from an iPhone 3GS up to next-generation hardware… you could theoretically make a game that’d run on every single one of these devices. Mobile phones to tablets to set top boxes.”

For me this is one of the biggest differentiators, giving Unreal Engine 3 an incredible advantage in developer adoption.

More About Unreal Engine 3

• http://www.unrealengine.com/news/epic_games_releases_march_2011_unreal_development_kit_beta/
• http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/115/1153414p1.html
• http://venturebeat.com/2011/03/08/epic-games-shows-jaw-dropping-graphics-for-next-generation-consoles-video/

In the sea of first-person shooters trying to compete with the Call of Duty franchise, it is very difficult for even established IPs to break out from under the shadow of this juggernaut. However, Crysis 2 definitely has the necessary skills to distinguish itself from the crowd.

System requirements a hurdle to adoption

Many have not experienced the Crysis series because of the massive system requirements for the first game. That being said, based on the graphics, it is easy to see that this series would take a massive amount of power to run. This is a gorgeous game. The character models, backgrounds, weapons; everything is lush and detailed. Having such beautiful graphics helps make the action and combat a definite high point.

Let’s talk game play

In this game, your character is given an armored suit that allows him to access different abilities. These abilities adds a surprising amounts of variety to the usual run and gun game play of most first-person shooters.

One situation could call for the suits enhanced armor to power through a situation while another could need the suits stealth ability to sneak around the enemy for a better vantage point. Also, the inclusion of the visor setting allows players to scan the battlefield and be directed to areas that will help with their chosen strategy. This, combined with upgradable abilities for the suit, let players choose how they want to play the game.

While all of these aspect combine to make an exceptional game, there are a few moments where the game isn’t running at its full potential. As beautiful as the graphics are, there are times where it takes a while for all the textures to load onto the screen.

Another problem is the AI of your enemies. Though not a frequent occurrence, eventually you will see an enemy blindly running into a wall or into another enemy.

Crysis 2 game play videos

Let’s take a look at Crysis 2 in action…

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

The Crisis 2 Story

The story is also standard sci-fi/first-person shooter fare. Aliens come to Earth; you have to kill them. It is as simple as that. The second major part of this game lies in its multiplayer. Through this component, people from around the world battle in various match types and gain experience through them.

The experience points goes toward their overall level and also their suit skills depending on which ones were used during the match. As your overall level grows you gain tokens to unlock weapons and equipment. As the suits’ levels rise, the suit unlocks new abilities to further customize your character.

Complaints & Shortcomings

The one gripe I have with the Crysis 2 multiplayer is the rather limited armory available for the characters. There are only a few types of weapons and this is a limitation in the customization options for the player. However, the multiplayer is very robust and allows for entertainment even after the single player is complete.

This game succeeds on so many levels that the minor annoyances should not keep anyone from enjoying this game. However, these flaws seem to stick out more in this game than a game with less polish. Overall, this game is a great experience for fans of first-person shooters, fans of customization, or even those who are more tactically minded.

More Crysis 2 Images

Mike Begum is disabled, or rather uniquely abled. Due to a rare congenital disorder, Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita or AMC, he has limited control & use of his limbs. Instead of the traditional wrist flicks & blazing thumb action, Mike uses his cheeks, chin and mouth to control the joystick and press action buttons. And he’s incredibly good. Check it out.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Disabled Competitive Gamer

If you’re surprised by that, check out AbleGamers.com – a website catering to gamers with disabilities – where you’ll find tons of incredibly gifted gamers who also happen to be disabled.

Begum’s preferred Street Fighter character Chun-li, who he’s been playing since vanilla, served him well in the Super Street Fighter 4 (SSF4) tournament at Southern Impact. The video above contains clips from his victory and a great interview which are inspiring whether you’re disabled or not.

I’m not sure if he was born with a naturally competitive spirit or if he developed it over years of facing the challenges of his physical limitations, but either way Broly is incredibly competitive. Rumor has it he likes to talk trash, but his track record proves he can back it up in-game.

Some additional highlights can be found…

• http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/711495/disabled-super-street-fighter-4-player-plays-with-his-face-wins/
• http://www.gytnews.com/articles/multimedia/cross-counter-interviews-broly.html
• http://www.eventhubs.com/news/2011/mar/31/interview-broly-legs-disabled-ssf4-chun-li-player/

How awesome were classic Atari, Nintendo & Sega games? Even with a severely limited number of pixels, colors & midi sounds to work with first & second generation video game designers delivered some pretty incredible games. While their graphics, sound effects and game play wouldn’t measure up to today’s overproduced gaming experiences, those rough 8 & 16bit games paved the way for the polished ones we enjoy today.

