During the Pax East 2010 event, Capcom had a playable version of Super Street Fighter 4. We had the opportunity to test drive it before its April release date. Super Street Fighter 4 plays identical to the original with plenty of additions. First is the addition to a second ultra combo, when choosing your character one of the two can be selected in the beginning. The character models look slightly more defined, moves very fluid and the enviroments also receive a graphical boost.
All the characters from the SF4 return with new characters ranging in Street Fighter games. Guy, Cody and Adon from the Street Fighter Alpha series. Makoto, Ibuki and Dudley from the Street Fighter III series. Dee Jay and T.Hawk from the Super Street fighter 2 game. Lastly, Juri and Hankan are the 2 orginal characters. All the new characters fit right into this game but since added for the first time will have two ultra combos unseen. Hankan the Turkish wrestler was the newest character announced on the roster and while he had a very odd approach of poring oil on himself, he did have some of the best combination of moves we’ve seen.
Some ultras are devastating, while others are rather silly. Animation for some characters have been slightly altered to keep a better balance. An example is Akuma’s double spinning roundhouse kick was given a frame of delay to keep from being abused and repeated often. These tweaked animations and newer ultra combos add more to the shear depth and strategy of SSF4.
So far Super Street Fighter 4 is shaping up well to be a classic in todays generation of fighters. Old and new characters feel fresh in this one which will keep everyone from using only the added fighters. With a plethora of characters, deep fighting mechanics and everyone having a second ultra, Super Street fighter 4 got our attention and we can’t wait to play it later this month.
On the floor of the PAX East convention, there stood a section with a large Disney sign suspended above it. That section was to show off Split/Second; Disney’s new racing arcade game. We got the chance to grab the sticks and check out Split/Second first hand.
In basic arcade racing mode, we were able to select from a few fully tricked out rides (I drove the Camaro) and race in the streets against 8 other cars. Since this is an arcade style racing game, more attention is placed on the action rather than the realism of the cars performance, and like most arcade style racing games, there is a way to attack your opponents to give yourself an edge.
The difference in Split/Second lies there. Instead of driving over orbs or boxes to get weapons to attack your enemy, you build your meter based on your driving (drafting, drifting, passing…) Once your meter is filled, and an icon appears above an opponents head, you can trigger your attack. However, the attack doesn’t come from your car, but from the environment. Based on your location on the track, several different environmental obstacles appear to attempt to hinder your opponents, and like most games, the higher your meter fills, the more powerful the attack.
A highlight we experienced was racing in the streets of Seattle. We filled our meter to the max and a special icon appeared over our opponent’s cars. When we triggered it, a huge explosion toppled the tower, causing it to fall, and us to drive up and through it. There are a few different “track-altering” attacks that really add that WOW factor to the game.
Keep a lookout for Split/Second for XBox360 and PS3 on May 18th, and buckle up; it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
For those who did not attend PAX, Harmonix had a Rock Band lounge setup on the main floor. We actually ran into one of the developers there and tried to get some info on future plans for the Rock Band series. He said “We want to try to take new steps in the franchise, someplace where no one would even guess we’d go”. Trying to dig more info out of him I got him to admit that the approach for music would be totally different and that they want to get into an untapped market. He said “Without saying much if your into any kind of spanish music lets say Aventura, then you should definitely stay tuned on what’s to come”.
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Does this mean there will be a Spanish Rock Band?, we took this news with a grain of salt. However I did exchange business cards with the developer and had received a strange email this morning with a picture of what looks to be an actual bundle for the unit!. The email also stated that it was confidential but to stay tuned to this years E3.
If you haven’t guessed it already this is an April fools joke, it would be interesting to see what a spanish rockband looked like.
Looks like theirs another military shooter to add to the list of FPS’s out there. This one sets itself apart from the rest by using an innovative Hydrogen Engine and defining new tactics that haven’t been seen before. Atomic Games, developer of simulations for US military and intelligence agencies and a pioneer in military action games are releasing Breach for XBLA and PC. We got our first hands on at PAX East, here are our impressions.
