Yesterday, Dragon Quest VI was released on Japan for the Nintendo DS.
But even before that, they started airing these commercials:
For a Spanish guy like me, these videos are even weirder, because the acting is really awkward. (Well, that's what happens when you pull your "actors" from a gym...)
But it gets even weirder. This commercial was filmed on Málaga, which is the home town of our ever-silent third staff member, JR. So maybe he'll see these guys on the streets! How cool would that be?
The Japanese really know how to make awesomely weird video game commercials.
viernes, 29 de enero de 2010
martes, 26 de enero de 2010
We must get better!
According to the reviews, Painkiller: Resurrection really sucks. And not in the "this kind of game gets old really fast" way like Dreamkiller, but in the "this game isn't even finished!" way.
Today, a major update has been released on Steam. It's good to know that the developers haven't just let the game die already, but is it even fixable? The list of changes is presented in a way that makes clear that the developers know how badly the game sucks:
-New AI System blending the direct approach used now and a sophisticated way-point system. In most areas, Monsters can not only chase you through complex architecture, you`ll also see them taking different ways in order to outrun you, and sometimes even retreat and trying to get into your back. (They basically admit that the enemies are dumb idiots that charge against you following a straight line and then get stuck in any object they find.)
-Better Char models / animations: Our 3D Artist gave another shots at the new monsters and improved some of them. (This sounds like "We are so sorry he didn't know what he was doing, but he'll do better next time, we promise!" Any other company would just fire the guy.)
-In-game MP hosting reactivated (dedicated server not needed anymore) (So they realized NOBODY would set up a dedicated server for this!)
-Competitive MP crash-fixed and tweaked (Dropped weapons look, jumping walls, etc.) (Bug fixes! Great!)
-Co-op for up to 8 (if you like madness, even 16) players (although 2-4 is the best number to try) and with up to 50 monsters at once to fight them as team (Co-op! Yay!)
-New maps and some new surprises in the levels themselves are on their way too. (The game is better now, we promise!)
So here you are. I don't know if I'm going to try the game now, but it's good to know that at least they are trying.
Today, a major update has been released on Steam. It's good to know that the developers haven't just let the game die already, but is it even fixable? The list of changes is presented in a way that makes clear that the developers know how badly the game sucks:
-New AI System blending the direct approach used now and a sophisticated way-point system. In most areas, Monsters can not only chase you through complex architecture, you`ll also see them taking different ways in order to outrun you, and sometimes even retreat and trying to get into your back. (They basically admit that the enemies are dumb idiots that charge against you following a straight line and then get stuck in any object they find.)
-Better Char models / animations: Our 3D Artist gave another shots at the new monsters and improved some of them. (This sounds like "We are so sorry he didn't know what he was doing, but he'll do better next time, we promise!" Any other company would just fire the guy.)
-In-game MP hosting reactivated (dedicated server not needed anymore) (So they realized NOBODY would set up a dedicated server for this!)
-Competitive MP crash-fixed and tweaked (Dropped weapons look, jumping walls, etc.) (Bug fixes! Great!)
-Co-op for up to 8 (if you like madness, even 16) players (although 2-4 is the best number to try) and with up to 50 monsters at once to fight them as team (Co-op! Yay!)
-New maps and some new surprises in the levels themselves are on their way too. (The game is better now, we promise!)
So here you are. I don't know if I'm going to try the game now, but it's good to know that at least they are trying.
martes, 19 de enero de 2010
CCG's Game Of The Year 2009!
And our game of the year is...
PLANTS VS ZOMBIES
Why? We all agree (and "all" means SuperViv, JR and me) that Plants vs Zombies surpassed all our expectations and gave us lots of hours of good, solid fun. This game wasn't hyped to death, but word of mouth has made it a success. JR found this game and told me that I just had to play it. He was right! Then I bought this game for my brother, and he really loved it! And SuperViv was told that she just had to play this game... by a friend from Israel! Yes, everybody around the globe loves Plants vs Zombies. Just because it looks like a "small" game, this doesn't mean that PvZ is worse than any of the Big Names.
In our words:
Such a simple idea. Yet, the execution is perfect. The graphics, the writing (the descriptions in the zombie guide are just hilarious), the gameplay... The difficulty is so finely tuned that you get the feeling that this game was playtested to death. (Danda)
Plants vs. Zombies is very addictive. It's not particularly difficult, but it gets slightly more difficult in every level, which makes you want to progress further and further. After every level, you end up with a new item that you just quickly want to try - so that 45 minutes later you're still "just quickly trying" a new item. The game is simple and really goofy in an endearing way. They paid a lot of attention to detail, too. The graphics are nicely cartoonish, the different types of zombies are funny, the music doesn't get on your nerves even after an hour or two, and the whole game sounds good from every shot and explosion to the zombies' muttering of "brains!" (SuperViv)
PvZ is quite cool! It may be less addictive than Defense Grid but it's more entertaining and varied. It's a really nice game and as you progress in the game you find a lot of hilarious stuff the makers put in the game. It's also very varied because it has a ton of minigames. I think it's a good purchase. And it's perfect for girlfriends! (JR)
So that's it. Oh, and my runner-up is...
