E3 is less than month away and the suspense is killing everybody here at the hiphopgamershow. Gamers around world are anticipating what Sony, Nintendo and especially Microsoft have store for us this year and the next. For the millions of fans confident that Sony is definitely going to announce a price cut at this year’s E3, maybe disappointed with Brain Farrell, the CEO of THQ. The big cheese announce today during their quarterly earnings that the company is not expecting Sony to announce a price cut at this year’s E3. However, Mr Farrell admits he’s not in any position to predict Sony’s financial plans.
E3 2009 is shaping up to be the biggest one yet, with all these rumors, gossip and speculation, I can’t contain myself. As for a price cut for Sony, the only folks that will know that will be Sony. We all will know soon enough when E3 arrives.
The first Triangle Gaming Conference could not have gone any better, as you might have read in my last posting the first day started off with a bang. The sessions were top notch starting with the informative “Launching your game with a bang” with Heather Chandler, The visually impressive “reinventing Gears of war 2’s cinematic pipeline. Then Dr.Capps gave the keynote Speech that set the afternoon off right. Chad Dezern of Insomniac games, as well as Patrick Sebring of Atomic games followed with informative secessions of their own.
Day two started off less then stellar, Hal Halpin was extremely boring, so I when to do the interview with the fallen Earth guy’s. I thought since there were not as many people there the rest of the show would follow this trend. Then out of nowhere the days saving grace happened, what I thought would be another boring session turned out to be the best one of the all. Rafael Chandler’s Crash Course in Brain Surgery was in my opinion Edutainment at its best!! He is also the writer for the upcoming game MAG, and will be featured in a upcoming episode of The true in game development. You guys will love him trust me. What followed this was the unveiling of the new cry engine with Martin Mittring from Crytek. They are stepping it up to the extreme and the next IP they produce will melt you Graphic’s card.
All in all this was the start of something great for the triangle which is already number 3 in the nation as far as being a hub for game development. I definitely will be at the following year’s conference. Check out all the footage above and leave comments.
Peace and Love
Blacksmith
Hello everybody. Here it is, my review of Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce, along with the winners of the giveaway. I uploaded a video, so just watch the video to find out who the winner is. In the meantime read the review. Even if you don’t win the game is worth looking into. Again, I would like to thank KOEI for making this happen.
Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce (PSP)
Developer: Omega Force
Publisher: Koei
Released: April 28, 2009
MSRP: $29.99
Presentation
Graphics
Now the first time you see this game, you are going to notice that it looks great, for a PSP game. The game looks much better than the first Dynasty WarriorsStrikeforce. You can now clearly tell the difference between each character instead on relying on color, weapon, and gender. Nothing is really pixilated and when you see it you will not be disappointed it.
Audio
The audio however is superb. The narrator, sound effects, and music are really tight. You may not notice it when you play it without headphones. The game has a completely different experience when you play with a good pair of headphones connected. This actually surprised me. I was more immersed with headphones on, just like for Patapon. The game plays and feels better when you wear headphones.The music is just what you would expect from previous Dynasty Warrior games. Even though there is nothing noticeably good,it still is rock heavy as ever, but with an oriental touch.
Gameplay
The game has been revamped. It does not play the same anymore. What separates Strikeforce from other games in the series is the subtle RPG element. Buying and managing items and weapons, collecting items to upgrade stores, leveling up, etc.. The core gameplay is exactly the same though, which is what everyone loves. The combo system is made more complex so that you can’t really spam the same moves over and over. The way the combo system works now is that you can get a nice combo chain going, but you have to time your attacks right to keep them going.
Every aspect of your character can level up. You can improve your skills with all weapons, attributes (attack, defense, life, etc.). Everything can be upgraded, and some things upgrade faster than others, because it is your characters specialties.
Omega Force added a Fury Mode that makes the game much easier to play. Instead of filling your Musou gauge you fill your Fury gauge. Now when you fill your fury gauge and activate it you become supernatural. You can fly, dash further,improved attacks, and become super fast. I love the new Fury Mode much better than Musou guage which you fill up and use once. In this case you can activate fury mode, and when you feel like it use a musou attack. So you get the best of both of worlds.
Now the game is focused on the 4 player co-op more. This is where the game has a big flaw. When you face bosses who usually come at you in groups, it can be pure hell to get through it by yourself. It is painful to go through those boss battles, and you may be forced to level grind to defeat enemies.Another issue is that you probably will not find many others who have the game so that you can play co-op. The good thing though is that the game is not so brutal, that you cannot finish it.
The Dynasty Warriors series has really changed, and all the shortcomings can be forgiven for the better of the series.
Controls
Wow, the controls have been quite literally revamped. It does not play the same as the other later Dynasty Warriors games, so do not expect it to be easy to play if you are a veteran to the series. Now, do not let that discourage you, the controls have improved. They made it much easier to play.
It is now much easier to block, parry, attack, etc. Everything is much easier to accomplish, such as changing the camera or dodging enemy attacks. The controls are a step forward for the series, even though it is not a big step, it is a step forward nonetheless.
Now even though I said the controls are an improvement, there are still some problems with it. They added a lock-on feature that allows you to lock on to the closest enemy. This is all good, but there is one problem. Switching between enemies is a pain in the ass. You have to let go of the lock on button and then press it again in the direction of the next enemy you want to lock on to. It may sound easy, but when you are surrounded by 10 powerful enemies, just trying to do that can mean death. At least you can hold L (lock on) and hit up on the d-pad to lock on to the main targets such as officers, bosses, etc. Another thing I hate is the way you have to use items. It is really a pain, but it does not take long to adjust to.
