A Minor Plethora!

This week I took a closer look at just one upcoming title for the XBox360. The game has been hyped for over a year now and has made pretty strong showings at this past years E3 and TGS (Tokyo Game Show). This game is unique in its' own sense seeing as though it blends together a mix of FPS based game play as well as third person. Without further hesitation, here is this weeks Minor Plethora!

JAMES BOND: QUANTUM OF SOLACE

• Activision and Treyarch are developing the next James Bond game, timed for release with the new film Quantum of Solace.
• Molded blend of First Person Shooter accompanied by Third Person Tactics
• Release Date: November 4th, 2008
• [wiki] Quantum of Solace is an upcoming video game based on the films Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. The game is planned for release on 31 October 2008. The game's release is to coincide with the release of Quantum of Solace. The game will be the first James Bond title published by Activision; the company acquired the video game license to the James Bond franchise in 2006. The game will be released on multiple platforms and, according to the official site, is being developed by four different companies: Treyarch, Eurocom, Beenox, and Vicarious Visions.[3] It will be powered by the Call of Duty 4 game engine. This will also be the first James Bond video game to be released on a current generation console as well as the first to feature Daniel Craig's voice and likeness, as well as those of Eva Green, Mads Mikklesen, Olga Kurylenko and Mathieu Amalric.
• The core game play in Quantum of Solace will be that of a first-person shooter. Throughout the game, however, the view will switch to a third-person view to emphasize that the player is playing as James Bond. This third-person view will be used with a cover system and quick time events, among other scenarios. An example is using quick time events to chase Mollaka (the bomb maker) during a level that is a recreation of the construction site chase at the beginning of the Casino Royale film.

HERE'S A NICE LITTLE VIDEO TO SHOW YOU WHAT THE NEW BOND IS ALL ABOUT:

Mega Man 9 Review (XBLA)

Mega Man 9 has revived the retro gamer in me and I cannot get enough. However, it is mega frustrating because of its uber mega difficulty. It is as if they released this game to remind you of how hard games used to be. I'm talking the old games like TMNT, Golden Axe, Simpsons, 1942, and Strider to name a few. No matter how complex current day games have become, they are beatable and all too often, dare I say, easy. So it's no wonder that this 2-D game, with its simple jump and shoot controls has had me thinking of throwing my controller through the window every time I play.

Now I know I am painting a not so pretty picture here, but this game is actually pretty fun despite having to play levels over and over and over just to die in the same spot again. The anger usually subsides and laughs of bewilderment become abundant. The setup: 8 levels with a midpoint respawn, some mid-level mini bosses, 8 bosses with unique weapons, ridiculously hard but simple looking enemies, and the ability to save game after beating a level. Beat the bosses, and you gain the ability to equip their weapons. If you choose the the right weapons to use against the right boss you are rewarded with significant damage. My suggestion - consult a faq to get the right order you should go in or else you might as well sign yourself up for anger management classes.

That's really all there is to it and if you have played Mega Man 1 or 2 before then you know this is really it. A simple looking 2-D game with easy controls and concepts that is extremely hard. If you don't like racking up achievements, hate winning, enjoy getting owned by basic enemies, and love devoting time to dying over and over again in the same spot, then you'll love this game. Also, if you have patience, are exact in everything you do, have a sequential memory, and are persistent, you will love this game. If this doesn't sound like you, then don't bother with this one.

I'm giving this a retro rating of 7.0 out of 10

This Week "In The Box" [10.27-11.2.08]

It's that time of the year once again folks when big time developers release their cash cow games onto the "frothing at the mouth" public...I'm talking about non other than the holiday season! Yes, the past twp weeks should have also been included in that nifty title but in all retrospect the holiday '08 season didn't really start until last Wednesday; so last Tuesday's releases missed the boat by one day. But rejoice! This weeks releases mark perhaps the greatest holiday season lineup we've see since, well...last holiday season. Lets kick it off with a bang!

GUITAR HERO III

• Developer: Activision Blizzard / Neversoft Entertainment
• Release Date: 10.28.09
• Genre: Music Simulation
• Retail Price: Depends...$60.00 for starter kit / More for all instruments
• Warp Says: We have never been really big fans of music simulators. However, with its new features like the music creator (where you can actually create your own music) and newly added drums and microphone, things have changed. If you like music...like playing music, and perhaps even enjoy hearing your own voice sing the music than by all means this is the type of game for you!

PENNY ARCADE ADVENTURES: ON THE RAIN-SLICK PRECIPICE OF DARKNESS II

• Developer: Hothead Games
• Release Date: 10.30.09
• Genre: Adventure
• Retail Price: $15.00
• Warp Says: The first Penny Arcade installment was a big hit. Its' molded genre of RPG soaked with adventure aspects makes for an extremely fun experience. The sequel looks to add onto it award winning formula by squeaking in a longer single player campaign as well as new weapons, super attacks and all the fruit fornicating you can imagine (if you read the web-comic you will know exactly what I am talking about). Pick this one up for a helluva good time!

