Its rare, infact the roles are usually reversed when Xbox 360 loses an exclusive to the PS3. Even though Castle Crashers was only a XBLA title, it was one of the most popular XBLA titles out there. Castle Crashers developers The Behemoth have announced at the San Diego Comic-Con that the game will also be released on the PS3 (probably through the PSN store) and will be a playable version on the show floor. This version has not been dated, though it will include the PS3 Trophy system. Just imagine quaffing on a PS3 controller!
Surprised!? Its not like this title couldn’t handle itself on PS3. So it’s about time that PS3 gets another exclusive from the Xbox 360. There are very few games intended for just the Xbox 360 that stretch out to other consoles. Honestly the only ones that come to mind are Ninja Gaiden Sigma and the future release of Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2. Even with the possibility of having Mass Effect and Left For Dead on the PS3 those are most likely not happening immediately. PS3 so far have lost a ton of intended exclusives over the span of the consoles release. Grand Theft Auto 4, Assassin’s Creed, Devil May Cry 4, Virtua Fighter 5, Tekken6,Metal Gear Solid (name only), Final Fantasy XIII, Blazblue: Calamity Trigger, and the list goes on. So to get a game from the Xbox 360 library released for the PS3 means possible future titles losing their exclusivity. Does this mean The Behemoths third game due to be released in the future will see the possibility of a PS3 counterpart? Lets keep our fingers crossed along with all the PS3 owners out there.
Mark Rein Vice President of Epic Games currently said in an interview that the engine behind many games such as Mass Effect, along with many others is due for an update and the new features “will blow people away.”“It’s a very mature engine and we’re adding great new features every year,” said Rein.“I just saw some incredible new stuff that we’re either later this year or next year for new engine features and I think they’re really going to blow people away.”Rein said earlier that if they a had an engine incremental numeration system, “we’d be at about 3.8 right now.”
Wonder if some of these features would be seen in games like Bioshock 2, Mass Effect 2, and Gears of War 3 down the road. Only a hunch at this point but we can still look forward to announcements like this. I’m sure everyone will get to see alot go down at next years E3.
In our third part of racing game coverage we’re going to take a look at the wackier more creative side of the tracks. Here are some racing games to try to add more variety, innovation or just pickup and play. They are also exclusive to its respective console.
Joyride is developed by BigPark. This Xbox Live Arcade racing game will use your avatars as the racers. The game will feature fast action with realistic and comical physics. It is planned to be a free downloadable kart racing game along with extra cars and tracks that will be paid for by micro-transactions. Avatar driving starts this winter only on the Xbox 360.
Modnation Racers is developed by United Front Games. This kart racing game places a large emphasis on customization. The player can create their own racer, vehicles, and race tracks. With different power-ups to collect and use, races can get intense. The Track Studio is used for track creation, made to be user friendly, and seems to be pretty extensive. Create, share and race this mid-spring, 2010 only on Playstation 3.
This list of racing games hopes to give fans an idea of where to lean if they didn’t have a clue of the selection that will be among them starting this fall. While many of these games will see revisions, updates, and added features. It’s no doubt that this is one of the most packed filled racing years in a long time. No matter what type of racing consumers are in to, no one will be left behind the dust in the next 6 months.
Super Mario Galaxy was a big hit when it was released in 2007; the game received stellar reviews from critics and fans alike, and the title sold very well on Nintendo’s most popular console. Now the big N looks to make a direct sequel to one of its most popluar games on the Wii.
As the title suggests, Super Mario Galaxy 2 will be similar to the previous game- the main focus is still on 3D platforming with gravity playing as the main gameplay mechanic. However, for the sequel, Nintendo has added a fan favorite character: Yoshi. Mario’s dinosaur is back and will assist the Plumber in several ways. The game is still awhile off, so not many details have been released by Nintendo, but the title is sure to improve on practically every aspect of the original, making this a must have title.
By now, many users have tried to get in on the action of Battlefield 1943, but have been hit with a bit of a snag. Dice has convinced fans that it is a server issue, and they are trying to add servers around the clock. Now if any that are reading this at home have tried and have gotten a error message in the form of “Error Connecting to EA Servers”, then Dice adding servers isn’t your problem. Fortunately, we have two remedy’s that can get anyone on their way to join your friends in battle.
Now this isn’t the first we’ve heard of these issues from EA, and it seems to be back tracking from games like Skate 2 and Battlefield Bad Company. What the result is your gamer tag/ PSN name having a glitch with the EA website and not knowing if your a registered user or not. Now a way to get through this in a rare case is to login to EA.com, or register an account if users haven’t already, and link your gamer tag/ PSN name to the official website. For many users out there, this isn’t going to work because if it has been a very long time since you played an EA game or haven’t played one that lets users login via the game, then EA has no indication of validating your gamer tag / PSN name.
