28% of all Gamers are Female!

I never really like posting about NPD numbers or any kind of numbers when it comes to the gaming industry. Most of the time the numbers are skewed and really don't mean a thing. However, I found a particular number very interesting when I came across it this morning. In NPD's Gamer Augmentation 2009 report released earlier this morning [6.30.09], the industry-tracking group revealed a particularly interesting factoid that shows 28 percent of all console video gamers are female, up from 23 percent last year!

Over the past few years (three to be exact) there has been a steady rise in female gaming. The NPD tracking group attributes that statistic in direct correlation with the Nintendo Wii. Perhaps you can attest that with the Wii's wide assortment of "casual" games, the market has become more accessible as well as acceptable amongst society as a whole. Gaming isn't really frowned upon anymore and it by no means is a "boy's only" club. With such groups like the Frag Dolls, TriXie and a few others we now have a pretty unique spread of players as well as spokes people for the industry...which is a good thing!

Video games have become a staple at the forefront of not only technology but the American economy. Totting a 14 billion (yes, that's a B and not an M) dollars a year revenue flow tends to make you a big dog in all facets of the American way and if we can increase this share hold by filling it in with the most diverse group of people, boy and girl, than we all benefit. 28%, huh? I say we get to 30% by years end!

-GAME HARD-

Aliens RPG Officially Canned

Once again the cancelled game list has officially increased in size. You can chalk up the much anticipated Aliens RPG to the astounding list of once "in-tact" and on schedule games to be released. Gearbox Software (developer) has officially broke the ice and come forward in saying that the Aliens RPG they had once been working on is now officially canceled.

Just last week, Gearbox had announced they were still in full development of the sci-fi RPG and that it was still planned on being released. In an abrupt move/announcement last week (the 26th) Obsidian (publisher) revealed that there are "no plans to move forward" with the game at this point. Obsidian also followed up with, "Unfortunately, it is true that we are no longer working on the game, and we wanted to finally announce that officially to everyone who has been following its development."

Here's Sega's Official Statement:

"The Aliens franchise offers us so much content to choose from that we feel it important to take a step back and carefully consider the type of game we want to release. We plan to continue working with the Aliens franchise and ask fans to be patient and stay tuned for more information about what Sega has coming out for the Aliens series of games, starting with the upcoming Alien vs. Predator game."

Here's another example (in my opinion) of a developer getting cold feet due to exec's fearing the game wont be "popular" enough to sell a million units. With the backing of such companies as Obsidian and Gearbox I am more than sure that the Aliens RPG could have been something special. Here's to hoping they don't put the kibosh on Aliens: Colonial Marines.

-GAME HARD-
Ripley...an American Badass!

Michael Jackson R.I.P. 6-25-09

Sorry to bring sad news to this blog, but I need to recognize the man. To be honest, I really don't believe any of the allegations, I think he was just confused, if anything at all even happened. This man dedicated his youth to entertainment, to us. Yeah, I'm sure making money was a great perk, but I honestly believe that Michael Jackson loved every day of it. Every day, of course, until allegations about child misconduct seemingly made most of the public label him as a bad person.

Bottom line is, his music stands today above any other, hands down. You can throw any artist, any song, any album, any mp3 at me, at any time, and I would not have trouble finding a Michael Jackson song to match it, and easily beat it. MJ put his soul into the music. Not many artists, including present day juggernauts like Usher, or NeYo, can match MJs performance, vocals plus dance. The songs he put out, at the times he dropped them, were personally motivated (Man in the Mirror), racially motivated (Black or White), gang motivated (Beat It), and anything in between. When MJ was doing this, no one else was, and I believe no one else ever will.

Music today feeds the market. Artists produce what sells. MJ made his own music. MJ was the market. I played MJ at my wedding. I have an MJ mix CD in my car right now...