MOTO GP 2008

• Developer: Capcom
• Release Date: 10.28.09
• Genre: Racing Sim
• Retail Price: $59.99
• Warp Says: MotoGP 08 features high-speed motorcycle racing with famous riders and top bike manufacturers. The series has been around for some time now and has garnered an extremely rabid fan base. Fast paced racing meets in depth bike customization seems to be a winning formula...especially with dudes looking to get their "speed" on.

FALL OUT III

• Developer: Bethesda Softworks
• Release Date: 10.28.09
• Genre: RPG
• Retail Price: $59.99
• War Says: It's finally here! Fallout 3 has been on the proverbial radar for some time now and has bolstered an extreme amount of hype. Does this new installment live up to that aforementioned hype? Well, with a meta-critic score of 9.5, we would have to say, no scream, YES! Like RPG's? Like FPS's? You owe it to yourself to check this game out. Said to have at the minimum 100+ hours of game play, the sixty dollar entry fee seems well worth it.
  
• VERDICT: BUY BUY BUY!

With the holiday season upon us, things look bright for gamers futures. Did I forget to mention that next week sees the release of one the most anticipated games perhaps of all time (Gears of War II)? Seriously, there is no better time to be playing games than right now. Until next week..........

-GAME HARD-

Uploading...

In the works:

• Full Review of: Far Cry II
• This Week In The Box
• Minor Plethora (week of 10.27.2008)
• New Editor Sean "Wang Crave" Mac-Daddy's Very First PS3 Write Up
  

Penny Aracde: Precipice of Darkness II First Look!

Penny Arcade (best known for their gigantic user based web site) recently developed their very own Action RPG down loadable game entitled: Penny Arcade: Precipice of Darkness for the XBLA. Reviews were good as well as the download numbers; thus entitling Penny Arcade founders (Tyco and Gabe) to yet again follow up on their first successful game with a sequel titled: Precipice 2. Here's a first look at the recently released video trailer for P2, which is scheduled for release on October 29...right around the bend!



-GAME HARD-

Age of Booty Review (Insert pirate pun here)

Shiver me timbers 'Lassy,' it be time for a pirates story! It always feels good to strike a chord with pirate talk, even if it is two months away from National Talk Like A Pirate Day! Still scratching your head in amazement as to just why I am speaking in pirate? The much anticipated pirate strategy game Age of Booty (formerly known as Plunder) has finally been released on XBox Live and we here at Warp 9 couldn't be happier. After four straight hours of game play and twenty- three online matches I can honestly say that Age of Booty is one hell of a good time.

Visually, AOB looks great for a down-loadable game. The waters are crisp, pirate ships look like, well...pirate ships and best of all it sets the mood extremely well. You actually feel like you're manning a ship constructed for pillaging, sinking enemy ships and plundering around the open seas like a skirby dawg! Basically, the object of the game is to overtake cities before your counterparts do; pretty simple. However, developer (Certain Affinity) tossed in some resource management tactics and now you got yourself a full blown "open sea" at your disposal.

Game play is fast...real fast! In fact, each match usually last about ten minutes or so unless you're your playing an eight on eight match; which will run perhaps twenty minutes or so depending on how good you are. The map is outlined in grids and you are able to sail from grid to grid taking out bases and pillaging resources.
Each map consist of a set number of bases you have to over take in order to win the match and each map is littered with opposing factions, abandoned crates, and islands. It's up to you to decide what you want to pilfer first. By stocking up on resources however you can upgrade your ship with either armor, cannons or speed (I always choose speed first). This is where the tactical side of the game shines.

Multiplayer is definitely where the fun is at. Matches are surprisingly easy to find, join and play in, seeing as though AOB has garnered some pretty high download numbers (roughly in the 40-thousand or so mark). Even though the single player challenges offer up some pretty good matches it will only take a matter of a day or so to complete them all. But as mentioned before hand, the single player challenges isn't where you'll find yourself most of the time.

One other aspect of the game worthy of mentioning is the sound effects. Pirates talk trash in their rough and scraggly voices while boats, cannons and bombs all sound very realistic; even for an "arcade-esque" type of game. It's always fun to hear one of the pirates yell out something like, "Tis 'Ol Peg Leg here to skirmish ye booty!" I hope he's talking about gold.

The only down side to this title is that game play does tend to get old after a few matches. It would have been nice if the developers had included side missions or objective based multiplayer matches to bolster the experience. Instead, it's your typical run of the mill, "over take three bases for victory" matches, leaving you wanting more.

