Unfortunately the blue bomber’s game and prototype version has been cancelled. This will be the second game this year from the Mega Man franchise to be cancelled this year, the first being Mega Man Universe, a game we got to play at last year’s New York Comic Con. Apparently Mega Man Legends 3 had a very high criteria from the developer’s stand point. With the 3DS not having been sold at the amount that they projected it would, Capcom decided to pull the plug on the projects. All these cancellations on Mega Man games really makes you wonder if Capcom will ever come out with a full Mega Man game now that Keiji Inafune, the illustrator and co-designer of Mega Man, has left Capcom.
Mega Man Legends 3 Project Cancelled
Orcs Must Die! On PC and XBLA
We first got a chance to play Orcs Must Die! at PAX East, and since since then, we’ve been waiting patiently for it to come out. Well we’ve waited long enough! Orcs Must Die! will be coming out this summer on XBLA and PC. Sorry Playstation 3 not this time, reason being that Robot Entertainment has teamed up with Microsoft Studios for the big release. If you haven’t heard anything about Orcs Must Die! then let me fill you in a little bit, basically it’s a third person tower defense game where you set traps up to keep orcs from entering a portal. Your character is immune to traps you set down and will level up depending on how many orcs you kill. More traps become available at higher levels, and in order to purchase a trap you have to pick up health items and loot from dead orcs. Expect Orcs Must Die! soon on PC and XBLA this summer, and if you’re in San Diego be sure to head over to Comic Con since there will be a free prequel comic book explaining the storyline and a playable demo at the Xbox lounge.
Annihilation DLC Hits Again
It’s been almost a month since the Annihilation DLC for Black Ops has hit Xbox 360, which means it’s time for it’s release on PC and PS3 is due. Come July 28, the highly anticipated DLC will finally be in the hands of hardcore Blops players for PC and PS3. For $15 PC and PS3 gamers will be able to download the new DLC and finally be rid of the rants of Sarah Michelle Gellar, Robert England, Michael Rooker, Danny Trejo, and George Romero. I mean how many times during a zombie game can you really listen to people saying the same annoying lines? With the new zombie map we at least get Dempsey, Richtofen, Takeo, and Nikolai back. Oh also gamers get new maps to play on! Start counting the days guys/gals, because DLC is on it’s way!
NintendoWare This Week!
The 3DS will be getting a great treat this week, it’s not a game it’s an app! Netflix to be exact. Besides the Android and iOS, this will be the first time Netfix will be on a portable hand held game console. With Netflix changing it’s pricing plans hopefully this will boost it’s sales from all the lost customers from the plan change. Other releases this week include a racing game for Wii, Game and Watch Gallery and Baseball on the eShop, and a bunch of games for the DSi. Read the list below for specifics.
WiiWare
- 3D Pixel Racing (1-4 players, 500 Wii Points)
3DS eShop
- Netflix
- Game & Watch Gallery (1 player, $2.99)
- Baseball (1 player, $2.99)
DSiWare
- Extreme Hangman 2 (1-2 players, $1.99/200 DSi Points)
- AfterZoom (1 player, $4.99/500 DSi Points)
- Puzzle Fever (1-2 players, $4.99/500 DSi Points)
- Just SING! 80s Collection (1 player, $4.99/500 DSi Points)
Xbox 360 + PC = Windows 8?
I recently read an article that toyed around with the idea of having the Xbox 360 run the new Windows 8, of course this is all speculation from hearing the rumor of Windows 8 possibly being able to play Xbox 360 games. The gears in my head started moving and I started wondering, why hasn’t Microsoft come out with a PC/Xbox 360 console type of system? Of course there are a lot of reasons why it may or may not be possible since the layout of the circuitry and chip sets may be a little different but all in all it could be possible. After all, the early buyers of the Playstation 3 included the option of loading Linux to the hard drive to run different applications. If not create a computer to run Xbox, why not create and Xbox that can run Windows?
If you really think about it the possibility of a PC or a Mac integrating a full system set up into a regular computer isn’t that problematic. Even if you’re a fan boy of either be it Playstation 3, Xbox 360, or even possibly the new Wii U, maybe even all three could quite possibly be set up into your computer. Emulation has come a long way into making old games playable on computers already so why haven’t game makers just bit the bullet and offered the combination of the two? With emulation comes with controllers, and many people have just used the Xbox 360’s controller to play many of their emulated games. Of course the PS3 controller can be used as well but with some minor downloadable software to recognize the six-axis and buttons, same for the Wii controller. While almost all consoles have the HDMI output and most TV’s have HDMI inputs, playing your games on the big screen can be as simple as hooking up a HDMI from the tower to the TV, and if you’re worried about there being too many wires around or not having the computer in the same room as the TV, then wireless would be the way to go. With a separate adapter that allows everything from the PC to stream to the TV who says it’s not possible?
