GeekSugar

Eidos Pulls Out All the Stops For Batman Arkham Asylum

GeekSugar — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:05:25 -0700

Although I haven't had a chance to dive into the full release version of Batman: Arkham Asylum since it landed in my mailbox on Monday, I did get a taste of the action while at E3. From the 15 minute demo that I witnessed, I can tell you that the game is kinda creepy, but totally awesome. . . especially when you're playing in combat mode.

But before I can divulge any details about the game, I have to give some props to publisher Eidos - Arkham Asylum came packaged with my very own emergency straitjacket kit! You know, just to make sure that if things get out of hand while I'm playing, someone can subdue me properly. Nice touch!

Batman: Arkham Asylum starts with you trapped in (what else?) Arkham Asylum, trying to track down The Joker who is plotting your demise with the help of a gang of fellow inmates. Combat is in a free flow style, which means if you combo moves and hits, you can max out your experience and kick major butt with power moves. The controls were nice and smooth, and were easy to get the hang of. But some of the best parts about the game are the stealth and detective modes. Learn more about these features and others when you read more.

In detective mode, you can see through walls with a special visor to detect heat signatures, fingerprints, and even smell cigarette smoke and alcohol on the breath of your enemies before they can see you. In Stealth, you can use your silent skills to take down The Jokers' posse without others seeing or hearing. Plus, using your batarang and working with the architecture of the building - like perching on ledges and hanging upside down on poles like a bat - helps you take down your enemies faster, while racking up the skill.

Batman: Arkham Asylum is available now online and in stores for your Xbox 360 and PS3.

Yoostar Lets You Star in Your Favorite Movies From Home

GeekSugar — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:00:13 -0700

I have to admit that I was a little confused before I met with the Yoostar peeps at E3 yesterday, but after getting my hands (and face) on the product, my mind was made up: I want one of these. If you've always dreamed of playing a character in a movie - but maybe don't quite have the acting chops - then this is your game. Yoostar enables you to digitally embed your voice, picture, and action right into your favorite TV and movie scenes with the help of a powerful camera and green screen.

Coming this August, Yoostar is packed with everything you need right out of the box: the Yoostar software, a webcam with built-in mic, a remote control, and a six by six-foot green screen. From there, all you have to do is download the software to your computer (both Mac and PC friendly), set up your webcam and green screen, pick one of the fourteen bundled scenes that comes with the package, and you're ready to star in a scene with your favorite actors.

Why would you want to do this? Find out the answer, along with the price, what else you can do with the package, and a demo video when you read more.

I had a seriously good time costarring in a scene from Sesame Street with Elmo (I played Grover), and if I were a kid, I'd be all over it! Family game night just went high tech. Your kids could act out their favorite scenes and put on a show for the whole family to enjoy (don't worry, there are plenty of G-Rated scenes to choose from and download on yoostar.com), and if you want to be Internet famous, this is one way to do it. The quality of the finished product was surprisingly good, with the sound and picture being really clear. But, if I had time to practice my lines instead of reading the on-screen script, it would have looked way better. Hey, I'm a perfectionist like that.

And the good news is, the webcam and mic are high quality, so you can use this as your full-time webcam to chat with friends and family, or even use the setup to star in your own video blogs. Hitting the shelves in August, Yoostar comes in at $169.99 and with a six-foot green screen, which seems ridiculously low - these things don't come cheap!

Build Your Own Missions in City of Heroes Architect Edition

GeekSugar — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 09:05:02 -0800

I was a pretty big fan of the original version of City of Heroes (well, maybe it was more like superfan - my BF and I would bicker over whose turn it was to play), so when I was invited to check out the newest update of the game, which includes mission building tools, of course I was all over it.

City of Heroes is a MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role playing game) that lets you customize your hero with different skills and powers, as well as customize your characters' look and costume. You can select different missions (solo, or with other players online) to earn more powerful skills and points towards getting better customization options. Usually, you'll be kicking some villain butt. And now with the Architect Edition, you can design your own missions and play your friends' missions all while earning points towards even more powers and skills.