Its sad to me because I haven't heard positive MJ talk in a while, mostly because of the allegations, but now that he died, people will speak about him as a legend to music, an icon of the industry. He is all that, but more. You gotta understand, this man was basically forced in to the business super young, I would guess about 5 years old. He didn't get to be a kid, he had a job. His job was to make music for us, and in his career, did it better than anyone ever has or will. If this kid grows old and doesn't know how to act, its sad, not done purposefully. When MJ made the Fantasy Park for kids, we all had to know something wasn't quite right, but parents still let their kids spend time there. MJ was a big kid, with a big heart, enough said. I find it hard to believe that anything he did was intentionally harmful to any kid, period.

I'm raging about this, because I smell the MJ bandwagon loading up with fans that ditched him as soon as the allegations spread. He didn't deserve that...

Michael Jackson, you will always be remembered. My daughter will play your songs at her wedding, and I hope that many others of my generation will continue to promote your music. Your definition, as a man, will be timeless, as new artists will consistently fail to reach your mark as an entertainer. -REST IN PEACE-

Today's News Bytes 6.25.09

This week hasn't really been filled with too much news. In fact its been kind of boring except for the Mass Effect DLC news released on Monday. Other than that? Nada. Zip. Zilch. Anyways, here's the link rundown list for today's happenings thus far!

Updates come ever hour on the hour:

• Bethesda Parent ZeniMax Acquires id Software [here]
• Dungeon Fighter Beta Opens [here]
• Worms 2 release date confirmed [here]
• Is the Wii Getting NetFlix Streaming? [here]
• Meta Review for Overlord II [here]
• Social Gaming Summit Update [here]
• NIS bets on PsP Download Only Format [here]
• Square Enix gets sued over Final Fantasy [here]
• Croteam remaking Serious Sam for XBLA [here]
• Architect's Journal ranks top 10 gaming worlds [here]
• Close to 1/2 of Cracdown 1 team working on Crackdown 2 [here]
  

Weekly Playlist 6.22-6.26

Don't You Love a Good Playlist?

As of late, I (OverlordStrider) have been playing a more "honed-in" stack of games. As usual, I am more than pleased with my recent XBLA purchase as well as my $60.00 retail game and therefore have given a lot of attention to said games. Here is my play list in glorious fashion.

PROTOTYPE

• 24 hours into campaign (that I was told would only last me 6-10 hours)
• 18/34 mission completed
• Action so fast you sometimes have to pause and compose yourself
• Have I mentioned the gore? Wow.
• Open world feels fresh and alive
• Hijacking Helicopters while they are flying is sheer fun.
• Upgradable combat arts & powers add a bit of action/RPG'ness to it
• Anti-hero Protagonist Alex Mercer is quite the bad ass
  
• Favorite Power: Whip-Fist (just a bloody good time)

MAGIC THE GATHERING: DUELS OF THE PLANESWALKER

• A wonderfully fun game
• Fight your way to the ultimate deck of cards
• Online play is excellent (played nearly 60-70 matches with SS alone)
• Story could use some work
• Campaign is fun and challenging
• Stays true to Magic The Gatherings rich history
• Cant customize your decks...which stinks but is fine
• A great, relaxing card battling game that is accessible and easy to pick up and play

GAME HARD

New Mass Effect DLC Inbound!

With only one DLC add-on thus far in Mass Effect's infancy, Bioware has admittedly dropped the ball. Though the first downloadable pack (Bring Down The Sky) was insanely good and sold extremely well, Bioware for some reason or another has left the juggernaut of a game "on the shelves" to collect dust (in regards to DLC). After almost a year and a half later (since Bring Down the Sky) Mass Effect finally has an approximation as to when we will be seeing the next downloadable content for one of its premier games.

According to lead developer and creative director Chris "Evil Chris" Priestly's Twitter Page, he's "getting the feeling some news about the next ME1 DLC may be coming this week. Keep your eyes peeled." Of course, no real date or timeframe was given by "Evil Chris."

One other statement to note was delivered by Project Director Casey Hudson and lead designer Preston Watamaniuk: Said Hudson, "With things like Bring Down the Sky, we want to make sure there's always content out there for [players] to be able to play through, so it kind of leads into Mass Effect 2. In particular, we kind of have some exciting things we want to do in terms of the story on how, through the story, the downloadable content is going to set up the sequel."