Considering all the benefits for the consumer that could come out of joining the console and PC, it really could be beneficial to developing companies as well. Instead of spending millions on research and development for how the next generation console will look and what it can have, they can spend it on developing add-ons that are plug and play. Don’t have Blue-tooth? No problem, just add an adapter. Want better visuals in your game to make it run smoother? Just go out and upgrade your video card. Consumers also get the benefit of having the best platform to play on, giving them the most up to date game console, having only one place to store all their games whether it be direct download to the hard drive or by disc, and the comfort of playing with keyboard and mouse for more precision or with controller to play a little more casual.
The big three have always been ridiculed over the price of new consoles, but if they system was integrated with so much more the entry point to buy the new system wouldn’t be frowned upon. Considering most PC’s even on a budget only cost around $500-$700, and with customized behemoth computers that can cost up to $5000 or more, why can’t we have the best of both console and PC worlds in one? Gamers and their family probably would most likely look into purchasing the system since it kills two birds with one stone, a PC and a game console for the family to use. The console company would also be able to create different entry points into the system. Casual players most likely would purchase the lower priced system, and hardcore gamers may spend money on the system that gives the the best performance out of everything.
Again just keep in mind this is all just food for thought. Whether this is what the future of gaming can become may be a coincidence but just keep in mind that you read it here. Also you kind of have to admit, you kinda want that PC system that can do all that stuff so you don’t have to turn your computer on while playing your console, just to see who wants to play a round of Call of Duty on Facebook. If companies were to come out with something like this would you be willing to purchase it? If you would or wouldn’t let us know why, we’re definitely interested in hearing from our readers on the subject.
Xbox 360 Releases for July
Been wondering what’s gonna be coming out on XBLA for the rest of July? Needing to know if you should spend your MS points or keep it for something that might be even better? Well Major Nelson just updated a list of what’s to come for the rest of July on XBLA and we’re here to inform you of what’s to come. Ms. ‘Splosion Man, Warhammer: 40,000 Kill Team, Boulder Dash XL are all set to be released on July 13 for 800 MS points each, and the much awaited Bastion comes out on July 20 for 1200 MS points. DLC and avatar also are getting some goodies and we’ve listed them as follows.
| Game Add-ons | Release Date | Price Microsoft Points |
| L.A. Noire Reefer Madness Vice Case | 12-Jul | 320 |
| Fallout: New Vegas Old World Blues | 19-Jul | 800 |
| Mortal Kombat “Rain” | 19-Jul | 400 |
| Carnival Games Coasterama Pack | 19-Jul | 400 |
| Dance Central | ||
| Taio Cruz “Break Your Heart” | 19-Jul | 240 |
| Trey Songz “Say Aah” | 19-Jul | 240 |
| Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force “Planet Rock” | 19-Jul | 240 |
|
Deal of the Week |
Discount Dates | Price Microsoft Points |
| Grand Theft Auto | ||
| Grand Theft Auto IV Ballad of Gay Tony | July 19 – July 25 | 800 |
| Grand Theft Auto IV The Lost and Damned | July 19 – July 25 | 400 |
| Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas | July 19 – July 25 | 800 |
| Games on Demand | Release Date | |
| G.I. JOE: The Rise of Cobra | 12-Jul | |
| Fuel | 12-Jul | |
| R.U.S.E. | 19-Jul | |
| Cars | 19-Jul | |
| Kinect | ||
| Get Fit with Mel B | 12-Jul | |
| Avatar Marketplace | Release Date | |
| Toy Soldiers: Cold War | 12-Jul | |
| Michael Jackson The Experience | 12-Jul | |
| The Guild | 14-Jul | |
| Call of Juarez: The Cartel | 19-Jul | |
| Bastion | 20-Jul | |
| Voltron | 21-Jul | |
| Halo Collection | 21-Jul | |
Duke Nukem Forever Review
Duke Nukem Forever is one of those games where hype isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. Where hype can utterly destroy a games reputation, sometimes before a game is even released. Duke Nukem Forever is a victim of this and while the game as a whole isn’t terrible, you can’t help but notice that if it had a bit more care it would be perceived as a great redemption.
The game takes place several years after his success from previous adventures and as it turns out everything is being attacked by aliens again!. I will admit I’m not a huge fan of Duke but I had played the games previous and it is undeniable that it had charm like no other. Over a decade later and not much has changed from the prospective of Duke Nukem. He is still as macho and foul mouth as he was then. I personally like the charm and jokes that are within the game and in almost every corner has something new to say. When your either big or small (shrunk), there seems to be a wise crack around every corner.
The FPS mechanics are decent. All the normal options from today’s shooters are here like running and equipping multiple items with the directional pad. What we liked was all of the things thrown around the game like playing pool, shooting hoops or lifting weights which will increase your health bar (ego) so they are worth doing. The puzzle elements lend cues (if not takes them all together) from games seen in the past few years but can sometimes stump you for a good few minutes before realizing what to do. Bosses are some of the games biggest highlights and you even get moments to do sequence button pressing on occasions.
