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Condemned 2 demo still not available, still coming
You know, the one thing that gets under our skin is when developers or publishers can't get their crap together when it comes to releasing any type of content to the Xbox Live Marketplace. To us, there is absolutely no excuse for miscommunication or confusion ... just get your crap together! And that's the exact case we're dealing with when we talk about the (supposed to already have been released) Condemned 2: Bloodshot demo.You see, since February we've known about a demo because Xbox.com told us one was already available, but upon discovering there was none, we were then informed that a demo was to be released soon. Then, last Friday, we received a press release telling us the Bloodshot demo was already available to European Xbox Live gamers, but alas ... none is available. Now, today, that exact same press release has been re-worded and re-released but minus the details about the demo being on Xbox Live already and replaced with a "coming soon" kind of tone. What the fudgesicle sticks SEGA? At this point we don't know what to believe, who to believe and whether or not the demo is going to be region specific or even rollout by the end of 2008. Get your crap together! We're officially adopting a new Condemned 2: Bloodshot XBLM demo mindset: we're only believing it's a reality when we see it on the Marketplace. Humph!
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.
Europe experiences an abusive Condemned 2 demo [update]
Update: Live in Europe and still don't see a Bloodshot demo? Well, this is probably the reason.According to a SEGA issued press release, the once rumored to be available Condemned 2: Bloodshot demo is now available on the Xbox Live Marketplace, but (sadly) for only European Live members. The release mentions that the demo will be available today (if not already) and will feature campaign gameplay from midway through the first level. There is no mention of a Bloodshot demo for North American fanboys, but we're thinking this is SEGA's apology gift to those in Europe for the game's continuous delays. But we wouldn't mind you sharing your demo love SEGA ... can we has Bloodshot demo too, please?
Bloodshot reviews are in: good and creepy
Lest you haven't heard, the sequel to the Xbox 360's scariest launch title launched this week. We are, of course, talking about Condemned 2: Bloodshot (although Perfect Dark was pretty scary in a completely different way). For those who have been on the fence about the title, worry no more, as the reviews are in and it looks like Bloodshot delivers just the survival horror fix we've been waiting for. Joystiq has compiled some of the reviews in a handy metareview, and all of them deem Bloodshot to be a bloody good time. In particular, the revamped combat and forensics systems seem to be a welcome addition. And don't forget the creepiness. Oh the creepiness. Head on over to Joystiq to see if another trip into Ethan Thomas' head is right for you.
Bloodshot sees another bloody European delay
Our speculative speculation ended up being correct, Condemned 2: Bloodshot will not be releasing to Europe as planned and has again been pushed back a few weeks. SEGA confirmed the release date slip with Eurogamer and is now scheduling Bloodshot's gruesome content to make a European debut in a few weeks on Thursday, April 4th. SEGA didn't divulge the reason for the delay, but one could probably chalk it up to development and them not getting the game to certification in time rather than shipment issues. But we know you can handle the delay European friends, it isn't like you haven't been anticipating Rock Band's release for the past four months.
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.
Shipping this week: Ethan's back edition
While for many this week represents one game and one game only, we would be remiss if we didn't point out that Condemned 2: Bloodshot is heading to stores as well (at least we think it is). Condemned was one of the best games of the Xbox 360 launch lineup and, based on what we've seen, Bloodshot looks to build upon its predecessor's success. Also, football (the non-US kind) fans have something to be happy about in Pro Evolution Soccer 2008. Unfortunately, that's all 360 fans get this week, so we hope you like beating people to a bloody pulp for no good reason or, if that's not your thing, you can always pick up Condemned 2.
