Video Games Archive

1

First Impressions and Unboxing: Metal Gear Solid 4 Limited Edition

metal gear solid 4 limited edition

Well, I’m about 8 hours into The Reason You Buy A Playstation 3, and so far it does not disappoint.  I wanted to write up some quick impressions for y’all – for the record I’ve played all three entries into the Metal Gear Solid franchise along with the Portable Ops game on the PSP.

Here are my initial thoughts on the game:

  • The first 30 minutes of the game contain a LOT of “holy shit” moments
  • It feels like a 50/50 split between gameplay and cutscenes so far – this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, the narrative is the strongest suit of the MGS franchise
  • Sometimes I feel that this awesome movie is being interrupted by a game
  • These cutscenes are the most amazing cinematic pieces ever in a video game – they probably surpass a good portion of Hollywood movies and TV shows too
  • Are people who’ve never played an MGS game really going to enjoy this as much as I have so far?
  • You can totally play this game like Call of Duty 4 and kill everything that moves with your M4 Carbine/P90 if you want to – ammo does not become a problem like it was in previous MGS games
  • There are a LOT of items/weapons to use – it feels a little overwhelming at times
  • I’m surprised at the variety of environments – I totally did not see these gorgeous locales coming
  • Why can’t Snake climb up obstacles that look like any Joe Six Pack could surmount?
  • Why aren’t there more hours in the day to play this game?

Was the limited edition of the game worth the $25 premium?  I don’t know yet, as you can see from the blu-ray case, it has spoilers so I’m not touching it until I finish the game.  My initial reaction is that of buyer’s remorse because $25 is a HUGE premium for a “limited edition.”  However, if this blu-ray disc delivers it’ll be worth it due to the cinematic nature of the game.  The audio soundtrack doesn’t hurt either – it’ll make driving on the freeway a little bit more epic.

(More pics of the unboxing after the jump)

Read the rest of this entry »

0

Review: Ninja Gaiden 2

ninja gaiden 2 logo

Games like Bioshock and Grand Theft Auto IV are pushing the boundaries in terms of storytelling and emotional evocation from a video game.

Ninja Gaiden 2 does no such thing.

What it does do, is provide the most exhilarating, visceral kickassery that you’ll experience on the Xbox 360.

An way to describe the kind of game you’re getting yourself into might be that it’s what Michael Bay would make were he to make a summer blockbuster involving ninjas, demons, explosions, decapitations, blood, and big-breasted women.  It’s as easy to play as mashing buttons, but the combat also has the depth of a fighting game like Soul Calibur.

If that sounds appealing to you, or if you just love action games, go out and buy this game now.  It has some flaws in both design and camera work, but as an overall experience, it’s still great fun.

Read the rest of this entry »

0

The Onion Has Exclusive On New WoW Expansion: The World of World of Warcraft

It’s uncanny how realistic they can make video games these days.

1

New Call of Duty Details Leaked

call of duty 5 world at war logo

Scans from the latest issue of the UK’s Official Xbox Magazine show some more details about the next installment in the Call of Duty franchise.

As expected, the game is being developed by Treyarch and will be once again set in the World War II era.  It’s going to be using the CoD 4 engine and be on the PC, Wii, 360, and PS3 platforms.  Multiplayer apparently will include the same perk system that CoD 4 did and also add vehicles.

Yadda Yadda Yadda.  Frankly, my excitement level for this game is almost nil because:

a) It’s not developed by Infinity Ward (the developers who created the franchise)

b) I am sick to death of WWII

c) We just had a new Call of Duty game come out about 8 months ago – and it was pretty damn good!

At least Activision has the decency to not officially call it “Call of Duty 5.” My money’s still on gratuitous in-game footage in the next season of Chuck though.

Read more details [videogaming247.com]

0

How Did This Guy Get To Play Duke Nukem Forever?

I have no idea who Jace Hall is, but apparently he finagled a video exclusive out of 3DRealms for its legendary vaporware title, Duke Nukem Forever.

If you haven’t been following games for the past couple of decades, you may not be aware that this game has been in development for over 12 years. I remember chomping at the bit in 1997 for this sequel to the awesome Duke Nukem 3d that was supposed to go head to head with Quake 2 to determine first-person shooter title supremacy.

My reaction to the vid?

