Sunday, September 12, 2010

What Have You Played This Week?

It was another race when the news was fairly consistent, with a couple of peaks. I got a few more hours in with Final Fantasy XIII, and certain “mini-games” in Naruto took a lot of time, through retrying, to get the last Single Player achievements. I would like to have played more, but overall it was a good week.

Football Manager 10 – PC – I Finished the season just outside the play-offs. This new season has bough up some interesting challenges. My Assistant Manager has been snapped up, plenty of contract renewals also this season but they are wanting twice to quadruple the amount they are currently getting. I have the money to offer twice, maybe a couple on 3 times as much (2k-3k), but those wanting more are going to have to be sold. Currently solidly in the play-offs as I head into December.


Final Fantasy XIII – PS3 – only played a few more hours this week. Still don't see the point in using other weapons than those i've upgraded. Combat difficulty seems to have plateaued a bit but I still have to keep an eye on health and make sure I have the right paradigms. The story is fleshing out slowly and there's been some interesting twists that weren't that obvious. I'm interested in playing, seeing where the story goes. The only shame is the repetition with enemies, they're the same just stronger and a different colour. The story doesn’t feel as cut/edited as it did before.

Naruto: Rise Of A Ninja – Xbox 360 – Finished. I knew it was going to be a short game, and I was fine with that. The issue I have is that the side missions were pretty pathetic. I fully understand that Naruto wouldn't have important missions, but these lacked some originality. Combat against more difficult opponents started to get annoying with their difficulty set pretty high. The named enemies were a significant leap in difficulty and sometimes you have to attack the same person twice, which means you'll need some moments spare. The “mini games” you can do for a little extra health and popularity were mostly fine and their difficulty increased really well...until you get to the last one on each. For each it was a case of try, try, try again. It wasn't just combat that I felt some lag in the controls, the camera was the main problem, but also when you learn to sprint I found jumping was inconsistent. I do recommend you play the game if your a Naruto fan, but understand its short, and while it may look great and ooze charm...it has issues. Looking the game up online, its clear that you should only play the game if your online as it needs an important patch. Also, over 300 points worth of achievements require you playing online matches. There are plenty of people playing the game, its just they are very good and the Naruto you built up in the game is not the one they give you.

Quantum Theory – PS3 – Demo – I was curious about this game, I wondered if it could differentiate itself from games like Unreal Tournament. I'll admit i'm disappointed. The game looks very dark, very Unreal Engine, and like Gears/Unreal Tournament with a different skin. I also found the controls alittle obtuse and difficult to grasp during the demo. The demo does offer situations to learn the controls, its just they don't offer a lot of time to adjust to them. The enemies are bullet sponges and head shots appear to be hit or miss. Then I came across a giant boss enemy...and I couldn't defeat it. I spend nearly a hour trying to defeat this boss, but no matter how hard I tried and followed the instructions...i always ended dead. I will not even consider getting this game for rent.


Did you manage to play more games than I have over the week, or do you have any comments on my experiences or questions about the games i've played? If you do, feel free to add them in the comments section.


Saturday, September 11, 2010

Capcom Have Released A New Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 Trailer Introducing Tron Bonne

Capcom have released a new trailer for Marvel Vs. Capcom 3. this trailer appears to be a continuation of previous cinematic trailers Capcom have released for the game. this trailer includes Chun-Li, Viewtiful Joe, Amaterasu, and introduces a new character, Tron Bonne.



From Capcom Unity


Capcom Have Released New Screenshots For Mega Man Universe Showing Level Creation And Character Custmization

Capcom have released new screenshots for Mega Man Universe. these screenshots focus on the Stage Creation mode and the Character Customization. The first 4 screenshots show Stage Creation, with the last 4 showing Character Customization. Capcom's Unity Blog have provided some information for both.

Stage Creation: Mega Man Universe not only allows you to customize your original Mega Man, but you can also create your own unique stages! You can play your own custom stages or play stages created by others. Aside from Mega Man themed stages, there are a variety of custom stage parts that will be revealed soon.

Character Customization: In Mega Man Universe, you can create your own original Mega Man by assembling parts you like. Also, your abilities will change depending on the parts you choose. There are a wide variety of custom parts that allow you to create your original Mega Man!