UNCHARTED 2
That game is just perfect. Everything about is carefully built up to be great. OK, the story may be a little shallow if we compare it with a (good) movie, which is what it would like to be, but for the usual videogame standards, the script in Uncharted 2 is Shakespeare. But this is not like Metal Gear Solid 4: if you skip all the cutscenes (like I did on my second playthrough), you still have a dozen rock-solid hours of game.
And my definitely-not-game-of-the-year is...
MODERN WARFARE 2
Why would I pay extra to play the same game from 2007, all over again? No way. I only played this game because I managed to find, amazingly, a new copy for 17€.
I guess I'm supposed to find the airport level shocking (the game even offers to skip it), but the most shocking thing was the ending for that level. I was thinking "that's what you deserve for shooting the wrong people, you moron". Was I supposed to feel that? I'm not sure.
So, what about the "new" stuff? Oh, yes: I had to rescue hostages at an oil rig. Didn't I already do that in the early Rainbow Six games? Of course I did. And the snowmobile? Didn't I already do that on No One Lives Forever 2? Yes! Then, what about fighting on American soil? Oh, you mean, like in Resistance 2? And defending a diner from the ceiling? I think I already did that on that weird Area 51 kind-of-sequel, Blacksite.
Derivative, that's the word. Even the music is not as good as in COD4. Zimmer, you lazy man! Did you even write it, or did you just put your name on it?
And I don't care if you don't agree. It's just my opinion.
Danda
PLANTS VS ZOMBIES
Why? We all agree (and "all" means SuperViv, JR and me) that Plants vs Zombies surpassed all our expectations and gave us lots of hours of good, solid fun. This game wasn't hyped to death, but word of mouth has made it a success. JR found this game and told me that I just had to play it. He was right! Then I bought this game for my brother, and he really loved it! And SuperViv was told that she just had to play this game... by a friend from Israel! Yes, everybody around the globe loves Plants vs Zombies. Just because it looks like a "small" game, this doesn't mean that PvZ is worse than any of the Big Names.
In our words:
Such a simple idea. Yet, the execution is perfect. The graphics, the writing (the descriptions in the zombie guide are just hilarious), the gameplay... The difficulty is so finely tuned that you get the feeling that this game was playtested to death. (Danda)
Plants vs. Zombies is very addictive. It's not particularly difficult, but it gets slightly more difficult in every level, which makes you want to progress further and further. After every level, you end up with a new item that you just quickly want to try - so that 45 minutes later you're still "just quickly trying" a new item. The game is simple and really goofy in an endearing way. They paid a lot of attention to detail, too. The graphics are nicely cartoonish, the different types of zombies are funny, the music doesn't get on your nerves even after an hour or two, and the whole game sounds good from every shot and explosion to the zombies' muttering of "brains!" (SuperViv)
PvZ is quite cool! It may be less addictive than Defense Grid but it's more entertaining and varied. It's a really nice game and as you progress in the game you find a lot of hilarious stuff the makers put in the game. It's also very varied because it has a ton of minigames. I think it's a good purchase. And it's perfect for girlfriends! (JR)
So that's it. Oh, and my runner-up is...
UNCHARTED 2
That game is just perfect. Everything about is carefully built up to be great. OK, the story may be a little shallow if we compare it with a (good) movie, which is what it would like to be, but for the usual videogame standards, the script in Uncharted 2 is Shakespeare. But this is not like Metal Gear Solid 4: if you skip all the cutscenes (like I did on my second playthrough), you still have a dozen rock-solid hours of game.
And my definitely-not-game-of-the-year is...
MODERN WARFARE 2
Why would I pay extra to play the same game from 2007, all over again? No way. I only played this game because I managed to find, amazingly, a new copy for 17€.
I guess I'm supposed to find the airport level shocking (the game even offers to skip it), but the most shocking thing was the ending for that level. I was thinking "that's what you deserve for shooting the wrong people, you moron". Was I supposed to feel that? I'm not sure.
So, what about the "new" stuff? Oh, yes: I had to rescue hostages at an oil rig. Didn't I already do that in the early Rainbow Six games? Of course I did. And the snowmobile? Didn't I already do that on No One Lives Forever 2? Yes! Then, what about fighting on American soil? Oh, you mean, like in Resistance 2? And defending a diner from the ceiling? I think I already did that on that weird Area 51 kind-of-sequel, Blacksite.
Derivative, that's the word. Even the music is not as good as in COD4. Zimmer, you lazy man! Did you even write it, or did you just put your name on it?
