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Zero Punctuation loves Condemned 2 ... until halfway through
Zero Punctuation's Yahtzee beats up sleep-deprived hobos this week for his Condemned 2: Bloodshot review and, up until the midway point, was all set to name it "game of the year." Apparently, Condemned 2 suffers from the same disease which afflicted Indigo Prophecy (Fahrenheit to our European friends), where the game took a left turn halfway through and players were introduced to concepts that ruined everything built up to that point. Those who played Indigo Prophecy (and were enjoying themselves) probably remember the moment that game went from intriguing to ridiculous. Get your homeless-beating fix after the break with this week's NSFW review of Condemned 2: Bloodshot.
Video: Shooting Project Origin's crab people
Nothing says happy Friday like seeing a twisted and freaky bloody monster-thing doing the crab walk all while he tries to eat off your face. Lovely. Embedded after the break you can view the latest "Abomination" trailer for Monolith's F.E.A.R. sequel Project Origin and between the freaky crab person bits, we get to see actual gameplay. And if we ever mocked Project Origin's graphics before, we take back those statements because (visually) it looks dandy fine. Okay, back to watching the bloody crab walk ...
Project Origin: Abomination trailer
There's not much we can say about this new trailer for Project Origin. We're neither impressed nor dissatisfied; we're in a state of indifference and apathy. Perhaps that's really quite a horrible thing -- even worse than having extremely negative comments. At least with negativity, there's some sort of invested emotion into what is being made. What does this mean for this F.E.A.R. sequel? Things are looking rather banal; there's nothing new or exciting. Could be just us, though. Is this how you feel when you watch this trailer?
Project Origin trailer: Alma just wants to play
After watching the latest "Swingset Trailer" for Monolith's upcoming Project Origin, we have absolutely no doubt that the Lith are experts at creating crazy, twisted and totally freaky experiences. Then again, have we ever doubted them? Go ahead, give the latest Project Origin trailer a looksy and try to tell us Alma doesn't send a chill up your spine or that the swingset doesn't freak you out. Yeah, we've been harsh on Project Origin because of its "dated" graphics, but when it comes to building tension and totally messed up story lines ... well, Lith gets our seal of approval.
Project Origin community website launched
Since delivering on expectations at last E3 and being later christened with a new, acronym-deficient title, developer Monolith has been eerily quiet regarding its upcoming horror-themed follow up to 2005's F.E.A.R. Now the company has launched a community website for the game, offering a one-stop buffet if you will for all things F.E.A.R. 2 Project Origin. The site is currently light on content, offering just a smattering of developer blog posts (lead engineer Russ P says the game is "coming together nicely") alongside some backstory and information about the game's various weapons. However, it's the included gameplay trailer that proves the most interesting addition to the website, showing an early look at the sorts of nasties Alma Wade has in store -- though most of all we just hope that Project Origin will bring the chills that the first game promised but never delivered.
Metareview: Condemned 2 (PS3, 360)
As one of the earlier Xbox 360 first-person titles, reviewers probably judged the first Condemned with slightly rose-tinted glasses. As such, we were a littler unsure what the response would be to Monolith's follow-up, Condemned 2: Bloodshot. So far, the game seems to be faring really well with improved crime-scene investigating and combat, as well as plenty of scares. 1UP (91/100): "This first-person action-shooter-cum-supernatural thriller follows the events of the first game. But while the spooks are similar -- think ambient sounds, disrupted vision, and yes, monster closets -- developer Monolith has fine-tuned the gameplay." GameTrailers (80/100): "The original Condemned was really the first of its kind. The first-person pugilism, investigative challenges, and somber tone have been expanded for Bloodshot. Still, the experience remains relatively the same-just more supernatural and less plausible this time around." Game Informer (88/100): "Condemned 2: Bloodshot is probably the best survival horror title we've seen this generation. The online multiplayer modes aren't going to blow your mind, but they are a thoughtful addition. It's got a higher level of action than its predecessor, and some gorgeous horror backdrops." Gallery: Condemned 2: Bloodshot (Xbox 360, PS3)
Lith to improve upon everything with Project Origin
Now that they've sent Condemned 2 on its merry way, Monolith will now be focusing all its energy towards F.E.A.R.'s not-so sequel Project Origin and that crazy, crazy Alma. IGN sat down and chatted with Project Origin lead designer John Mulkey to get the dirt on how development is progressing, what Monolith's goals are with Origin and what we can look forward to. And the general theme we're hearing is that Origin will take what was offered in F.E.A.R. and add more. More enemy types, more weapons, more locations and more variety. We can't be sure if more variety will equal commercial success or if Origin will still be looked at as F.E.A.R. 1.5, but we can be sure that Monolith is confident and that gives us some comfort for now. Our only gripe thus far is the game's "soft" and "flat" graphics, but maybe that's just us being nit-picky.
