Tuesday, July 15, 2008

E3 Nintendo: Animal Crossing: City Folk


While the Nintendo press conference was quite disappointing, one decent thing we got out of it was a Wii Animal Crossing game. Better yet, it is coming out this year (Nov. 16th to be exact). Keep reading to see an interview with Animal Crossing creator, Katsuya Eguchi, gameplay footage, and learn about visiting the big city and looking like your Mii.

The city aspect of the game looks enjoyable even though it isn't a completely new feature since it houses some old shops from past Animal Crossing games. The addition of changing your characters head into that of your Mii is a nice touch. The thing is, it just seems like an "EA upgrade" to me. There isn't anything that catches my eye and makes me go, "Wow, I never thought they could add that into the game." It is only slight enhancements to what is already a stellar game series.


LINKS:

Gameplay (in town 1)
Gameplay (in town 2)
Gameplay (entering city)
AC at Nintendo press conference
Official Nintendo AC gameplay

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Monday, July 14, 2008

E3 Microsoft: Resident Evil 5

Being the large Resident Evil enthusiast that I am, it is surprising that it took me this long to make a post about the footage and information released about Resident Evil 5. Hit the jump for some screen caps, analysis, and links to co-op demo footage, an interview, and a new trailer.

The zombie is out of the bag. Resident Evil 5 will have co-op play both online and off. Everyone rejoice! From what the linked interview at the bottom of the page mentions, you can play co-op on or offline. Also, if you play by yourself, you won't be switching ala Resident Evil 0 between Chris Redfield and RE newcomer Captain Sheva Olimar. You play as Redfield the whole game, while Olimar throws Pikmin gives you health items, provides cover fire, and helps you reach unreachable places.

Sheva Olimar, your new best friend.

There will be times when Olimar helps you...

...and there will be times when you help Olimar.

A new chainsaw enemy.

Resident Evil 5 will see worldwide release on Friday, March 13th, 2009.

Link - Microsoft press conference walkthrough
Link - NEW Resident Evil 5 trailer
Link - Resident Evil 5 Interview, pt 1
Link - Resident Evil 5 Interview, pt 2

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E3 Microsoft: Gears of War 2

The gameplay showed off at the Microsoft press conference for Gears of War 2 was from the co-op campaign mode. The whole demo itself was short and sweet, as Microsoft didn't give much time for the big games (Fallout 3, Gears 2, Fable 2) to be demoed. Hit the jump to read about some new Locust enemies and see pictures of them.

(UPDATE: Gametrailers has a new gameplay montage up. Watch it now.)

A couple of new baddies (at least from what I know about Gears 2) showed up. One is a mace-wielding Locust with a shield (pictured below). It didn’t look like a tough battle, although it was basically two-on-one against the poor guy.

Afterward, Marcus picked up the Locust’s dropped shield and planted it into the ground to protect himself from a second new enemy, a huge spider-like transportation service (pictured below) for a single Locust (although I could be wrong and that is just one of those flying Locust enemies). From what was shown, it looked like only the Locust located on top of the spider monster could attack.

After the beast was brought down with the Hammer of Dawn, Marcus continued forward where he ran into what can only be described as those little crab monsters from Cloverfield. I swear they make the same exact noise as those little buggers from the film. The only difference here is that the Gears 2 version (pictured below) explodes.

At the end of the demo, Marcus and Dom take down a Locust that was driving the Brumak that was attacking them and Marcus makes mention that if the Locust can drive them why can't they. So, we now expect to be able to drive/ride Brumaks come November 7th.

Besides the release date being announced, Cliff Bleszinski (not Cliffy B. anymore) told us about a new game mode called "Horde." It consists of five players trying to survive as long as possible against a continuous swarm of Locust scum. Sounds delicious. This could potentially replace the deathmatch mode for some people, myself included. November 7th can't come soon enough.

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E3 2008: Christmas in July

E3 is off to an explosive start this year as Microsoft finished their press conference a little while ago. I know it can be hectic trying to keep up with all of the news, videos, and what nots, so here are some links for you to browse and keep updated with all of the happenings at this year's E3.


I will post my impressions of the Microsoft press conference later on.

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Thursday, July 10, 2008

The Finish Line: Portal (XBox 360)


So, after months of sitting on the shelf, The Orange Box found its way back into my Xbox 360 and I beat Portal. I stopped playing Portal back in the fall, where I was apparently two or three levels away from finishing the game. Good job, me.

Anyway, I think I enjoyed playing those last few levels as much as I enjoyed the game back when I first started playing. Which was a lot. In-between the long period of not playing, I purchased a Weighted Companion Cube plush and listened to the game's send-off song, "Still Alive." There are still a few advanced levels to finish. I will eventually get to those.

Oh, you might be wondering why I pulled The Orange Box off my shelf. Well, I purchased Top Spin 3 and I couldn't get by the character select screen. It would freeze every time I tried to either advance or browse athletes. I sent Microsoft an e-mail, so hopefully I will be sending in my Xbox 360 pretty soon. I can't wait to be on 360 number four.

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