"We wanted to give people something that's much more combat-oriented [and] a little bit lighter story kind of experience," Hudson exclaimed about the new add-on. "You can go to a kind of casino-gaming fight club space station."

According to Watamaniuk, the DLC itself will embody "something that we weren't able to pull off, we didn't think we had the time and we didn't think we'd do well enough, which was a fight club, or an arena. So we're working on that for our next downloadable content piece, which we're hoping will be really special."

As broad as this information (date wise) may be, I can't help but be ecstatic. New Mass Effect DLC released before the sequel comes out in 2010 would do me just fine, thank you! My prediction for a release date: Q4 of this year. Until a set date hits the news vine...

-GAME HARD-

Review: Magic The Gathering for XBLA

Remember back in the day when Magic The Gathering was beyond huge? Everyone from your siblings to adults wanted to garner the embodiment of what was (then) the biggest card game to hit the scene; some would say it was bigger than poker at one point in time. Well guess what? It still is pretty damn huge and over the years has acquired one of the most loyal (and rabid) fan bases out there. I always wanted to get into Magic but never really had the group of friends around me that were into that sort of thing. I hate to say it, but it was always looked at as one of those "geek" games and therefore was shunned, which was an absolute shame. With the recent release of MTG: Duels of the Planeswalker over XBox Live, I can finally say I am thoroughly addicted, happy and "geeked" out.

With a price point of 800 Microsoft Points (roughly ten dollars) this game is just to fun to pass up. Having only played the game a few times in the past I was hesitant at first to actually purchase the game. Luckily, my good friend SS Soulstealer had been eying this release for some time and was the conduit between me and my possible MTG purchase. Thankfully, my purchase was set in stone and I've been playing it ever since.

Run-Down: (gamershell)
"Duels of the Planeswalkers lets players simulate the Magic: The Gathering Trading Card Game through an interactive digital experience. Players take on the role of a Planeswalker, a powerful wizard who battles others for glory, knowledge and conquest. Each Planeswalker has an arsenal of spells and creatures showcased by virtual cards. Players can either choose to battle against the computer or compete online against real life opponents using Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE service offerings."

Basically, DOTP (Duels of the Planeswalker) is geared for online play. The campaign will take you roughly four to five hours to complete (shorter if your an elite Magic player) and roughly a couple add-on hours for doing all the challenges. The upside to the short campaign is the online play. It's smooth, addicting and easy to find a match. Remember when I said this game was and still is huge? It seems to have that same lore to xbox owners because I have yet to experience any problems in finding a match online. You can play with or battle up to four friends or random people over Live; exploiting DOTP multpile match types such as 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, 4v4 and even Two-Headed Giant Mode which means shared life totals, team attacking and blocking, as well as team victories and achievements! One other point I wanted to hit on was the Mentoring System which is used to provide live assistance, in-game hints and even an in-game rule book and glossary. Needles to say, the developers have made this game extremely easy to pick up and learn regardless of your knowledge of the core game.

Graphically, DOTP isn't going to knock your socks off. It looks good for a card game simulator but could benefit from a few small touches. Having been an avid Culdcept player, I would have liked for the developers to perhaps create better battle animations between opposing cards. Perhaps animate some battle scenes while playing attack cards or even create some magic animations while casting spells. Though the games move pretty fast it still would be nice to see some kind of battle sequence or illustrated ambiance implemented into the core mechanics.

Little nuances aside, DOTP is one of the funniest card games I think I have ever played; over XBLA and real life. You may think the fundamentals of the game are too hard to pick up and that learning how to play MTG is daunting to say the least. My advice to those in this mind-set is: Buy this game, play through the tutorial a couple times and see for yourself just how accessible this so called "hardcore" trading card game truly is.

Magic The Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalker has not only surprised me delightfully but has given me a competitive card game to play with friends. Nothing like some deep, tactical card battles to invest some time in! Though some hardcore Magic players may feel a little skimped by not being able to fully customize their decks, they still will find MTG: DOPT not only delivers on all levels of playability and accessibility but also provides an in depth card game that takes minutes to learn and years to master.