Death Animations & Game Over Screens

The video cannot be shown at the moment. Please try again later.

Classic Death Animations(Nintendo, Sega)

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Super NES Death Animations

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

With classic games death animations were annoying

One of the most frustrating moments of any game, classic & modern alike are the death animations and worse still are the game over screens. Most of today’s games have taken the sting out of death, making it virtually impossible to die to keep you alive longer, or they get you back in the mix quicker with little negative effect from dying – all keeping you progressing in the story. Older games were far less forgiving with deaths costing you all of your upgrades, credits/rubies/coins, and setting you back in progression – and game over, was GAME OVER. Most 8bit games didn’t even have the possibility of saving your place, so game over meant – go back o the start and try again.

As frustrated as a gamer might get today when he/she dies in the middle of a particularly challenging level – the frustration old school gamers felt was often exponentially compacted by the fact that every minute of progression achieved in that sitting had been lost. Forever. So when we saw our health bar falling precariously low or realized we had missed an important power-up on the way to a level boss, there was a palpable angst as we furiously thumbed the control pad maneuvering our pixelated hero to avoid eminent death.

What about you? What are your thoughts? Do today’s games measure up to the intensity of classic games? Are they better? Let us hear your voice in the comments.

This developer diary clip from the Shift 2, the latest installment in the epic Need For Speed franchise, shows off just how committed the developers are to infusing the game with a realistic driving experience. Not content to create an experience that was ‘believable’, EA is determined to provide a truly realistic racing experience. They called in the expertize and insane racing talents of FIA GT Champion of 2000, Jamie Campbell-Walter and drifting skills of 2010 Formula Drift Champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. to help sculpt and perfect every aspect of the game – and the trailer seems to show it off nicely.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Newest Need For Speed focuses heavily on realism

The game is so detailed it’s sometimes hard to tell when the trailer switches between live action video stock and real in-game visuals. The small watermark indicating “actual in game footage” is sometimes the only indicator that the scene unfolding over the steering wheel isn’t real. I’m stoked to get a shot at this game!

Looking for the best girl games websites? With so many websites to select from, its hard to decide which one to choose. I have played on dozens of game websites – some were fun, some were boring, and some were drab because they were obviously for boys. I have picked my top three girl games websites – Girls Go Games, Dress up Games and Girls Games Now – we’ll review them here to help you decide which one to play.

Girl Games Now

Girl Games Now is great, because it has tons of girl games! It has everything from design and fashion to cooking and serving! It even has management games where you can own a hotel or a diner – you choose what you want to do!

www.GirlGamesNow.com

Dress Up Games

Dress Up Games is a cool site for people like me! If you like dress up games like I do, then this is the site for you! With so many games, and new games added every day, this is a great way to test your dress up skills!

www.DressUpGames.com

Girls Go Games

Girls Go Games is my favorite game website. It has all the same great features the other girl games websites have and more! It has games, but it also has a social network! When you join you can make comments and an avatar! You can create stuff, save them and show them off to your friends! It’s a great way to take a break from school!

www.GirlsGoGames.com

These games are each unique in there own way! Girls Games Now is great because it has tons of games! Dress up Games is cool because it is a great way to test your dress up skills! And last but definitely not least – Girls Go Games is my favorite because you can join, comment & share! So what girl games website will you choose?!

If you are a Halo fan than there is no doubt that you are greatly anticipating the date of September 14, 2010 as that is the date that the highly anticipated new installment into the Halo series, Halo: Reach, will be released to much fanfare across the globe. As always, Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie have gone the extra mile to ensure that this newest installment of the Halo series not only meets but exceeds expectations and continues to eschew game players into the Halo universe the same way that previous titles in the series have. With the release date of Halo: Reach fast approaching, let’s take a look at the monumental game and see if the developers have truly lived up to the franchise’ expectations with one of the best first-person shooter games of it’s time.

Rent Halo: Reach Today!

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Halo Reach Review

As is the case with previous installments to the Halo series, Halo: Reach takes place in the futuristic world during the year 2552. The game is a prequel to previous titles and takes place right before the installment released in 2001- Halo: Combat Evolved. In this futuristic realm, humans, as part of the United Nations Space Command collective, are waging brutal war with an organization of various alien races that are known collectively as the “Covenant”. Halo: Reach follows the paths of the special operations force of battle hardened soldiers known as the Spartans as they fight on behalf of Noble Team and the United Nations Space Command to defeat the evil Covenant and prevent them from completely taking over the known universe. The main playable characters of Halo: Reach includes the leader of the group Carter-A259, Jorge-052 who is the team’s weapon specialist, Emile-A239, Jun-A266, and the second in command Kat-B320.

