Showing posts with label Saber Interactive. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Saber Interactive. Show all posts

Saturday, October 21, 2023

Online Saturday - Redout 2 - It Feels Incomplete, Has A Bad Tutorial, And The Online Is Tacked On


Welcome to Online Saturday.
For today's video i'm trying the PS4 version of Redout 2 from 34BigThings. I have the original Redout game, also on PlayStation 4, but i haven't played that in many years. But i have pleasant memories from playing it. Redout 2 has recently come to PlayStation Plus so i was keen to try it as i'm still enjoying racing games at the moment. 

I'll be upfront about my feelings after playing this game, i do not recommend it. frankly, it feels like an unfinished early access game with modes tacked on. Even as a free PlayStation Plus download, it borders on a waste of time when there are far more games out there to play.

It starts with a cinematic that looks a little weird, like it's a lower resolution that the rest of the game. i wonder if the disc version of the game has a higher resolution cinematic than this. It tells some story before panning the camera behind our vehicle, then there's a lurch, maybe for a frame or two, as the graphics ramp up and we're into the tutorial. It does work well and it is exciting, but this tutorial is at full speed and adds a level of anxiety as it feels like there's not enough time to read the prompt and do it as the vehicle is still racing on the track. as we race there's an unprompted speed boost that slams us into the wall and then another prompt for strafing that also puts us into the wall as we try it.

The tutorials don't get any better. there's even an instance near the end of the video where a prompt appears just as the track loses a side wall. so in the process of reading the prompt on our screen we race straight off the track. as for the rest of the tutorials, they are more like telling us how to do something without explaining what the expected result or next step is. one that frustrated me was the rewind feature as it told us how to enter it, then gave no further explanations for all the buttons that appeared on the screen. 

A weird thing about the tutorials is that you don't need to finish them to unlock unranked multiplayer. i found it frustrating that i had to go into multiplayer to find out i can't do multiplayer, but at least it said what the requirement was to unlock unranked mode. so that's what i did, and then in multiplayer i had situations where prompts came up on the screen that i didn't fully understand. it wasn't until i went back to finish the tutorial that they were explained. I understand why multiplayer was locked, but i don't understand why it was unlocked before the tutorial we finished. that one decision made gave me negative impressions of both modes.

At best i can call the multiplayer tacked on. there is just 1 mode. Ranked mode, like a couple of other modes, is "Coming Soon". but it's almost unbelievably basic. all i can do is select unranked and wait. there's no lobby, no region, no course select, nothing. all i can do is wait and join when it's found a match. and over about half an hour to forty minutes, i only found 1 match. and even then the other racer DNF'd. after the race the messaging is unclear, as there's no tutorial or prompts or text boxes, and you're dumped back to the home screen when you leave multiplayer. i didn't want to leave it, i wanted to race again.

This whole "Coming Soon" debacle is why this game feels incomplete, almost like it's in early access. it's not just the ranked multiplayer, but even on the home screen there are two other modes with "Coming Soon" on them, "Season Challenge" and "Community". it's hard to believe that DLC came out for this game before these modes did. there's no date on them when they're coming, no information as to what they are either. Why even use up space on the home screen advertising some features that are coming later. that should be off to the side, with information about what they are and when they're coming. it's not even clear if they're DLC or a patch. The three "Coming Soon" features and not really there multiplayer really do make this game feel incomplete. i could even say that with a tutorial this bad, that also adds to it.

It's a graphically nice game, but i'm not entirely convinced the racing is that good. the tracks are great, they're interesting and the world around them is also impressive. the vehicles are unique and each one looks different. it's cool how you can parts, too. But the vehicles don't work well on the tracks, or the tracks aren't suited to the vehicles. the tracks don't feel designed well enough for the handling of the vehicles. It could be a speed thing, like maybe the vehicles are too fast.

Overall, i can't recommend Redout 2. even as a free to download game on PlayStation Plus, it's hard to recommend as ultimately it borders as just being a waste of time. I'm even starting to wonder if the first game was actually good or not. it's been soo long since i played it that maybe my memory is wrong.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Atlus Have Released A Launch Trailer For The Recently Released Game God Mode

Atlus have released a launch trailer for God Mode. out now on PC and Xbox 360, with a PS3 launch set for 23rd April, God Mode is a third person arcade shooter. it pits you against waves of demonic hordes.

