Friday, June 27, 2008

E3 2008....

E3 2008 is upon us. And again, despite not being the huge event it once was, gamers all over the world are eager to learn of new projects or getting updates of games already in progress. So without further ado, let's take a look at some of the games:

Mega Man 9 (WiiWare (CONFIRMED)- Xbox Marketplace\PSN (RUMOR; [Update number 2: July 1st: Apparently, the announcement of MM9 on Xbox Marketplace and PSN was a "mistake" on Capcom's part and it would end up being a WiiWare only game: http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3168493) Update June 30th: A PSN and Xbox Marketplace version has been confirmed--> http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3168479]): This title has just been announced so as of this point, there's not a lot of info revealed except that it is going to be a true-to-form Mega Man: Eight Bosses, Dr Wily and 8-Bit graphics. Yes, you read that right. The series producer, Keiji Inafune decided to bring back the "old school" formula claiming "that old-school Mega Man games don't fit into the grandiose and expansive world that the consumer gaming industry has become" (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3168435). This one will be for the retro gamer in all of us! We hope to hear some more details at E3......

Alan Wake (Xbox360-PC): This title has been announced a few years back with little to no information update from year to year. Hopefully, after E3, we'll know more than "psychological action thriller". It does look like Indigo Prophecy, but slightly more action-driven.....it is after all developped by Remedy who are well-known for making Max Payne 1 & 2 which were well received by critics.

Call of Duty World at War (PS2-PS3-Xbox360-DS-Wii): The sequel to one of the most rewarded game of 2007, Infinity Ward's Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare is going back to a World War II setting. Created on the same engine as said game, Treyarch is looking to create a different, yet incredibly immersive first person shooter throughout the Pacific in a war between the Japanese and Americans. With the Japanese's Bushido way of fighting, who knows how brutal and action pack this war will be.

Guitar Hero World Tour (PS2-PS3-Xbox360-Wii): Promising the biggest setlist from the get-go (85 songs were mentionned), the Guitar Hero series is looking to expand: like Rock Band, GH will give you the opportunity to play drum or even sing your heart out. Of course, when borrowing on a certain trend, you need to create something that will differentiate yourself from the competition; thus Neversoft and Activision will introduce 2 raised pads that will act as cymbals on the drum kit. What is intriguing however is the new Studio Mode which would allow you to create and upload your own songs.

Ghostbusters The Videogame (Xbox360-PS3-Wii-NDS-PC): "Who are you gonna call? Ghostbusters!" This game has been announced late last year and actually came out of left field. Dan Aykroyd is working closely with Sierra to ensure that the game has the feel of the first movie. Also Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson and Bill Murray suited-up once more to provide new dialogue for the game. You'll actually play as a new recruit in the ghost hunting team and be able to have fun the Proton pack weapon.

Mirror's Edge (PS3-Xbox360-PC): Borrowing from the first person perspective of Breakdown (who doesn't remember FPV: First Person Vomiting) in which you actually feel like running or jumping. Using Faith's Parkour skills, you'll jump from building to building and run towards freeing your sister from the oppressing gouvernement.

Street Fighter IV (PS3-Xbox360-PC): Capcom's flagship fighting franchise is back! Created 2D in a 3D environnement, SFII World Warriors' gang is back along with new characters. And the consoles version will include Dan and Fei Long as exclusive characters.

We hope you enjoyed this little rundown of some games that we'll be watching at E3. Keep in mind, we'll keep you guys posted as much as possible about any breaking developments.

As usual, feedbacks and comments are welcome!

Thursday, June 19, 2008

A one console world?

Hi again

I remember about a similar subject in a past Official Xbox Magazine and I thought that it would probably be not the best of situations for gamers. When given less options, there's a chance that you won't bother as much. However, with a rumor that Sony is also prepping a motion sensitive control like the Wii, I'm realizing now that eventually, it could end up being a one console world.

Let's take a quick look. Ever since video gaming was born, companies were always trying to create better technology to best each other. Since the days of the PS2, companies were focusing on graphics. From the PS1-N64 days to the PS2 days, that was the major WOW Factor that brought people to jump from one generation to another. Nowadays, it is still the case....as far as Sony and Microsoft are concerned. When a game comes out for both consoles, there's always a comparison graphic-wise. On the other hand, Nintendo was really smart as instead of focusing on graphics, they decided to make the gameplay more fun with their innovative motion controller. True, some games were really beautiful on the Wii (EX: Metroid Prime 3 Corruption), however people are not buying a Wii for graphics, but for interactivity (Wii Fit, We Ski and the upcoming Skate It and Shaun White Snowboarding) and also because it seems to attract non-gamers as well. So what I'm trying is that if every major companies (Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo) end up doing the same thing, at one point, it will be like we are in a one console world. Back in the days, people were actually buying all 3. The PS2 because it brought the next gen graphics.....Xbox was "slightly" popular due to adult oriented game and Gamecube....well it's Nintendo. And once the Xbox360 has been out and the annoucement of PS3 and the revealing of the Wii (then code named Revolution), everyone has been saying that in this generation, you'll either buy PS3-Wii or X360-Wii. And it's true. From my perspective, not a lot of current-gen gamers have all 3. People buy either the PS3 or X360 for graphics purposes and the Wii for interactivity.

The point I'm trying to get across is this: If every innovation is always copied by the competition, we'll end up with a one console world. Think about it: If the PS6, Xbox 1440 and the Wiivolution have the same specs, games and gameplay, why have 3 of the same? True, some company may have 1 or 2 exclusive games....but by then, will it be worth it to pay 600$ for 1 game?

Thanks for reading and have a nice day!

As usual, you can leave feedback.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Leaked info....

Hi guys!
As you probably all know as of now, a lot of informations concerning upcoming games and projects have been leaked. Now...it's great for us gamers because we do know what to expect (well sort of...). But on the other hand, it can be bad for the companies concerned. Mostly because some new surprising item or game can be unveiled (unofficially of course) and some other company can infringe on their concept. However, I'm really disappointed in what Microsoft is doing right now (keep in mind: everything is just RUMOR at this point): the whole concept of "Miis" for Xbox Live and a "motion" controller in the works. Don't get me wrong, I like Microsoft but the lack of innovation is a little bit disappointing. I admire them for Xbox Live and the Marketplace and the setup they created to play live, but why go the same way Nintendo did? Where's that innovation Microsoft? It's understandable that it's something that works (The Wii is still a hot commodity nowadays) but I think the mentality of "they're doing it, so why don't we?" doesn't help the gaming industry. Look at GTA. A lot of games copied it, but only a rare few were able to be noticed from the bunch. The prime example: Saints Row. But a LOT of them were not as successful. So my point is this: Why take a chance on something that was succeeded by someone else? Let's face it, I doubt that Microsoft would be able to get "non-gamers" like Nintendo did. But I guess time will tell.....of course, we'll have to wait and see if the rumors are true.

Don't hesitate to leave feedback!

Have a good day!