Alan Rose
Articles by Alan Rose
New image from Master Chief's Monday Night invasion
Let's see, he's got the crouched position down pat, and that armor could probably withstand a direct hit from Joey Porter or Richard Seymour. Heck, even the guy's name is synonymous with the sport (in Kansas City, anyway). But is Master Chief -- cue Hank Williams, Jr. -- really ready for some football?!! Bungie seems to think so, which is why they've released this image from a new Halo 3 commercial that will appear during ESPN's next Monday Night Football broadcast. The ad was produced by visual effects studio Digital Domain using Halo assets, so don't expect to see any in-game footage. Still, it looks pretty sweet, and it just might make sitting through Tony Kornheiser more bearable (note to ESPN: first TV timeout, please).
Empire at War coming to the Mac
The Mac version of Star Wars: Empire at War won't be ready for Santa's sleigh, but Aspyr Media reports they've entered the testing phase, and the Petroglyph strategy port should be available in February. MacBook and Mini owners with integrated graphics won't have to worry about the game's performance, either. According to lead programmer Brad Oliver, Aspyr's goal is to make sure Empire plays well on ALL Macs. That is, until the expansion pack is ported and Tyber Zann assumes control of your hard disk.See also: Holiday 2006 best bets for Mac gamers KotOR franchise to continue, says LucasArts Star Wars PC collection ships
BioWare's MMO team just wants to be competitive
Can't we all just get along? At least that's the attitude of BioWare Austin director Gordon Walton regarding his upcoming MMO and its assumed rivalry with Blizzard's industry-dominating World of Warcraft. Walton insists that it is not BioWare's goal to dethrone the champ, but to simply provide a little healthy competition: "Will some people who play WoW play our game? Of course. But we'd be better off if we got new customers, too. It's not a zero-sum game out there."As always, BioWare's designers will rely on their ability to spin a good yarn, and also try to avoid the FedEx-style quests that have helped define the MMO genre. Creative director James Ohlen explains: "We want to bring a level of storytelling that's equal to the single-player box games that BioWare has done. I think we can do that. One of the big challenges will be making our storytelling work in an environment that has multiple players."The name and estimated release date for BioWare's MMO are still MIA, so Blizzard and its bloodthirsty orcs can rest easy for now.
Metareview - Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom
You have to wonder if Sony Online Entertainment was so co-dependent during the development of the Champions of Norrath games that they had to abandon the successful series when partner Snowblind Studios was bitten by the superhero bug. Instead of leveraging EverQuest's popularity for the launch of the PlayStation 3, SOE decided to stick with their more generic Untold Legends setting, which debuted on the PSP nearly two years ago. But with its paltry 18-20 hours of gameplay, lack of SIXAXIS support, and all of three pre-customized characters to choose from, Dark Kingdom ends up being little more than a rushed launch title, not the next-gen Norrath many people were hoping for. IGN (65/100) wants more PS3 and less PSP: "Apart from the repetitive combat system, there's a ton of gameplay issues that you'd hope would've been fixed with the transition over to the PS3. Load times are surprisingly long when you're accessing new levels. Rocks and boxes, as well as hills or background objects can cause your character to freeze in mid-jumping animation for at least five or six seconds. You'll also run into a lot of camera problems during combat, where the camera will unexpectedly zoom in or out during a fight." GameSpot (60/100) thinks Dark Kingdom is ill-suited for looters: "Gear lust is one of the more prominent driving forces in dungeon crawlers, and it's here that Dark Kingdom comes up short. Pieces of armor with different names and radically different effects look identical on your character, limiting the joy of equipping new gear and seeing how it looks on your increasingly badass adventurer. Your character will use the same basic weapon, as well as most of the same combo attacks, from beginning to end." GameSpy (60/100) hopes Sony is planning to make better use of the PS3's storage capacity: "What surprises me the most about the whole pre-formed character shtick is how confining it seems for a next-gen console with the power of the PS3. Look at the character customization options in Oblivion and you might understand where I'm coming from with this. All that power and I only have three options to choose from?"
Trek writer encourages more storytelling in games
After Bethesda Softworks acquired the rights to make Star Trek games last year, they hired famed screenplay writer D. C. Fontana (Trek, Babylon 5, Earth: Final Conflict) and her writing partner Derek Chester to script the storylines for Star Trek Legacy and Star Trek: Tactical Assault. Fontana's participation in these projects underscores a growing trend in game development, where top writing talent is being brought in to supplement next generation production values. She believes this is healthy for the industry: "Today, the games have to have more going on in them--story, character, crisis or conflict, goals. Because of that, I believe writers will begin to see the possibilities in this form of storytelling."Fontana also penned Activision's well-received Bridge Commander, and Legacy has promising previews. However, the valuable experience that Hollywood writers and bestselling authors bring to the table doesn't always guarantee a successful game. While R. A. Salvatore's Demon Stone may have been a decent platformer, not even Chris Claremont could save X-Men: The Official Game, and Dungeons & Dragons writer Keith Baker's efforts weren't enough to overcome the uninspired gameplay of Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom. Still, it's refreshing to see a focus on narrative that has served companies like BioWare so well.Star Trek Legacy will be released next week for the PC and Xbox 360, and will feature the voice talent of all five starship captains from Archer to Janeway. Hopefully, it will fare better than its handheld sibling Tactical Assault, which has suffered a Khan-like wrath from gaming critics.