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To see what I thought about the game, and who should definitely be checking it out when it hits shelves this March when you read more.

After a brief presentation with the development team, we were unleashed to create our own missions. Basically, it's like telling a story - you have this hero that has to complete a mission to earn points. What do you want him to do to earn them? I had my hero battle the evil Eddie Gobot (yes, I made all of this up) who was trying to oppress the bloggers of Paragon City, in order to control the news that was reported to its citizens. I added in some thugs, a few bosses, and a mission to hack into Gobots' computer in order to run him out of town, and I was on my way.

Since I was already familiar with City of Heroes, it was pretty easy for me to get going on building my own mission, but if you have never played COH before, it may take some practice play just to get familiar with the game, but mission building will be there for you when you're ready. Thankfully, the architect tools are a free addition to the game, so you aren't paying any extra cash to be able to make your own custom missions. Aspiring game developers take note: the mission customization tools allow you to dive as deep into the story as you want, but easy enough for beginners to grasp.

Personally, I'm excited for this new edition of City of Heroes, which will be available March 12 on your PC or Mac. Are you already a City of Heroes fan?

Early Preview: Tomb Raider Underworld For Wii and DS

GeekSugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 04:01:26 -0700

I've totally been on a gaming binge these past few weeks, and who can blame me? We're ramping up for the holiday season, and I'm trying to figure out which games to add to my wish list! There are a whole slew of games hitting the shelves in the next few months, and I got a chance to check out one of them at an early preview last week. I got my hands on Tomb Raider: Underworld - both the Wii and DS versions - and I already have a clear favorite between the two.

Tomb Raider: Underworld takes us to the depths of the oceans and to new locales like Thailand, Mexico, and the Arctic to unlock the mystery of Thor's Hammer - a mythical Norse God who was said to smash mountains into valleys, and possessed the strength to destroy Gods. Of course, Lara is not the only one seeking this hammer, and finds herself in some interesting situations. Natch.

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To see which console I'd prefer to play on, just read more.

Although the Wii's controls are great in games like Wii Sports, Resident Evil 4, and Wario Shake It, they seem like they aren't really needed in this game. You use both the nunchuck and remote to play, sporadically incorporating the motion sensors to pull a lever or open a door. But it was just not enough to proclaim that this is a totally new experience, like we saw when Resident Evil 4 made its appearance on the Wii. If anything, the Wii version left me feeling a little out of control of Lara. Plus, the camera was a little crazy, and between you and me? I got a little motion sick while playing. Don't tell anyone.

When I sat down to play the DS version of TRU, I was wondering how they could adapt a game that has been known for its graphics and challenges to such a small screen (not to mention that it would be a side scroller) but I was totally surprised at how fun this version actually was! Not only are the controls intuitive, but the game was overall just a better experience. Unlike the Wii version, where I found myself lost as to what to do next, the DS version was easy to follow and understand. Besides, you can only go left, right, up, or down! This is not to say that I don't like games that challenge me to think and solve complex puzzles, but I do like a game that makes me want to continue playing - and that's exactly what the DS version of Tomb Raider: Underworld achieved.

Tomb Raider: Underworld will hit stores November 21 on your PS2, PS3, XBox 360, Wii, DS, PC, and select mobile phones.

Fable II Early Impressions: Are You Playing Yet ?!

GeekSugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:00:24 -0700

Although Fable II and Little Big Planet were supposed to be released on the same day (causing some major headaches for yours truly on which to play first), I was a bit relieved to find that one of them would be delayed, causing my game crunch to disappear for the time being.

Now, the much anticipated sequel to 2004's Fable will keep me happily occupied until LBP hits shelves on Oct. 27. Not that Fable II should be looked at as a place saver - it's an amazing game on its own, and I'm totally loving it! I got my hands on a copy of Fable II a few days ago, and I haven't been able to stop playing since. Seriously - I was up till 1:30 a.m. yesterday morning.