Graphics: 7
SFX: 8
Gameplay: 9
Replay Value: 9
Fun Factor: 9

-GAME HARD-

Console Throwback: NES

It is so hard to remember the feeling of playing a brand new NES game. The system arrived in 1985 and was a turn of the market release. The game console itself was an amazement, crisp colors, wires, and controlers. The game selection was actually pretty remarkable to start, with Super Mario Bros. being the feature title. It wasnt long until we were wowed by the NES Robot, Laser Gun, NES Glove, NES Advantage Joystick, and the ultimate adventure known as the NES Power Pad. In the midst of these upgrades came an aboundance of outstanding titles, such as Metroid, Tetris, Mike Tysons PunchOut, Contra, MasterBlaster, MegaMan, Bionic Commando, and the timeless original RPG The Legend of Zelda.

It was hard to understand the importance of Nintendo's creation at the time, but to be honest, it started the gaming movement that has brought us to modern day survival systems such as Playstation 3 and XBox 360. Before the release of the NES, Atari and Koleco were about the only options, and they were no where close.

I still own an NES, and it is in great condition. I wouldnt sell it for any reasonable amount, and maybe not even at all. As generations pass, and gaming evolves with time, systems like NES will long be forgotten, but I refuse to. My kids play NES, and my grandkids will play NES. After all, if you cant beat Contra, you shouldnt be playing Halo. If you cant beat Zelda, you shouldnt be playing Final Fantasy Online. If you cant beat me in Tecmo Bowl, oh wait, you cant (Chicago Bears unbeatable, I can block every extra point kick, and I can complete a pass play even if you pick it as your defense). But if you cant beat the computer, you have no business playing Madden.

My hats off to the NES, you are not forgotten. And I expect your newest upgrade, the Nintendo Wii, to have similar success creating a foundation for virtual gameplay environments.

-GAME HARD-

Weekly Street Fighter IV Update

------------------------

Rumor Mill
------------------------

New SF IV DLC immanent as well as a rumored sequel already in the midst.

[Here's The Link]

On a side note: Brand New Look at Star Craft 2's Battle Report III

[Here's The Link]

Capcom's Gets Generous With it's Game Engine

Over the past decade or so Capcom has garnered quite the reputation. During this time period (which I may add is still running strong) the power house developer has kept one thing the exact same; their game engine. The company has been using MT Framework -- an internal engine designed for multiplatform use -- for quite some time now. It has powered such titles like Dead Rising, Resident Evil 5 and even Devil May Cry 4; however Capcom is poised to introduce the next evolution of its multiplatform engine, MT Framework 2.0. with Lost Planet 2 at the helm.

Basically, what the story boils down to is that Capcom's has decided to provide 2.0 to be utilized by other companies. "...The company said 2.0 won't be outsourced as part of its business (like Epic does with its Unreal Engine, for example), but, again, will be provided to its external contract studios for use."

If you haven't already sen how Lost Planet 2 is shaping up then perhaps this video will set you straight:

Lost Planet 2 Trailer E3

Lost Planet 2's frame work and structure are all powered by MT Framework 2.0. If this is any indication at just how powerful this new engine is...well, we may be in for one hell of a ride! Companies that come on board will be treated with a brand new graphical engine built by a company that has some of the highest "clout" in the industry. Pay heed EA!

-------------------------------------

News Glyph:

• Bethesda & 2K to Release Oblivion and Bioshock Bundle [here]

-GAME HARD-

Wednesday's News-Bits (6.17.09)

Today's (and late last nights) News Stories

• L4D 2 Accepatance Group Starts To Rise Up [here]
• XB360 Japser Motherboards w/512mb Storage Hitting Stores [here]
• Sam and Max Episodic Series Hits XBLA Tomorrow [here]
• MTV Searching for Gaming Addicts [here]
• Dumbass "Halo Killer" Gets 25 to Life [here]
• G4's Olivia Munn Graces Playboy Cover [here]
• Uncharted 2 and Brutal Legend Lead Best of E3 Pack [here]
  

More Updates As The Day Progresses of Course!