Besides the one downfall of repetitiveness Age of Booty offers up a breath of fresh air on XBox Live's service. The achievement points are easy to get, battles are frantic, fast and fun (F3), visuals are spot on and the SFX are crisp and satisfying. Overall, Age of Booty satisfies that old RTS itch we all have deep down inside.

Age of Booty gets a well deserved......
8.5 out of 10

Uploading...

You do realize what's in the works right now, correct? Four Words: Playing Far Cry 2...However, there are a few other things happening right now as well here at Warp 9.

• Far Cry 2 Hands on as well as Review
• Age of Booty Full Review by OverlordStrider
• This weeks Minor Plethora

BACK TO PLAYING FAR CRY 2...

-GAME HARD-

Castle Crashers Review

Pros:
Beautiful look, great sound, devilishly violent
Cons:
Balance Issues Galore, co-op save fiasco

The Behemoth, best known for their 2007 break out hit, "Alien Hominid" have admittedly taken some risks with their games visual presentations, aesthetic structure and game play mechanics. However, with their newly released second XBLA game, Castle Crashers, they look to not only add onto their already obscure (yet delightful) look and feel, but to create a totally engrossing "ode" to the 'Action RPG' genre.

Visually, you cant mistake a Behemoth made game. Take one part cartoon, two parts Happy Tree Friends, and back down to one part Rambo and you get Castle Crashers. The pure enjoyment that the visual look engulfs onto the player is relevant right from the get go...you cannot help but get a smile! At first, you may think the game is a little two cutesy; but then after two minutes of playing you realize you just beheaded some poor "bad guy" and watched his head role off the screen while his body ran around like a chicken with its' noggin cut off. You sometimes find yourself chuckling when these types of things happen in this game. Why? Because the visual nuances and colors of Castle Crashers fit so well and almost blend feverishly into one another.

Basically, Castle Crashers is a "Beat 'em Up" game on steroids. You have elements of a brawler like Street of Rage but you also have RPG elements like in Gauntlet; this is the element that sets the game apart from other XBLA 'brawlers" and side scrolling RPG wanna-bees. Albeit a small amount of RPG goodness, there still is a fairly good infrastructure set in place that allows for you to level up your character pretty fast. You have four sets of attributes to decide from when you level up:

1. Strength
2. Magic
3. Defense
4. Speed

Numerous weapons can also be found in the game and each have various effects to the character's attributes when equipped. There are also animal orbs that can be found that may help out in battle, improve the character's attributes, or provide another special ability such as gaining more treasure from defeated foes. As you can see, the level of intricacy to the leveling/rpg system is easy to pick up and offers some controlability to hone you character the way you want.
At the start of the game you have multiple characters to choose from, each with their own set of powers. A small Easter-egg to mention is the fact that after beating the game you can actually go back and play as a "bad-guy" which is pretty fun! After selecting a character, the player then selects a starting level (beginning with the wizard's attack on the castle) through a graph-like world map; once the player completes a level, they may then opt to start or revisit that level any time. Other levels include shops where the player can buy items for healing, attacking, or defense using coins gained from defeated foes, and arena levels where the player can take on challenges to unlock.

The game play is where Castle Crashers shines the most, but it's also the game biggest problem. The pace is fast and furious, bloody and violent but also frustrating and not properly balanced. Hordes of baddies (and smart baddies to boot) will attack you from multiple angles, leaving you virtually "open" for a sword in the back. This becomes frustrating after the third or fourth try at a level. One other flaw to the game is its save system. Now, this may just be a nit-pick pet peeve but their should be a mid level save point seeing as though the frantic pace and level of difficulty can be extremely varied ...leaving you wanting to throw your controller through the TV. Instead, the game ops for the old, "You die...you start from the beginning of the level." There were multiple times when I found myself extremely frustrated that I got to the end of the level, lost to the "nearly impossible to beat boss" and then had to start all over again, ugh.

Overall, Castle Crashers is one hell of a fun time. Especially when your playing co-op with four buddies trying to save the worlds princesses. All that needs to happen now is a patch that corrects the save system in co-op (we don't even need to go there!). What it does, however, boil down to is the fun factor; and this game delivers in a big way. There truly is nothing like playing through an "ultra-violent cartoonish" video game trying to rid the world of ghoulish creatures, drunk henchmen and horned man-beasts. Though the game is 1,200 Microsoft points (a significantly higher price than the usual going rate of 800 points) Castle Crashers is worth the money. It provides hours of single player campaign as well as co-op missions that will have you teaming up with your buddies in search of fame, glory and some kisses from princesses!