Buy Condemned 2: Bloodshot, get something free
The calm, cool Sunday air has once again brought an informative wind gust of savings, and this week the savings are focused towards Condemned 2: Bloodshot.This week, purchasers of Bloodshot have two retail options to choose from to get a copy of the game AND get something for free. If you head to Best Buy to make your Bloodshot purchase, you'll be rewarded with a free Best Buy $10 gift card which we have to say isn't too shab. The other purchasing option is Circuit City, where they are offering Condemned: Criminal Origins for free with the purchase of Bloodshot. Yes, we said free! And if you're low on Microsoft points you can grab a 1600 point card for $10 with the purchase of any Xbox 360 game $29.99 and up. That means, buy Bloodshot at Circuit City, get Criminal Origins and 1600 Microsoft points for $10. Lovely! But be warned Circuit City shoppers. When they offered CoD3 for free with the purchase of CoD4, they only honored the offer until their already depleated stock of CoD3 was gone and anyone else pretty much got screwed. Oh, and we guess we should say these offers are probably only good IF the game ships this week.Read - Condemned 2: Bloodshot at Best BuyRead - Condemned 2: Bloodshot at Circuit City
Bloodshot commercial scares us (in a good way)
It's really hard to come by interesting office stories. "So this one time, Bill-from-accounting and I were sitting in the break room, right?" See? It's already boring. But how about this one: "Hey, remember that time when all the filing cabinets started bleeding and we were attacked by demons with mouths full of metal?" Much more interesting. It would seem, then, that this Condemned 2: Bloodshot commercial was concocted for the sole purpose of proving that an office can be scary (and not in that dead end job, "I'll never make manager" kind of way). Indeed, the commercial is pretty frightening, but it begs the question: what other locations could use a spooky makeover? Our vote: the DMV.
Soma Bringer video explosion 3: The Legend of Curly's Gold
If there's one thing we like about Soma Bringer, it's the fact that there's always plenty to look at. The gaming journalist in us loves that, while the game-obsessed geek in us loves that. It's a very feel good thing.And, on top of the video above, there are two more fresh trailers for the game, conveniently situated past the break for your viewing convenience. Hit them up and then make fun of us for a City Slickers 2 reference in the comments.%Gallery-8412%
Tuning and finalizing Condemned 2: Bloodshot's UI
If you're like us and love getting an inside look into how simple video game development decisions are made then you'll probably want to read Monolith's latest IGN blog entry, The Beta to Cert Push.In the post, Condemned 2: Bloodshot's senior producer Dave Hasle talks about and gives examples of the development process behind Bloodshot's user interface (UI) and how they had to scramble to get it right. Because as everyone knows, a concrete release date is thorn in a developer's creative foot. Hasle's UI writeup is a pretty solid read showing the evolution of Bloodshot's UI and in the end, we're happy with the grungy / dirty feel they settled on. Thumbs up to Hasle, thumbs up to UI and thumbs up to Bloodshot. Now let us play it already.
Condemned 2: Bloodshot GDC video blowout
If you've been waiting for a bunch of in-game videos of upcoming Condemned 2: Bloodshot then man oh man do we have a (bloody brutal) treat for you. The cool cats over at GameTrailers posted a googling number of super new Bloodshot videos each highlighting a specific portion of the game. So much content that we'd be willing to bet you could make your purchasing decision after viewing all the media contained in this post. No lie. We've embedded all the new in-game Bloodshot media after the break and lovingly highlighted the opening cinematic above. Speaking of which, Bloodshot's opening cinematic is quite enjoyable as we again learn that you can never go wrong with a roach cameo.
Ethan and his Condemned 2 crew profiled
For those who haven't had a chance to pickup and play Condemned: Criminal Origins or for those who just want a little refresher, IGN posted a rather comprehensive list of character profiles for SEGA's upcoming Condemned 2: Bloodshot.After reading through Bloodshot's various character profiles we just can't help but once again be excited by main character Ethan's troubled past and how it'll play out in Bloodshot. He's an alcoholic who is paranoid, sees things that aren't really there and is at his rock bottom. Best part is that you get to take on his troubled persona and use it as an excuse to slam heads between doors and snap necks. Hopefully special agent Rosa Angel will come along to make everything better and heal Ethan's heart. We hear she has that magic touch.
Wanna see nine minutes of Condemned 2?
We don't know about you, but we still haven't grown tired of mercilessly beating homeless people to death. Of course, we're not talking about real life – that would be mean. But it comes in spades in Condemned 2: Bloodshot as proven in this glorious nine minute gameplay clip. The video helps to further explain the revamped combat system, which was actually pretty good in the first game. However, now you'll be able to punch, throw weapons and slam your enemy's heads into objects. Condemned 2 promises to be the most scary, visceral, in-your-face title yet on the PlayStation 3, and we can't wait for some more homeless on homeless violence.
