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Why you want Vice City Stories: the interview
Ever since the official trailer for Vice City Stories dropped on us, Rockstar has been very actively hyping this PSP-exclusive follow-up to the insanely successful Liberty City Stories. (Of course Rockstar doesn't have much of a choice: this game may be the only thing that saves the company from financial ruin.) IGN recently had a chance to talk to Gordon Hall from Rockstar, and Mr. Hall (obviously) has a lot of good things to tell us: Game features twice the number of polygons and a new radiosity lighting model. A new way to have the CPU and GPU communicate to each other was developed so that improvements could be made across the board. A new streaming process and lossless animation streaming allows the game to load more data at once. "With the Jet Ski you can dive under water and come bursting back up, you can really feel it bounce off the waves as the weather conditions change, you can turn on a dime and really send the water spraying." (Sounds like they packed in an entire water racing game in our GTA!) "The combat system has more depth to it than any other Grand Theft Auto game." Targeting and combat has been tweaked just a bit: you can now fight unarmed and do grappling moves and throws. "The soundtrack has over 100 tracks, and is probably the best, deepest collection of songs ever assembled for any one project -- TV, Film, or Game." (But the game includes Custom Soundtracks too if you don't like retro music.) Call me stunned. I know this is mostly PR hype, but considering how amazing the original Liberty City Stories was, I'm willing to believe that Rockstar is making this game a masterpiece. It sounds to be this could be the best GTA yet... handheld and console. And you didn't even have to wait until 12:01 AM for such amazing news. The game hits America the same time as Killzone. Ouch: my wallet's already crying.
Killzone easily "outclasses" the competition
The original Killzone on the PS2 was a bit of a disappointment for many in the gaming community. Sony fans were cheering it as the "Halo killer" for their system, but the game couldn't live up to the hype when it hit store shelves. So, I'm always a little cautious when posting news about Killzone: Liberation, the exclusive PSP follow-up. While it looks absolutely marvelous, a persistant fear nags at me, making me wonder if we're getting our expectations a bit too high again. Of course, it's hard not to get excited when the video footage is so tantalizing, or if IGN previews the game and says "And this is, frankly, one of the finest experiences on the PSP." After an impressive CG intro, the game jumps into some intense top-down shooting, where you will have to utilize all of your skill sets in order to survive. The preview mentions that levels take about 10 to 30 minutes each, and aren't too easy: you'll be dying quite a bit. Multiplayer seems to get a good nod as well, especially now that it will feature infrastructure. With sweet graphics, good gameplay, and downloadable content, it seems like Killzone: Liberation will hit all the right spots when it comes out this Halloween.
Ridiculously long Red Steel video
Eight minutes with Red Steel ... sounds like a party game involving a closet. It's the same footage we've seen of the first level, but instead of seeing it in a trailer, we get to see IGN's Fran Mirabella play through the level ... and even die! [Thanks to Velvet Kennedy who originally sent this in.]
DVD functionality not included?
Matt Cassa-however-you-spell-it over at IGN has posted a rather interesting blog post about the assumed nature of DVD playback for the Nintendo Wii. At E3 2005, it was announced that there would be a "dongle adapter" for optional included DVD playback, and there were rumors over the next year that it would simply be built-in. However, while Nintendo loves to reiterate time and time again the capabilities of its critical darling, any and all mention of DVD playback has been completely removed.DVD playback is a feature we've come to expect not only in next-generation machines, but last generation as well. Since Wii discs are DVDs anyway, would this feature be so difficult to add on? Check out Matt's blog for a slightly more in-depth analysis, and let's hope that Nintendo doesn't take their "games only" stance a bit too far.
Weird GOW trailer thing on XBLM
Okay, so I grabbed the "new" Gears of War IGN video thingy off of Marketplace last night. Decidedly not HD, this content is ... interesting, to say the least. First of all, this video was made during E3. Why put such an old video on XBLM? I mean, the guy doing the interview is asking, "What's Emergence Day?" I seem to recall a BIG announcement that already cleared that up. Now, to be fair, there is legitimate gameplay in there, which is nice, but the video quality makes it less than optimal.Finally, what's with the radio jingle music? Maybe it's just me, but that's weird, especially in a podcast about videogames. Just seems out of place, you know? Anyway, this video assuages any misgivings I had about never becoming an IGN Insider. You know, back when I read IGN. Sorry this isn't news folks, but that's what happens when you give nerds like me a public venue.
