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GamePro August issue sheds Resistance 2 details
Let's not mince words, Insomniac's Resistance 2 is sure to be one of Sony's heaviest hitters during E3 later this month. But if you can't wait for what is sure to be minutes devoted to the Trophy-enabled shooter during Sony's pre-show festivities, you might want to take a peek at what GamePro has in store for its latest issue, which features a fold-out cover of the above art, with war-themed propaganda on the back. Nice!Among the details promised, the mag will offer a look at the game's campaign, co-op, and competitive multiplayer modes, as well as a gaze skyward at a towering 300-foot tall Chimera that besets Chicago as the game's first end-level nasty. For more, we suggest heading to your favorite magazine rack to pick up the latest issue of GamePro, and let your eyeballs soak up the August issue's 10-page cover story on the upcoming FPS.
The full Resistance 2 GamePro cover revealed
As you may already know, GamePro has scored an exclusive feature for Resistance 2. The issue, which should be hitting newsstands and subscribers soon, features a massive three page-wide cover -- a massive panoramic piece of Resistance 2 art. However, more intriguing than the cover is the great promo art featured on the back. Made to look like early sensational newspapers (think The Inquirer), these fake ads talk about the upcoming fight against the Chimera and link to the not-yet-functional getawarjob.com. We're expecting a fun "ilovebees-esque" ARG experience through this new effort. Stay tuned.
Next GamePro features Resistance 2, will give beta codes
When magazines compete, you win. EGM may have secured the exclusive cover story on Killzone 2, but GamePro has the details on the other big PS3 FPS game, Resistance 2. Insomiac's 60-player FPS promises a new epic story, and an almost mind-numbing amount of multiplayer functionality. GamePro isn't just content with providing a preview and tons of juicy hype text ("Better than Halo. Bigger than Call of Duty" is proudly featured on the cover). No, they're going to do much more than that. They're giving away free codes to the Resistance 2 beta. Not every issue will be a winner, but this is the first opportunity the general public will have at getting into the beta. We're sure other methods of entry will pop up (Qore, anyone?). But for those that cannot resist, the next issue of GamePro is one to look out for.[Thanks, Ether02!]
GamePro Halo Wars article now online
With the GamePro Halo Wars cover story on shelves for a while now, the magazine has seen fit to post a (less robust) preview on their website. It's a good read for anyone who can't get their hands on the magazine (or those who don't care to do so). While a good portion of the article is spent rehashing the genesis of the game and how hard Ensemble is working to make it true to the Halo universe -- seriously, we get it now -- there are a few choice nuggets to be found. Units have both primary and secondary fire modes for one. As an example the article notes that marines typically use assault rifles but can also toss grenades -- on command -- if the situation calls for it. Also, the article notes that micromanagement of the in-game economy -- a common practice in most RTS games -- is basically non-existent thanks to the all-consuming unit of currency, which is simply dubbed 'supplies.' Finally, another nod to streamlining the genre for consoles, Ensemble notes that it took 10 minutes to create a sizable force in early builds of Halo Wars, whereas now it takes "about 10 seconds."We're fairly sure we're not alone when we say that we really hope there's a playable build of Halo Wars at E3 next month.
Halo Wars to have online co-op, 6-player Xbox Live matches
Some new Halo Wars information has trickled out of the latest issue of GamePro, including news that the game will support Xbox Live multiplayer with up to six players as well as two-player online co-op. The magazine also reveals new UNSC units such as the Vulture, Cyclops and Cobras and the game's current control scheme. Fan site Halo Wars Addict has created a handy chart for your perusal. You can check out the scans via Salad Hats or, better yet, pick up a legitimate copy of GamePro on newsstands. Halo Wars is expected to deploy in October.[Via X3F]
GamePro reveals Halo Wars co-op, new units, controls and more
We reported a few days back that the latest issue of GamePro magazine would include some new Halo Wars details, facts and info. And now we're pleased to make it known that leaked magazine scans have finally made it online and do offer up a rather satisfying dose of Halo Wars newsness.Halo Wars Addict posted scans of all ten pages of GamePro's Halo Wars article (you know, for those outside the States who can't view the magazine's contents any other way ...) and inside we learn about the game's current control scheme, new UNSC vehicles including Vultures, Cyclops and Cobras as well as mention that the campaign will be a combination of human and Covenant worlds. Also, even more exciting is confirmation that Halo Wars will boast six player Xbox Live multiplayer AND feature two person online co-op as well! Purchase a copy of GamePro's July issue to read about all the Halo Wars goodness or ... uhhh ... go here.[Via Grunts R Us]
New Halo Wars and Halo Chronicles info in latest GamePro
GamePro has revealed the cover of their July issue, which contains new information on Halo Wars. According to GamePro's website, the article will feature new details regarding the Covenant and Spartans as well as new vehicles including prototype Elephants, Wolverines and Vultures. While we're certainly excited about the new Halo Wars details, what's even more interesting is that the cover also states that the article will discuss Halo Chronicles. Fans will recognize the name as one of the rumored titles for Peter Jackson's Halo project. Hopefully the article has some real details regarding the game because, thus far, we've got bupkis.
GamePro: MGS4 'one of the greatest games ever'
Though forum rumors indicate that Metal Gear Solid 4 is racking up an impressive average review score from European outlets, the only "on the record" review (read: tracked in Metacritic or Game Rankings) thus far belongs to PlayStation Official Magazine UK which awarded Kojima's opus a perfect 10/10. Of course, some moaned about how unsurprising it was to see an "official" magazine dropping tens on a PS3-exclusive so, in the interest of presenting an opposing viewpoint from a non-European multiplatform outlet, we direct your attention towards GamePro's review.Like POM UK, GamePro isn't being stingy with the praise, pinning a glowing 5/5 review on MGS4's lapel, while calling it "one of the greatest games of all time." Oh, but it doesn't stop there. Here's just a handful of our favorite bits: "This is videogame storytelling at its absolute best, and represents a new high watermark for the craft, easily surpassing the superb BioShock and the subversive Grand Theft Auto IV." "MGS4 has that effect on players, effectively blurring, if not erasing, the line that divides games and cinema. It's an absolutely remarkable achievement." "But if you have access to an HDTV, MGS4 will show you the bleeding edge of video game graphics." "It sets new standards for graphics, sound, gameplay, and storytelling, and it may be years before it is equalled, let alone surpassed." "You will not play a better game this year – maybe even this decade." Check out the entire review in this month's GamePro which, we presume, should be on store shelves or in your mailbox any day now. [Thanks, Kris]
Gears of War 2 graces GamePro cover
With GDC less than two weeks away, the latest issue of GamePro magazine appears to have coverage of the as-yet-unannounced Gears of War 2. The cover of the March issue was recently unveiled, and while the featured story is Rainbow Six Vegas 2, the cover contains two references to coverage of the much-hinted but never confirmed Gears sequel.Despite the twice-over placement on the front cover, the announcement of the issue makes no mention of any Gears of War coverage, leaving us a bit skeptical of what the Gears 2 content exactly is. An unconfirmed report from the NeoGAF forums indicates that the content is purely speculative, guessing at a release date and possible features like improved matchmaking.Add this to the fact that legitimate Gear of War 2 info would be far more cover-worthy than Rainbow Six Vegas 2, and the likelihood is that the Gears placement on the front cover is nothing more than an attempt to sell more issues. We'll leave Gears 2 speculation to accidental slip-ups and Amazon pre-order pages, thankyouverymuch.Update: Epic Games VP Mark Rein has confirmed our suspicions, telling Firing Squad that any preview article hinted at by Gamepro's cover would be "pure nonsense." Ouch![Via Eurogamer]
Promotional Consideration: Quote-based strategy II
Promotional Consideration is a weekly feature about the Nintendo DS advertisements you usually flip past, change the channel on, or just tune out.Since we bemoaned Advance Wars: Days of Ruin's lacking marketing push last week, Nintendo has kept us holed up in our bomb shelter, walls trembling and lights flickering as wave after wave of advertisements, massive shells blasted from Leo Burnett's distant dreadnoughts, pound the smoking city above.Here's every salvo we've been hit with in just the past week: an official web site launch (with new media) media-heavy previews and several interviews with Nintendo's localization team two promotional emails sent out to Nintendo's online newsletter subscribers a launch event held earlier today at the Nintendo World Store (New York City) television commercials on both network and cable channels a two-page ad running in at least three video game magazines -- GamePro, Game Informer, and Electronic Gaming Monthly We stand, crumbs of concrete falling from our hair, corrected. As we promised in our last installment, we're taking a look at that two-page magazine ad for Days of Ruin, a print piece which features flattering quotes from three online video game sites.
Orcs & Elves & a John Carmack autograph
As if having the words "Orcs & Elves" emblazoned on your DS isn't enough to get you made fun of at school/the office by fantasy-hating jocks/co-workers, id Software went the extra mile and slapped on some dragon artwork onto this customized system to multiply its dorkiness rating tenfold. Oh, and the John Carmack autograph on the lid is sure to bring in a few putdowns, too: "Who is this John guy supposed to be? Your boyfriend?" So what if he is?Thankfully, we won't ever have to worry about Alisha heckling us for carrying one of these around, as only two were made, and they've both already been given away as part of a recent GamePro contest. We just might end up printing out a similar decal for our own DS, however -- the idea of designing our handheld to match the dragon posters we've put up in our cubicle is too tempting.
Second Life rated one of 3 worst HUDs by GamePro
GamePro just listed their '10 Best HUDs in Gaming' feature, with a final section entitled 'The 3 Worst HUDs', and Second Life is 3rd on that list, just behind Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, and X-Men: Legends. While they say "Looking at the gameplay involves a lot of guess work to figure out what's going on in the world", they could have, and should have been a lot more critical.Residents of SL know just how difficult it is to get around the interface as a newbie, and while I understand that's one of the major pieces Linden Lab is working on (I know someone who was recently hired to work on UI changes specifically), it's still an intimidating thing to look at, much less try to sort through when you're looking for just one simple command. I mean, look at that screenshot. Technically, those are just menus that have been torn out of the bar, and not the entire interface, but it still applies -- they're ugly, they're complicated, the choices are somewhat obtuse. So now that it's been officially noticed, what will LL have in store for us? How would you fix this?[Thanks, Mitch!]
New York Times on tough times for game mags
Do you read video game magazines? Come on, you can be honest. Just because we try to provide you with all the online gaming news and views you need doesn't mean we don't expect you to occasionally feel the urge to read something printed on glossy paper. We won't get mad. Honest. Why aren't you answering us? YOU THINK WE'RE FAT DON'T YOU!Oh, we don't know why we're even worried. After all, we were just reading in today's New York Times how magazines are having a real tough time attracting readers, what with their outdated news and limited space. Sure they'll try to lure you in with special issues and in-depth features, but your attention span is so short that you probably won't bother reading them, no matter how much you say you want them. You'll just tune them out like ... hey, are you even still reading this? WHY DO YOU NEVER LISTEN TO US? *SOB*
GamePro graphs PS3 and Gamecube sales
GamePro has put together a graph showing the NPD data on Nintendo's Gamecube and PlayStation 3 sales for their first 10 months after launch. The chart shows how in North America the PS3 sold 1.7 million units in its 10 months since launch compared to the GameCube's 2.2 million. Those that have already sent their rage into overdrive see the implication of this graph as the PS3 will "fail" like the Gamecube. Last week it was a 3DO comparison, this week it's the Gamecube. Although one can easily argue that the PS3 is neither.Sure the PS3 started rocky, lost assumed exclusives left and right, and Sony can't seem to craft a solid message to save its life. But the PlayStation is still a strong brand that should be able to rectify itself with a competitive price adjustment and some solid titles creating a base for the gaming console. Hopefully Sony can get that line on the graph to start moving up again. They're in no rush, they've got ten years.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
GamePro compares PS3 sales to those of Gamecube
A lot of people are seemingly comparing the PS3 to a number of other systems. First, it was a 3DO. Now, it's a Gamecube. GamePro took ten months of NPD data and made an intriguing graph showing the sales for both the PS3 and the Gamecube. Although Nintendo's last-gen system featured a number of genre-defining hits, such as Metroid Prime and Resident Evil 4, it failed to capture the same market share as its competitors. The current momentum of PS3 seems to suggest that Sony's system may meet the same fate, if it continues to follow its current trend.There are differences, of course. Gamecube had a relatively short life span, with Nintendo reusing the technology in its currently best-selling Wii console. Sony has stated a potential ten-year life cycle for PS3, one that suggests they're planning for a much longer life cycle than that of the Gamecube.Although a price cut and a redesigned system may revitalize sales, Sony could always follow Nintendo's footsteps in the years to come: simply duct-tape two PS3s together and call it the PS4.
Dylan Jobe talks Warhawk, downloadable content, more
In a thorough interview with GamePro, Dylan Jobe talked about the hard decision to make Warhawk a multiplayer-only title, and things learned from the beta. A fascinating read, to be sure, and we hope you take a chance to check out GamePro's complete interview.One thing that stood out to us was Incognito's plans for downloadable content. "It's not content that we cut to hold back and later jam down the throats of players," he says. "What we do with our downloadable content is to look at the feedback from players and develop content that supplements their experience, not just rehashes stuff that we perhaps descoped previously."The beta revealed many things that the team wants to add to the game, but simply hasn't found the time. "We were able to collect a lot of feedback from the beta. There were a lot of really great ideas that it was to late to incorporate, but we ear marked to perhaps come back to it and put it in future." Additional brainstorming ideas will undoubtedly come back from fans and players like you. "We also have a team that will scour all of the forums for Warhawk feedback on Warhawk.com so that we can make sure that our first outing of downloadable content matches what players want." Of course, we think players want to know: when will downloadable content arrive ... and how much will it cost?
GamePro guide makes PS3 hard drive install easy
Is 60GB (or 80GB) simply not enough space for your PS3? We know it's easy to swap PS3's hard drive ... but GamePro's picture-by-picture guide makes the process even easier. The tools required are simple: Husky Precision Screwdriver, external hard drive or USB thumb drive (for copying over files), and a 2.5" SATA laptop drive. Thanks to the XMB's easy to use interface, the process of copying over files and formatting the new PS3 drive is a cinch. Maybe you'll want to throw in a new 160GB hard drive into your PS3? They only go for about $100 these days.[Via digg]
Ten handhelds that suffered a fate far worse than ours
We're pretty sure that no one calls the PSP a failure anymore. In fact, over the past few months, as more and more games release on our handheld, we've seen less and less flame comments from rabid DS fans -- maybe they realized that two handhelds can happily coexist?Courtesy of GamePro, here's a list of the ten worst selling handhelds of all time. Thankfully, Sony's PSP is nowhere close to being on the list: Gizmondo (<25,000 sold) Zodiac (<200,000) Game.com (<300,000) Lynx (<500,000) Nomad (1 million) NEC Turbo Express (1.5 million) Neo-Geo Pocket (2 million) GBA Micro (2.5 million) N-Gage (3 million) Game Gear (11 million) PSP has sold at least twice the amount of the Game Gear, and with the redesign coming out later this year, the system will sell plenty more. (Too bad the Neo-Geo Pocket didn't do as well ...)[Via digg]
SCEA aware of porting difficulties, requiring "re-engineering"
We have a love-hate relationship with these kind of articles, lest they deter into all-too-familiar fanboy territory (wink wink). Regardless, they still are fascinating reads on technology and where our beloved full-time job hobby is headed. Gamepro recently questioned a developer tasked with high-profile PS3 ports from Xbox 360 code and the response was unsurprisingly, "nobody wants to touch that issue right now." Can't say we blame them. It's becoming increasingly complex a situation, with console exclusives falling by the wayside as publishers strive to get the most out of their investment. Professing love for one platform over another just doesn't seem like it would make things easier for anyone. An article by Dr. Dobbs Portal that ran in March, delivers an in-depth dissection about how much longer the learning curve is when it comes to developing for the Cell and how much more fruit the Cell can bear once established and competent developers get through the crux of utilizing its potential.
Halo 3 chopper, more confirmed
The Halo 3 news has been gushing out lately, it seems. Scans from the new issue of GamePro magazine have found their way onto The Final Fight forums. Revealed are pictures and details of the Brute Chopper (it's a motorcycle, not a helicopter) and customization options for changing the look of your Spartan (and maybe Elite?) beyond just a palette swap. Also in the scans: New details on the sword (now with batteries) and a scope-less Magnum. A player-operated second turret added to the Wraith. A radar jammer item, which works just as the name suggests Multiplayer maps Shrine, Epitath, Last Resort (reportedly an upgraded version of Halo 2's Zanzibar) and a mystery map The images are low resolution, but we're betting higher-quality scans will hit the internets shortly as the latest issue trickles out to subscribers and newsstands. Update: higher-res scans (thanks, zizzy). [Via Halo Anyone? & Xbox 360 Fanboy; thanks, zizzy]
