It looks like the only noteworthy game shipping this week is Injustice: Gods Among Us. Comic-book fanboys and fighting-game aficionados will definitely want to keep their eyes on this one. One of my videogame writer friends was raving about the game last night, saying that it’s lots of fun and comparable to the most recent Mortal Kombat game. As a mark from DC Comics (Nightwing rules!) and one of the people that actually enjoyed Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe, I’m excited for this…but really, I’m excited for any game that features Nightwing. The dude rules, like Ben Affleck in Phantoms.
Microsoft’s Major Nelson (not his actual military title) has announced that WWE programming — including pay-per-view events — is now available through Xbox Live. Naturally, the programming is only accessible to Xbox Live Gold members. While the WWE channel will feature all kinds of information that lets you, “See the WWE Superstars and Divas like never before,” the juicy news is that, “Starting today, all WWE pay-per-view events are available right from your Xbox 360.”
This is another strong move by Microsoft that strengthens Xbox Live’s non-gaming offerings. Considering that there’s a ton of overlap between the WWE’s core demographic and the people that play Xbox 360 games, this is a natural fit. Also, props to Microsoft for using images of AJ Lee to promote the announcement; she’s a true gamer-geek that used to be the ultimate woman (until she got too mainstream).
Will any of you be using your Xbox 360s to watch WWE PPVs?
Here are a bunch of screens from Way of the Dogg starring Snoop Dogg/Lion/Potser. Since it stars a man with many names, the game is appropriately a mix of many genres. There’s fighting, rhythm, and music for you to deal with. While I’m still digging up information on whether this game is best played under herbal influences, here’s a lovely third-person quote from the D-O-Double-G himself:
Everyone knows that Snoop is down with the biggest and best video games whether it’s droppin’ my hits on the soundtrack or showing the world I can go toe-to-toe with the best fighters on the street but Way of the Dogg is the first true gamification of my music. It’s the way you live, it’s the way you do what you do and captures the beat, the rhythm and the spirit of my music. It’s not just about who you are or where you’ve been but where you are headed to. This game shows how we evolve as individuals and they’ve incorporated the journey of my own personal reincarnation as Snoop Lion into my character, the environments and the path that players have to follow.
While I believe that Snoop is one of the people that’s allowed to refer to himself in the third person, I’m fairly certain that the word “gamification” isn’t in his vernacular…but that’s just conjecture. That aside, there’s something strangely alluring about a rhythm/fighting game starring Snoop Dogg. It appeals to me…and I don’t know why.
Way of the Dogg is coming to PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and mobile platforms. It will be released in conjunction with Snoop’s Reincarnated movie and album, set for release on March 15, 2013 and April 23, 2013, respectively. Do any of you find the game appealing? Or have I been inhaling strange vapors?
Here’s a batch of new screens for the upcoming Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. When I saw the game last October, I was impressed by its art style, unique yet simple gameplay, and non-verbal storytelling. It reminded me of Ico, with a bit of Heavy Rain thrown in. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is coming to PC (via Steam), PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 in Spring 2013. It will be available for $15 or 1,200 units of make-believe Xbox Live currency. Check out the screens below and let me know what you think (please!). Continue reading “Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Screens”
The latest trailer for the Deadpool videogame by High Moon Studios has been getting strong reactions from comic-book fanboys. Some people love it and some people hate it. As expected, the action is big and loud and obnoxious. As expected, Deadpool is also loud and obnoxious. Some feel that he’s too much of an idiot in the trailer, while others feel that Wade Wilson is, in fact, an idiot and acts appropriately in the clip. What do you think? Check out the trailer below and let me know in the comments section (please).
As for me, I understand both sides of the argument. The trailer has some of the qualities people want and expect from Deadpool. As a longtime fan of the comics and character, I can see how some people feel that some of his wit and charm are missing. Yes, he’s supposed to be juvenile, but he’s also supposed to be a clever, fourth-wall breaking, and parodic character. You don’t get that from the trailer, but hey it’s only a trailer, right? Writing should be a huge part of the game and I need to hear more dialogue before coming to a conclusion. Besides, Deadpool feeling up Cable negates any of the trailer’s shortcomings.
What do you think of the Deadpool trailer? Fire away!