And I don't care if you don't agree. It's just my opinion.
Danda
I'm back... but you are gone!
Hi SuperViv!
It's strange how things change in a short amount of time. Four days ago, you were sitting in front of me in the office. Now you are gone, and you'll be in Australia soon... It's strange. Will you still be playing games there? Or maybe you'll spend your whole time in the desert, catching snakes and photographing kangaroos? (By the way, the first and only time I ate a "kangaroo burger" was here in Frankfurt!) My best friend spent a whole year in Australia too, but he came back. I was fearing he would get to love Australia (and/or Australian girls) and stay there forever! But that could also happen to you, you know.
Even with your new life, I suspect you'll probably have more time than me to play games. I've been struggling to find time to play the really short campaign for Modern Warfare 2. I'll probably wait until I'm done with it to say more, but I'm definitely underwhelmed. It feels like an "expansion pack" for the previous game. Which for many people is probably a great thing.
For your travels, sites like Steam or GOG.com (especially GOG!) are just perfect. You can download your games anywhere in the world, so you can have 500 games (like me!) and you can play them anywhere in the world (well, almost... Steam is blocking some games in certain territories) but you don't have to carry the discs with you. You just need a decent internet connection!
And now, let me catch up with you:
So you fell from your GTA IV bike many times! Well, I think they fixed that in The Lost and the Damned (well done!). I used to ride a motorbike a few years ago. I really enjoyed it, at first. Then I started hating it... but then I had to do it for my job! Thank god I'm doing what I do now so I don't have to go back.
Sadly, DJ Hero bombed. I guess manhandling a turntable hasn't got the same pull as pretending to be a rock god.
I have Dragon Age: Origins, but it's the last one in my RPG Chain of Play. It goes like this:
-Family 1: FALLOUT -> FALLOUT 2 -> FALLOUT TACTICS -> MORROWIND -> OBLIVION -> FALLOUT 3
-Family 2: KOTOR -> [KOTOR 2] -> JADE EMPIRE -> MASS EFFECT -> MASS EFFECT 2 -> DRAGON AGE
I probably won't play Knights of the Old Republic 2 because it's not available on Steam.
There's a thing I really hate about Bioware's new releases: they offer some great "exclusive items" if you pre-purchase the game. That's just nasty! So if you don't have the money now, or you are on vacation and you don't have an internet connection, you lose the chance to get an advantage forever. And then you also have to pay $10 extra for the "Digital Deluxe Edition", which gives you more great items. It's so unfair! I wish someone would just hack the game to give those items for everybody.
I wasn't impressed by Avatar. It was just like "Dances with Wolves" dumbed down for kids. And I wasn't that impressed by the 3D effect. But maybe that was just me.
But it's not me who says that the Avatar game is terrible. All the reviews are terrible, so I'm sure it really sucks! I will still play it when I can get it for $5, though.
After saying this, let me prepare our own special GOTY post! Too bad I haven't heard from JR in a while, but I'll include him somehow...
Later,
Danda
It's strange how things change in a short amount of time. Four days ago, you were sitting in front of me in the office. Now you are gone, and you'll be in Australia soon... It's strange. Will you still be playing games there? Or maybe you'll spend your whole time in the desert, catching snakes and photographing kangaroos? (By the way, the first and only time I ate a "kangaroo burger" was here in Frankfurt!) My best friend spent a whole year in Australia too, but he came back. I was fearing he would get to love Australia (and/or Australian girls) and stay there forever! But that could also happen to you, you know.
Even with your new life, I suspect you'll probably have more time than me to play games. I've been struggling to find time to play the really short campaign for Modern Warfare 2. I'll probably wait until I'm done with it to say more, but I'm definitely underwhelmed. It feels like an "expansion pack" for the previous game. Which for many people is probably a great thing.
For your travels, sites like Steam or GOG.com (especially GOG!) are just perfect. You can download your games anywhere in the world, so you can have 500 games (like me!) and you can play them anywhere in the world (well, almost... Steam is blocking some games in certain territories) but you don't have to carry the discs with you. You just need a decent internet connection!
And now, let me catch up with you:
So you fell from your GTA IV bike many times! Well, I think they fixed that in The Lost and the Damned (well done!). I used to ride a motorbike a few years ago. I really enjoyed it, at first. Then I started hating it... but then I had to do it for my job! Thank god I'm doing what I do now so I don't have to go back.
Sadly, DJ Hero bombed. I guess manhandling a turntable hasn't got the same pull as pretending to be a rock god.
I have Dragon Age: Origins, but it's the last one in my RPG Chain of Play. It goes like this:
-Family 1: FALLOUT -> FALLOUT 2 -> FALLOUT TACTICS -> MORROWIND -> OBLIVION -> FALLOUT 3
-Family 2: KOTOR -> [KOTOR 2] -> JADE EMPIRE -> MASS EFFECT -> MASS EFFECT 2 -> DRAGON AGE
I probably won't play Knights of the Old Republic 2 because it's not available on Steam.