Three classes were at our disposal Gunner, Rifleman and Recon. Sporting a mix of weapons to suit each class, Recon equip with a sniper rifle and Rifleman having an M16. Through our developers walkthrough of the game he emphasized on how we should want to close the gap on our enemies position by destroying locations they are able to maneuver from. Taking out bunkers that sit on the cliff, C4ing a bridge or doorway to eliminate possible strategies they may have in mind. One of the things we noticed is the use of the engine is realized from the very beginning. The explosion from a C4 to blow open a wall or doorway blows both ways, as it would in real life. Getting in the way of the debris will inflict damage and sometimes kill you as it would in real life and taking out planks that hold up a bunker on the side of a cliff will cause the bunker to fall and rip apart.
Running around the terrain was no real issue, when I seemed to have hit a wall I attempted to blow a hole to get to the other side, to my surprise it work!. I was able to detonate C4 on the wall to get through a room underground that led me to a stairway out. Using the cover system in the game seemed a bit stiff and was not always sure if it would work but it does. Attempting to turn over however to shoot while in cover wasn’t working the couple of times I tried but we do know it does support it. While no graphical polish is put into the game from what we’ve seen, this game is going for realism and physics but it could be do to an early build.
For now the detail of what the engine has to offer is good enough to get us into a game with real tactical advantages in mind. More classes to come and what looked to be $15 or 1200 MS points for an 8 on 8 military shooter that uses the physics much like battlefield bad company is sitting well with us. With a planned release date of summer of 2010 we’ll give you more when it comes in
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 DLC Stimulus Package
The “Stimulus Package” is releasing on Xbox 360 for 1200 MP. The pack will contain five maps: Two old maps, Crash and Overgrown maps from Call of Duty 4. Three new maps: Bailout, abandoned apartment complex; Storm, an industrial park filled with heavy machinery and Salvage, a old car junkyard on a snowy terrain. This map pack will be released on the PS3 on April 30th for fifteen dollars.
WarioWare D.I.Y.
The Nintendo DSi XL released over the weekend and if you had the bucks to spend on it then one of the games to take advantage of the big screen is WarioWare D.I.Y. It has the ability to let you create your own mini games and also has a Wii Ware counterpart. Samurai Shodown Sen will hopefully turn out well for fighting fans of the series and some Dead or Alive action for your PSP surfaces as well. Finally Mega Man 10 is releasing on XBLA and while it includes a easy mode, the hardcore fans will likely go for the regular difficulty, enjoy the challenge. Â Â
3/28
WarioWare D.I.Y. (DS)
3/29
WarioWare D.I.Y. Showcase (Wii Ware)
3/30
Cabela’s Monster Buck Hunter (Wii)
Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 2: Stimulus Package (Xbox 360)
Dance Sensation! (Wii)
Dead or Alive Paradise (PSP)
Hitman: Blood Money (Xbox LIVE Games on Demand)
Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore 2 (Xbox LIVE Games on Demand)
On the show floor of PAX East one thing was prominent and that their were plenty of 2d side scrollers coming from indie or xbla/psn devs. These guys are not only familiar with this category but has ruled this space time and time again. The Behemoth were showing their 3rd game recently titled BattleBlock Theater and unlike previous entries such as Castle Crashers and Alien Hominid, this one takes a different approach. We got a chance to check it out for ourselves and see what this party style game is about.
From the start we customized our characters to play with and were able to change the head type, face, body and weapon for some really interesting looking players. Three game modes were shown and all were two vs two matches. The first one we played had us color blocks by touching them around the stage. Each team had a color and a few seconds in which we can steal the block they are changing. Once the block was a solid color they could no longer be change. Games were also timed and given two rounds and one tie breaker if needed. Essentially this game type is graffiti that can be seen in other games but the 2D approach worked well in this case.
The second was collecting gold coins from what seemed to have been a floating wale. The coins when grabbed would then float to your safe box that was floating around with your team, however if your opponents manage to kill you by stomping on your head or by attack then they can steal the coin in progress. Unlike the first stage this one had three pools of water which can also make you lose coins if fallen into.
Third game and were told was just added into PAX East was king of the hill with a twist. Each person had their own “flag” (was more like a ghost in them) and the object is to take one member of the opposing teams flag to start receiving points for each second they held onto it. One of each opposing teams flag can be held for you and your teammate but once you get killed your flag and theirs pops out of you putting them up for grabs.
The four player party style gameplay has just the right amount of flare to make it another hit. Although minimal instructions were given before each mode, it took mere moments to figure out what was going on. The unique style that has been used for Castle Crashers and Alien Hominid before it, is fluid as always. One of the best pick up and play games we’ve seen in awhile, for now no release date is known except that it will release in 2010, we’ll give you more news as it comes in.
