Category: Videogames

Coffee Talk #187: The Limbo Length Argument

My friends were arguing about Limbo for Xbox Live over the weekend. They all agreed that it’s a clever game with a fantastic art style, but they differed on whether it’s worth 1,200 Microsoft Points ($15). I haven’t played the game yet, so I was a curious and impartial observer (like Switzerland…but without the chocolate and yodeling). It was a fun argument to watch because both sides were sure they were right. One argued that it’s a unique experience that’s so different from anything else on Xbox Live. The other argued that it was simply too expensive for a three-hour game with low replay value.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Dan Haren getting hurt in his first start for the Angels (*snicker*), Mel Gibson’s latest hit, or whether I should buy a $75 bag of coffee, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

My friends were arguing about Limbo for Xbox Live over the weekend. They all agreed that it’s a clever game with a fantastic art style, but they differed on whether it’s worth 1,200 Microsoft Points ($15). I haven’t played the game yet, so I was a curious and impartial observer (like Switzerland…but without the chocolate and yodeling). It was a fun argument to watch because both sides were sure they were right. One argued that it’s a unique experience that’s so different from anything else on Xbox Live. The other argued that it was simply too expensive for a three-hour game with low replay value.

When you’re arguing with your friends about similar gaming issues or considering purchasing a game, which side are you on? Does game length factor into your purchasing decision? Or do you value originality over hours? Certainly this isn’t a black-and-white issue in all cases,  I’m sure you lean towards one way. I’m curious to hear which way that is! Shout it out in the comment section (please)!

This Week’s Videogame Releases

In case you’ve been living under a rock for the last several years, Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty is coming out this week. This will be the biggest PC game release of 2010 and one of the world’s most important games. I’m pretty sure the release is a national holiday in South Korea. On consoles, hardcore fighters have a treat in BlazBlue: Continuum Shift. Last but not least is Arc Rise Fantasia for Wii. These are the only three releases that I thought would interest you. I was going to include Clash of the Titans as a joke…but it’s not that funny.

Any of you picking up new games this week? Are you attending any midnight StarCraft launches?

Coffee Talk #186: Make Your Own Limited Edition Console

The Halo: Reach special edition Xbox 360 has me thinking about limited edition consoles again. Specifically, I was wondering about the kind of consoles you ladies and gents can dream up. If you could design your own special edition console, what game would it be for? What would it look like?

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Intelligentsia’s Edelweiss Finagro Estate Tanazania, if North Korea will unleash bombs, or the Angeles snagging Danny Haren, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

The Halo: Reach special edition Xbox 360 has me thinking about limited edition consoles again. Specifically, I was wondering about the kind of consoles you ladies and gents can dream up. If you could design your own special edition console, what game would it be for? What would it look like?

As for me, the white Final Fantasy XIII PlayStation 3 is just about perfect for me. I love the Final Fantasy franchise, I love white, I love pink, and I love subtle Japanese design. I don’t think I could come up with a better console on my own. I’m pretty sure someone pulled this design out of my dreams.

Now it’s your turn! Bust out your inner Jony Ive and design your own limited edition console in the comments section!

DC Universe Online Trailer is a Fanboys Dream

This excellent trailer (via GameTrailers) of DC Universe Online is a comic-book fanboys dream! In addition to explaining the game’s story, the video features tons of DC’s “big three”: Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Lots of other heroes show up, but my mark-out moments were when villains Black Adam and Deathstroke were featured.

Check out the clip and let me know what your highlights were (please)!

20 Street Fighter X Tekken Screens

As promised, here are some screens from the upcoming Street Fighter X Tekken. There’s lots of Kazuya and Ryu, with a little bit of Chun-Li and Nina thrown in to up the sexy girl factor. As you can see, the game pretty much looks like Super Street Fighter IV, with some Tekken characters and a tag mode thrown in.

Check out the screens and let me know what you think (please)!

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Street Fighter X Tekken Unveiled at Comic-Con 2010

In arguably the biggest videogame surprise at Comic-Con 2010, Capcom and Namco announced Street Fighter X Tekken during a panel. The setup was brilliant — the Capcom panel featuring producer Yoshinori Ono was “crashed” by the Tekken team headed up by project leader Katsuhiro Harada. Capcom will be handling the 2D Street Fighter X Tekken, while Namco Bandai will be working on Tekken X Street Fighter (presumably 3D). Here a clip from the Capcom press release:

Utilizing the same technology that powered Street Fighter IV & Super Street Fighter IV, Tekken characters such as Kazuya Mishima and Nina Williams will make the transition into the Street Fighter universe having been re-imagined using the much-loved art style of these seminal titles; while retaining their unique characteristics and signature moves as they go head-to-head with classic brawlers from the Street Fighter franchise in what promises to be the ultimate match up.

As in Street Fighter IV, 2D gameplay will feature fully realized 3D character models battling for domination in both new and familiar highly detailed environments that are brought to life with engaging animations. In addition to modes such as Versus and Training that will feature new enhancements to make the fighting experience more in-depth and enjoyable, Street Fighter X Tekken will include Tag Team combat where players select two fighters to deliver knockout assist attacks and special combos.

I’m uploading a bunch of screens from the game, so stay tuned for those. For now, let me know your Street Fighter vs. Tekken dream fight.

The 3rd Birthday Official Site Launches…in Japan

Square Enix Japan has launched the official site for The 3rd Birthday. A not-a-sequel (but totally a sequel) to Parasite Eve, the game continues the story of super-powered babe Aya Brea. Last month designer Tetsuya Nomura dropped details on the game that shall not be called Parasite Eve 3. I have really high hopes for The 3rd Birthday and hope that some of you are psyched for it too. Check out the official site when you have a chance and let me know what you think (please).

Man, between The 3rd Birthday and Tactics Ogre, I’m going to be all about my PSP! I’m pretty sure Square Enix doesn’t want me to leave my bed.

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Coffee Talk #185: Your Favorite News From Comic-Con 2010

I’ve been doing a piss poor job of keeping up with Comic-Con 2010 news. Part of it is because I’ve been busy with another project and part of it is because I’m jealous of all my friends at the show, causing me to ignore its existence. I’m digging that Joss Whedon will be directing The Avengers movie, but I’m dying to hear more details about Green Lantern (even though I’m convinced that his costume was inspired by a rotten piece of salmon nigiri). A bunch of my friends have been raving about the Tron Legacy trailer, while others are hyped on DC Universe Online (videos of both are below)!

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Microsoft posting extremely impressive quarterlies, A-Rod reaching 600 home runs, or where CP3 will end up, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

I’ve been doing a piss poor job of keeping up with Comic-Con 2010 news. Part of it is because I’ve been busy with another project and part of it is because I’m jealous of all my friends at the show, causing me to ignore its existence. I’m digging that Joss Whedon will be directing The Avengers movie, but I’m dying to hear more details about Green Lantern (even though I’m convinced that his costume was inspired by a rotten piece of salmon nigiri). A bunch of my friends have been raving about the Tron Legacy trailer, while others are hyped on DC Universe Online (videos of both are below)!

What Comic-Con 2010 news has you excited? I’m going to live through you guys today and get hyped about the show through transitive properties. Ha!

What Are You Playing This Weekend?

My new schedule has been pretty tiring — waking up early to write for the site, going off to super secret project for 10 hours, heading home, and trying to write for the site again. With that in mind, I’m going to be horizontal most of Friday night and all day Saturday, which means lots of Hot Shots Tennis: Get a Grip and Dragon Quest IX. When Sunday rolls around, I’m going to try to play some MLB 10 The Show. With Bob Sheppard and George Steinbrenner gone, I want to play a bunch of games as my beloved Yankees to remember “The Voice” and “The Boss”.

How about you? What’s on your weekend playlist?

Completely Psyched for the Tactics Ogre Remake for PSP

Square Enix has officially announced that Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together is headed for the PlayStation Portable. This strategy RPG is a re-imagining of the classic Super Famicom game. The original team is getting back together for the remake, including designer Yasumi Matsuno, music composers Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, and character designer Akihiko Yoshida. You’re probably familiar with the team’s more recent games like Final Fantasy Tactics and Vagrant Story.

I’m psyched for this game for multiple reasons. I love tactical RPGs. Whether it’s FF Tactics, Disgaea, or Jeanne d’Arc, I can’t get enough grid-tacular gameplay. Secondly, I’m a mark for Matsuno, Sakimoto, and Iwata. As many of you know, FF Tactics is my all-time favorite. Matsuno’s games are awesome and I was totally bummed that things didn’t work out for him in Final Fantasy XII. I hope the kids will give him more love for Tactics Ogre. Iwata and Sakimoto are brilliant composers. The soundtrack for FF Tactics is also my all-time favorite. I completely expect these guys to create more magic with this Tactics Ogre remake.

Anyway, I’m ready for this game to rock the world! Check out some more screen shots and art. Also, let me know if you’re excited for this game. If you’re not, I might stop liking you.