-GAME HARD-

Quick Review: Prototype

Sticking to the newly implemented review format we have obscurely worked in over the past few months, I have fresh Intel as to how Prototype fared. Since the very first time I picked up a sandbox game (GTA: Vice City) I immediately knew I loved them. From the open ended campaign structure to the living virtual cities engulfed by buildings, skyscrapers and even vast forestry, there was just something special about having the empowered feeling that the world around you was at your fingertips. Do anything, break anything, drive anything, kill anything...Sandbox games idealistic "open-world" and daunting scope were just what I needed.

I'm happy to say that Prototype is a fantastic game. Everything right down to the pedestrian is spot on and meshes extremely well with not only the environments but the story line as well. Now, I know I'm getting off the blatant "Quick Review" track but I feel the need to comment in "quasi" depth about two things before my scores are listed:

1. Gameplay
2. The Gore

Lets start with the gameplay. It's smooth...and I mean real smooth. There are times when I'll be running around the city causing all sorts of hell with such fluidity that its actually mind boggling how the frame rate stays in tact. One moment I'm at the tippy top of the Empire State Building and the next I'm flying through the streets of Times Square causing wide spread panic amongst our beloved A.I counterparts. When I say this game is fast I'm not talking about Sonic the Hedgehog fast or Ninja Gaiden fast; I'm talking quantum physics jacked up on anabolic steroids fast.

Boiled down to its core, Prototype is a brawler...a "straight ripping" brawler that delivers on multiple levels of transparency. Remember watching Aliens for the first time? Remember how flipping violent it was? Well, times that by about 1,000 and you may come close to Prototypes influx of neon-violence. Let me give you an example: Just last night while playing I was using the Proto-Claws to run amok and slice me up some disease infested mutagens. Well, after about fifteen minutes of pure chaos I got bored; so I stopped. How did I stop you may be asking yourself? Well I pressed the X and Y button at the same time and created a catatonic shock wave that looked like a napalm bomb went off in a crowd of unsuspecting pedestrians. Big whoop you say? Try this on: As I turned around to sprint off into the bloody sunset I noticed something way up in the sky falling down towards me. After what literally was five seconds of watching this "thing" fall from the sky I finally noticed what it was...a humans limp body! Apparently after I set off my shock wave it smacked this poor old lady straight into the vast skyline only to release her to her immanent death. Excellent.

Alright enough of the 'gaga' talk. Onto the scores list!

GRAPHICS: 8
Story: 10
Gameplay: 10
Fun-Factor: 10
SFX: 10

Don't rent this game...BUY IT!

-GAME HARD-

Quick News Notes

Here's a rundown of today's happenings thus far:

1. Xbox 360 Sells 630,000 Units In Aussie Territory [here]
2. Lost Planet 2 To Be 360 Timed Exclusive [here]
3. Left 4 Dead 1 To Continue Life-Span [here]
4. Pachter apologizes for PsP Go! Comments [here]
5. Green Day Hops Aboard Rock Band Bus [here]
6. Mirrors Edge 2 Already Given Dev Team [here]
7. Uncharted 2 Multiplayer Beta Patch Hits [here]
8. Giantbomb's Glowing Prototype Review [here]
9. Live Marketplace Update for 6.12.09 [here]
   

-GAME HARD-

Weekly Playlist's (UPDATED!)

I've been thinking. Yes, thinking. We get a lot of requests here through PM's wondering what our play lists are...or better put in slang: "what we be playing at the moment." I have decided this is a good opportunity for us to post a little blurb about the current top-two games we are playing accompanied by SOME scores as well. These posts will be short, sweet and to the point. Either we like 'em or we don't...'Nuff said.

Like Ini Kamoze once said: "Here comes tha hot-steppah!"

OVERLORDSTRIDER'S CURRENT PLAY LIST:

1. Prototype (XBox 360)

• 2.5 hours into main campaign
  
• Graphics: 8.0
  
• Story: 9.0
  
• Gameplay: 10
  
• Fun Factor: 10
  
• In all honesty, there's nothing quite like jumping off a 40-story high skyscraper, landing on top of a group of unsuspecting pedestrians, squishing them like watermelons and coming out of it unscathed.