Looks alright. At this point, I don’t even know what I’m expecting anymore. As long as it has Duke’s trademark potty humor and it has a decent feel, I’ll probably be happy with it. It’s not like anyone’s expecting the equivalent of Bioshock out of this one.

Skip about 4 minutes into the video to see the gameplay footage – the first half of the video is an interview with Agent Weiss from Alias.

Update: It looks like Jace is a former VP at Warner Bros. Interactive – Read more here

0

Congressional Candidate Plays World Of Warcraft

jeanne stevens pirate

In an era where ignorance about video games in the political realm is rampant, it’s refreshing to come across a level headed politician when it comes to gaming.  Jeanne Stevens, Republican nominee for the House of Representatives in the 101st district, Connecticut, is one such individual.  Apparently she is an avid player of World of Warcraft.  With three characters created (70 Hunter, 58 Shaman, 53 Rogue), Jeanne obviously has spent some time with the game.

Wanderinggoblin.com has an interview up with Stevens.  Contained within are some questions about her campaign and her second life in Azeroth.  I found her opinion on video game legislation to be noteworthy:

Parents need to start parenting! You are the adult. You are responsible for what happens within your home. If you don’t like the content of a t.v. show, game, book, etc., don’t allow it in your home – that is your choice – you get to be the legislator, you make the laws of your home. Don’t abdicate that responsibility to the government. Exercise your own common sense – way back when, I enjoyed listening to Howard Stern on my commute to work – if he was getting too raunchy for my tastes, I changed the dial – and, I never listened to him if my kids were in the car.

Amen, sister!

Running for Congress might actually be a good move for Mrs. Stevens – if anything it’ll afford her more time to play WoW than her previous gig as an attorney did.

Read the whole interview [wanderinggoblin.com]

1

Olivia Munn Is Potty

I’ve never watched G4 TV before, but this clip of Olivia Munn kinda makes me want to start watching “Attack of the Show.”

I think I’m in love.

0

God of War Track Comes To Guitar Hero 3 On PS3 For Free

Not to feel left out after the Xbox 360 version of Guitar Hero 3 got free DLC in the form of the Halo 3 theme, Sony will be putting out their own blockbuster franchise theme on Guitar Hero in the form of God of War.

Frankly, it looks like you’re going to be playing a mish mash of guitar notes – the recognizable part is with the chorus and it’s not quite apparent you get to rock out to that.  But free is free.  Just don’t expect the God of War gameplay footage as you click-clack away.

The content will show up on tomorrow’s Playstation Store update and will be free.

1

Your Chance To Teabag Death Cab For Cutie In Call Of Duty 4

death cab for cutie pew pew pew

If you think Death Cab For Cutie is too “emo” for this world, now’s your chance to virtually teabag them after shooting them to death online!

Nick and Jason from DCFC will be playing Call of Duty 4 against any and all thirteen year olds opponents this Friday, May 16th from 7:30-9:30 EST. You’ll only be able to play against them if you have the Xbox 360 version of the game, though.

If you’re an Xbox LIVE Gold member, and you want a chance to play with Death Cab for Cutie, send a friend request to the following Gamertags and be online half an hour before (7:00 P.M. ET) the Game with Fame session starts at 7:30 P.M. ET on Friday, May 16:

  • GWF DCFC Nick
  • GWF DCFC Jason

It’s too bad there’s no extra in game challenge XP awards for killing indie rockers, that should be good for at least 1000xp in game.

Game With Fame: Death Cab For Cutie [xbox.com]

0

Nintendo Launches Wii Ware, Final Fantasy

wii ware logo

Fire up your favorite song about kings and airships (Coldplay – Viva La Vida) if you have a Wii, because today is the day you get Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life As King!

Nintendo’s much anticipated Wii Ware service launches today with six titles, including the aforementioned FFCCMLAK.   Wii Ware essentially allows for original games to be distributed digitally to your Wii, ala Xbox Live Arcade or the Playstation Network.

More platforms for games is always a good thing, especially if it means original Homestarrunner games.

The six titles are (divide by 100 to get actual dollar amounts):

Final Fantasy: 1500 Wii Points
LostWinds: 1000 Wii Points
Defend Your Castle: 500 Wii Points
Pop: 700 Wii Points
VIP Casino Blackjack: 700 Wii Points
TV Show King: 1000 Wii Points

Full game descriptions after the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »