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Sega dates Q1 games for Europe
Eurogamer has revealed the European release dates for the first quarter releases from Sega. Most notable to us, of course, are the 360 games on the list. Probably the biggest title on the list is Condemned 2: Bloodshot, the sequel to one of the 360's better launch titles, which releases March 14 across the pond. The other titles on the list are as follows: The Club - February 8 Universe at War - March 7 Viking: Battle for Asgard - March 28 SEGA Superstars Tennis - March 28 Naturally, we can expect that these titles should hit North America at approximately the same time. Anyone out there looking forward to any of these titles?
Bloodshot steps up to pre-rendered cut scenes
Over on their Condemned 2: Bloodshot IGN blog, the Monolith development crew talks a bit about the evolution and story behind Bloodshot's cinematics and how they are on a mission to greatly increase the pretty factor over Criminal Origins. You see, back during Criminal Origins' development, an inexperienced Monolith ran into some nasty technical issues with the game's cut scenes that caused them "to look very pixelated and 'last gen'". Now, for Bloodshot, Monolith is attacking cut scene creation differently using the game's engine to create some gorgeous pre-rendered videos. Such an improvement over Criminal Origins that we guarantee one of those "wow!" moments when you first play. Make the jump to get the complete Bloodshot cinematics story.
The Club and Condemned 2 due out in February
Sega has released an updated release schedule that goes to the end of the fiscal year and if they're serious about these dates, we'll have two fairly anticipated games to enjoy come February by Sega alone (we'll also be diving into Devil May Cry 4 around that time). First off, Sega will be bringing The Club to us, courtesy of Bizarre Creations, on February 8th. Soon after that, scheduled for the month of February but given no specific day, is Condemned 2. It looks like February is going to be another month where we find our money flying out the window, much like how November has been. If you're unsure what either game is, the former is a mish-mash of genre, and the latter is a pretty intense horror/action game.
Zombos return for Condemned 2 trailer
There's not a whole lot to see in this new trailer for Condemned 2, but it seems to be hitting on all the "scary game trailer" cylinders. Threatening, disembodied voice? Check. Annoying but creepy alarm-like sound effect? Check. Getting your head smashed in by a brick-wielding zombo? ... Check. The one thing we're still questioning is the point in the clip where the hero appears to be wielding a prosthetic arm. Either that's a weapon (sort of cool) or the damage in the game is so realistically modeled that injuries can result in infection, amputation, filing an insurance claim for a new limb and months of rehab (not as cool). We're pulling for the first one.
Video: Condemned 2 teases us with new trailer
Yesterday, we highlighted a mini 1UP discussion video on Condemned 2: Bloodshot and our only complaint was the fact that the video didn't showcase more in-game goodness. Talking about the game, its features and what we can expect is good and all, but we like to see skulls bashed in first hand.So, late last night we called in a favor to SEGA (on our super special red phone) and demanded more Bloodshot footage. We went a step further and said we wouldn't settle for anything less than a new teaser trailer. And, as you can see above, they caved in to our fanboy wishes ... no questions asked. So go ahead and enjoy the bloody good Bloodshot trailer (mannequin included).
Video: Bloodshot discussion and violent footage
Over at Game Videos, they've posted an exclusive video where the 1UP crew talks about Condemned 2: Bloodshot, the game's new features and also shows off some crazy violent in-game footage. The video is a great discussion on what has changed in the sequel over Criminal Origins, but we sort of wish they'd had shown more in-game footage. Then again, we're officially going on the record saying that, from what we've seen, we like it. We like the look of the game, we like how they improved on the fighting, we like the new take on the investigative elements and we like the crazy amount of violence. Shoving a guy's face into a dirty potty for a mock "swirly" and when he doesn't cooperate trying to pull his head out, you simply give him a boot to the face and all is well. Just lovely.Along with the visual stimulation the video will give you, 1UP also posted a textual Bloodshot preview where they break down the game's combat, multiplayer options and forensics stuff. After watching and reading just try and tell us you're not a tiny bit interested in Bloodshot ... just try.
Condemned 2 has more NPCs, better forensics
Eurogamer has posted a new preview of Condemned 2: Bloodshot from Monolith. The preview details the game's new combat engine and the Fight Club mode as well as some new information about non-player characters and forensics. We've heard about Fight Club (even though we don't talk about it) and the new combat engine before, but the NPC and forensics stuff hasn't been discussed before.
Almost everything you want to know about Condemned 2
Condemned was a launch title for the 360 -- it was mostly overshadowed by other 360 launch titles, but those who played it derived more enjoyment from it than they honestly expected to. It was creepy, violent, and overall a good experience to introduce them to the new off-white console. Condemned 2 is coming and it's not just on the 360 -- it's coming to the PS3 as well. Here's what PSU learned about the upcoming game in an interview with senior producer Dave Hasle: There's more open-endedness when it comes to forensic parts of the game -- your power of observation and tools to use are entirely up to you. If you feel like it, you can skip right past those bits and continue fighting baddies. Whatever you prefer. While that sounds open-ended, the overall experience will be quite linear. We expect one, maybe two endings depending on how involved you get in the story. Weapon count right now is at 60, might hit 90 by the time the game finishes up. Throwing weapons are making a pretty big impact on the dev team: bowling pins, booze bottles, etc. No cross-platform play, but online modes to be announced later. Monolith has already murmured of an online co-op feature, but until super-duper official announcements are made, we'll take that with a grain of salt. No Sixaxis features implemented. Take that as good or bad, whatever your taste. We didn't go into the storyline or other, more particular, features of the game to save the surprises for our readers who like to stay in the dark on some things. If you are curious, though, check out the full interview and become a knowledgeable person ... about Condemned 2. It's slated for a Spring '08 release, so until then, we'll keep looking for more info.
Condemned 2 movie tie-in still underway
The nerds over at Sega ... Nerds unearthed some details on the upcoming tie-in movie to Condemned 2: Bloodshot, The Forgotten. According to scriptwriter Kurt Sutter, a director is now attached to the project, though we have to wait until Warner makes the official announcement. Sutter also mentioned that he is doing another big rewrite of the script. As for the storyline, Kurt couldn't give any new info, but said that their technique for not falling into the "crappy game movie" trap was pretty cool, as they screenwriter and devs were each given a 15 page outline of the character and world, and told to make a great script and game, respectively, on their own. So rather than one being based on the other, they're both inspired by the same core concept. We'll be sure to keep you informed on any new developments for the game or film.
Condemned 2 will feature four combat layers
In an interview with CVG, Condemned 2: Bloodshot senior producer Constantine Hantzopoulos talks specifics about Bloodshot including the new (and improved) combat system. Hantzopoulos says that Criminal Origins' fighting stayed true to the visceral feel they were going for, but was too bland and repetitive. But now with Condemned 2 they've added four layers to their combat system that'll make killing so much more bloody fun. First, you can fight with your fists, something the original didn't let you do. Second, you can use all the same objects you did in the original to knock around your enemies. Third, you can chain attacks together God of War style to create some crazy intense sequences. And fourth, you can use the environment as a weapon by slamming their head into a TV or tossing them into a wood chipper. Gory .. we know. The interview also reveals details about multiplayer combat, how forensics will work, cut scenes and something called Hobo Fight Club. And let's just say Hobo Fight Club sounds crazy fun where a player can get in a ring with a bunch of hobos to unleash their built up anger. But the game in a nutshell is summarized best by Mr. Hantzopoulos when he simply says that Condemned 2 "will f**k with you". You know, in a good way.
Condemned 2 developers working closely with ESRB
Manhunt 2's de facto banning by the ESRB due to its AO rating is causing other developers like Monolith – creators of the upcoming Condemned 2: Bloodshot – to take notice and work closely with the ESRB. CVG reports Condemned's senior producer, Constantine Hantzopoulos, has pulled features from the game because of the Manhunt 2 drama. Hantzopoulos says that things like someone's head being put into a vice (Casino, anyone?) and a couple decapitations were removed from the game. It's not like Hantzopoulos isn't used to dealing with ESRB censorship – he also worked on Indigo Prophecy which had to cut some sex scenes from the US version. We can't wait until five or six years down the road when we get to organize the absurd censorship fights developers have with the ESRB for a post. We can already imagine the conversations now: "OK, so, three decapitations is an M, but two decapitations with a blood spurt is AO? Got it."
Condemned 2 altered to prevent AO rating
We haven't really covered it here on Xbox 360 Fanboy (for obvious reasons) but most of our readers are probably aware of the Manhunt 2 AO rating debacle -- the game received the AO rating from the ESRB for both PS2 and Wii. As a result, the game will have to be altered if Rockstar ever wants it to see retail shelves. It looks like this occurrence is already affecting the rest of the industry, as Condemned 2 producer, Constantine Hantzopoulos, reveals to CVG. According to Hantzopoulos, the Condemned 2 team is cutting certain content from the game in order to avoid an AO rating. As examples, he states that the ability to put an enemies head in a vice has been cut, as have several decapitations. Judging from Hantzopoulos' comments, other environmental attacks, like putting someone's head through a TV, may be cut as well. Condemned 2: Bloodshot, whatever its final state may be, is expected to arrive early next year.
SEGA: Rally Revo this Fall, Condemned 2 in Feb
Today, SEGA must have felt a little left out of the E3 hubub and as a result decided to share its video game release schedule through 2008. SEGA isn't giving out concrete dates, but has announced that Xbox 360 games Virtua Fighter 5 and SEGA Rally Revo will be available this Fall, The Golden Compass this December, Condemned 2: Bloodshot is penciled in for February, Iron Man next Spring, Universe at War: Earth Assault Q1 of 2008, and The Club will make its way to retailers Winter 2008. So, later this year SEGA will grace us with some online Virtua Fighter 5, SEGA Rally Revo and The Golden Compass and anything releasing in 2008 we won't comment on, because 2008 is way too far in the future for our A.D.D. minds to care about. Bring on the 2007 games!
Sega reveals oodles of game dates
Yes, perhaps we have heard of practically all the games Sega says they're showing at E3, but we now know a bit more specifically when we'll get our soon-to-be-E3-cramped mitts on them. Due this fall are Bleach: Shattered Blade (Wii and DS), NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams (Wii), SEGA Rally Revo, PS3, Xbox 360, PSP, PC) Sonic Rush Adventure (DS), Universe at War: Earth Assault (PC) and Virtua Fighter 5 (Xbox 360). In the holiday season, expect Ghost Squad (Wii), The Golden Compass (Multi), Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games (Wii, DS). Next year, look for Condemned 2: Bloodshot (Xbox 360, PS3) in February, Iron Man (Multi) in spring, Universe at War: Earth Assault (Xbox 360) in Q1, The Club (PS3, Xbox 360, PC) in winter, and Space Siege (PC) at some point during the year. If you want to learn more about any of these, we've taken the liberty of posting the whole release after the jump.
Condemned 2 to be violent and deadly
IGN's pre-E3 coverage continues with an interview with the developers of that bashingly violent sequel Condemned 2: Bloodshot. Producer David Hasle and associate multiplayer producer Tarl Raney talk with IGN about the game's story, what they're changing, what's staying the same, and how they used input they received from Criminal Origins to make this sequel all the better. The interview touches on a few interesting Condemned 2 tidbits revealing that the combat system will be much more interactive, the forensic scenarios will be optional, and those oh so intense finishing moves will be back, but will now allow you to move your victim around and use the environment to torture them. Also interesting is that the main character Ethan suffers from hallucinations throughout the game in which he sees and battles the lovely "tar men" you see above. Crazy, we know. It really sounds like the dev team listened to the gaming community, added more goodness, and made sure the sequel stuck to the original's gruesome roots. We're already in love and are uber excited to see what the team will show off at E3. Be sure to take a look at a few new screenshots from Condemned 2: Bloodshot after the break.
Condemned 2: Bloodshot's bloody details
A fresh and visceral look at Condemned 2: Bloodshot is hitting newsstands soon as new details and gory images await in the August issue of OXM. Not only does OXM show off some new twisted screenshots like the one above, but they also talk specifics. Condemned 2 takes place years after the original where our forensic hero Ethan Thomas has since left investigative work behind and now wanders the streets, drinking his sorrows away and battling his inner demons. But Thomas is forced back into the investigator role again when his partner mysteriously disappears. Condemned 2 promises a new hand to hand combat system, disturbing visuals, 30+ weapons, and a multiplayer element that's still under wraps. Condemned 2: Bloodshot is slated for a Spring 2008 release, so hopefully SEGA can stay away from the ESRB for a little while longer, because we're sure they could find something AO worthy in their current mood. [Thanks, NitroFrost]
Boom, Bloodshot! Condemned sequel announced
SEGA announced that there is indeed a sequel planned for Xbox 360 launch title Condemned: Criminal Origins in early 2008. The Xbox 360/Playstation 3 multiplatform Condemned 2: Bloodshot will continue the storyline of the original, as well as provide online multiplayer, which will have "the most brutal hand-to-hand combat experience the first person genre has ever seen." The funny part is that that sounds surprisingly similar to the "review" describing it as "A superb sequel of brilliantly brutal bloody hand to hand brawling..." Our only question is, will you run faster with a knife?
Condemned 2 stalking the PS3 in 2008
Condemned 2: Bloodshot has just been announced at the Sega Gamer's Day event for release on the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360 in early 2008. Re-assuming the identity of Ethan Thomas, the severely messed up main character from the first game, players will be tasked with hunting down the location of his missing partner and taking down serial killers. The game will expand upon the violent, bloody first person combat of the previous game with a more robust fighting system and more impromptu weapons. They are also including a variety of online modes, including Deathmatch - something fans of the first game have been asking for for a while. I thought the first game was pretty good. It was definitely creepy and atmospheric and the graphics were very cool in a Silence of the Lambs kind of way. It was also pretty refreshing to see them mix up the first person shooter genre by putting a lot of emphasis in gory hand-to-hand combat and melee weapons. It had a number of things holding it back from greatness though, including a hackneyed bunch of investigative tools that added nothing to the gameplay, repetitive enemy animations, and bad AI. I have no idea how many times maniacal killers would smack me in the face with a 2x4 and then go 'hide' behind a pillar 1/10th the size of him like he had tricked me. Still, it sounds like Sega is on the right track, and they have about a year before release, so I have high hopes. Any other fans of the original out there? [Via N4G]
Rumor: Condemned sequel sentenced for fall?
UK retailer has a listing for Condemned 2 and is currently taking pre-orders on the title, stating the release date as November 30th 2007. The date could simply be just some random "Fall 2007" timeframe so they can rack up some money now with pre-orders. Their "review" of the title is the in depth and thorough "A superb sequel of brilliantly brutal bloody hand to hand brawling...". As far as we know, Monolith hasn't officially announced a sequel, although the ending definitely did leave a lot of questions unanswered. Did you play through the exquisitely scary launch title, and would you like to see that universe expanded upon in a sequel? [Via QJ.net]