Castle Crashers gets a 8.0 out of 10

-GAME HARD-

Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway Review

Despite having the word highway in the title this game doesn't flash before your eyes like a lot of the other FPS's out there. I've never played any of the other BIA games (say what you will) so I can't make a comparison there, but so far I have really enjoyed this game. Although, I do hear that if you have played the other games, you'll have a better understanding of the events of this game.

So let's start with the good: The graphics are just amazing. Each level is full of vibrant colors with a high attention to detail and for the most part the cut scenes fall in line with this. Even when the action gets intense with movement on the screen the scenery holds up nicely. One aspect that shows this nicely is the action camera. Whenever you get a perfect shot, perfect grenade placement or rocket launch, the camera zooms in and goes slow motion on your enemies while limbs are flying everywhere or blood is busting out of their heads. The graphics in these triggered cut scenes hold up nice and really show off the finer points of death. The campaign is of decent length and the higher difficulty settings will provide even veterans of this series some challenge. I like the idea of the cover system and it mostly works well although it is at times frustrating (see the bad section below). The sound effects are also top notch. The guns are crisp sounding, squad mates voices are clear, and bullets whiz by with such ferocity you might think that there has just been a drive by at your house.

Now for the bad: Ok, Back to the cover system for my biggest gripe. It is a great idea, but it is hard to get out of cover sometimes. It almost seems like you have to hold the control stick the exact opposite direction from where you are dug in and for a certain amount of time. With some practice you can start to get better at it but every once in a while you'll yell out a big WTF. Not sure if I can call this bad, but I've tried to play the multiplayer and haven't been able to find a match. It does get a bit repetitive and I imagine especially for tactical FPS veterans. Basically each level you will have an assault squad. You have the assault squad provide suppression fire while you flank and attack. Or you'll have a bazooka squad that will need to blow up sandbags, vehicles, or weapons emplacements to allow you to get at the enemies when you flank. You would think the enemies would know that you were going to flank each time but I guess they never learn. Sometimes they just stand there and let you take a few free shots, other times they dig in and don't let you move without almost annihilating you. You advance, they move back, you advance, they move back, but once you push them back as far as they can go you could put your controller down, make some breakfast, take a dump, shower and come back and you would still be alive with the enemies still in their same spots. Once you get to a point the AI doesn't try to push you back or send in more troops etc.

I would defiantly say that the pluses outweigh the minuses for sure. The game has been a lot of fun and I think I will try it on authentic difficulty. On authentic difficulty all of the info icons are gone and this really lets the visuals shine. To sum it up I would say that this game is what you make of it. You could do the same thing over and over and get bored, or try something else with a slow and deliberate pace and see what happens. You can search the levels for Killroy's, which are a drawing soldiers would graffiti before they would die...I think (I wasn't paying attention to that cut scene). You can also look for recon points which will give you a glimpse of the battlefield and give you all the information you need to make a tactical assault. Do yourself a favor and rent this one before buying since it is kinda a niche game. It will be worth your $8 or whatever ridiculously high price game rentals are going for these days.

8.5 out of 10

First Look At Bioshock 2!

[credit Giantbomb.com & Joystiq for this one]

"I didn't expect to hear anything about the next BioShock this year, but 2K went and proved me wrong by including a short teaser trailer in the PS3 version of the first game that unlocks when you beat it (according to Joystiq). Have a watch at this shaky-cam version.



There aren't a lot of details to glean from this thing, other than, obviously, the trailer is set on the Atlantic Coast. (I guess they mean the eastern side of North America? All references to "Atlantic Coast" on Wikipedia refer to North America, even though it's not the only continent to border that body of water.) Previously some rumors had sounded like BioShock 2 would be a prequel that details Rapture's earlier, headier days, but the little girl holding the big daddy doll ought to dispel that notion. There would be no need for big daddies to exist before Rapture came about, and...

Hmm, I guess I should stop in deference to those PS3 owners among you who haven't actually played through the game yet.

What the heck do you think is going on in this trailer? What's this game about?"

This Week "In The Box" [10.13.- 10.19.08]

This Week we see a slew of high profile releases. Ones that have been on radars for some time now and are just finally seeing the day of light. So without further hesitation...lets get it on!

SAINTS ROW 2

• Developer: THQ
• Genre: Sandbox Shooter (open world)
• Retails For: $59.99
• META SCORE TO DATE: 8.0
  
• Warp Says: The first installment of the Saints Row series turned a lot of heads. In fact, it is highly regarded as one of the best sandbox games out there and the sequel looks to up the "anti" so-to-speak. If you like run and gun tactics, spraying human feces on people (that is really a side mission, no lie) or just capin' foo's in the face pick this gem up!

GOLDEN AXE: BEAST RIDER

• Developer: Sega
• Genre: Action Adventure
• Retails For: $59.99
• META SCORE TO DATE: Pretty Bad (Low 6.0)
• Warp Says: They have officially killed the Golden Axe Series. Shameful frame rate problems accompanied by bland action and marred by no co-op campaign makes this a definite pass. Golden Axe is all about the co-op, what happened Sega?

FIFA SOCCER 2009

• Developer:EA Sports
• Genre: Soccer Sim
• Retails For: $59.99
• META SCORE TO DATE: 8.5
• Warp Says: Do you like soccer? Well, this is the best soccer game out there hands down. Graphics are tight and the game play is as real as it gets. Though the online word is that it can get a little frustrating at times with LAG issues.

BLITZ THE LEAGUE II

• Developer: Midway
• Genre: "Arcade" Football
• Retails For: $59.99
• META SCORE TO DATE: 8.9
• Warp Says: This has always been a guilty pleasure series for pretty much every football fan boy out there. It's super fast paced, has steroid use in it and you can tear other players scrotum's out (dead serious). Play as Lawrence Taylor or make your own dude, but do us all a favor...stay away from our scrotum!

AGE OF BOOTY

• Developer: Capcom
• Genre: RTS with Pirates!
• Retails For: 800 Microsoft Points (10 Beans)
• META SCORE TO DATE: 7.7
• Warp Says: Yaaar! 'Tis the game yas want if yerr a fan of da pirates! You Plumage, plunder, pillage and steal your way to the top of the food chain in the real time strategy game...plus its drop in and drop out co-op, a big bonus! Age of Booty is a casual , real-time multiplayer strategy game that puts players at the helm of their own pirate ship with the goal of sending your enemies to the "dog house!"

DEAD SPACE

• Developer: Electronic Arts
• Genre: Horror Survival
• Retails For: $59.99
• META SCORE TO DATE: 9.4
• Warp Says: This one has been on our radar for a long time and we are proud to say that this game rocks! Graphically speaking Dead Space is on par with Halo 3 as well Metal Gear Solid 4! An incredibly atmospheric and disturbingly gruesome deep-space adventure that will haunt your dreams and leave you begging for more. PICK THIS ONE UP!

There you have it, a solid release week for the XBOX360! Things are picking up in 360 land and only look to be getting better and better. Now, if we could only push up the console release date for Street Fighter IV to November (hint hint Capcom).

-GAME HARD-

Uploading...

Currently, we have the following in progress:

• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Review
• This Weeks "A Minor Plethora"
• This Week In The Box
• Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood Review

-GAME HARD-

Hands On With Street Fighter IV

The very definition of Giddy: Having a reeling, lightheaded sensation; dizzy. Frivolous and lighthearted; flighty. That's exactly how I felt last Thursday afternoon. Why? I was able to get my meat hooks wrapped around Street Fighter IV for about five straight hours. Let me set the landscape for you with as much detail as possible; because this day will go down as one of the greatest days in my life.

Sitting at my desk doing some research on the new Street Fighter IV, I finally drudged up the confidence to check out the SF IV Arcade Cabinet Tracker online. I say "drudged up" because I knew the closest one would probably be somewhere in California or better yet New York; so I was prepping myself to be disappointed seeing as though I live in good 'old New Hampshire. Basically, this "tracker" web site locates every single SF IV Arcade Cabinet imported to the USA from Japan (the game has been released in Japan...not the US, as of yet). To my surprise and chagrin I found one located in Wenchinden, MA; not more than an hour and a half away from my house in New Hampshire. The giddiness ensued. Without much thought or hesitation, I immediately planned out my attack. Come Thursday I made the descent to Massachusetts to put in some serious time with the fourth installment of the king of all fighters, Street Fighter IV.

I arrived at the arcade and immediately paid my twenty-dollar fee (this got me an all day pass to play as much SFIV as I wanted to), a price I had absolutely no problem paying. The owner of the arcade had explained to me that he had imported four SFIV cabinets from Japan each of which cost him $50,000 a piece (that's no lie kids, look it up on Capcom's website). After standing there with my jaw nearly hitting th floor, he lead me to the room in which hosted these four units. As soon as I entered the room I got goosebumps; there they were in all their glory! After going over some quick rules (no drinks, no excessive force etc.) he said one last thing: "I don't have to tell you this but...Have Fun!"