In regards to the development of the game itself, the development team took an analytical look at the entire Halo series in order to keep true to the storyline while developing every aspect of the game no matter how asinine to a level unprecedented in Halo’s history. Original designs from over a decade ago are utilized in jaw dropping fashion, inspiration from the original Halo game are inherently visible throughout and the artificial intelligence element of the game received a complete work over in order to increase the replay value of the game.

In order to offer some fresh elements to the game, developers tweaked a few of the weaponry abilities. For instance, no longer will game players be forced to ditch weapons after their ammunition stockpiles are diminished as players can tote around weapons and armor until they decide to replace them. The ability to utilize dual wielding weaponry has been eradicated as well and replaced with the option to use hologram technology that creates a twin version of a player to wield the secondary weaponry. Furthermore, players can enable “armor lock” which allows players to remain unscathed by attacks as long as they remain in one position. The veto system has seen an overall, a credit system has been put in place and multiple new multi-player modes have been created to reinforce the multi-player viability of the game.

In essence, Bungie and Microsoft Game Studios have come together again to release a game that embodies great game play, personifies the upper echelon of game development both visually and in terms of usability, and ushers in a fantastic installment to the Halo series. This game is a must have for Halo fans regardless of exposure to the series and should lead to countless hours of thorough enjoyment at the hands of Halo: Reach.

Halo Reach Video Review

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

With Nintendo’s release of Super Mario Galaxy 2, they undoubtedly offered gaming enthusiasts one of the most well rounded games to ever be released. Super Mario Galaxy 2 was released in May 2010 to a large amount of fan fare from fans of the most popular gaming series in history as well as critical acclaim worldwide from reviewers of the game. The aggregation website MetaCritic offered the impressive successor to Super Mario Galaxy an astounding 97/100 rating, one of the highest universal rating for a game ever bestowed. Naturally, Nintendo has graced the gaming world with another quintessential release that will keep gamers happy for a long time to come.

In Super Mario Galaxy 2, we are presented with Mario again fighting arch enemy Bowser in order to save the Princess. Bowser has grown larger than ever before due to his diet of Grand Stars and easily invades Mushroom Kingdom and whisks the Princess away. He then launches into space with Mario in tow via Starship Mario. Mario must defeat Bowser while engaging on interstellar planet hopping that makes the game highly interactive.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 wasn’t initially supposed to be a completely new game. In fact it was initially titled Super Mario Galaxy 1.5 and was intended to add a few extra features to the already released original. This all changed when the developer’s at Nintendo kept coming up with innovative new ideas to add to the title until it got to the point where the title was so advanced that it warranted its own separate entity-and this is very apparent upon playing Super Mario Galaxy 2.

Although the game play itself is relatively similar to the initial game, there are noticeable differences such as smaller planets which allow for players to jump from planet to planet with more ease, a seemingly laser scope for Yoshi-a red dot that allows him to target where his tongue projects, etc… The multitude of features that allow Mario to be Super return as well. There are power up mushrooms, Sling Stars for navigation planets, a mushroom that enables Super Mario to drill entirely through planets as well as the Cloud Flower that helps Super Mario create platforms in the air.

The level of praise Super Mario Galaxy 2 has received is rather impressive given the storied history of the franchise. Nearly every gaming critic worldwide agrees that Super Mario Galaxy 2 presents users with a very interactive and seamlessly fun game while sticking to its tradition albeit simultaneously adding new tricks to help the powerful plumber along his trek. Anyone who has enjoyed previous Super Mario titles is bound to love this one as well for sure.

If you know anything about RTS (Real-time Strategy) games in general, there is a good chance that you either own a copy of StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty or are considering purchasing it as since its release in August, it has quickly become the fastest selling strategy game of all time with over two million sales in just under 4 days…but is it worth the acclaim?

StarCraft 2 Review

StarCraft II is Blizzard Entertainment’s newest release and comes after almost 12 years of agonizing wait time since the original StarCraft was released in 1998 to critical acclaim. Although frequent delays in development occurred in order to manage the popularity and development of the WarCraft series, StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is finally upon us and presents us with a hard drinking, alcoholic Jim Raynor that is set on toppling the powerful Terran Dominion led by Emperor Arcturus Mengsk while restoring his good name.