Bloodshot video sheds light on new combat
Sega has released a new developer walkthrough video for Condemned 2: Bloodshot, which highlights the game's combat and forensic systems. While we've heard quite a bit of this information before -- fist fighting, environmental kills -- this is the first time we've gotten to see most of it in motion. In particular, we get a strong look at the game's combo system, which rewards players for using connected strikes against opponent. There are special combos that require the player to follow on screen prompts, for instance (similar to a quick time event). The environmental finishing system is interesting too. Once a player grabs onto an enemy, all the finishing options in the environment are highlighted with special icons. This system allows players to quickly locate environmental finishers, like, say, a nearby railing.Also mentioned is the improved forensics system. As reported before, the forensics segments are optional. Skipping them may not be the best idea though, as they help players obtain upgrades. Check out the video after the break.
Monolith Productions developer talks Condemned 2
There's not much to say about this newly released developer walkthrough for Condemned 2: Bloodshot that the video doesn't tell you, with the exception that this game is going to kick much more ass than the previous game. Condemned 2's lead game designer, Frank Rook explains how the game's chain attacks work and shows the more in-depth forensic system. Despite the fact that all the video is in the pre-beta stage, the game is already looking great, and we can't wait to see more.
Video: Bloodshot's forensic funnery
We've seen a few trailers, some hobo thwacking and now we get a chance to preview Condemned 2: Bloodshot's forensic gameplay. Embedded above is said forensic footage that'll give you a really brief look at the optional forensic work you'll encounter in the game. Our first impression is that the game's forensic fun is more detailed and interactive that the original as you get to choose from various options and aren't "fed" information on which tool you must use or what you have to look for. Though, after a second look, it's obvious that Bloodshot's forensics are quite scripted and simple. Male or female? Blood splatter or blood smear? Yadda, yadda, yadda. But, like we said, the forensic work is optional, so you can progress through the game like normal if you choose to focus your energy on beating hobos instead. Hobo beating FTW!
Condemned 2's multiplayer modes revealed
Sega said awhile back that Condemned 2: Bloodshot would feature online multiplayer, but we never really knew exactly what that would entail, until now. Sega revealed today that Condemned, which ships on March 11, will feature four online multiplayer modes that supports up to eight players simultaneously.Those modes are: Crime Scene is a round-based competition to find and protect valuable evidence within the Condemned universe. One team will use its forensic tools to track and scan the evidence while the opposing team will do everything in its power to keep the evidence hidden and protected. Bum Rush is a team-based race against time. With three minutes before one team can safely be evacuated, players must hold off an onslaught of attacks by the other team until the timer runs out to stand a chance of survival. Deathmatch is the classic free-for-all mode. Players can use every weapon they can find to dispatch enemies as quickly as possible in this melee battle royale. The player with the highest score at the end of the time limit wins. Team Deathmatch is the team-based version of the classic free-for-all mode. Working together, players pick up weapons from the environment and fight off as many enemies as possible before the clock runs down. The team with the highest score after the time limit wins. It appears Sega's giving players the standard multiplayer modes that we've all come to love, but Crime Scene sounds pretty interesting as it is the only one to be centered around the game's excellent forensic tool system. The more we hear from this game, the more excited we get. We can't wait until March!
Condemned 2 dated March 11, new multiplayer details
Sega has officially unveiled the North American release date for Condemned 2: Bloodshot. The title is set to release March 11 (it was previously revealed that the game will see it's European release on March 14). More exciting than the revelation of its release date is the detailing of Bloodshot's multiplayer modes. The modes available will be Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch (we know those better as Hobo Fight Club) alongside two previously unannounced modes, Crime Scene and Bum Rush. Crime Scene is undoubtedly the most interesting of the two. It involves two teams in a round based game in which one team attempts to collect and analyze evidence while the other team will endeavor to "keep the evidence hidden and protected." Somehow we're guessing that protecting the evidence involves a lot of neck snapping. Bum Rush is more or less a survival game type in which one team must remain alive for a certain amount of time while the other team does their best to prevent this. Again, we're guessing the snapping of necks will be involvedColor us excited.[Via press release]%Gallery-14432%
Video: Condemned 2 goes "twhack!"
IGN scored two twenty second videos that show off Condemned 2: Bloodshot's fighting system and although they're brief, they give us our first sample of actual gameplay to date. And after watching both clips, we're (for whatever reason) left a bit underwhelmed. Maybe we expected less "clunky" animations, maybe we expected something different from Bloodshot or maybe we're just having a crappy Saturday, but something feels off. Take a look at both clips for yourself after the jump (seeing that IGN's embed code doesn't work for some reason) and tell us what you're impressions are of the hand to hand combat. Hopefully our issues with these clips can be attributed to our craptacular Saturday mood, because we want Bloodshot to be good. Oh how bad we want it to be good.