Now we’ve showed users the first way of getting it done on top, but another way is to sign off from LIVE / PSN and revert your time to November 2005, so it will reset your connection with EA. Problem is once users sign on, the time gets auto-set, so this never really works as intended. Well folks, the solution is simple, and it has been making its way through the internets fast, but its run into a bit of a problem. The ultimate method LVLONE has found is to download the demo for Facebreakers, make a fighter in the create a fighter section, and simply upload your character to the website. It will ask users for email and password so if this is new to anyone then remember it well. If users have a ea.com account and your gamer tag linked but have been running into this problem then use the ea.com account with the same password so it recognizes the account. All set! It will update the info and everyone will be good to go.
I wish we could say users are home free. but if anyone is doing this now for the first time, their maybe a bit of a problem. As of right now, the Facebreakers Demo on Xbox Live doesn’t exist any more … yea we know. Not going to quit yet? Good. Well if users out there have managed to download the demo in the past then go to your account by clicking the dashboard button, going into download history and finding it to re-download. Lets say anyone reading this never downloaded the demo? We’d tell you here at LVLONE “how could fans not download such an amazing game demo! …”. Fortunately users could also download the Lord of the RingsConquest Demo and sign in that way and update your account. I’m sure their maybe more methods to that degree out there but we know these work for sure. Get into Battlefield and the game should be good to go. Happy hunting and hope to see everyone in the Battlefield.
Today Capcom announced that Marvel vs. Capcom 2 will be available globally through Xbox Live on Wednesday, July 29 for 1,200 Microsoft Points. This will be apart of Microsoft’ s “Summer of Arcade”. Marvel vs Capcom 2 is the high intensive fighting of all fighting games, bringing back every character put into the vs series before that. WIth some of your favorite characters like Chung-Li and Ryu, to newly fighters like Jill from Resident Evil to Cable from the Marvel Series its no joke that this is the mother of all 2d fighting games. Xbox Live / PSN support will enable you to play online with friends and leader boards will also be there for stat track records. Be apart of the fight when it drops and the end of the month.
Project Natal made big waves at E3, arguably more than the PS3 motion controller, soon after both press conferences announced their respective projects many debates were sparked as to which tech was the superior one. Both “controllers” are fairly different and it seems that the two are going to be targeting different markets but is this true?
Microsoft’s Project Natal is completely camera based, with no controller in hand, gamers (and non gamers) will be able to interact with games just by moving their bodies or speaking. The goal of this new technology is to try to bring everyone in the house around the console to play a variety of games, sound familiar? The montage video shown at the press conference showed off a family playing a racing game, a young kid playing as a monster, a teen playing a skateboarding game and fighting game, and a family playing a game show.
The similarity between all of these mentioned games is that their all in the casual game market, safe for the fighting game. The video didn’t show anything close to an RPG, Shooter, Platformer, or a general action game, these are all staple genres that frankly will be difficult to implement with Natal, with no controller in hand it seems that your actually limiting the ways you can interact with a game. Granted this technology is all brand new and developers have barely started toying with Natal, so we haven’t really seen what Natal can do with “core” games. However it still seems that playing many games on Natal will be a difficult task to pull off especially with games like Splinter Cell or Gears of War. All of this leads one to believe that Project Natal (for the time being) is going to be targeted to the Wii’s audience: Moms, elderly people, tween girls and everyone in between.
Looks familiar doesn't it?
Sony’s motion controller seems to combine a motion controller with a camera giving players the best of both pieces of technology. Sony showed no video montage like Microsoft but instead simply showed off a bunch of tech demos on stage. The demos covered a fairly wide range of genres and features and controller had, one of the features shown was how the controller can turn into a variety of things like a gun, baseball bat, and sword, each item showed up on screen in the players hand making it seem like they were actually holding the item. Each of these items were able to interact with the environment like the baseball bat being able to hit a ball. The went on to show a variety of tech demos in several game genres, such as First Person Shooter, Strategy, and an action adventure mode where the demo showed sword, ninja star, and bow and arrow gameplay. Other than this demo not much else was explained about the controller and there were no full games to be shown. However the important thing was that the controller was shown and in an environment that was directly related to “core” titles.
Overall both consoles still have awhile to go before they can show off anything more concrete about their respective controllers. However for now it seems that the PS3 controller might have the edge on Natal when it comes to catering to the “core” gamer. It seems there are just some things that have to be done using a controller and unless if Microsoft can think of really innovative and creative ways of making Natal work with “core” games it seems that it’s going to be going down the route of the Wii.
New Maps for Halo 3: ODST Revealed
From Bungie Studios, LVLONE takes a first look at what their next game has to offer. Halo 3:ODST (Orbital Shock Troopers) is set literally moments before the events of Halo 3, and while these aren’t Spartans fans will be controlling, they will get the job done at any cost! These brave and sometimes insane soldiers drop into the now destroyed city of New Mombasa, looking for clues behind the Covenant’s attack on the city. This game will be set in an open world, have new cooperative play in the form of a 4 player “Fire Fight” (much like horde), and also have all the Halo 3 maps, along with new multiplayer map goodness. Look for its release when it drops this September 22nd, 2009.