God Mode features:
  • Devilish Value: Developed by Old School Games, God Mode is all about the pick-up-and-play fun of classic shooters modernized with 3D graphics and online multiplayer co-op in a value-priced package ($9.99, prices may vary in international territories).  
  • Demonic Variety: Four player co-op, customizable outfits, upgradeable weapons, five different stages, eight different difficulty modifiers, special powers, and more than 40 different Tests of Faith randomly challenge players with plenty of unique scenarios. 
  • Hellish Combat:  Spear-throwing skeletons, axe-wielding centurions, charging minotaurs that split into two smaller flaming-axe throwing demons, magic-hurling apparitions, giant club-swinging abominations, and more await players in the depths of the Pit. Not just one. Several. Multiple. Many. See the definition of "horde" to get a feel of the forces players must defeat to escape the clutches of hell. 
  • Infernal Cooperation:  As the saying goes, "four players are better than one." Lobby-based online and LAN multiplayer make it easy to join up and fight to the finish - and be the first to truly achieve God mode.



Press Release

Monday, March 4, 2013

Old School Games Have Released The First Behind The Scenes Look At God Mode

Atlus and Old School Games have released the first behind the scenes look at God Mode. coming early 2013 to PS3, Xbox 360 and PC via Download, God Mode combines a shoot'em up and RPG in a world set in the After life of Hades. this video shows in-game action and members talking about how they wanted a disc based game experience for their download title. they also talk about the game enables re-play throughs due to modifiers.



Press Release

Monday, June 6, 2011

343 Industries Announce Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Comes Out 15th November FOr $39.99

343 Industries, Saber Interactive, and Certain Affinity have announced Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary for the Xbox 360. coming out 15th November, worldwide, for $39.99, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary celebrates the 10th anniversary iof Halo: Combat Evolved on the original Xbox. The game has been remastered with new audio and visuals, but will come with a toggle that will put the original graphics and sound back on. there will be the full 1,000 achievement points to unlock as well as new backstories, that will told with a motion comic, that tie into Halo 4.

Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary will come with 6 classic Halo: Combat Evolved maps reimagined using the Halo Reach engine. you will also be able to play through the story in co-op for the first time.

Press Release

itle: “Halo: Combat


Anniversary”

Publisher: Microsoft Studios

Developer: 343 Industries/Saber Interactive Inc./Certain Affinity Inc.

Format: DVD for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system; Xbox LIVE-enabled

ESRB Rating: Pending

Price: $39.99 (U.S.) ERP

Availability: Nov. 15, 2011 (worldwide)

Product
Overview:
“Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary” is a spectacularly remastered version of the original “Halo” campaign, created in celebration of the 10th anniversary of one of the most beloved franchises in gaming history. With a bounty of new features including cooperative play over Xbox LIVE, a bundle of some of the most beloved multiplayer maps in “Halo” history reimagined for Xbox LIVE, new challenges and a new story to uncover, “Halo: Anniversary” is a must-have experience, coming exclusively to Xbox 360 on Nov. 15, 2011.

Developed by 343 Industries in collaboration with Saber Interactive and Certain Affinity, “Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary” immerses you in the landmark campaign and genre-defining multiplayer game that helped revolutionize the first-person shooter genre and sparked one of the most iconic science-fiction universes of all time.

Features: Top features include the following:

Stunningly remastered campaign. Relive the award-winning adventure that defined “Halo: Combat Evolved” as one of the best games of the decade with breathtaking next-gen graphics and audio remastered for the Xbox 360. Engage in epic-scale battles against the backdrop of the eponymous “Halo” ringworld, and relive nostalgic memories with the ability to toggle Classic mode to play the original version.
Online campaign co-op. For the first time, experience the story that started it all with a friend on Xbox LIVE and launch a cooperative assault against the Covenant, whether you live across the street or halfway around the world. [*Xbox LIVE Gold membership required for online multiplayer.]
Classic “Halo” multiplayer maps reimagined. Wage battle on six detailed remakes of some of the most beloved “Halo” multiplayer maps of all time, and bring the fight to the Covenant on a stunning and resonant new Firefight map.1 Remastered in the “Halo: Reach” engine and inspired by maps from “Halo: Combat Evolved” and “Halo 2,” these iconic battlefields reignite the heart-pounding multiplayer action of the original favorites and let you relive epic confrontations like you’ve never experienced them.
Developed in collaboration with Certain Affinity, the new multiplayer maps are included on the “Halo: Anniversary” game disc, which means players will not need to own the original “Halo: Reach” game to play. The first of the new remakes to be revealed at E3 Expo 2011 will be the fan-favorite map Damnation.
New challenges and enhanced story. Unlock up to 1,000 Achievement points as you clash with online opponents and battle through the campaign, and uncover never-before-revealed backstories told in motion-graphic form that foreshadow new mysteries in the story of “Halo 4.”

More information on “Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary” will be revealed at Halo Fest, which coincides with PAX Prime 2011 Aug. 26 through 28 in Seattle, Wash.

About “Halo”

The “Halo” franchise is an award-winning collection of properties that has grown into a global entertainment phenomenon. Beginning with the original “Halo: Combat Evolved” (2001), the critically acclaimed and record-shattering series of games has since inspired multiple New York Times bestselling novels, comic books, action figures, apparel and more.

