Hydro Thunder is back! Now called Hydro Thunder: Hurricane and promises to bring back all of the good times from its predessesor. Since Midway is pretty much no more, the game is being developed by Vector Unit. We got a hands at E3 to find out what’s changed and what was bought back.
This new Hydro Thunder Huricane plays just like the original. The sliding turns, big air jumps, bouncing on the waves, and the rest of the familiar racing styles appear to be like the original but brand new. There are some new features in the game, the boats can crash into each other causing mayhem and pile ups, and the race leader will not have as many boost pickups available, leaving more boost for the racers in the back.
What the developers have done with this new game is keep the same style of gameplay, colorful environments, and many secret paths that were available in all of the tracks. Speaking of tracks, there are eight in total with their own settings. The blue and red boost tanks are littered throughout all of the tracks.The different racing modes include time trial, tournament, slalom-type of race, and quick race. The boats are still sorted into 3 categories: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advance. Along with that, some boats are making a comeback like Rad Hazord and Razorback.
The game can be played with eight players online and four players split screen. When it comes to online the host controls the lobby, host controls the map selection and the type of race. The leaderboards are in place to keep everything competitive.
Any race that you take part in earns you credits. With the credits you can unlock new boats, boat skins, game modes, tracks, and Avatar Awards. There are downloadable content already in plans for the future. Look for the release in late July.
Apparently the Crysis 2 Nano Collectors edition was leaked by Webhallen, a Swedish retail company. German gaming site Playfront was one of the first to catch wind of the bundle before Webhallen got a chance to smack themselves in the face and pull it away from view. So far we do know that the bundle will cost around $200 US and comes with a 176-page art book, a type of “SCAR” hologram, a seven-inch “Prophet” Statue, unlockabale ranks and items for multiplayer, and a backpack designed to resemble the nano-suit within the game itself all packed together in a tin box. As now we aren’t sure if it will be an European release bundle only or if EA will include everyone in the collectibles market.
Sony recently added to it’s Terms of Service a section outlining possible risks gamers take when playing games in the third dimension. The new terms make it clear that playing 3D games for a long time can cause eye discomfort, fatigue and possibly nausea. Furthermore it mentions that it advises against children under six to play 3D games because their vision is still developing. For everyone else the terms also mention that you should take frequent breaks while enjoying the awesomeness of your 3D games.
One of the biggest games ever to launch for the Nintendo DS family of systems has arrived in North America, giving U.S. consumers a chance to experience the hand-held gaming phenomenon that has already attracted more than 4.2 million players in Japan. With unique features that let players customize characters and connect with friends via a local wireless connection to take on epic adventures, Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies, developed by Square Enix gives people of all ages, backgrounds and gaming experience levels a remarkable way to combine imaginative game play and social fun.
Players begin by creating fully customized heroes to guide on their quest, choosing from different face, hair and even eye color. As they journey forth, characters are further developed and enhanced as they choose from more than 1,000 items and pieces of equipment, change jobs and abilities, and join up with new customizable companions. Using a local wireless connection, up to four players within range of each other can band together at any time to explore mysterious dungeons and tangle with fearsome monsters throughout a spellbinding world of adventure.
In addition to a wireless multiplayer mode, DRAGON QUEST IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies includes an interactive Tag Mode that allows players to keep the game active even while their Nintendo DS system is stored in their pocket, purse or backpack. When two players come within range of one another, Tag Mode enables them to automatically exchange character information, customized greetings and treasure maps wirelessly. These treasure maps allow players to find otherwise inaccessible dungeons called grottoes featuring special boss monsters and even rare items.
First and foremost I think a big thank you is in order to High Moon Studios and Activision for bringing a Transformers game that I’ve always truly wanted. There have been many Transformer games prior to War For Cybertron, and unfortunately a majority of them have faired under par. However here comes the shocking news, this game is not just good but great, Transformer fans are in for a special treat this time around. The story for TWFC takes place a millenia before the first generation of Transformers that aired during the 1980’s or as a good majority of fans have come to known as G1. The civil war between Decepticons and Autobots rages on for Cybertron. TWFC tells the story of the events leading up to the end of Cybertron and how it all happened but its not like you didn’t know that already … A few back stories of certain characters are more flushed out in the game. Starscream’s defection from Autobots, Optimus becoming Optimus Prime etc.