We’ve got fresh intel on the three remaining maps on Halo 3:ODST that I’m sure you’ll drool at. Also check out our first look of Halo 3:ODST LVLONE’s First Look: Halo 3: ODST
From Microsoft and Bungie Studio’s:
Lock and load! When Halo® 3: ODST drops on September 22, it will deliver a completely new campaign, a new cooperative multiplayer experience called Firefight, the complete Halo 3 multiplayer experience on a standalone disc, and new competitive multiplayer maps for Halo 3 you won’t find anywhere else. Microsoft and Bungie today revealed the remaining three multiplayer maps which are sure to get fans around the world excited.
Heretic returns to familiar ground as the Halo 2 arena Midship makes its long-rumored debut in Halo 3. The stark interior of the Pious Inquisitor might appear austere on first glance, but Heretic’s symmetrical spaces require players to execute complex strategies in order to outplay their opponents.
Citadel may be a long-abandoned Forerunner stronghold, but its small, symmetrical confines are far from secure. Two opposing bases offer little safety for players looking for solace. Instead, Citadel forces small squads to stay in constant communication, keep their heads on a swivel, and be prepared to adjust combat tactics in close quarters.
Longshore lacks the commercial ships that once made it a lucrative port for Old Mombasa, but it still bustles with activity. Designed for large scale combat and well suited for smaller affairs, Longshore’s multitude of industrial buildings, elevated walks, and open inlets conspire to create a complex battleground tailored for multiple combat scenarios.
Developed exclusively for Xbox 360® by acclaimed developer Bungie, Halo 3: ODST is a new game in the Halo saga that lets you experience events leading up to the epic story told in Halo 3 through the eyes of an ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper), as you search for clues leading to the whereabouts of your scattered squad and the motivations behind the Covenant’s invasion of New Mombasa.
In addition to a brand new campaign, Halo 3: ODST introduces a new cooperative multiplayer mode called Firefight which allows Halo fans to experience co-operative gaming in a whole new way: they will be fighting as members of an ODST squad against waves of increasingly challenging enemies across a variety of battlefields. This experience is made even more intense with the integration of the “skulls” from Halo 3, which progressively activate as time goes on to alter the gameplay and up the challenge. Battle through wave after wave in search of high scores, Achievements, and bragging rights.
Halo 3: ODST also includes a second standalone disc with three new Halo 3multiplayer maps, all original Halo 3 maps, as well as the Legendary, Heroic, and Mythic Map packs for a total of 24 maps.
Grab Halo 3: ODST at your favorite game retailer to ensure access to theHalo: Reach multiplayer beta when the beta goes live in the future.Announced at E3 2009, Halo: Reach is the prequel to the blockbuster Halo trilogy and is scheduled for release in fall of 2010.
Halo 3: ODST is available for pre-order in both a standard package and a Halo 3: ODST Collector’s Pack, which includes the game and an exclusive, laser-etched Wireless Controller. Pre-order Halo 3: ODST at participating retailers and you will receive a token to unlock grizzled UNSC hero Sgt. Johnson as a playable character in Firefight. The Halo 3: ODST Collector’s Pack is available for pre-order in the U.S. exclusively at GameStop, and is available worldwide at other participating retailers.
What Are You Driving this Holiday ? Part 1
In our second part of racing games you will be seeing from now to next year is taking it to the track. these simulations are trying to leave the competition in the dust while proving itself as top dog.
This years Need For Speed: Shift is developed by Slightly Mad Studios. This game is featuring over 70 cars with plans for more with DLC. Visual and performance upgrades can be made with in car customisation. There are real life and ficticious American and European race tracks. NFS:S is also showing off a new cockpit driver camera view. Acquisition of driving points comes from driving clean or dirty. Some of the cars featured in the game are the Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R, Mazda RX-7, BMW M3 GT2, and the McLaren F1. This new revamp of the game will start September 22, 2009.
Forza Motorsport 3 is developed by Turn 10 Studios. The new Forza has over 400 cars with over 200 tracks to race on. The game will run at 60 frames per second. For new and inexperienced players there are driving assist and adjustable skill levels. Forza is well known for the fully customizable visual tools with this years version being much improved and enhanced. Over 50 manufactures featured in the game. Brand new to the game is the rewind feature to help change previous mistakes on the race track. The season mode has a personalized race calendar with no two calendar will be the same and more 200 racing events. Also you can create in game videos and upload them to the Forza Motorsport website. This monster of a racing game will release late October, 2009 only on the Xbox 360.
Gran Tursimo 5 is developed by Polyphony Digital. GT5 will have 16 car races. The physics engine is based off of the Gran Turismo Prologue. The game is also fully licensed by World Rally Championship and Nascar. Some tracks from Gran Turismo 4 will make a come back along with Suzuka Circuit, Fuji Speedway and the Daytona International Speedway. New to the game will be weather changes that will effect your driving and the Ferrari manufacture will make its first apperence in the Gran Turismo world. There will be more info releasing for this game in later months. Gran Turismo will come back on the Playstaion 3 in 2010.