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Risen is one of those games that has so much content that your brain can automatically implode in the mere thought of what could possibly be done first. Thankfully their are plenty of people that can appreciate this and are less found of a more linear approach to RPG’s, AKA a blockbuster title that came out recently … This is also because it is a port of a PC RPG but in any concern what do you get from this game you may ask? An open world RPG that the thought of untying your shoe laces will spiral you into an unforgiving path of evil and destruction. This is not true but their are enough choices to see where I’m getting at.
In a world where humans are in an ever growing war, your ship is attacked at sea and capsizes onto shore of a mysterious island. Unlike other RPG’s their is no clear path to go here. A simple set of instructions on what maybe your mission and players will need to make their move on what do to next. On one hand it does feel like the game leaves you high and dry at first but becomes rewarding when you yourself have discovered the next point you need to make on your own. We were pretty surprised to see how opened ended this was, walking through the forest to uncover passage ways, and going through caves to uncover items, etc. At first glance it may not seem huge, one big castle, town and a few smaller villages but rest assured that the land is vast across the entire game.
Making your way to any section on the island seems to be a commitment of sorts. Entering the harbor town almost feels like a game within a game, which btw you will need to pay to get in and warned that you will not be able to leave. The NPC’s (non playable character) in town are down, poor and outright nasty at times, you will definitely feel like the recession has hit its tole here. The harbor town is one of the many areas that you can learn skills through your progression, like pick-pocketing, selling of wares, combat and jobs. The time that can be spent completing quests and gaining information in this time would seem like a life time.
Moral choice is a key factor in this game, performing actions that are taken lightly in other RPG’s can’t be said here. Trying to enter an NPC’s house to open a treasure chest will leave you undesirable to say the least as you’ll most likely get attacked by the guard and home owner. Attacking or even killing some one can have permeant effects in the area you are in. While plenty of choices will surround you, there isn’t much to choose from the alliances that can be joined. There are only two factions to be apart of, the Order or the Rebellion which is how it sounds. If you are not apart of the ever growing Order, controling most the land then you are part of the Rebellious. More then one way can throw you on either side, sometimes unexpectedly.
Your inventory unlike other games is pretty much unlimited here, definitely something that we can get used to as loot drops like rain in the game. The armor that you choose to wear defines your actions and how you will be treated by characters. Different skills can be learned with different weapons, an Axe, a sword and staff are some of the few. If becoming a mage is a class you might desire then the Order is the faction for you, gaining skills by ranking up in training.
NPC’s are fully voiced and delightfully not painful to listen to, key characters do sound better but overall a nice touch. The music is actually very soothing as well and give that open world or MMO feel (sort of like Lineage II). Everything from sword swinging, ambient noise, NPC’s, and creatures sound great here.
Being that this game is a PC port somethings do not translate as well onto the Xbox 360. One being combat, while not entirely bad, seems very awkward. Another are the graphics and take a hit in this version as lighting effects and overall textures are taken a step down from its PC predecessor. Lastly is the games inability to give you a direct path or tutorial on said missions, skills, weapons or classes. Hardcore gamers are more forgiving in these types of scenarios.
Overall the quality of Risen is something all developers need to take a look at. Building your character opens new possibilities and doors, making traveling a breeze. While combat can be structured better and the degrade of graphics won’t catch everyone, their is just plenty to do in this game. The level of character engagement, choices to make and the ever changing mood are all its greatest strength. For many players their might be to much but it is worth a look at if you want your RPG to stretch for weeks on end.
Sonic put his feet on hold and took up 4 wheels in Sonic & Sega All Stars Racing. Sega made a kart racer that is on the same level with the famous Mario Kart. Sonic, tails, kunckles and gang with famous character from sega titles debute in kart racer. Exclusive to the 360 version, Banjo and Kazooie also joins the fun. The question is does Sonic and the crew have what it takes in the Kart Games?