2. Sacred II (XBox 360)

• 37 hours into main campaign (yes, 37 hours)
  
• Only 41% done with campaign (yup)
  
• Graphics: 7.0
  
• Story: 7.5
  
• Gameplay: 9.0
  
• Fun Factor: 10
  
• Where would the industry be right now if it weren't for Dungeon Crawlers like Diablo, Baulder's Gate and Sacred? It would be a doom and gloom industry if we didn't have hack and slash RPG's...and that's no lie. God, I love me a good RPG!

SS SOULSTEALER'S CURRENT PLAY LIST:

1. Battlefield: Bad Company

• Second play through, this time on hard difficulty. A few more levels to go.
• Graphics: 7.0
• Story: 6.5
• Gameplay: 8.0
• Fun Factor: 9.0
• Re-playability: 8.0
• Comedic Relief: 10.0
• Multiplayer: 8.0
• Yes, I know, this game came out a while ago. I just finished up Fallout 3 with 95 hours of gameplay and needed a change of pace. The cool thing about this game is the destructive environments and the characters always talking shit to each other. You get to use some cool weapons, call in air strikes, destroy whole villages with tanks, and drive gunboats just to name a few. This is a fun game for sure and if you haven't had the chance to play it you just might want to pick it up at your nearest rental store. Basic but really really fun.

2. Prototype (whenever it ships to my house)

BLIZZKID'S CURRENT PLAY LIST:

1. Warcraft III: Frozen Throne (custom game DOTA)

• new version 6.60 just released (2 new heroes, many new items)
• mini game action with rpg hero feel (games usually last near an hour)
• over 90 heroes to choose from
• three hero types (Agility, Strength, Intelligence)
• Absolutely FREE, yes FREE, to play on Battle.net
• various leagues starting to form online, keeping stats, records, streaks
• Graphics: 6
• Gameplay: 6
• Fun Factor: 8
• Challenge: 10

Without a doubt the best option currently for PC gaming, sad to say, because it is FREE. I just don't think anything charging monthly fees right now is worth it, including World Of Warcraft, which I still feel is the best game ever made, for any system, ever....

2. Street Fighter IV and Street Fighter II Turbo

• I beat Overlord with Sakura recently, Street Fighter IV, and I don't even own a 360. This is not at all a knock at his skill, because he is without a doubt better than anyone reading this post, but more of an attribute to my gaming ability. I adapt well, and learn fast.
• No one can see me in Street Fighter II Turbo. Last time I remember playing, I went 22-1 before giving up the controller. I don't own that system, or game, either, but I do play it often with friends. Not so often anymore though, I wouldn't wanna play me either. Can anyone guess my character?
  

-GAME HARD-

UploaDING!

BREAKING NEWS:
Crackdown 2 Dev's Confirm 4-Player Co-op!

Uploading In Progress:

1. Project Natal Gut Feelings
2. Prototype Live Game-Play Marathon (Sat. 6.13.09-9pm eastern)
3. Prototype Review
4. Street Fighter IV Weekly Update
5. Neopet's Puzzle Adventure for the DS Review
   

See Ya on The Flip...

-GAME HARD-

Brutal Legend Looking Promising!

Schafer; creator of such greats like Psychonaughts and Day of the Tentacle. His games are so visceral that it sometimes scares me. The humor is right up my alley, the graphics are visually pleasing but the one thing that sets Tim's projects apart from every other game happens to be the writing. Everything from the story telling method to the humor to the action is supplemented into the core mechanics of the game so well that it's as if Tim made the game specifically for you.

At first I was a little hesitant towards Brutal Legend. Jack Black is voicing the main protagonist, Ozzy Osbourne is Hell's Gate Keeper; it's these types of little nuances that "irked" me at first. However, after watching every "Brutal" demo and game-play footage unveiled at this years E3, I am now a firm believer that this game is going to be something special.

Instead of boring you with a story run down accompanied by a character exposition (blah blah) I'll just show you what I'm talking about. Here's an excellent clip showcasing just what Brutal Legend is all about. The second clip is an excellent hands on demo conducted by Gamespot.