KotOR franchise to continue, says LucasArts
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/KoTOR_franchise_to_continue_says_LucasArts'; Not sure how I missed this one last week. All that turkey and football must have conspired with the dark side to cloud my awareness of all things Star Wars. In an interview with Next Generation's Colin Campbell, LucasArts VP Nancy MacIntyre mapped out her company's plans to continue delivering Star Wars goodness to Force-sensitive geeks like me over the next few years. "Our fans want a logical progression of the Star Wars story line, so we are committed to only two Star Wars experiences a year," says MacIntyre. This must be a new policy moving forward because there have been no fewer than 25 Star Wars titles released in the past seven years (not counting handhelds), and at least one of those games had some serious continuity problems. Still, the best news is the continuation of an old favorite, as MacIntyre confirms: "We've also got Star Wars franchises like Knights of the Old Republic ... that we will not leave behind. It's very important to us that we grow those franchises." It's important to us too, Nancy! The big question now is, will Obsidian return to helm the Ebon Hawk? Feargus Urquhart indicated earlier this year they would be happy to work on KotOR 3, but whomever LucasArts selects, let's hope enough time is allocated to finish the next installment properly. See also: Mod community strikes back, restoring KotOR2
BusinessWeek's Wildstrom: "PS3 is a winner"
BusinessWeek's Stephen Wildstrom has one of the best jobs in the world -- he gets to play with the latest high tech gadgets and then talk about them in his Tech&You column every week. For the Dec. 4 issue, Wildstrom reviews what has become the envy of early adopters, hardcore fanboys, and extortion artists everywhere: the PlayStation 3.While he states up front that it will take months to determine the success of PS3, Wildstrom declares Sony's new console a winner on the gaming front -- a verdict I take exception with because of a simple admission he makes halfway through his write-up: "I'm not much of a gamer." During his short time with the PS3, he experienced how the controls work for Tiger Woods 07, Resistance: Fall of Man, and Genji: Days of the Blade -- and not much else. I enjoy reading Wildstrom's weekly columns, as he spends a lot of time reviewing personal media products that focus on movies, music, and photos. Ironically enough, he says the PS3 comes up short in these areas, and he's not impressed with it as a home entertainment device. Instead, his praise for the system is based solely on its gaming prowess.Even recommending the PS3 for consumers who "have the budget", and are willing to pay "at least $100 more than an Xbox 360", has faulty logic. First off, if you expect to have a PS3 before the end of the year, the difference will be significantly greater than just a few hundred dollars (and the cost has been even higher for those who've been mugged, beat up, and shot). Secondly, how can a system be considered a winner on gaming merits alone when it's currently "a bit short on games"?So, does the PS3 really "got game"? Potentially, but people that don't (like Mr. Wildstrom) are not really qualified to decide.From the same BW issue: Can the "Father of the Xbox" make Microsoft hip?
PepsiCo to sponsor Guild Wars in China
The cola wars took an interesting turn today, and Chinese online gaming host The9 showed they have flexible loyalties when it comes to carbonated beverages. The Shanghai-based developer successfully partnered with Coca-Cola (and pop group S.H.E.) in 2005 to promote the launch of World of Warcraft, and now PepsiCo wants a piece of China's MMO action.As part of a new marketing agreement, Pepsi and The9 will co-sponsor a national Guild Wars tournament and pimp over 10,000 Internet Cafes using decor based on NCsoft's popular fantasy setting. Cafe chaperones will now have to work twice as hard to keep sticky soft drinks away from the PCs. Beta testing for Guild Wars China begins in two days.
Holiday 2006 best bets for Mac gamers
With Apple's transition to Intel processors completed earlier this year, and emerging technologies such as Cider promising full compatibility with Windows games, the Mac platform is seeing even fewer native releases these days. But there are still some gems for dedicated Mac gamers this holiday season: Age of Empires III Big Bang Brain Games Call of Duty 2 Cars: The Videogame Civilization IV Dominions 3: The Awakening Quake 4 Sims 2: Nightlife Spongebob Squarepants Diner Dash WingNuts 2: Raina's Revenge World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade (coming in Jan.) X-Plane 8.5 Apple's gaming page has additional information, and check out last year's holiday recommendations for a little more variety on your Mac.