New games this week: Super Smash Bros. Brawl edition
What, are you surprised? The featured game this week is none other than Super Smash Bros. Brawl. We'd almost like to give it to George of the Jungle for going toe-to-toe on the Wii with Smash. Keep on chasing that rainbow, George. If you're in the mood for something a bit less brawly, this week also marks the release of Condemned 2: Revenge of the Zombos Bloodshot. We've got a full list for you right after the break. %Gallery-8530%
Condemned 2 possibly delayed until April 4th?
Previously scheduled for release on the 11th of March, PlayFrance is now reporting that Sega has delayed the game further, pushing back the release to April 4th. With the demo for the game having also having been pushed back and now with no final release date of its own, it isn't difficult to see how the final game is not ready for release. Plus, the demo's delay is not the only sign of minor hang-ups, as the latest dev diary discusses the fact that the game has not gone to final certification due to a host of factors including, but not limited to, feature-creep. With the dev diary still listing the game as hitting the 11th, having been posted on the 7th, and discussing the fact the game hits "next month" there is still some question as to the official release date. But with both PlayFrance and Amazon listing the game as hitting on April 4th, it's possible that this title is condemned to hit late. [Read, PlayFrance] [Read, Condemned 2: Dev Diary]
Condemned 2 Xbox Live achievements detailed
Information leaked earlier this week highlighting achievements in the upcoming survival horror romp Condemned 2: Bloodshot left us scratching our heads as we pondered precisely what "5 scoops of everything" or "You never forget your first time" really meant. Now, Sega has clarified things a bit, sending over a detailed synopsis of what we can expect to have to do in order to feed our Gamerscore with an additional 1000 zesty points. In total, the game will offer 565 points in the single player campaign, with the remaining 435 requiring players to take on the game's new multiplayer modes. In the interest of soiling virgin eyes, we've moved the complete breakdown of Condemned 2's 40 achievements after the break. [Via press release] %Gallery-5081%
Condemned 2 achievements revealed, creepy
360Sync had an exclusive first-look at the achievements for the upcoming survival-horror game, Condemned 2: Bloodshot. The sequel to the 2005 Xbox 360 launch title has achievement tasks that will sound mighty familiar to gamers, including finding various television sets and completing the game without the use of a firearm. While the achievements, as they often do, have vague descriptions to them we're a little scared to ask what the "A La Mode: 5 scoops of everything," achievement could possibly stand for. Also, we're not even going to talk about the "Survivor King: Bum Rush Survivor multiple times" cheevo. We'd hate to throw out spoilers!
PSN Thursday: Sadists rejoice with new PAIN character
Not through pummeling your pixelated pals with PAIN? Well, this week the PSN update will allow you to procure for a pittance a pirate to persistently pound into pavement. Skurv Dogg is a new downloadable character for PSN's PAIN at a mere $.99. Beyond that there's your normal serving of Rock Band DLC with a side order of No Doubt for Guitar Hero III. Want more? Um, there's the Star Trek teaser trailer in glorious HD to fill your television screen for a little over a minute. Check out the complete list of content after the break and go say hi to the gentlemen at PS3 Fanboy for European update details.