The game takes place four years after the original StarCraft and over the course of 29 missions, Jim Raynor and his Raynor’s Raiders collect Xel’Naga artifacts for the Moebius Foundation in an effort to sell the artifacts and fund their rebellion uprising against the Terran Dominion. StarCraft II brings back many old characters while introducing a few new ones as well and is designed more towards multi-player game play although the single player version offers ample amounts of excitement and interesting game play.

As for new developments and cool features of StarCraft II, Blizzard did an impressive job incorporating new features as well as the ability to customize game play dramatically. Blizzard has introduced a new and improved replay feature that allows users to record, replay and review past games which is a definite plus. Furthermore, great emphasis has been given to the development of Battle.net, which is a ladder system that is designed to match players of equal skill levels in regards to multi-player play. Another improvement that will undoubtedly excite fans is the vastly improved graphics of the game with the alien worlds and terrain getting a complete overhaul.

In StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, Blizzard has masterfully created a great visually and interactively engaging Real-time Strategy that allows for seasoned veterans to instantly re-immerse themselves into the world of the Terran seamlessly while allowing newcomers the chance to learn the back story of StarCraft and engage in exciting single player or multi-player action. StarCraft II offers players a wide variety of missions as well as three choice missions that can alter the story line although all three have the same end result. Developers put much effort into the cut scenes and have succeeded in creating seemingly cinematic scenes that not only visually impress but also fit into game play without feeling obtrusive or hindering the overall experience.

Although the decision to offer only the Terran perspective in the initial campaign may disappoint, developers have noted that extensions for both the Heart of the Swarm and Legacy of the Void will focus on the Zerg and Protoss so that players can be offered the total package and experience. All in all, StarCraft II falls short of being the epitome of RTS games but succeeds in offering an enticing game that is bound to entertain both veterans and newcomers alike with countless hours of intense game play and intriguing story lines.

In the year 2183, despite his valiant efforts, Commander Shepard is Killed In Action while attempting to save his ship’s helmsman Joker…or did he?

This is the surprising twist that awaits fans of the Mass Effect series as Mass Effect 2 begins a few weeks after the death of its main character Commander Shepard and goes on to explain the plot twist and the subsequent resurrection of Commander Shepard at the hands of the mysterious pro human group Cerberus. It appears as if the Cerberus foundation feels as if Commander Shepard is the perfect man to investigate an unsettling recent occurrence- the complete eradication of entire human colonies. Cerberus is under the impression that Commander Shepard’s old enemy, the Reapers, is responsible for the disappearance of the human colonies and has brought him back to life to get to the bottom of the matter and help protect the remaining human colonies.

The game offers a nearly complete overhaul of features while surprisingly being able to remain true to the story line and evoking the same great experience as the first installment. The AI of Mass Effect 2 has been greatly improved, allowing for more realistic interaction. The weaponry arsenal has been upgraded extensively with the most noticeable change being the incorporation of a Heavy Weapons class of arms as well as the utilization of actual ammunition as opposed to the previous overheat system.

The medi-gel has been swapped out in place of regenerating health and cinematic moving cameras have replaced the static positioning of Mass Effect 1.Furthermore, character development received much attention with Commander Shepard having ten times as many animations as previously and over 25,000 lines of character dialogue being featured among the various roughly 600 characters.

One of the most exciting features is the incorporation of previously saved game files from Mass Effect 1. Developers have made it possible to transfer over the game files from the first installment in order to continue on the story line dependent upon the actions a player made within the first game. For newcomers to the series, the back story is sufficiently relayed so that the player doesn’t feel lost amongst the many worlds of the game and few references will bewilder new gamers. Due to the extensive amount of detail and plethora of features of the game, it comes in two discs which need to be installed although only one disc is needed for game play. Multiple in game bonuses have been made available and a Collector’s Edition is also available.

In summation, with Mass Effect 2, BioWare and EA most definitely have created one of the greatest RPG’s in history as the stunning visuals, engaging story line, and meticulous attention to even the most minute details have culminated in a literal work of art. Mass Effect 2 is easily one of the most polished games ever developed and unless something unanticipated occurs, is surely a shoe in for Game of the Year. The game has over 30 perfect scores and enough praise cannot be given to justifiably quantify the masterpiece that is Mass Effect 2.

We ask that you excuse our mess while we are in development and ask that you check back with us very soon as we look forward to providing you with insightful game reviews and news.

EPICAGames.com has officially launched and were excited!