Lets get right to it, shall we? No more "setting Up" the story, no more excessive adjectives describing my epic journey to Wenchenden, MA...It's time to tell you all about a game that just may go down as the greatest fighting game ever created. That's right, I said it. Hows about we start with the cast of playable characters for starters:

Returning Cast:

1. Ryu
2. Ken
3. Chun Li
4. Zangief
5. Dhalsim
6. Blanka
7. M. Bison
8. Balrog
9. E-Honda
10. Sagat
11. Guile

NEW CHARACTERS:

1. Abel
2. Crimson Viper
3. Rufus
4. El Fuerte

BOSSES:

1. Seth
2. Akuma
3. Gouken

Street Fighter IV takes place in between Street Fighter II and Street Fighter III, making it an integral, similar to Street Fighter Alpha, which took place between the first Street Fighter and Street Fighter II. So basically you have your full roster of characters we have all come to know and love with the exception of a few new fighters.

On the technical side, the controls are something definitely worthy of speaking of. Right off the bat I noticed the fluidity and ease to pull off massive hit combos, "shoryukens," fireballs, grab attacks and all other moves typical seen as "hard to pull off" with the original games. The controls schematics are fluid and extremely easy to get the hang of within minutes, something all other fighting games need to take notice of. Basically, you have the same set up as the original games: weak punk and kick, medium punch and kick and high punch and kick; a six button set up (three on top and three below). There is however newly created move sets worthy of talking about. There's the Focus Attack, known as "Saving System" in the Japanese version, is a new system that is being introduced in Street Fighter IV. The focus attack is a move that allows the player to absorb an attack and launch a counter attack, and it is performed by pressing the medium punch and kick buttons simultaneously. Then there's Ultra Combos, these take a whole paragraph to themselves!

[wiki] "Super Combos", the powered-up special moves that has been a series' mainstay since Super Street Fighter II Turbo, return in Street Fighter IV. Similar to Super Turbo, each character has one set super move. The game also features "EX Moves", the powered-up versions of Special Moves from Street Fighter III 2nd Impact. In addition to Super Combos, the game also features "Ultra Combos". Ultra Combos are performed similarly to the character's Super Combo but are executed with three attack buttons (much like the Lv. 3 Super Combos in the original Street Fighter Alpha, most which required pressing the three attack buttons to perform). Ultra Combos are long and cinematic moves featuring a lengthy combination of punches, kicks and other moves. Just as there is a Super Combo meter, there is also an Ultra Combo meter (officially known as the "Revenge Gauge"), but whereas the Super Combo meter fills as the player hits an opponent, the Revenge Gauge fills when one takes damage from the opponent. Along with the Super Combo, Ultra Combos are one of the only times the camera breaks from its normal fixed position to show a more dynamic, cinematic view of the game play.

Graphically, the game is gorgeous. The look has stayed true to the original game aesthetically and the developers need to be given praise. The game may look to be in 3D but in fact the game play (and look) have remained 2D. Fan boys alike (at first) were extremely unhappy with the presentation of 3D character polygons instead of 2D but after multiple showings at conventions and having played it first hand, I would have to say the negative chatter has been squashed. Hats of to Capcom.

Ok, so you want impressions? If you cant already tell, Street Fighter IV has already moved up the proverbial food chain and landed smack dab on my "Game of the Year" list coming up in January...that's how good this game is. Without gloating much more than I already have, I'll leave you with one sentence: You need to go play this game. If you have to travel 200 miles to do it...DO IT! With the home console version coming in January of next year (360/PS3) so it will be interesting to see how the conversion goes. My prediction? It'll be just as good as the arcade versions!

ON A SIDE NOTE: While playing SFIV I went 14-1 (against actual people not the computer) playing as both Ken Masters and Sagat...Bring it!

-GAME HARD-

Tokyo Game Show: Day Two Happenings

This years Tokyo Game Show is still going on and with the shows opening day announcements (Halo Recon, No More Heroes II etc.) things can only get better! Here's a quick and brief run down of TGS' Day Two Happenings!

• New Space Invaders I.P. coming
• Phantasy Star 0 announced and dated for the DS
• Demon Soul for the PS3 demoed and...kind of liked.
• Brand Spanking New Castlevania Game Announced for the 360 + PS3
• FLoW for the PSN demoed

Day Three is underway and looks to add onto the already impressive list of new I.P.'s, games, demos, and major announcements. Look back here for up to date glyphs as to whats going on at this years TGS!

-GAME HARD-

Tokyo Game Show Day One Happenings

The Tokyo Game Show kicked off its first day with a bang announcing new IP's, showing off some Resident Evil "strafing" and debuting Street Fighter 4 on home consoles. Here's a quick rundown of the the days happenings and big announcements:

• No More Heroes II officially announced for the Nintendo Wii
• Halo Recon Announced and Trailer Shown (Stand Alone Disk)
  
• Extensive "new" Prince of Persia demos
• Tatsunoko vs. Capcom exclusive hands on demo
• Street Fighter IV Console Version Demo at the Sony booth (as well as release date announced)
• Resistance: Retribution Impressions for the Sony PsP
• Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days Trailer debuted + Co-Op and Single Player Campaign outlined
• Announcement of Tekken VI on the XBox 360 [day in date witht he PS3 Version Release]
• Exclusive Bayonetta game play footage as well as hands on for the PS3 and 360
  
• MORE STREET FIGHTER 4 CABINET COMPETITIONS

Here's the Halo Recon Trailer:

It was a great kick off for what has become the industries leader for conventions and looks to add onto the great opening day as the week goes on. Stay tuned right here for up to date news glyphs of the happenings at this years Tokyo Game Show!