Although I have barely skimmed the surface of this massive world, I do have a few thoughts on the game already. To find out what they are, just read more.

I love having the dog as a companion. He helps me find treasures, warns me of danger, and I can even get my pet fix by playing fetch with him!
The camera kinda sucks when you're playing co-op. The weird part is, when you are playing the hero, the camera follows your sidekick! Hello? I'm over here trying to open this treasure chest!
I don't like the map. I couldn't even find it at first!
I really love the golden pathway that you follow to find where you need to go. Although you are free to explore the world as you please, the golden path leads you to your next mission, so you never get lost.
I also love how you can skip conversations. Sometimes waiting for a villager to tell you the origins of a building you want to buy is annoying when you can read the details on the deed.
Be careful of who you are nice to and flirt with! They may follow you around, and get in your way.
Battle sequences are not too challenging, but are totally satisfying. I'm sure they will get tougher as the game develops though.

I'll have my full review coming up soon, but in the meantime, have you been playing Fable II nonstop like I have?

Left 4 Dead Sneak Peek

GeekSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:01:14 -0700

As one of my top five picks for this year's scariest games, I jumped at the chance to get an early look at the zombie shooter Left 4 Dead at a recent preview party here in San Francisco. Coming next month to your Xbox 360 and PC, I already knew the plot would have you trying to find your way out of a zombie-filled city with you and your three pals. But what I didn't know was that players will also get the chance to play as the zombies, trying to stop the humans from escaping (and eventually becoming dinner). There are four different "mutant" zombies, all with a unique attack style, which made it fun to switch between the characters and see who could cause the most damage.

Although Left 4 Dead is fun to play, I do have a few gripes about it. To see my thoughts on this early preview, and to check out a gameplay video (containing violence toward zombies aka blood and guns), just read more.

My early impressions of the game were good - fun co-op play and an easy objective (stay alive as long as possible) - but there were a few glaring concerns. While playing with three of your friends on a game night would be totally fun, playing alone might leave something to be desired. If you do play Left 4 Dead solo, you'll be stuck with three AI buddies, and although I didn't get a chance to play the solo mode, I would imagine it to be kinda boring.

Additionally, there were so many things to remember controlwise. At times even I got confused about which button did what - and I own a Xbox 360! I'm sure after more playing, it would become second nature, but still, not too easy for beginners or those of you who are picking up a 360 controller for the first time. For those of you who like a shooter and are really into killing zombies, check out my gameplay video below. It's short and sweet, yet you'll instantly get the point of the game!

What do you think - will you play Left 4 Dead?

2008 Video Game Preview: Part I

GeekSugar — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 08:15:12 -0800

As awesome as 2007 was for gaming, with the release of some of the most advanced games yet, 2008 seems to have a few tricks up its sleeve for us, too. Although Super Mario Galaxy, Halo and Guitar Hero will be on heavy rotation for months to come, I have a feeling that we'll need to make room in our closets for some new faves.

In the first of this three part series, we'll look at four of the twelve coolest games to hit the shelves in the next twelve months. Kicking it off will be the newest title in an uber-creepy series, a fast paced racer that encourages destruction, a revolutionary newcomer and a little something to help you work on your fitness. Game On!

Resident Evil 5
If you're a fan of Resident Evil, you will most likely dig the newest installment of zombified Haitians, eerie sounds, and guns, lots of guns, which you'll want to keep fully loaded. Although it might be hard to top the scare factor of RE4 that left me wanting to leave a light on before bed! Sure to scare you this year on the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Now for three more games if you read more

Spore
This evolutionary game created by The Sims' mastermind Will Wright starts us off in the first of five "phases" as a single cell organism. Once you've gathered enough DNA points, you'll then have the ability to evolve, customize your creatures, mate, populate and travel to different worlds.
Evolving on your PC this summer.