Screenshots


Creation Information From Capcom Unity


This Weeks UK WiiWare, DSiWare, And Virtual Console Releases

Nintendo UK have detailed the games that came out yesterday on the WiiWare and DSiWare stores. there were no Virtual Console releases this week, but there were 3 WiiWare and 4 DSiWare releases. Nintendo's site have not provided a video showing gameplay from all the games that were released. Unfortunately i only have screenshots for 2 of the games released this week.

WiiWare

My Aquarium 2


Balance Training Physiofun

Racers' Islands - Crazy Racers

DSiWare

Trailblaze: Puzzle Incinerator

Where's Wally? Travel Pack 3

Music on: Acoustic Guitar


myNotebook: Tan


From Nintendo UK


Sony Online Entertainment Detail Pre-Order Incentives For EverQuest Expansion House Of Thule

Sony Online Entertainment have announced that players can now pre-order the seventh expansion for EverQuest, House of Thule, from the Station Store. there are 2 versions you can get, Standard pre-order edition and Collectors Edition. Sony Online Entertainment have also released a trailer showing in-game footage from House Of Thule.

The Standard Edition is available for $39.99 and comes with:
  • Includes HoT and All Previous Expansion Packs
  • Includes all of the following in-game items
  • HoT Live Topiary Mount
  • 16 Slot Item Bag
  • 2 Bag Slots
  • Wailing Contract Mercenary
  • House of Thule Key Art Painting
The Collectors Edition is available for $69.99 and comes with:
  • Includes HoT and All Previous Expansion Packs
  • Includes all of the following in-game items
  • HoT Live Topiary Mount
  • 16 Slot Item Bag
  • 2 Bag Slots
  • Wailing Contract Mercenary
  • House of Thule Key Art Painting
  • House of Thule Dead Topiary Mount
  • Gnoll Pup Leash
  • Sword of Truth Template
  • 20 Slot Bag
  • Discordant Contract Mercenary
  • House of Thule In-Game Painting


Press Release

What:
Starting today players can pre order the landmark seventeenth expansion to Sony Online Entertainment LLC’s epic adventureEverQuest® House of ThuleTM. Now in EverQuest’sunprecedented twelfth year, House of Thule brings more immersive gameplay, captivating storytelling and exciting worlds to the EverQuest legacy, set in a never-before-seen dreamland full of mystery and adventure. House of Thule is a content-rich expansion, packed with game-changing features including a level cap increase and the addition of player housing, which new players, veterans and MMO fans will relish. Additionally, House of Thule new content includes 18 raids, 13 zones, 17 missions and more than 120 quests!

House of Thule and the House of Thule Collectors Edition include all previous expansion packs along with several in-game items. Players who pre-order and purchase the House of Thuleexpansion will receive exclusive in-game items including a Wailing Contract Mercenary. Players who choose to pre-order and purchase the House of Thule Collectors Edition will receive all of the standard edition items along with a second mount, 20 slot item bag, additional mercenary, and a House of Thulepainting to decorate your characters home. Players who pre-order and purchase the Collectors Edition will save $20.00 USD from the launch price of $89.99.


About the Pre Order:

EverQuest House of Thule Station Store Digital Download Pre-Order $39.99 USD
· Includes HoT and All Previous Expansion Packs
· Includes all of the following in-game items
o HoT Live Topiary Mount
o 16 Slot Item Bag
o 2 Bag Slots
o Wailing Contract Mercenary
o House of Thule Key Art Painting

EverQuest House of Thule Station Store Digital Download Pre-Order Digital Collector’s Edition $69.99 USD
·   Includes HoT and all previous expansion packs
·   Includes all of the regular edition items plus the following
o  House of Thule Dead Topiary Mount
o  Gnoll Pup Leash
o  Sword of Truth Template
o  20 Slot Bag
o  Discordant Contract Mercenary
o  House of Thule In-Game Painting

*Items listed above are one per account and non-transferable

WHEN:
Players can pre-order EverQuest House of Thule beginning today in the Station Store at https://store.station.sony.com/ and the offer concludes on October 11, 2010.

House of Thule is scheduled for release on October 12, 2010.