Anyone who has played Mario Kart will play this game with ease. SSASR has plenty of items at your disposal, ranging from basic ammunition such as punch gloves that fly straight or behind, red seeker missile, and explosive road cones to halt your competition. A special item is given to each character, unique to from their game. An example is Sonic gathering the 7 chaos emeralds and transforms to Super Sonic , going twice as fast through out the track for a short period. Lighter characters excel at maneuvering, big characters with hulking machines are speed kings and middle sizes karts are well rounded.  However there is a huge character balance issue, the characters who use bikes have a slight advantage over the rest of the characters because of their wheelie boosts which seem to be heavily exploited online. With that being said, overall SSARS is a blast to play.
SSASR is the best looking Kart Racer to date. Super vibrant colors, great lighting and special effect are plentiful here. Certain stages like the Sonic theme and Samba de Amigo stages are bright and shiny very colorful. The character models all received a great touch of detail. The Vehicles in the game are also nicely desiged, Eggman’s “Egg Monster” although simple, is impressive to see none the less.
Nostalgic chimes and tunes will bring gamers back to the early days. Each stage will the ability to use old school songs from that Sega game stage. Some sound affects to the game are actually kind of bland and lack any really punch to them. When utilizing weapons in the game, the impact is weak, the classic tunes will be the primary target for your ears while your racing through the course.Their is however a race announcer, which is new to a kart racer. Adding another layer of immersion that is surprisingly well and gives SSASR more of that wacky kart feeling.
The game has plenty of variety with single player challenges like Grand prix, time trials, and missions for specific characters. The multiplayer experience is good as well, split screen or online play can be done. Online play is easy to navigate and runs just as smooth the single player. Also, for doing well in racing (or complementary gift for losing) you can earn Sega miles that can be use to purchase more characters, soundtracks, or stages. A co-op grandprix would have been a nice addition but for its first run not surprising that it is not included.
Sonic & Sega All Star Racing is a fun game. Many similarities to Mario Kart but that’s not a bad thing. It has its own little charms that stand out from MarioKart, but it pays homage to high grade quality Kart Racing that Mario Kart is known for. Plenty of modes to play, Nostalgic tracks, characters, Chimes and great racing, SSASR is a great racing experience. Sonic may be the fastest, but with 4 wheels he’s got competition.
The countdown to PAX Boston 2010 is upon us, the end of the week for those who don’t know. Their are still plenty of game releases to hold you over before any game announcements or previews start seeing the light of day.
Just Cause 2 Â
An action video game and the sequel to the original Just Cause, Just Cause 2 runs on a updated engine from the first one. This game is set on the island of Panau in South East Asia. Rico Rodriguez comes back to deal with crimes bosses and dictators. Harder AI, new destructible environments, and many parts for upgrading weapons and vehicles are new within the game.
MotoGP 09/10
The second racing game to be made by Capcom as the only publisher and developer. The game is featuring a new career mode with hiring press officers, team managers, and engineers. Competing off and on the track, you can play through this mode infinite amount of times due to a no limit on the year count. The arcade and championship modes are back making this a challenge for all players.
Red Steel 2
The sequel to one of the most anticipated games from the Nintendo Wii’s launch. Where that game failed this one plans to exceed expectation and take advantage of the Wii motion plus. This first person slash/shooter game has a new story and new hero this time around. The exclusive Wii title can be brought as a bundle with the peripheral as well.
Xbox 360: Game RoomÂ
While the Game Room is not a game itself, it will support original arcade and console classics. Titles are playable through purchases from Xbox Live. The Game Room itself can be personalized with themes and arcade cabinets.
3/22 Cave Story (Wii)
3/23 Build-A-Bear Workshop: Friendship Valley (Wii) Cabela’s Monster Buck Hunter (Wii) Hall of Fame: Ultimate Hoops Challenge (Wii) How to Train Your Dragon (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii) Just Cause 2 (PS3, Xbox 360) MotoGP 09/10 (PS3, Xbox 360) Red Steel 2 (Wii) Rooms: The Main Building (Wii) The Cages: Pro Style Batting Practice (Wii)
Released in January of this year Army of Two the 40th Day will finally see downloadable content on April 1st. Chapters of Deceit puts players back amidst the disaster in Shanghai where they will stumble upon new information that could help end the invasion by Jonah and his 40th Day Initiative army. However, they quickly learn that everyone is out for themselves and no one can be trusted. The lives of this iconic two-man private military team are at risk, forcing players to rely on each other to get out alive.
This is an an all-new co-op campaign map pack and will be priced at $9.99 or 800 Microsoft points. If the game has been shelved by now then this added content should give you a reason to dust it off.