ON A SIDE NOTE: EXCLUSIVE HANDS ON WITH STREET FIGHTER IV BY OVERLORDSTRIDER AND FULL WRITE UP TOMORROW AT 11:00AM. ONE WORD: AMAZING.

-GAME HARD-

A Minor Plethora

So I took a week off with Minor Plethora, sorry. However, I feel as though this week will thoroughly make up for last weeks "no show." You know how industry developers always like to hype their upcoming titles until their all blue in the face? Well, this weeks "plethora" looks to privy those so-called promises and create a tingly feeling 'down below.' In regards to my picks, I can attest to two things:

1. My Picks This Week Are Rad. Yes, I said RAD.
2. If you like Horror, then please (and by all means), keep reading!

First Up: F.E.A.R. II [Project Origin]

The F.E.A.R. series has always been a fan favorite of horror enthusiasts (gamers, that is) and with this upcoming sequel, developer Monolith has looked to up the anti with more blood, more scares, tons more bullet-time slow-mo, and of course...more Alma, the little girl who could scare the "bajesus" out of Mike Tyson in his prime. Here's the run-down:

• Storyline [wiki]: The sequel to F.E.A.R. continues the supernatural suspense story of a powerful psychic child named Alma, whose rage against those who wronged her caused her to begin an escalating paranormal crisis that threatens to devour and replace reality with her own. Instead of playing as the Point Man, the game's protagonist is Michael Becket, a Delta Force operator whose squad is sent in to arrest Genevieve Aristide approximately thirty minutes before the ending of F.E.A.R. At some point in the game, the player character, via surgery, will receive reflex powers exhibiting the same slow-motion ability like the Point Man.
  
• Massive amounts of bullet time slow motion effect that literally take your breath away. Remember Max Pain? Well, F.E.A.R. blows that slow-mo effect away!
• Lush graphics accompanied by a next gen physics engine; something Monolith has been totting for some time now.
• Improvement on the already insanely good A.I. that the series is known for through out the game.
• Yes, its been delayed three or four times now but you know what they say: "Good things come to those who wait." F.E.A.R. II is said to release during Q2 of 2009.
• Come on! Who doesn't like a psychological horror/thriller, first person shooter game that leaves you wanting to play with the lights on instead of off! I do, I do!
• The story arch is said to finally wrap up the Alma story line.
• You get to hijack MECH suites equiped with fully automatic Gatlin Guns. Ding Ding Ding!

Second On The List: Resident Evil V

Come on, we have all been playing this series since its' first inception on the pragmatic Playstation 1. The Resident Evil series has set the industry standard on Horror based games and shown just how well they can sell not only in Japan, but back here in the states. Blood, guts, random scares that quite possibly could knock your socks off, and an assortment of weapons and ways to kill your zombie foes. RE5 Looks to set the record straight: "We still are number one when it comes to a good scare!"

• Storyline [wiki]: Few details have been released about the game's storyline other than the fact that the setting will have a similar feel to the film Black Hawk Down. Takeuchi added that the development team is composed of staff members who worked on the first Resident Evil. He has stated that Resident Evil 5 will be an actual sequel to the Resident Evil series. Before Takeuchi took over, the game's former producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi stated "it's safe to say that Resident Evil 5 will naturally proceed from where Resident Evil 4 left off." In a July 2007 Famitsu interview, producer Jun Takeuchi revealed the main playable character as Chris Redfield and the game takes place ten years after the events of the original Resident Evil. The story will explore Chris' life during the ten year interval between the two games. During the game's events, he is a member of a group known as BSAA, and sent to investigate an incident in a desert area that serves as the game's setting. Takeuchi also confirmed that a female character from the series, who is seen briefly at the end of the trailer, will appear in the game. In an online interview, Takeuchi revealed that the game's plot will be set in Africa, and will concern "the origins of the virus." He also stated one of the plot's key elements will revolve around the whereabouts of STARS and Redfield's life after the first Resident Evil game.
• Come on, have you seen the game shots and video stage demos? This game looks great!
• Capcom (developer) has officially pushed the human boundaries of what we as a culture are capable of doing with a graphics engine.
• Takes place in Africa, a first for horror games.
• You kill dudes, lots of dudes and by dudes I mean zombies...ugly ones.
• This epic installment is set for a March 13th 2009 release date (my BDay non the less)
• The third person aspect ratio makes for some interesting ways to kill zombies and disembowel them. Sign...me...up.
• Drop in and drop out co-op
• A side kick that makes Angelina Jo-Brad Pitt look like she was beaten with an ugly stick.