Published by Microsoft Studios, the “Halo” franchise of games is exclusive to the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system and the Xbox LIVE online entertainment network. To date, more than 40 million copies of “Halo” games have been sold worldwide, driving more than 3.3 billion hours of gameplay by people connected to Xbox LIVE.

1 Xbox LIVE Gold Membership required for online multiplayer gameplay.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Konami Announce Battle: Los Angeles, A First Person Shooter Based On The Film

Konami have announced Battle: Los Angeles, a game currently in development at Saber Interactive, an upcoming first person shooter based on the movie Battle: Los Angeles. The game is set to come out in April on the PS3 PSN, XBLA, PC via Steam and other digital channels. in the game you play as Corporal Lee Imlay and fight alongside characters from the film and defend the city of Los Angeles from attacks from unknown forces.

There are a variety of weapons in the game like an assault rifle, sniper rifle, rocket launcher, frag grenades, and a turret gun. the game also has unlockable content, trophy support, and 5.1 surround sound.

Screenshots


Press Release

In advance of the nationwide release of Columbia Pictures’ action film Battle: Los Angeles, in theaters March 11, 2011, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced Battle: Los Angeles, a new first person shooter game based on the film, coming next month for the PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade, Windows PC download via Steam and select digital distribution channels. Players will have the opportunity to relive the thrill of the movie as they assume the role of Corporal Lee Imlay and fight alongside characters from the film and defend the city of Los Angeles from attacks from unknown forces.

“Konami jumped at the opportunity to team up with Columbia Pictures and publish the Battle: Los Angeles video game,” said Careen Yapp, Vice President of Acquisitions and Franchise Development Konami Digital Entertainment. “We love the movie and it was a great experience working with Saber – there were some great ideas about how to expand the story into a game. It’s a great chance for gamers and moviegoers to play out the world of the film.”

“Battle: Los Angeles is a tremendously thrilling game and a perfect complement to our film. Saber and Konami have creatively entered the world of the film and used it as a canvas for a rich, exciting game,” said Mark Caplan, Vice President Consumer Products, Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Developed by Saber Interactive and powered by the Saber 3D Engine, Battle: Los Angeles is a high-end fast and frantic first–person shooter game that will take players through a single player campaign that mirrors the upcoming feature film. Players will assume the role of a Marine fighting against a worldwide alien invasion that has the city of Los Angeles as the major battleground and focal point for the game. Players will battle unique and varied enemies using an arsenal of weapons throughout the game like an assault rifle, sniper rifle, rocket launcher,
frag grenades, and a turret gun as they navigate the streets of Los Angeles avoiding fierce and relentless attacks. Aside from high-caliber fire fighting combat, destructible environments have been included using the Havok Destruction Module which will allow players to destroy scaffolding structures, vehicles and overpasses to eliminate enemy forces. With unlockable content, trophy support, and 5.1 surround sound, Battle: Los Angeles will pull players deep into the heart of the battle to save mankind.

Battle: Los Angeles the video game will be available on the PlayStation Network, on Xbox Live Arcade, Windows PC download via Steam and select digital distribution channels. For more information, please visit www.konami.com Battle: Los Angeles is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.

About Battle: Los Angeles (Feature Film)
For years, there have been documented cases of UFO sightings around the world – Buenos Aires, Seoul, France, Germany, China. In the movie Battle: Los Angeles, what were once just sightings becomes a terrifying reality when Earth is attacked by unknown forces. As people everywhere watch the world’s great cities fall, Los Angeles becomes one of the last stands for mankind in a battle no one expected. It’s up to a Marine Staff Sergeant (Aaron Eckhart) and his new platoon to draw a line in the sand as they take on an enemy unlike any they’ve ever encountered before. The film is directed by Jonathan Liebesman, written by Chris Bertolini, and produced by Neal H. Moritz and Ori Marmur. The film will be released on March 11, 2011.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 140 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.

About Saber Interactive
Saber Interactive is one of the world’s leading independent game development studios. Based in Millburn, New Jersey and St. Petersburg, Russia, Saber is one of the world leaders in development, multi-platform gaming technology and technical artistry.

About Konami Group
Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc, is a leading developer, publisher and manufacturer of electronic entertainment properties. Konami’s titles include the popular franchise Metal Gear Solid, Silent Hill, DanceDanceRevolution, and Castlevania, among other top sellers. The latest information about Konami can be found on the web at www.konami.com. KONAMI CORPORATION is a publicly traded company based in Tokyo, Japan with subsidiary offices, Konami Digital Entertainment Co., ltd. In Tokyo, Japan, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. in the United
States, and Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH in Frankfurt, Germany.

KONAMI CORPORATION is traded in the United States on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol KNM. Details of the products published by Konami can be found at http://konami.com.

KONAMI is a registered trademark of KONAMI CORPORATION “PlayStation”, “PS” Family logo and “PSP” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.