Now after all that you may thing the controls suck. Guess again. The controls are great, but it is more like Final Fantasy Dissidia. It is built for one vs one encounters. The problem with that is, you rarely ever get into a one vs. one fight. So if you want to you certain items, you have to run away and use it. You always have to be aware of who is around you before you make a risky move.
Summary
Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce is really a step forward for the series. If you left the series because each sequel is the same, then you should try this game out. If you are a fan of the series, then you have to pick this game up. If you are looking for a good portable game to play with friends, then this is for you. The controls are hard to get used to, but once you adjust to it, it becomes less troublesome. The game looks and sounds great, and it really is much better with headphones on. The story is not as compelling as other games, but most will be more interested in killing and destroying people.The game is overall solid. There are still issues with it, but they are minor compared to the improvements the series received. If you are a fan of the series, then this is really a must buy. Dynasty Warriors has always been a close series to me, and this game is really a step forward. I can’t wait to see what the future has to offer for this series.
Verdict: Newbies- Try it! Then Buy it! Veterans- BUY IT!
Sony Is definitely stepping their game up with home, with the new addition of the living room stage set. Sony’s plan to create a world that gamers can truly play, interact with others , and live out a virtual life in is one step closer to becoming a reality. The potential of this application is near limitless. This new addition to home has (in my opinion) surpassed the Xbox live experience, Fan boy’s claim down!! This could very well be the app that brings the Machinama community to Sony’s Platform. Lastly don’t forget that Home Is FREE!!!!!!!
Posted by Blacksmith | Features, HHGS | Wednesday 6 May 2009 4:07 pm
Sony Is definitely stepping their game up with home, with the new addition of the living room stage set. Sony’s plan to create a world that gamers can truly play, interact with others , and live out a virtual life in is one step closer to becoming a reality. The potential of this application is near limitless. This new addition to home has (in my opinion) surpassed the Xbox live experience, Fan boy’s claim down!! This could very well be the app that brings the Machinama community to Sony’s Platform.
Rockstar has finally unveiled the first trailer for Red Dead Redemption and man does it look amzing. Be on the look out this winter when Red Dead Redemption hits the PS3 and Xbox 360.
Capcom has had a pretty good year so far in 2009, and they don’t look to be slowing up anytime soon. With E3 right around the corner, they have revealed just exactly what they have up their sleeves for the rest of 2009. Hit the article to see the full list.
Dark Void (PS3, 360, PC)
Lost Planet 2 (currently 360, PC)
Dead Rising 2 (will be “behind closed doors”)
Spyborgs (Wii)
Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles (Wii)
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (PSP)
Marvel vs Capcom 2 (digital release for PS3, 360)
Fate Unlimited Codes (digital PSP release)
Street Fighter IV (PC)
Bionic Commando (PC)
Mega Man Star Force 3 (DS)
Resident Evil Archives: Resident Evil (Wii)
Capcom Mystery Game #1 (playable in booth!)
Capcom Mystery Game #2 (announced at a press conference!)
Looks like a pretty big and diverse list if you ask me. A lot of good games on there including Bionic Commando, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Dark Void, Monster Hunter, etc. They even have two unannounced games on the table which is great. Is one of the unannounced games a potential 360 exclusive? Well have to wait and see.
This game is looking down right gorgeous. Take a look at 5 new screens from the game. I can’t wait for this game! Just imagine the horse with Euphoria. Shoot one in the leg when it is in full sprint, and boom, whoever is on will be flying off. If you don’t know the game will be using the Rage Engine from GTA IV. On top of that, the game is looking better than GTA IV. This is a game that can possibly be shown off during E3.
Click on the pictures for higher resolution (they will open in a new tab)
The #1 PC game franchise of all time comes to today’s hottest gaming platform! The Sims 3 brings exciting new gameplay and endless possibilities all on your iPhone and iPod touch! Enjoy unexpected moments of surprise and mischief, as you choose whether (or not!) to fulfill your Sims’ destinies and make their wishes come true. Create and customize your Sims appearance and personality, then take your Sims out of the house and into the neighborhood with all new open world gameplay. Make their world your own!
Key Features
• Over 10 hours of gameplay filled with hysterical antics and unexpected moments of surprise
• New beautiful 3D visuals
• Support for iPhone specific controls (touch and accelerometer)
• Explore an ever-changing neighborhood with new open world gameplay
• Enjoy smarter Sims with deeper personalities, wishes and goals
• Create your own Sim, complete with different hair styles, clothes, personalities and more
• Keep your Sims busy with 4 fun mini-games including fishing, gardening, cooking, and house repairs
• Develop complex relationships with other Sims as you fall in love, make friends or rebel against the neighborhood
On July 28, Epic Games will be releasing “The All Fronts Collection” for their highly Gears of War 2. This collection will include all the current maps from the Flashback, Combustible and Snowblind plus seven new maps from the “Dark Coners” pack. The “Dark Coners” pack will also feature a single player segment called “Road to Ruin” that will take players deep into the Locust hollow and it will feature some stealth elements as well.
The “All Fronts Collection” will set you back for $19.99. However if you already have all of the previous DLC you can still download the standload the stand alone “Dark Corners” pack and that will set you back $19.99 (1600 MSP) as well. The “All fronts collection” will also be sold at retail stores and it will give buyers goodies like video commentary from Cliff Bleszinski, a custom Xbox 360 dashboard theme, a fold-out poster, and a strategy guide.
I myself haven’t purchased any of the Gear of War 2 DLC yet, but all this is a very good deal for $20 and I will definitley be purchasing this when it released later this summer.