Online multiplayer has death match, team death match, capture the babe (Capture the Flag) and king of the hill. The gameplay seems faster here and with most things at your disposal including the jet pack, players get more bang in a match at play. Most of the time remembering the map and weapon spawns are all you really need to come out on the top.
Some of the games biggest problems has to do with its overall story telling. Nothing on the single player side ever really jells well enough to engage you. Pop ins are pretty persistent and the load times are about some of the worst I’ve seen and am not quite sure why it needs to reload after a death every time!?
This game is not for kids by any means, it is a mature rated game. It’s not even for people that get offended easily, some of the content in the game can seem sexist or just downright crude. From the very start though you know what your getting into and you’ll either want to see it to the end or not. Duke Nukem Forever wasn’t a bad game to me. The problem lies with its obviously long development problems in the past and something that could have been so much more now. The man needs a fresh start so hopefully it’ll be ten times of awesome the next go around.
US Spending Big Moolah On Games
According to NPD the US has spent about $5.9 billion, with a big fat B, on video games in the first quarter of 2011. The $5.9 billion compared to last years 2010 Q1 figures was actually a 1.5% increase in sales. Of course NPD took in account of gaming accessories, PC games, pre-owned games, online games, social sites, and game rentals. With the vast majority of entertainment being streamlined to consumers needs and wants, video games are in the express lane. Games being available from Redbox, Onlive, and even Gamefly for rentals, and for Steam, Direct 2 Drive, or XLBA and PSN for direct download means that games can be in gamer’s hands with a touch of a few buttons.
[Source NPD]
Battlefield 3 PC Specs
New games are on the horizon, and with new games comes new system requirements (at least for PC). Battlefield 3 will be one of the big contenders to try to take the spotlight from the Call of Duty series. If it will do so we won’t find out till the time comes but many people hope so. As for the Battlefield veterans, they are at the end of their seats waiting for this to game out since this will be the real sequel to Battlefield 2. For the PC gamers hardware is key for games to run smoothly, and how developers wanted the game to run. Well wait no more, and open your wallets up cause the minimum and recommended specs have been released.
Minimum:
– Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz, 2GB RAM
– DirectX 10 or 11 compatible Nvidia or ATI video card [that really narrows it down!]
– 15 GB disk space for disc version and 10 GB for digital version
– Windows Vista or Windows 7
Recommended:
– Quad-core Intel or AMD, 4GB RAM
– DirectX 11 compatible Nvidia (GTX 460) or ATI (HD 6850) video card
– 15 GB disk space for disc version and 10 GB for digital version
– Windows 7 64-bit
Dirt 3 Review
Rally games, hell racing games are hard to come by these days. Publishers either don’t want to take the risk or others see it as a dying breed. One franchise has proven itself again and again however, Collin Macres Dirt. Dirt 3 is the newest iteration of the series and it does not disappoint. With the added weather effects which brings new thought mechanic to the table, the game will keep you on your toes till the end.
Dirt 3 makes a huge splash delivering some nice added additions since the last. Because there is now rain and snow, car controls are tighter, more responsive and feel great. Night time driving in first person view is intense and should not go without experiencing it. You will be driving through Michigan, Finland, Norway, LA, Kenya, and Monaco which all look and feel authentic. What I love is the many tuning options you have before races, the countries feel different from each other so its important to be prepared with these options.
The main Tour has 4 seasons in it with different racing styles. Not all racing styles need to be proceeded in the same way as you can accomplish plenty if your not to fond of one. Triangle cubes are what drives the style of the games menus but have found myself missing the simplicity of having an RV in Dirt 2. Don’t get me wrong it all looks cool but I felt like I had more presence in the last game. Not to mention the cubes make it all feel linear.
The roster of cars is impressive but how you go about getting them is not. There are an array of different vehicles from old to new which is really cool, some of which you probably never seen before. However there is no currency in the game, cars are awarded by your rank level and sometimes cube of which you are in. It takes the fun out of wanting to unlock a certain car if your not sure what’s coming up next. Replays also sort of lack a bit. It’s cool to upload clips to Youtube but they’re only 30sec clips and sometimes an entire race is the most memorable thing.
Online keeps you involved once the tour mode finishes up. There are some good options like party modes, time trials and 8 player ghost modes. All of them give you good fun and can have you playing for quite awhile.
Dirt 3 is a welcomed addition to the series. We’re glad this franchise grows stronger with each run. Some elements add or change slightly, while some others change drastically but the game always feels like Dirt. The game can be played causally but has plenty of options for hardcore, a robust online mode keeps the fun going when you think it ends. Now if only they get to making Grid 2 then I’ll be a real happy camper.