At the start of the game we dive straight into battle with the Decepticon side of the war which eventually follows up with the Autobots’ side after. Players are able to start from either the beginning with Decepticons or jump ahead to the Autobot campaign and skip the entire Decepticon side to begin at a later time, although doing this will add only slight confusion to the story. At the start of each mission players are given the option to choose from 3 characters to play from. Players can choose to be either the leader or one of the two backup characters for the mission and when it begins you have the choice of freely transforming into your vehicle mode or autonomous (robot) mode almost anywhere in every stage. Just be sure not to transform off a ledge or accidentally get too excited in the game and transform when nothing is underneath you. Each character has a specific load out with different abilities to use, either giving offensive buffs, cloaking to become invisible, or the ability to put down a force field to block enemy fire. Secondary fire arm slots are always left empty for all characters, but early on in the stage weapons can be found within a weapon crate or off specific fallen enemies.
Ammo and Energon cubes are scattered throughout the levels. Sometimes they’re either plenty to come by or little to none, but they are sure to pop up eventually when in dire need. The single player missions are great, the story is robust and mission based gameplay gives players ambition to push on. Each level is vast, but the environment is controlled enough to push you through the level and keep the story progressing. Background and lighting throughout Cybertron are amazing, I was amazed by the level design and detail put into everything. From the rotating gears on each character, to blinding starlight in the distance, the designers were very thorough. Every character has their own specific personality and all the sounds throughout the game seem spot on. Lets not forget what was added to the single player campaign to make it that much worth wild, the option to play 3 player co-op online. Now you can get into the game with two other buddies and it’s a hell of a lot of fun. Players can also set up a matchmaking game for some co-op campaign play.
Multiplayer modes come in many different forms. Activision took a page right out of Call of Duty and shoved it directly into Transformer’s, with a little bit of revision of course. Capture the Flag, Team Deathmatch, Deathmatch, Domination, Headquarters, and Sabotage are all packaged in with different names like Conquest for Domination, Count Down to Extinction for Sabotage, Power Struggle for Headquarters, and Code of Power being Capture the Flag. Within each game mode you level up one of four character classes which you can swap during the match. Scout, Scientist (Medic/Support), Leader, or Soldier run the gamut. They’re ranging from the lightest class with cloaking abilities, to the heavy class that’ll stand dish out the hurt. Each character has a set of load outs, abilities, and kill streaks all different from one another. Customization of each class gives you the choice to change what payload to enter the battlefield, what abilities to have, which character and color of Transformer to go with. The third person view point within the game has some benefits like peeking around corners without giving yourself away, watching your back for cloaked enemies, and watching the amazing transformation process every time you decide to, well you know the saying … roll out.
The game play is great in multiplayer, fast, furious, but can get a bit unbalanced with higher level characters. However taking note of what abilities others have unlocked and how they use them gives the lower leveled players ambition to level up so they can start taking people apart piece by piece. While playing I did find a few glitches within the game, such as driving full speed in vehicle mode then transforming into not just autonomous mode but into and sometimes through the floor itself. Lag and connection to games are also a bit of an issue at times. Lost connection at the start of matches just kills the mood. Shooting at enemies and or the melee detection could use some work, we found ourselves scratching our heads when we melee’d someone for sure only to be left in scrap metal.
Another mode into the mix is Excavation which we all know to be Horde mode from Gears of War. Upto four players choose their favorite Autobot or Decepticon from story mode and are pitted against waves upon waves of enemies. Throughout the waves points are earned by kills that are then used to purchase health, ammo, weapons at different stations, and unlock doors that lead to different rooms and more weapons. Survival of the fittest/strongest is the name of the game for Excavation, kill fast and kill often. The more points you earn the better weapons, health, and ammo replenishes you’ll be able to use. Excavation is challenging, so be sure to be ready after every wave.