March is going to be a great month for videogames, with loads of great franchises coming in like a lion. Kicking things off is Tomb Raider. Lara Croft’s return has been getting some great reviews and there’s just something comforting about having her back in the gaming world. MLB spring training is underway, so baseball fans will want to pick up MLB 13 The Show and MLB 2K13. Since my beloved Yankees are old and broken down, the videogame version of the team is probably the closest they’ll get to the world series. If you need to get your ninja on, then Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 is your game of the week. Has a recent overdose of Twilight given you the urge to slay bloodsuckers? Thankfully, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Mirror Fate is here. Lastly, Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk will bring a smile to those of you that miss quirky Japanese RPGs with turn-based combat.
Here’s the latest trailer for Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. What makes this video special is that it was cut by Hideo Kojima himself! Normally, legendary videogame designers let their minions assemble trailers, so this is a special treat. Check out the video below and let me know what you think of Kojima’s latest and greatest. Are you itching to play this game?
Bungie recently unveiled details on its upcoming MMO space-shooter Destiny. There are loads of previews out there full of hyperbolic preview-y text — so much so that several videogame journalists are having preview-event backlash. (I don’t want to get too into the issue. I believe that readers are thoughtful enough to figure things out on their own.) Thankfully, Gamasutra was at the Destiny event to provide a smart and balanced look at the game. I highly recommend reading the sage words of my former coworker and roommate Christian Nutt. Here’s the Cliffs Notes version:
Most of Bungie’s resources are being allocated to Destiny
The game is way, way early — Christian pointed out that the press didn’t receive screens or videos, only concept art
It’s an MMOFPS (Try pronouncing it. It’s almost as fun as duct tape.)
It’s for current and next-gen systems
It has several mobile and social features — An iOS app mockup was shown, while the social features of the game were heavily harped on
So please give Christian’s article a read when you get a chance. I believe it’s the best Destiny preview out there, even though it wasn’t written for consumers. After that, please let me know what you think about the game. Would you play an MMOFPS? Do you see yourself using the game’s iOS app? Do you think Destiny will reach Halo heights?
Nat Brown, one of the founders of Microsoft’s Xbox project, posted a long and excellent rant on the Xbox’s shortcomings. He believes that there are major issues with the system’s user experience and the company’s relationship with independent developers. He believes that these issues are why the Xbox is, “going to lose on in the living room battle with Android & iOS.” I highly recommend giving it a read. Here’s an excerpt:
So, because these two critical issues — user expereince and indie content — are not nearly in order and I see big investments in future interactive content happening, as well as idiotic moves to limit used games or put harder content protection into place than exists in mobile or tablets — i predict massive failure and losses here. And it makes me sad. Because it just doesn’t have to fail, even though it has been punted around poorly for 5 years. xBox just needs somebody with a brain and focus to get the product in order tactically before romping forward to continue the long-term strategic promise of an xBox in every living room, connected to every screen.
I’d love to hear your take on Brown’s argument. While I agree that iOS offers a generally superior user experience than Xbox, I was surprised to see him stress the importance of indie content. While I love and appreciate indie games, so many people — both within the business and consumers in general — pay more attention to the Call of Duties, Maddens, etc. I’m thrilled when developers like Giant Sparrow (The Unfinished Swan) and thatgamecompany (Journey) succeed, but I’m also not sure how big a part companies like that play in determining the future of the industry. Sometimes I get the (sad) feeling that people that write about games care exponentially more about indie developers than Joe Gamer does.
Kindly share your thoughts on Nat Brown’s post when you have a chance.
Bungie has announced that new details on its upcoming game, Destiny, will be unveiled on February 17, 2013. The game is a space shooter purported to have a deep and fleshed out universe (you know, for sequel purposes). The news was announced on Destiny’s social media pages. Here are the links to the game’s official pages so that you can follow it using the social media service that tickles your fancy:
As for the game itself, isn’t it crazy that Bungie is developing a space shooter?!? Just kidding…. Seriously though, are you amped for the company’s next action game? Do you think it can reach Halo-like heights? What do you expect and what do you want from Destiny? Kindly share your feelings (like a Care Bear) in the comments section!
(For the record, I think “Bootylicious” should be the game’s official song, because I don’t think you’re ready for this jelly.)