-GAME HARD-

E3 Awards List Has Begun!

We are currently recovering from the plethora of news that came out of this years epic E3 Convention! Until we have finally caught our breath, wiped the sweat from our brows and soaked up the drool from our mouth's, we have decided to give you our own personally Best of Show List.

Each editor is currently compiling a list of SIX games or announcements that were shown, demo'ed and...well, announced. The games and or announcements can be from any part of E3; whether it be a little developer like Big Huge Games or a big wig company such as EA; it doesn't matter! Also: We will be doing a biggest surprise of show category alongside biggest disappointment.

So, without further adue, here is OverlordStrider's List:

Top 5 Showings and or Announcements (Click them):
6. Alan Wake
5. Brutal Legend
4. Left 4 Dead II (I don't care what all the dinks are saying!)
3. Dragon Age
2. Lost Planet 2 Trailer
1. Mass Effect 2 (click)
---------------------------
Biggest Surprise (in a good way):
Shadow Ops (XBLA) & Muramasa: Demon Blade (Wii)
Biggest Disappointment(s):
No Show From Blizzard No Show From Bioshock 2
---------------------------

BEST OF SHOW (B.O.S.)

Mass Effect 2
"This game is going to rock your taint off"
-OverlordStrider-

-GAME HARD-

StarCraft 2: Release Update

It is hard to get a good feel for what Blizzard is doing with this game due to the constant confusion surrounding its release date. An official source has stated that StarCraft 2 will be released in late 2009. He also commented that Blizzard is doing everything it can to make the game beyond expectations. So we can safely take some resolve from this announcement, knowing that the game is gonna be nothing less than awesome, but at the same time spite Blizzard for its ongoing failure to provide its public with accurate and definite information during a games creation. Its getting to the point that I wish another company would start dominating the MMORPG PC universe. "Late 2009" could range anywhere from Sept - Dec. Im not even gonna get started with how upsetting this is, Im just going to adjust my release predictions for this and Diablo 3.

Dec 2009 - StarCraft 2
June 2010 - Diablo 3

Only one word can describe how I feel about this situation...

Angry.
-GAME HARD-

E3 Day 4 List Rundown

As of right now 6.4.09, this years E3 will perhaps go down as the greatest E3 ever (yes I'm looking at all you E3 2005 fan-boys)! Games announced, new IP's unleashed, peripherals galore, demo's, first hand looks, gameplay marathons and even an occasional booth babe were all present for the triumphant return of the Electronic Entertainment Expo.

Since we have gotten great response to the style of reporting we have done (list run down) I figured we should keep the ball rolling and do the same for the final day of E3. It's been one hell of a ride this year and I cant even express the content and happiness that this "re-boot of E3" has brought us!

DAY 4 HAPPENINGS As Of 12:45am Eastern:

• Brand New Castlevania Announced By Konami for 360/PS3 Here
• Halo Reach Dated (2010) Here
• Hands on Demo With Darksiders Here
• Project Natal Announced to be Backward Compatible Here
• G4'A Hands on With Alien vs Predator Here
• Hands on with Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 Here
• All Things E3 Dragon Age (we love this game) Here
• Nintendo Announces Black Wii and Red DSi Here
• Hands On With Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Here
• New Red Steel 2 Footage Here
• Heavy Rain Level 1 Walkthrough Here
• More Left 4 Dead Gameplay Here
• Wii's Sin and Punishment New Trailer Here
• Infinity Ward Accepts Guinness Book of Record Award Here
  

My Top 6 Trailers/Gameplay Videos of E3 2009 & Links Thus Far:

1. Mass Effect 2
2. Lost Planet 2
   
3. Left 4 Dead II
4. Brutal Legend
5. Shadow Complex
6. Dragon Age

Most Anticipated Games Still Go To:

E3 Day Three

Day three. My god, it's been hectic! So many announcements from just about every developer, big-wig game company and even car manufacturers (see the Forza 3 run-down HERE). People seem to be liking the list form we have been using to run-down all the latest and breaking news bits we gather from the spectacle that is E3. So, with that said...I'll keep the paragraph short and simple: Onto Day 3 Happenings!