For assets, log on to www.soepress.com

ABOUT SOE:
Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchises and hit titles including EverQuest®,EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath®, Untold LegendsTM, andPlanetSide®, as well as for developing Star Wars GalaxiesTM, SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities while introducing new genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered inSan Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin,TX; Seattle, WA; Denver, CO; and Tucson, AZ , SOE has an array of cutting-edge games in development.

Mastertronic Announce Colin McRae DiRt, Overlord, And Tomb Raider: Anniversary Are Out Now In Their Sold Out Range

Mastertronic have announced that Colin McRae DiRt, Overlord, And Tomb Raider: Anniversary are coming to their Sold Out Range in the UK. all three games should be out now for £4.99.

Boxart


Press Release

Step into the dark side in Overlord as you use any means necessary to conquer a twisted fantasy world to become the most powerful being in the world. The game centers around simultaneously controlling the Overlord and an army of goblin-like minions to traverse the gameworld and defeat the seven heroes who slew the Overlord's predecessor, and who have since been corrupted by power. Each one represents one of the seven deadly sins. Controlling a mysterious figure that has inherited the legacy of the evil, long-dead Overlord, the player emerges near death, from the ruins of the old Overlord’s Dark Tower. Gamespot says ‘Overlord is an enjoyably mischievous experience that blends real-time strategy and RPG elements to unique ends’. Only your actions will determine whether you will rise to become the new all-powerful Overlord. So how evil can you be?

Colin McRae DiRT is the sixth rally-racing game in the Colin McRae Rally series that combines elements of arcade and simulation driving to make for an unforgettable gaming experience. Colin McRae: DIRT is the most diverse and exhilarating off-road racing experience ever with sensational gravel, mud and dirt events the world over. Events include the series' intense point-to-point races and takes players further off-road than ever before. Colin McRae: DIRT delivers the wheel-screaming exhilaration of off-road racing with the next generation of the series' sublime car handling and physics system and a devastating new damage engine that ensures players experience every bump in the track, every loose rock, every inch of shifting dirt through the reactive environments. With an incredible range of off-road vehicles, thrill-packed tracks, modes that make the most of online multiplayer, and more varied events than any other single-championship rally game, Colin McRae: DiRTis a bigger, faster, wilder racing experience.

Celebrate and commemorate ten years of Tomb RaiderTM and Lara CroftTM with Tomb Raider: Anniversary, an entirely new gameplay experience inspired by the first ever Tomb Raider adventure. When Lara Croft is hired to retrieve a mythical object called the Scion, she begins a dangerous search across isolated and desolate worlds, places untouched for thousands of years. But Lara is not alone, the tombs are guarded by fearsome creatures, and close behind are others desperate to learn the Scion's powerful secrets. Explore uncharted and mysterious worlds – enter into strange, undiscovered lands and solve their deepest, darkest mysteries, open doors to new realms, uncover great rewards and unearth secrets to Lara’s past.

Mastertronic’s Product Director Neil McKennacomments, “Our Sold Out range has always represented good value for money and we are delighted to highlight this with the addition of these high quality titles to the range. The critically-acclaimed Tomb Raider Anniversary has smashed box office records and both Overlord and Colin McRae DiRT received high review scores. Where else would you get a box office smash hit for under a fiver? These are sure to be essentials in everyone’s collection.”

All four PC titles are out now on general release and retail at just £4.99.

Atlus Have Released A New Trailer For NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Dragon Blade Chronicle On The Nintendo Wii

Atlus have released a new trailer for the Nintendo Wii game, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Dragon Blade Chronicle. the trailer provides some back story to the game and shows in-game Anime, in the style of the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Anime, and in-game action. the game shows you predominately play in two man teams and that the game appears to be a mix of a platformer/action game.



As i have not covered this game before, i have included the games backstory provided by Atlus:
Take control of both Naruto and Sasuke as they go their own ways to seek out the mysteries and power behind Genryu, the mighty Elemental Dragons, in an all-new epic adventure. The world is in danger and only the power of the legendary Dragon Blade and rare elemental orbs hidden across the land can save it. As Naruto, you will use special orbs collected from the powerful Genryu to enhance your Dragon Blade with new powers, acquire new skills by finding and equipping dozens of Ninja Scrolls hidden throughout the world, and take on gigantic dragons in incredible boss battles! With two superstars in one game, you won't want to miss this amazing adventure!