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Reader hands-on: Killzone infrastructure [Update 1]
One of our readers, Kade, has prepared a special treat for PSP Fanboy readers. He was invited into the Killzone: Liberation infrastructure multiplayer beta, and he's written a rant/preview/hands-on about his experience. It's detailed enough to make you get jealous! Check it out, after the break. It'll make for some good, relaxing Saturday morning reading. [Update 1: Disabled comments.]
Metareview - Lost Planet: Extreme Condition
It's no secret that the Lost Planet marketing campaign is Capcom's most costly Westward-expansion effort to date. Xbox Live demos (that spawned a patch), Times Square ad space, and tonight's launch party have all contributed to a massive wave of hype that will come crashing down tomorrow. Have our senses been sufficiently flooded?The clump of reviews that have trickled out since the game launched in Japan and Europe (Dec. 21 & 31, respectively) has been decidedly mixed. Timing is on Capcom's side however, as these first few months of the New Year are commonly stale, devoid of competition. Our bet's on Lost Planet being a retail hit, but don't count on many remembering the game when it comes time to praise the year's best in December.
Killzone: Liberation downloadable demo
While Killzone: Liberation didn't take PSP Game of the Year honors, it still has a legion of fans that love its action-packed top-down gameplay. If you missed this game last year, now's your chance to try a sweet downloadable demo. 1. Download the demo ZIP file. 2. Extract the contents of the ZIP file. 3. Connect your PSP to your computer using a USB cable. 4. Go to the PSP/GAME folder. 5. Copy UCES00279-Demo folder into directory. Check out our new demos site: demos.pspfanboy.com
Killzone is back, ready to redeem itself... with money!
There has been a lot of controversy regarding whether or not the original Killzone was all that great. Some say it was awesome, some say it was awful, still others say it was pretty good, but the hype detracted from the good game it would have been. If you expect something amazing and get something "just good", relatively, it's a bad game. But it's not. Make sense? Let's get on with the news, then. The PS3 Killzone had dropped out of sight ever since making an appearance at E3 2005. An article over at the Dutch newspaper "de Volksrant" was titled "A video game more expensive than the most expensive film," and lo and behold they were speaking of Killzone for the PS3. It's worth noting that the title was comparing costs to Dutch films, not worldwide films. But that means Killzone is costing more than $21 million. In addition to this news, the game will have downloadable content, adding a more episodic feel. So now we know -- Killzone isn't dead. Just really expensive.
Killzone Liberation PSP bundle invades France
One of our French readers, kingplayer, sent us a tip about a brand new PSP bundle hitting France (and maybe the rest of Europe?). Like the previous Korea-only Tekken pack, this bundle features some pretty sweet box art and... well, nothing else, really. Killzone will obviously be included in this particular bundle. It appears that Sony will also be providing a new bundle featuring Vice City Stories for release the week after. Our European fans can look out for the new packages on November 8th (for Killzone) and November 15th (for GTA).
Metareview: Killzone: Liberation
The second half of October is going to be an expensive month for PSP owners. October 31st will be an especially expensive time, with two of the PSP's biggest heavy-hitters launching simultaneously: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories and Killzone Liberation. The early reviews of Killzone are in, and so far, it's good: IGN (90/100) - "It seems wherever Liberation can go the extra mile, it does. It delivers on all fronts, from a thoroughly engrossing single-player campaign to an addictive multiplayer component. Liberation also shames most other PSP offerings through its presentation, which blends excellent visuals and sound with a clean and user-friendly interface. It has a few quirks, but in the end, they seem almost negligible. Definitely recommended to fans of the action genre, but also to anyone who dislikes bad games." Game Informer (73/100) - "Killzone is a franchise that has generated a lot of hype based on one average console FPS and a really wicked E3 video a couple of years ago, but Liberation is a PSP title that has some real meat on its bones... The basics here are all done well; I just wish there was a better auto-targeting system in place, a flaw that really limited my enjoyment of this game. Still, when portable versions of shooters so often feel like product for product's sake, it's good to see a company that's actually trying to do some quality work on the PSP." UGO (90/100) - "Gameplay-wise, Liberation is one of the best overhead shooters we've ever played... We would've liked to see a slightly meatier single-player experience, but the promised downloadable chapters and maps should help that. Mutliplayer, on the other hand, is top notch, and if you've got a couple friends with the game, it'll be a sure way to kill a few hours." Meaty? Not meaty? Game Informer and UGO seem to disagree and the meatocity of the game, but one cannot forget that much more content will be made available later on in the year as free downloads, such as the highly coveted Infrastructure multiplayer. Our very own Chris Powell gave the demo an 8.5 earlier in the year, and it appears that the final version of the game is well represented by the demo. So, dust off your demo UMDs, and give the demo a spin. Chances are if you like the demo, you'll like the game.