LATE NIGHT (6.2) HAPPENINGS:

• Fallout III DLC: Point Lookout - Dated for "Later This Year" Here
  
• Perfect Dark 64 Slated For Release on XBLA Here
• Supreme Commander 2 Announced
  
• Kratos announced as character in Soul Caliber Here
• Darksiders Gets a Release Date (2010...boo!) Here
• Miyamoto: "New Zelda Game Far Into Development!" Here
  

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TODAY'S HAPPENINGS:
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• Engadget's Hands On With The Beatles: Rock Band Here
• More Hands On With God Of War III Here
• An Excellent Write Up On Day 2 From G4 Here
• Brand New Dragon Ball IP's Announced for 360/PS3 Here
• Joystiq Goes Hands On with Dead Space Extraction Here
• Excellent Left 4 Dead II Developer Interview Here
• Prototype Street Date Leaked Here
• Halo Reach Detailed - "It is an FPS!" Here
• Konami's Press Conference at 3pm - More info coming!
• Square-Enix Press Conference 2:30pm - More info coming!
• New Classic Controller From Nintendo Here
  

-GAME HARD-

E3 Day 2

Lets Do A Quick Recap of The E3 Day One Highlights:

• EPIC'S NEW XBLA GAME: SHADOW COMPLEX REVEALED ( AMAZING)
  
• More details on the new PsP Go! Here
• Dante's Inferno Stage Demo Shown Off and New Trailer Here
  
• Biggest Story Yet: Crackdown 2 ANNOUNCED HERE
• Modern Warfare 2 Stage Demo / actual play-through level
  
• Crysis 2 PS3 & 360 Bound (excellent!) Here
• StarCraft II Releasing in 2009! Here
• Beatles Rock Game Shown
  
• Metal Gear Solid: Rising coming to the 360!!!!!
• Left 4 Dead 2 announced - Releasing in November by Valve! Here
  
• New Halo Project is in FULL Effect (Full Retail)
• Microsoft Announces Fully Compatible Motion Control System For The 360!
• Assassins Creed 2 Dated For Fall of This Year
• A Brand New Monkey Island Game for all Systems
• James Cameron's "Avatar" game shown off behind closed doors
• Final Fantasy XIII shown off and dated (looks gorgeous)
  
• FORZA 3 Announced and Dated
• Alan Wake Shown Off (in-Game and Cut-Scenes)
• APB Announced for All Major Systems - Not a PS3 Exclusive
• Brutal Legend Preview by Tim Shaffer (Creator/CEO of Double Fine)
• Splinter Cell: Conviction Shown off and Played!
  
• UbiSoft Enters The All Things Media Business (not just making games anymore)

Today's Wii Happenings as of 2:13pm Eastern:

• Nintendo Press Conference
• Wii Sports Resort in depth look
• Wii Motion Plus Demo with Wii Sports Resort
• Brand New Mario IP Announced-Multiplayer Mode shown-off!
  
• Stats of Wii Fit Discussed (boring)
• BREAKING: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Revealed!
• BREAKING: GOLDEN SUN FOR THE DS ANNOUNCED!
• Wii Fit Plus will come out this Fall. The first game is the best selling game in America.

SONY PRESS CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS:

• God of War III Demo Shown - Playable on E3 Show Floor
• Team Ico's new project shown off - Trico
• Final Fantasy XIV - Sony Exclusive & Dated for 2010!
• MAG shown off - 256 players online at once (LIVE!)
• New Motion Controls Revealed to be compatible with Eye-Toy
  

Today's cupe-de-grace includes press conferences from Sony as well as Nintendo, press hearings for Atlus, Capcom as well as Suda51 (No More Heroes Developers) and Bethesda. So far, this year's E3 has already surpassed everyone's expectations (read any other blog or web site and they'll say the same thing). Announcements, new IP's, demos, brand spanking new game footage...I'm out of breath.

Here's to hoping for some Diablo III Release Date news!

-Game Hard-