Feel the love of Vice City's first trailer
I wanna know what love is....I wanna feel what love is...Are you ready for it? The new Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories trailer is finally upon us. And it is good. Watch and marvel at the graphics, the music and the fashion. 'Nuff said.[Via IGN]
Fall gaming: the avalanche to come
IGN whipped up a little feature where they check out the cream of the crop of DS titles emerging this Fall. In being the busiest time of year for eager gamers, taking on such a task is equal parts daunting and deadly. Well, maybe not so much deadly. Chalk that comment up to our paranoia that everything outside will kill you.Raging insanity aside, IGN has managed to provide a nice starting point to build your own list of must-have titles for the DS. They list games such as Mario Hoops: 3-on-3 and Elite Beat Agents, which gives them some very good titles, but what about Konductra and other smaller, lesser-known titles? Where's the Chibi Robo: Park Patrol?Clearly, the list has games that need to be included. What would your list look like?
Metal Slug to feature "blood, blood and more blood"
Now that Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins has come and gone, it seems like I need a new lethally difficult 2D game to pine over. As previously revealed, the Metal Slug Collection will feature six Metal Slug games. IGN UK recently got some hands-on time with the game, and squealed in delight to see "blood, blood and more blood," as in the original Japanese release. (I wonder what the ESRB will have to say about that...) Although the game looks stunning on the PSP screen, the writer had a few concerns with the game. Firstly, it will be very short, considering how each game in the series clocks in at about an hour long. Although SNK is adding extras, they're limited to just concept art. Also, the load times seem unnecessarily long as of now (considering how this game isn't too technically advanced, the load times should be non-existant). Finally, the menu designs seem just slapped on together sloppily. Hopefully, SNK will fix these issues before the game releases in September.
Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins giveaways
Bozon from IGN Wii (pictured right) is having an awesome giveaway on his blog. Simply show off your oldschool gaming collection to him, and you'll be entered to win one of five copies of the game. Check out his blog to find out more details on his giveaway, and on Capcom's other contest. Once you score your copy of the game, you can give us the real scoop on things, and tell us once and for all if the game is really good or bad.
Tecmo gears up for virtual console
We've all known that Nintendo would be periodically releasing their own first-party games in the Virtual Console, but details have been surprisingly scarce regarding third-parties jumping on board. We know big names like Sega and Hudson would be giving gamers a taste of their illustrious pasts, but who else? Well, add another to the list, because according to a recent financial report, Tecmo will be aggressively supporting the VC.Perhaps best known (on Nintendo systems, anyway) for their superlative Tecmo Bowl and Ninja Gaiden trilogies, the addition of these games will provide yet another added boost for Nintendo's library. Although recent Tecmo titles have shown up on other systems, we'll get to experience the wonderful roots from which they came.[via Joystiq]
Metareview: Star Fox Command
One of the highest-profile Wi-Fi titles of the year has finally released and the critics were quick to offer up their opinions. Generally, the game has seen a fair amount of praise, however critics have mentioned that the title's multiplayer is not exactly on par with the game's single-player experience. The scores are as follows: IGN - 80%: "It's at the very least a great start to the franchise. Bump up the difficulty, add some variety to the missions, bring back the forced-scrolling on-rails levels and the wingman-in-danger elements in a sequel and you'll have yourself the ultimate Star Fox adventure." Gamespot - 75%: "Star Fox Command has great controls and introduces a strategic layer that's fairly interesting. However, the random feel of the story battles and the frantic multiplayer mode don't make the most of this game's solid foundation, which might cause nostalgic fans to long for the series' good old days." 1UP - 70%: " None of the strategy elements that comprised the core of the single-player game are in multiplayer -- how cool would it have been to battle for strategic positions and race to key items on the overhead map against friends? How loudly does this game scream for a custom map editor? Should Command see a sequel, competitive strategic multiplayer ought to be a big part of it." We've heard from the critics, now how about the readers?
Cannon Fodder announced
The retro games keep on coming back. IGN has an exclusive where they reveal the very first details and screenshots of Codemasters' upcoming game Cannon Fodder, a remake of the classic Commidore Amiga game. But unlike most of the other retro games that we've seen, this goes the extra mile and is a real remake: with new graphics and gameplay, updated for the current generation. You and a team of soldiers will fight it out on-foot and in vehicles, while being able to call air strikes and radar sweeps. The game will offer four player deathmatch and co-op modes.
PAX: IGN goes all Kano in Monday's comic
While creating Monday's Penny Arcade strip live (in front of a studio audience), a member of that very audience made an observation. Fans had decided that a particular style of hand that Mike draws consistently appears cupped as if holding a human heart. After acknowledging that he had just drawn that very hand on an IGN employee in the comic's second panel, Mike adroitly added a still beating human heart to it. So, what might otherwise appear to be an inscrutable non sequitur in Monday's finished product was really part of a unique interaction between fans and creators. The more you know ...Want the full funny? Hit up Tycho's script after the break. We know we're not the professional yucksters here, but we were under the impression that IGN reviewers didn't realize there were numbers less than 6.8. Just saying.