Condemned 2: Bloodshot demo inbound [Update]
Update: Major Nelson told us he doesn't know details on an upcoming Condemned 2: Bloodshot demo. The demo detail page has been edited to say, "Coming soon is the free Marketplace demo giving a glimpse into the incredibly brutal world of Condemned 2: Bloodshot™." Rest assured Condemned 2: Bloodshot is most certainly a Mature rated game and those interested in finding out why may be able to very soon. Currently the bottom of the Xbox.com product page for Condemned 2: Bloodshot reads, "Experience it now with the free demo." Clicking ahead brings you to a description page, which has a published date of February 27, that outlines the demo experience: "This free Marketplace demo gives you a glimpse into the incredibly brutal world of Condemned 2: Bloodshot™. You begin outside the lowest, seediest dive in town and your situation goes downhill from there, starting with a rapidly escalating fight with some back alley-thugs that show you the ropes of the combat system." After a few sweeps of the Xbox Live Marketplace we can safely say the demo isn't up yet but considering the March 11, 2008 release date is quickly approaching it may only be a matter of time before we're breaking a chair over someones head. You know, someone who isn't an X3F intern - but don't worry it's cool because they don't get paid, so they don't have any rights. [Thanks, MightyHealthy]
Condemned 2 dated March 11, multiplayer detailed
Sink your hooks into Condemned 2 come March 11, Sega says. If that's not enough to whet your appetite for macabre delights, the publisher has also revealed several multiplayer modes that look standard on paper, but are decidedly vicious in practice (see videos after the break). Aside from the usual Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch modes, there's "Bum Rush" (one team has 3 minutes to survive a ... bum rush) and "Crime Scene," which attempts to incorporate Condemned's analytical investigations into the otherwise chaotic blood sport as one team tracks evidence while the other 'protects' it – Quick! Lose that 2x4 and grab a mop for that bloodstain! Multiplayer matches support up to eight players on both Xbox Live and PSN. %Gallery-5081%
See two minutes of Condemned 2
Although there are some obvious differences in Condemned 2 from its predecessor (Greg Grunberg we hardly knew ye!) it seems from this new trailer that those who liked the first title are going to be pleasantly satisfied with what the sequel has to offer. Grisly crime scenes? Check. Bizarre weapons including but not limited to prosthetic limbs? Check. Zombos, that dark marriage of zombie and hobo? Sadly for those especially attached to their brains or Wild Turkey, check. If we have one reservation it's Grunberg's stand-in and the pseudo tough guy dialog he's given to say (we're looking at you "the rest of these jerks are too scared of getting killed". Blech.) We'll withhold judgment for now, but if anyone starts talk of brick parking in zombo toilets, we'll be very put out.
Zero Punctuation boos F.E.A.R. expansion
Having traipsed through the corridors of Valve's American headquarters, Zero Punctuation's Yahtzee is notably unimpressed with the assignment greeting him upon his return. More creepy corridors, this time found in "uninformatively" titled F.E.A.R. expansion, Perseus Mandate. While he appreciates the infrequent mind-bending sequences (they're rather scares, you see), Yahtzee can't wrap his brain around the developer's constant recycling of environments and combat. As usual, hidden within the rapid-fire rants and elaborately constructed metaphors lies an astute observation -- how is this game supposed to be scary if your character's running around with a bloody bazooka? Check out the video after the break... and note the special threat message left for last week's Zero Punctuation imitator.
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.
PGR4 and F.E.A.R. Files demos land on XBLM
Two new game demos hit the XBLM this morning, adding a little bit of speed and a little bit of fear to the Marketplace. The first demo comes from our pals over at Bizarre Creations and is the critically acclaimed Project Gotham Racing 4. Weighing in at a rather hefty 1.27GBs, the demo includes three racecars, two bikes and features an exclusive Nürburgring Snow Challenge and an exclusive Arcade event. Oh, and the PGR4 demo is available to all Xbox Live locales, w00t, w00t! F.E.A.R. Files: Extraction Point is the other new game demo and clocking in at 585MBs we presume it to be a single player mission-o-fun that F.E.A.R. fans the world around will enjoy. Funny thing is that the demo is only available to US and Canadian Xbox Live members ... so maybe the world around can't enjoy it. Both demos are available for the free on the XBLM right now, so get your download queue on and give 'em a whirl. Read - PGR4 demo Read - F.E.A.R. Files: Extraction Point demo
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.
F.E.A.R. sequel finally named: nothing special
Remember a while back, we alerted you to the contest where Monolith was allowing gamers to name the sequel to F.E.A.R.? Well, the contest has finally ended and the winning name has been chosen. No, it's not L.A.M.E., but the chosen title is rather ... stale. Project Origin. We feel like we've seen that title countless times! Even though it's fairly unoriginal, it does get the idea across that the next game will all be about the creepy little girl, Alma, and what her purpose is. That's not all, though. Also, on the main webpage, there's a link to the names that got outright rejected. Some of these are pretty entertaining and are worth a look just to see if you can decipher the logic that went into creating them. While this contest ended with a less-than-stellar choice, we feel, it still means progress will be made onto another FPS/Horror game and we're excited to see what Monolith does with the franchise.