There's a thing I really hate about Bioware's new releases: they offer some great "exclusive items" if you pre-purchase the game. That's just nasty! So if you don't have the money now, or you are on vacation and you don't have an internet connection, you lose the chance to get an advantage forever. And then you also have to pay $10 extra for the "Digital Deluxe Edition", which gives you more great items. It's so unfair! I wish someone would just hack the game to give those items for everybody.
I wasn't impressed by Avatar. It was just like "Dances with Wolves" dumbed down for kids. And I wasn't that impressed by the 3D effect. But maybe that was just me.
But it's not me who says that the Avatar game is terrible. All the reviews are terrible, so I'm sure it really sucks! I will still play it when I can get it for $5, though.
After saying this, let me prepare our own special GOTY post! Too bad I haven't heard from JR in a while, but I'll include him somehow...
Later,
Danda
viernes, 1 de enero de 2010
Will Avatar (the game) end in Oblivion?
Hi Danda!
Happy new year!
I'm happy to report that in the last week or so, I have finally had a lot of time to just sit in front of my PC and play games. I mostly played Oblivion all day and it was great fun and I have now finished the main quest. It's good that you can keep on playing after you finish, but it kind of made me lose my motivation to finish any more quests. Which is good for a casual core gamer, as this way I have finished a game and don't have to spend any more time on it. ;)
At any rate, it's a great game, it looks great and the game world is great.
Now the new year started and I have another week before I have to go back to work. I'm not sure if I should spend it playing games or maybe rather shift my attention to reading more. Then again, maybe I should try to finish GTA IV finally. We'll see.
Since Christmas, I have a brand new Eee PC which will be a big help for staying in touch when I'm Down Under. I have already started looking for some games that might work on it (for the times spent on airports or traveling from city to city) and I'm glad to report that The Longest Journey works well on it. Gamespot.com lists this as the best adventure game of all time, so it's about time I played it. This was another game that I bought for a few Euros when it was on a magazine DVD but then got too busy to play it (or preferred other games).
Last but not least I want to tell you that I watched Avatar in 3D a few days ago and I thought it was really awesome. The 3D effect was great, and I felt that it worked really well even in quieter scenes that didn't have a lot of action. I think that's the first new 3D movie I've seen with real actors and not just animation. (Remember when they had 3D shows maybe 15 years ago where the camera had to be in constant motion?) While the plot was quite predictable at times, I think the beautiful world they created for the movie entirely made up for it. I for one at least thought it was quite epic.
To stay on topic, though, I read about the Avatar game they made while making the movie, and while I think it looks rather cool in gameplay videos, apparently it's rather boring and disappointing. If you have the correct type of TV, you can play it in 3D, though. Now that's a technology I look forward to becoming ubiquitous (and therefore affordable).
Game on,
-- SuperViv
Happy new year!
I'm happy to report that in the last week or so, I have finally had a lot of time to just sit in front of my PC and play games. I mostly played Oblivion all day and it was great fun and I have now finished the main quest. It's good that you can keep on playing after you finish, but it kind of made me lose my motivation to finish any more quests. Which is good for a casual core gamer, as this way I have finished a game and don't have to spend any more time on it. ;)
At any rate, it's a great game, it looks great and the game world is great.
Now the new year started and I have another week before I have to go back to work. I'm not sure if I should spend it playing games or maybe rather shift my attention to reading more. Then again, maybe I should try to finish GTA IV finally. We'll see.
Since Christmas, I have a brand new Eee PC which will be a big help for staying in touch when I'm Down Under. I have already started looking for some games that might work on it (for the times spent on airports or traveling from city to city) and I'm glad to report that The Longest Journey works well on it. Gamespot.com lists this as the best adventure game of all time, so it's about time I played it. This was another game that I bought for a few Euros when it was on a magazine DVD but then got too busy to play it (or preferred other games).
Last but not least I want to tell you that I watched Avatar in 3D a few days ago and I thought it was really awesome. The 3D effect was great, and I felt that it worked really well even in quieter scenes that didn't have a lot of action. I think that's the first new 3D movie I've seen with real actors and not just animation. (Remember when they had 3D shows maybe 15 years ago where the camera had to be in constant motion?) While the plot was quite predictable at times, I think the beautiful world they created for the movie entirely made up for it. I for one at least thought it was quite epic.
To stay on topic, though, I read about the Avatar game they made while making the movie, and while I think it looks rather cool in gameplay videos, apparently it's rather boring and disappointing. If you have the correct type of TV, you can play it in 3D, though. Now that's a technology I look forward to becoming ubiquitous (and therefore affordable).
Game on,
-- SuperViv
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