The weapons of Killzone: Liberation
If you've played the demo, you got a good taste of what to expect from the upcoming PSP-exclusive Killzone: Liberation. You can only carry one weapon at a time, meaning weapons selection is pretty crucial to the strategy of the game. Thankfully, there are crates that will supply you with the necessary tools you'll need (for example: a rocket launcher before a deadly battle against two tanks). GameTrailers.com has posted an excellent video feature, covering the various weapons in the game. Their favorite? A explosive crossbow, a la Darkwatch. They reveal details on how you can purchase new weapons, use C4, command your teammates to cover you with turret fire, ride a tank, and more. Chris found the game demo to be pretty damn good, and with all these gameplay features, it seems like the full game will not disappoint (hopefully). Killzone: Liberation hits stores on Halloween.
November OPM to feature Killzone demo
According to the latest RadiOPM, The next issue of the Official PlayStation Magazine (OPM), will also feature the Killzone: Liberation demo that's been extensively covered on the site. With distribution through OPM, and PlayStation Underground, it appears that Sony's really revving their marketing machine to hype this game. And why shouldn't they? The game's really good. [Via IGN Boards]
PSP Fanboy Review: Killzone: Liberation demo
While I was in Gamestop today picking up my copy of Saints Row, I noticed they received their demo copies of Killzone. After plopping down $5 big ones, it's now mine, and I've spent enough time with it to give you my take. First of all, I can't help but keep being reminded of Metal Gear while playing this game. With its isometric view, it looks a lot like Metal Gear Acid, but, thankfully, there are no damn cards involved in Killzone. But looking similar to Metal Gear Acid, which is beautiful in its on right, is not bad at all – oh hell no. Read on to see my full review.
Killzone demo UMDs spotted
Over at the Gamespot forums, one lucky fan seems to have secured a copy of the Killzone demo on UMD. I'm guessing these are going to replace the never-to-be-heard-from-again Gangs of London UMD demo that Sony promoted about a month ago? I'll be checking my mailbox every day, and so should you. If you're interested in being able to get more demos from Sony in the future, head over to their official website and register your PSP.
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.
Killzone to feature Infrastructure multiplayer, but not at launch
Killzone: Liberation is one of the most anticipated games for the PSP. The shooter will feature six-player Ad-Hoc multiplayer modes including Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Assault and Capture the Flag. Not bad. But more exciting is the potential for Infrastructure, which will be made as a downloadble upgrade a few weeks after the game's release on Halloween. In addition to multiplayer, two more maps will be released at that time and a new single player chapter, with four new missions. I'm assuming that it'll be good and free as the downloadable content in Wipeout: Pure. Even more exciting is knowing that downloads will be available throughout the year 2007 as well. Sweet! [Via Worth Playing]
Killzone: Liberation gameplay movies
Pictures may say a thousand words, but gameplay movies make your jaw drop to the floor and shut the h*** up. Readers inquisitive about the top-down perspective of this PSP-exclusive can now see for themselves how it can translate into some exciting run-and-gun on the go. Check out Killzone: Liberation at GameTrailers.com and don't forget to download the iPod-formatted MP4's: they'll work on your 2.8 firmware PSP. Videos: Squad Tactics Trench Warfare
Gears of War: the box
We're still not sure when this so-called 'Emergence Day' is ... but at least, now, we know what the Gears of War box is gonna look like: My Marcus, what a big gun you have! You wouldn't be compensating for any shortcomings, would you?Check out: Hands-on with Gears of War multiplayer.