Obsidian patches Neverwinter Nights 2
Obsidian Entertainment has wasted little time getting Neverwinter Nights 2 into ship-shape this month. But when you consider the game already shipped at the end of last month, suffered a controversial critique, and was built by a bunch of talented Black Isle veterans, their efforts may not seem so surprising. The new 1.03 beta patch includes several multiplayer and toolset updates, in addition to some much-needed camera adjustments (fans of the first game will appreciate the modified "chase cam" view). In case these fixes aren't reason enough to consider picking up the game, then how about a 50% discount? Through the end of Saturday, Best Buy is selling Neverwinter Nights 2 for $25.[via GameBanshee]
Metareview - Gothic 3
Piranha Bytes is frequently credited as the originator of the vast, living worlds showcased in their RPG series Gothic. Unfortunately, this German developer's roleplaying adventures also carry the stigma of non-intuitive interface design, a flawed combat system, and production values that are inconsistent at best. Having just been released in the States, Gothic 3 once again finds the series lost in translation with poor (and sometimes nonexistent) voice acting, and a host of bugs that make it difficult to recommend. Still, those willing to struggle with the controls and wait for patches will find a well-implemented faction influence system that hints at Gothic's still unrealized potential. EuroGamer (80/100) was willing to overlook many of Gothic 3's shortcomings: "This time, however, by concentrating on evolving in its own niche, number three succeeds on its own terms: an interface that actually works, a modern lick of paint, and an (albeit misfiring) attempt to revise its fighting system; now's as good an opportunity as ever to step onto that carousel of orc-bashing familiarity." Pro-G (60/10) suggests waiting for updates, but was fascinated nonetheless: "So, what have I listed up so far for Gothic 3? Terrible graphics, dialogue and narration, and a needlessly resource-hungry engine that renders a large amount of the game unplayable? Yep, check all those. But, ludicrous as it sounds, Gothic 3 has some strangely addictive and compelling qualities that I really have no explanation for." GameSpy (30/100) drew many comparisons to Oblivion: "The difference is that while the basic design of the Gothic games is equal (and occasionally even superior) to Bethesda's offerings, they've also labored under terrible coding, a god-awful number of bugs and weird design decisions that make the releases (including Gothic 3) fail to even come close to fulfilling their potential." See also: Metareview - Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Knights of the Nine screens, availability update
Bethesda's Oblivion download site is listing Dec. 4 as the availability date for Knights of the Nine, the latest mini expansion for Elder Scrolls IV. However, RPGDot is reporting that Knights is now available on Xbox Live. A sneak attack to be sure, given today is the busiest travel day of the year and many 360 owners are away from their precious console. Anyone download it yet? If not, you can still scope out over 20 new screen shots at ElderScrolls.net.
Guild Wars beta testing to begin in China
As if Chinese gamers didn't have enough online gaming to occupy their leisure (and work) time, The9 has announced Guild Wars China will begin closed beta testing on Nov. 29. One of the most anticipated games on the mainland, Guild Wars attracted 200,000 applicants on the first day of beta registration last week. Maybe an aspiring Chinese clan will unseat South Korea's reigning Guild Wars champs The Last Pride at the next world tournament.The9 also hosts World of Warcraft and Webzen's Soul of the Ultimate Nation, but it is unknown if the Shanghai-based developer's Guild Wars deal with NCsoft also includes the Factions and Nightfall expansions.See also: Nightfall world premiere sets Guild Wars record
CNNMoney picks 10 best gifts for gamers
Having already advised gamers to hold off from buying a PlayStation 3, it's not surprising that CNN's Chris Morris has no PS3 goods on his holiday shopping list. Besides, only a few brave (and crazy) souls have managed to procure Sony's "non-competitive" new console. Instead, Morris recommends the following titles for CNNMoney's game gift guide: Gears of War (Xbox 360) Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (PC, Xbox 360) Half-Life 2: Episode 1 (PC) Guitar Hero 2 (PS2) Kingdom Hearts 2 (PS2) Okami (PS2) Brain Age (DS) New Super Mario Brothers (DS) Excite Truck (Wii) Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii) Not a very sports-friendly list (no Hawk or Madden?), and PSP owners are also left out in the cold. Anything else missing?
Warhammer Online updated screens
Games Workshop's Warhammer franchise has provided the setting for multiple PC strategy titles over the past ten years including Shadow of the Horned Rat, Dark Omen, and the recently released Mark of Chaos. Next year, Electronic Arts plans to bring the popular fantasy realm into the MMO market with Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. Speaking with GameSpot earlier this month, lead designer Steve Marvin said Reckoning will be the "best-looking massively multiplayer RPG out there". See if you agree with him by checking out developer Mythic Entertainment's (Dark Age of Camelot) massive gallery, which was just updated with over a dozen new screen shots.