Transformers is a great game with elements from some of the greatest first person shooters around. The ability to transform wherever and whenever makes the game feel authentic and unique at that. Fierce battles whether they’re between AI or Human players are always expected. High Noon did a great job bringing the war from Cybertron into your living room. If you’ve had doubts about this game, well don’t, this game is everything and more from the Transformers Universe. The story mode alone was worth it for me but to throw in Excavation, co-op campaign, and a robust multiplayer system like Call of Duty pushed it over the top and beyond. The game isn’t perfect, but to expect perfection from a series that already has lasted over two decades of animation, movies, and games is a bit much to ask for. I’m far content with what they have brought to us. Talks of DLC being available and plans for more Transformers games like this, we can’t wait to what they bring in next.
Unfortunately Destination Arcade has been indeed delayed till next Wednesday July 21st, reason being of course to coincide the release with Microsoft’s Summer of Arcade promotion. I guess that’s fair enough, new content with new games right on the horizon is always worth the wait. First up to kick off the summer of games is Limbo. So be ready for a renovation of the old market place with new set of games and looks next Wednesday July 21st.
To celebrate his 30th birthday, Namco Bandai has recently release screenshots and trailer for a new type of PAC-MAN game for the Nintendo Wii. This game seems to be highly similar to “Mario Party,” and is fun nonetheless and the minigames look mindblowing and “hellafun”. There seems to be enough characters to choose from, perhaps 8 in all…it’s quite hard to tell at this point. With over 45 minigames, many level varieties, and a full cast PAC-MAN Party is sure to be fun for the whole family.
PAC-MAN Party is scheduled to be released throughout North America this fall. For more information on the game, please visit: www.namcobandaigames.com or www.partywithpacman.com
Namco Bandai has given us the release date of Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, and the date that they set fourth is October 8th. Mark your calenders, put it in your cell phones, put a sticky note on your tv, or just tie a piece of string around your finger. I have a feeling that this game will be fun to play, with all the swinging and beat’em up action, and from what we know so far a pretty good story line should be packaged with the game. So Remember October 8th, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West.
Recent surveys indicate that consumers are not sold on the idea of home-based 3DTV. Of those surveyed, nearly 70 percent of those who don’t want 3DTV cited the stereoscopic glasses as the main reason. RealView Innovations’ 23” and 32” Deep Screens, which debuted in the US at E3 in June, are the only available multi-dimensional solutions available to consumers that do not require 3D glasses. Equally important, the Deep Screen works with any current movie, DVD or video game available. Using patented Depth-Enhancing Technology that uncovers depth cues hidden in 2D images, the Deep Screen uses a combination of sophisticated optical components that work seamlessly with existing TVs, PCs and LCDs by simply fitting over the screen. Once the Deep Screen is in place over the monitor any movie, show or video game will instantly exhibit a rich, multi-dimensional expansion of images, colors and space. Images seem to extend forward from the viewer, as if expanding the screen’s depth and providing a wider visual horizon. There are no glasses or software required or any type of pre-programmed content. It’s ready out of the box (larger version will be available in late 2010).
Notable Highlights:
No Glasses Required
No Software or Pre-programmed Content Required
Works with Existing Library of Movies and Games
Comfortable to Use and Easy to Set Up
Sleek Design Attaches Directly to TV or Monitor in Seconds
23” Model fits 19–23” Monitors & TVs
32” Model fits 29-33” Monitors & TVs
Immersive, Multi-Dimensional Viewing Experience
Works with Existing TV Technology
Works with Existing PCs, LCDs, Plasmas, and LEDs
No Configuration Required
Compatible with 20-23” screens (32” and 42” available summer 2010)
Today Ubisoft released the first trailer for Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. 2 for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and the Wii. Dated to release in the Fall of 2010, Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. 2 is a game in which you play the roll of a member of an elite jet-fighter group known as the “High Altitude Warfare eXperimental squadron” or H.A.W.X.
With Jets ranging from the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird to the F22-Raptor, H.A.W.X is all about dog fights, air-to-ground destruction, and a single/multiplayer experience that we wingless mammals only dream of. Coming from the creative mind of Tom Clancy himself, you can be certain that the story lines and plot twist in this game will have you at the edge of your seats, even at Mach 4.
Be on the look out for this title
P.s, air-to-air refueling during crucial missions…thrilling, dangerous, and so much fun!