Third-party games without online support until 2007
Turns out Call of Duty 3 isn't the only third-party title to lack online support for the Wii. According to a preview of Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam running over at IGN, no third-party titles will be online compatible until 2007. "Activision would not say why, but IGN has separately learned from multiple development sources that Nintendo will not release Wii Wi-Fi Connection libraries to third parties until early 2007, which means that no third party launch title will have an online mode."Ouch. While the most attractive titles launching on the Wii are those done by Nintendo themselves, with high-profile third-party launch titles such as Call of Duty 3, Madden NFL 07, Far Cry, and Red Steel that depend as much on a robust online experience as well as a strong single-player experience, this is sure to be a big blow to Nintendo's launch lineup.[Via Joystiq]
New Coded Arms Contagion footage and details
Coded Arms Contagion didn't really impress former PSP Fanboy blogger Adam, and looking at new footage posted a few hours ago by Gamespot, it doesn't really seem like the game's shaping up too well. Although the original Coded Arms' randomly generated maps are no more, the controls still look awkward and sluggish, and the graphics and animations don't look too good, especially in light of Konami's other PSP gems. The controls are customizable, and the game will feature 20 hours of story-driven single player gameplay and 8-player online infrastructure multiplayer... but I can't really get too excited for this game. Why not check out some of the footage, and judge for yourself? (Hopefully, the game will shape up a lot more: according to IGN, the game's only 30% complete.)Watch - Interview with producerWatch - Gameplay footage
More Red Steel media goodness
Following the recent impressive-yet-slightly-silly trailer for Red Steel, IGN has obtained a large quantity of artwork for the game. While the character models and environments have been criticized for being bland and graphically unimpressive, the art style of the game is undeniably beautiful. Well, I guess you could deny it. If you do so, however, please click here.Please do your best to ignore the ugly watermark.
Deal of the Day: Madden for $28
The deals just keep on coming. Easily the most high-profile game to come out this week, Madden 07, is available for dirt cheap at Circuit City. The game has earned a solid 8.0 from IGN, and most likely doesn't feature the horrible glitches of NCAA Football. $28 is a great price to satiate football fans, until next year's minor upgrade installment.[Via Cheapassgamer]
Eragon flies its way onto the PSP
Guys, I seriously think I have some sort of psychic powers or something. Last night, out of the clear blue, I began reading Eragon again. So you can imagine my surprise when I woke up this morning to find a video game, based on the upcoming movie, is in the works for the PSP.The story is titled after the main character, who's name just so happens to be Eragon, who one day stumbles upon a dragon egg. Eventually the dragon hatches, and Eragon and the dragon quickly become inseparable. He then begins to live my lifelong dream of becoming a dragon rider and mage. One day, Chris ... one day.Developer Stormfront Studios, is developing the game as a flying-based action game by doing the smart thing and having players do battle on dragons. The game's multi-player will play a very important role, as well. Eragon will have nine different multi-player game types, most of which you're probably familiar with (i.e. Capture the Flag). In addition to using your dragon's fire breathing, you'll also be able to use magic.According to IGN, Eragon is coming together rather nicely and "looks like it'll make good and appropriate use of the license while giving gamers and entirely different experience than they'll find on consoles, which is always a good thing for multiple reasons."This is one licensed game, I'm excited for. The book is really interesting, and I'm hoping the movie will be, too. Look for the game to be released along with the movie later this year.(Via IGN)
Ridge Racer 2 intro and gameplay video
There's something about the PSP and its great affinity towards CG women. The Ridge Racers series is famous for the CG model Reiko Nagase posing seductively on top of the cars. The upcoming Ridge Racers 2 is no different, as it continues the tradition. This video showcases some of the gameplay from the upcoming sequel and also shows you the sleek intro sequence as well. The game hasn't been announced for US release yet, but will be available in Japan in September.[Via IGN]
Watch a video of the PS3 interface, pretend it's you
This is a pretty neat video to watch. Not for the narration or the visuals, but to just picture yourself browsing through the deep blue... XMB (cross media bar). IGN got permission to show off the PS3 menu system and you know what? It's kind of bland. Bland does not mean bad, however. It is extremely user friendly and incredibly simple to navigate (both in game and out). Near the end of the video, we're told we can customize our wallpaper and whatnot. Give the thing a little more flavor. It's good, though. Some of us don't like big, flashy bubbly menus and worthless accessories in our interface. It's a man's interface! Right? Maybe not.Don't be fooled by the video -- the resolution (at least from this laptop) was pretty bad, so most of the icons seemed very pixelated. The final version we get to play with will be a lot sharper, unless you cross your eyes. Basically, ignore the visual aspect of the video and focus on the ease of navigation, which isn't necessarily hampered by the poor video quality (at least, from this laptop). Watch the video, share your thoughts, but again, it is boring visually because you haven't had the chance to spice it up and personalize it.