Burnout Paradise
The awesomeness of Burnout continues with destruction based challenges and all out pedal-to-the-metal-timed races, this time covering the world with online play and incorporating your consoles' camera abilities to take your license photo! Sweet! Cruising onto your PS3 and Xbox 360 this winter.

Wii Fit
The Wii can do no wrong. Totally Fit approved, the Wii Fit balance board will help you perform up to 40 different exercises and even calculates your BMI. Perfect for all those who over indulged this winter and might need a little bit of intervention. It's not exercise - It's a game! Sculpt your way to being fit this winter.

Stay tuned for the remainder of our preview series to scope out the rest of the best for 2008!

Source

2008 Video Game Preview: Part III

GeekSugar — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:00:25 -0800

We are in the home stretch for our three part series giving you a taste of the coolest games scheduled to drop in the next 12 months. In this final installment, it's all about size. One game making a move from a tiny touch screen to a roomier home, a huge silver screen box office buster downsizing to something more modest, a series with an extra large following that will surely grab even more attention, and a little known charmer that just might make it big. Check out parts I and II if you haven't already, and keep your eyes peeled each month for new releases so you can get your game on all year long! Mario Kart Wii
What's better than racing classic Mario Kart style? With a Wii wheel, of course! The new Wii edition offers the usual online multi-player action but now you can race motorcycles! Will Princess Peach ride side saddle? Find out in early 2008 on the Wii.

Need more? Of course you do so read more

Indiana Jones
Seriously realistic graphics from LucasArts is sure to make this game visually stunning. The only setback is that it's been in production for so long, I doubt that newly coined super star Shia will make a cameo. But there's always hope, right? Look for Indy this year on the silver screen and in your home on the PS3 or Xbox 360.

Little Big Planet
Customization is the name of this game where you make your own characters, levels, and surroundings. Swap customized games online for seriously endless options for gameplay. Plus it's so cute, you really won't be able to resist. Stealing your heart this winter on the PS3.

Grand Theft Auto IV
The joys of Grand Theft Auto return for hot wiring, car jacking, crash inducing action with Niko Bellic. GTA developer Rockstar, promises a brilliant online experience and almost zero load times. We'll hold them to that! Check it out this Spring on your PS3 or Xbox 360.

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2008 Video Game Preview: Part II

GeekSugar — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:00:52 -0800

Class is back in session, so break out your notebook paper and #2 pencils as we school you on some of the best video game releases of 2008. If you missed Part I, check it out here to catch up with the rest of the class. Your homework: Read up on these hits that allow you to battle as your favorite characters of games past, help clear a pal's name for a crime he didn't commit, find your way through a seriously spooky mystery and dive into a great sequel to an epic adventure. Study on!

Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Ever since Brawl was delayed back in November, we have been waiting oh so impatiently to play this 3-D fighter. With so many of my favorite characters to pit against one another, and now the option to play online through Wii wi-fi, it just keeps getting better - and harder to wait for! Finally coming to the Wii in February.

Want to see the others? Well then, read more

Secret Agent Clank
Taking place after PSP's Shiny Action but before PS3's Tools of Destruction, the trusty sidekick from the Ratchet and Clank series takes off on his own adventure - Ratchet's been framed and Clank busts out trying to clear his pal's name. Hints of mini-games and fast battles await. Portable fun on your PSP this fall.

Alan Wake
Horror writer Alan Wake's girlfriend disappears in ways similar to those in his best selling book. Visions of his missing girl, insomnia, and the eerie town of Bright Falls make for a nightmarish game that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Creeping you out in late 2008 on your Xbox 360 and PC.

Fable 2
The free roaming world of Fable 2 now includes the unconditional love of your pet dog where every move that you make affects him. The ability to start a family and buy any property makes this RPG epic an investment in your time. Available on Xbox 360 and PC in later 2008.

Stay tuned for the last of our three part series on the best game releases of 2008!

Source

Capcom Digital Day

kristyrk — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:40:28 -0700

Previews of Capcom's game releases this Spring and Summer.

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