Hitman: Blood Money demo hits XBL
Set to ship next week, the demo for Eidos' latest Hitman title, Blood Money, has hit the Xbox Live Marketplace. Stop everything you're doing on your 360 and give it some time to download the 783Mb demo. Can't wait until that active downloads functionality starts working fo' real. Our sources are whispering any day now.
Hands on with Killzone Liberation
There's a strong argument that the PSP needs more games like Killzone Liberation. It doesn't feel like a forced experience similar to certain titles that seem to flare up on the portable console. The top-down view works perfectly and the game mechanics don't choke when things get hasty on the buttons.
Pandemic to deploy Mercenaries 2
Pandemic has announced the inevitable, a sequel to last year's enjoyable sandbox romp, Mercenaries. The key for Mercenaries 2: World in Flames' success will be Pandemic's ability to improve upon the original's formula, which grew stale about halfway through the game. But the developer isn't ready to talk about these improvements, nor is the studio ready to release platform availability details. According to 1UP, Mercenaries 2 is headed for a console with the number '3' in its name. Our guess, the sequel will arrive on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
Hitman: Blood Money gets a ship date
Xbox 360 owners got a real treat not too long ago when we found out Hitman: Blood Money will not only be making it to the current-gen consoles but the 360 as well. Today Eidos has come out and said that May 26th is the day in which our infamous cleaner makes his debut on next-gen territory. So with this title coming out on PC, PS2 and Xbox, most gamers want to know whether or not the 360 version will be just a fancy port or provide a little something more. We know how some ported titles don't exactly live up to the next-gen hype (*cough* GUN *cough*). It'd be a crying shame to see this happen to the Hitman series. Here's hoping we don't see an easy cop-out from IO Interactive.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
The season of sequels has officially come to an end-or perhaps, just begun-with the arrival of Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Like many of the other blockbuster sequels sprouting up, Snake Eater inherits its backbone from its predecessors, while managing to surpass them in every way-we certainly don't miss the mind-numbing philosophical ramblings of MGS2. But no radar? Don't fret, there's some Snake-friendly gadgets that will ease the pain of losing your most valued crutch. The new health/stamina/inventory systems may be different, but you'll find it helps to propel the gameplay, as does the camouflage. And certainly, some players will welcome the new close quarters fighting. With Snake Eater, the developers have pushed the PS2 hardware to the max, without going overboard (see Killzone). Still, the dated camera system is annoying as ever, but the thrilling(!) boss battles and breathing environments are some of the best we've seen-and the number of available options you have to approach these scenarios is equally impressive. And c'mon, MGS characters are always priceless! Despite twists and turns around every corner, Snake Eater is clearly the best this series has to offer. But is it the best sequel this season has to offer? That remains to be determined...
Metal Gear Solid 3 available now
Yes folks, you can now eat snakes. As Solid Snake. It doesn't get much more poetic than that. Or maybe in the game, Snake eats himself... Who knows... For those of us who are fans of the Snake they call Solid, the latest iteration of the series has shipped. Expect more stealthy action, hardcore violence, and lots of great music, especially the Harry Gregson Williams pieces. (I'm a fan, what can I say.) And, of course, the always snazzy visuals an MGS game provides. The kind of visuals that, when they debuted with MGS2: Sons of Liberty, actually made grown men weep. (Happened at E3.) A word to the wise: A lot of people complained that the demo of MGS: Snake Eater was too easy. The official story is that the difficulty was tuned back considerably in the demo. Don't expect such an easy journey in the full version. Even if you have no interest in the game, the demo on the recent Jam Pack demo DVD in stores is worth checking out, purely for the opening segment. Spectacular stuff. Note for trivia fans: David Hayter, the voice of Solid Snake, is also the voice on all EA Sports "It's in the game" intros. He also wrote the screenplays for the two X-Men movies.