Chinese gamers compete for free design courses
Beginning this week, Chinese gamers who log in to the popular Japanese MMO Cronous will have more to compete for than just bragging rights. Beijing-based Mudgame Technology, host of Cronous, is teaming up with New Oriental Education & Technology Group, the China Center for International Educational Exchange, Game College, and Yanjing Brewery to provide academic assistance for aspiring game designers. Players will be tasked with finding specified items (textbooks? Yanjing beer kegs?) throughout the virtual landscape of Cronous. The top 20 treasure hunters will be invited to particpate in Game College courses valued at over US$1.25 million, while the top player will earn the opportunity to study game design abroad in Korea. It's refreshing to know that even in China beer and college share a special connection (like yin and yang).See also: Shaiya, Guild Wars most anticipated in China
Metareview - Warhammer: Mark of Chaos
Still smarting from the disappointing Mage Knight Apocalypse, Namco Bandai really needed a hit with Warhammer: Mark of Chaos. Adding to the pressure was the success of THQ's Warhammer series (the excellent Dawn of War), and competition from other fantasy-themed strategy titles such as Battle for Middle-earth II and Heroes V. The good news is that Hungarian developer Black Hole Entertainment delivered the dark and gritty aesthetics of the Warhammer universe, and the scores reflect their efforts. However, like many publishers of late, Namco Bandai may have compromised quality assurance to stay within the all-important holiday launch window. IGN (80/100) enjoyed the game's deep customization and attention to detail: "The visuals in general are very good. All of the unit models are finely crafted pieces of art. The modeling is great and the textures on top are excellent. They do some nice things with lighting and heat shimmer effects that make magic come alive. All of this comes with a price. The framerate can drop substantially in large battles." 1UP (70/100) is holding out for the first patch: "It's a real mess sorting things out when you get into scrums where unit overlap turns organized regiments into brawling blobs. In short, you get plenty of detail under the hood, but too few helpful barometers. It's hard not to fall under Mark of Chaos' 'almost-there' spell. Prize-winning? No, but certainly promising...if we can hold our breath for fixes." Game Informer (68/100) thinks the combat system could use some tweaking: "Lacking any sort of base-building or resource-gathering, Mark of Chaos has to get by on the RTS combat that makes up the majority of the gameplay. Unfortunately, the battles fail to distinguish themselves in any meaningful way from what we've seen in the genre for years. Hero duels (no armies allowed) invariably go to the person who spent more points in their 'dueling' skill tree – which, of course, gimps them in terms of leading an army."
Titan Quest: Immortal Throne update
The holiday issue of PC Gamer has some exclusive details on Titan Quest: Immortal Throne, the first official expansion pack for Iron Lore's epic action-RPG. Due early next year, this new campaign serves as a continuation of the original game's storyline, and moves the action to an underworld environment inhabited by 20 new monster types. A ninth skill mastery will also be available, as well as 250 unique weapons and pieces of armor. No pricing has been announced, but Immortal Throne is expected to provide 10-15 hours of additional gameplay.If you already have the core campaign, don't forget to check out the growing list of mods available over at the Titan Quest Vault.See also: Metareview: Titan Quest
Star Wars PC collection ships next week
While browsing the LucasArts store yesterday, I noticed a new collection that brought back fond memories of the LucasArts Archives from ten years ago. Star Wars: The Best of PC will be available starting next Tuesday (11/21), and will include the following titles: Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast (2002) Knights of the Old Republic (2003) Battlefront (2004) Republic Commando (2005) Empire at War (2006) Star Wars Galaxies 14-day trial Hardcore Star Wars fans may scoff at the "Best of" title when classics such as Tie Fighter, Rogue Squadron, and Shadows of the Empire are absent from the box. But this isn't a bad assortment at $40, and it offers a little bit of everything for PC gamers on your holiday shopping list who enjoy different genres. How many of you plan on picking this up, either for yourself or someone else?
Age of Empires 3 goes gold for Mac
It's already been a year since the PC version of Age of Empires III shipped, and now Mac strategy enthusiasts can finally look forward to conquering the New World in glorious 3D. MacSoft has announced that their conversion of AoE3 has gone gold and will be available before the end of the month for both PowerPC and Intel Macs. The AoE series is developed for the PC by Microsoft-owned Ensemble Studios (Halo Wars, Age of Mythology), and the latest entry received heavy praise for its new graphics engine and balanced gameplay. Check out MacSoft's product page and the Inside Mac Games preview for more details. See also: Mac Civ 4 shipping soon, trailer released Metareview - Age of Empires III vs. Civilization IV Age of Empires III board game in the works