Aside from being one of my favorite genres, these two titles look like they are trying to set the industry standard for just how good a survival/FPS horror game can be. From the stills I've seen to the stage demos at this past years e3, both titles are truely looking special and may just be on my best of '09 spot light series coming up!

....try not to wet yourself playing these bad boys!

-GAME HARD-

This Week "In The Box" [10.6-10.12]

Yet another week has passed us by; they sure do go quickly when your having a blast, don't they? So many good games have been coming out over the past few months that it's almost a travesty (in the good sense..if that's even possible). Too many games get overlooked or never played simply do to the fact that the market is damn near close to saturation with so many titles. Now, don't get me wrong I love a good plethora of choices, but when it takes me an hour of looking through each weekly release list, things have officially gotten crazy! I digress. In this weeks lineup we see lots of basketball, some "fracturing," a little guilty gear sprinkle, some hardcore bandicoot crashing and some stick ball. Onto this weeks huge list of game releases....

NBA LIVE 2K9

• Developer: 2K Sports
• Genre: Basketball Simulator
• Release Date: 10.7.09
• Asking Price: $59.99
• Warp Says: Yet another 2K basketball game to get hyped over. No, the 2K series isn't your ugly step-child you have to love unconditionally but it is a solid basketball game. Online play offers up new and exciting ways to meet up with friends and unleash some hell with Kevin Garnet or that Kobe guy. With a more arcade feel to it, NBA 2K9 looks promising for those who have that NBA Jam itch to scratch.

NBA LIVE 2009

• Developer: EA Sports
• Genre: Basketball Simulator
• Release Date: 10.7.2009
• Asking Price: $59.99
• Warp Says: We told you that this week was chalk full of sweaty dudes running around tossing a ball in a hoop! NBA 2009 takes the wraps off the proverbial "high-class" basketball game tag. This game has it all for those basketball nuts out there. From live updating every week (from the NBA) for your teams/players and a META Critic Score of 9.0, this is the basketball Sim you must own!

GUILTY GEAR 2: OVERTURE

• Developer: Aksys Games
• Genre: Beat 'em Up
• Release Date: 10.7.2009
• Asking Price: $59.99
• Warp Says: Have you ever played a Guilty Gear game and wondered what it would be like if they made the already widely popular fighting game into a hack and slash beat up romp? Me neither. Overture has garnered some pretty harsh reviews in its infancy release, however the graphics do look sharp and the fighting mechanics are said to be pretty solid. Lets just hope the story line lives up to the wacky/zaniness that the Guilty Gear Series is known for.

CRASH BANDICOOT: MIND OVER MUTANT

• Developer: Activision Blizzard
• Genre: 3D Platformer
• Release Date: 10.7.2009
• Asking Price: $59.99
• Warp Says: In this spirited successor to Crash of the Titans, Activision Blizzard looks to expand the bandicoot world with this sequel. The graphics looks all pretty and the game play seems sufficient enough to garner a "good time." However, with the lackluster response that Crash of the Titans got this game might just fly under the radar and not get noticed...which is a shame seeing as though Crash is one of the platforming pioneers" of our generation!

FRACTURE

• Developer: Lucas Arts
• Genre: Sci-Fi Shooter
• Release Date: 10.7.2009
• Asking Price: $59.99
• Warp Says: Generic shooter on rails at its best. We have all been there and done just what Lucas Arts promised us would be "new." Meta Critic Score of roughly 7.0, Fracture looses it's street cred as a viable purchase simply do to the fact of the short campaign and widely boring story and game play mechanics. One positive of Fracture would have to be its live multi-player modes. Up to 16 players online and a wide variety of skirmish/death match modes (and no slow down) make this component worthy of praise.

MLB STICKBALL

• Developer: 2K Sports
• Genre: Baseball
• Release Date: 10.8.2009 (via LIVE)
• Asking Price: 800 Micro Points
• Warp Says: Yes! Finally a stick ball game we can all play! MLB Stickball is a stickball game featuring streets of a number of big cities, including New York, San Francisco, and Boston and allows you to...well, play stick ball in them. Lush graphics and a killer online mode, this truly is a unique take on the extremely popular sport of baseball. (plus its suppose to be an easy 200 gamescore points)

UNTIL NEXT WEEK...ENJOY THESE GEMS AND ALWAYS................

-GAME HARD-