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Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Infinite Undiscovery : Xbox 360 Exclusive


Without a doubt, despite the flakiness of the Xbox 360. Owners of the system will be pleased to know that Square's answer to Final Fantasy XIII 'Versus' on the Xbox will see another exclusive RPG title known as 'Infinite Undiscovery'. The teams behind the game's creation consists of a mixture of staff from 'Valkyrie Profile' and 'Star Ocean'. A quick view of the trailer and you will immediately realise the depth that has gone into this game's production, a more than action packed battle-system and an engrossing plot that is based around the moon being chained to the earth.

The art-style looks very promising as the roster spans over 17 characters. I particularly like the look and feel of how this games play out, the style carries a fun yet serious and dire imagery about it. Players will not be able to tackle puzzles in a conventional way if they keep their guard down. Furthermore, as seen in the trailer you will battle vicious boss characters whilst displaying your grace and finesse by dodging a massive chained dragon in the Background. All these kinds of aspects including the new guard/counter system add to the original aspects of Square-Enix's newest RPG title.

Fanboy or not, you are definitely not going to want to miss this one! watch for it as it hits store shelves sometime around early September. I can barely wait, as this title looks so beautifully engrossing. Without further delay, click to view the trailer below if you haven't already done so.

-C


Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Xbox 360 - The Many Faces

Many of you will know that Microsoft have landed a very questionable product with the release of the Xbox 360 in late 2005. Consumers were quick to complain that the console was very loud and suffered from imminent heat problems that later gave birth to the plague known as the 'Red Ring of Death'. To address this issue, MS was forced to extend their warranty to a period of 3 years toward consumers who experienced the horrific three red rings. 2 Years later in September 2007 MS further addressed the problem by changing the chipset code named 'Zephyr' and prior "Xenon" to the new 'Falcon' motherboard. The main differences was shrinking the cpu core from the old 90nm found on the Zephyr to the newer 65nm core that can be found on today's falcon spec Xbox 360.

Why was falcon more effective at preventing the RROD? mainly due to the extra heat spreader included on the motherboard to mitigate heat from the core components. Secondly the smaller CPU die required less power to function and therefore released less heat to maintain stable operation. Whilst Falcon was a sure improvement, MS has yet to perfect their console as users of the new chipset reported RROD issues. These extended to the newly release limited edition 'Halo' Boxes and the 120gig Elite offerings. Therefore, malfunctions had been reduced significantly with the falcon chipset, consumers would accept nothing short of a perfect product, which lead many consumers who were on their 2nd or 3rd XBox to turn to Sony's PS3.

This leaves us at where we are today, many currently anticipating the coming of the 360's newest incarnation codenamed 'JASPER'. Jasper not only includes the current improvements seen in the falcon release. MS has opted to shrink the size of the GPU to the 65nm form factor like previously seen with the CPU. This change promises to further reduce heat production and thus limit the chance of melting components. Hopefully, we can expect no more RROD from the new 'JAPSER' chipset which was rumored to be released sometime in September 2008. Having entered into late August, and witnessing the release of the new 60gig model. A man by the name of 'Ben Heck' has confirmed that there were improvements to the memory placing on the new release. However, other than this fact, the board remained a 'falcon' with 'JASPER' still nowhere to be found.
Most people would also like to know where all the returns have gone to and, what MS plans to do with these parts. The word on the street is that MS has plans for another chipset that will make use of the older Xenon cases. This chipset dubbed 'Opus' will apparently include factors of the falcon board, although it will not include an HDMI port, as the slot is absent on the older Xenon case. Good to know that MS is being proactive towards recycling their broken parts. However, why someone would buy a console without an HDMI port especially in the coming future really eludes my current train of thought. Then again, I am one person with a single opinion :)

Finally stepping back to reality, the million-dollar question: is the 'JASPER' chipset still something of myth, or are we likely to see it on our shores sometime in the near future? More-so, what about countries outside of the USA? Perhaps only time will tell, stay tuned...

-C

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Fable 2


With the near coming of Fable 2 and it recently being dubbed the most anticipated game at the E3 conference this year by Gamespot, Fable 2 is ready to do some damage amongst the big names of games within the next few months. With its original concept and highly interactive game mechanics, the Fable series forces players to make decisions that influence the flow of the story and tilts the evolution of your character. Lionhead's Creative Director Peter Molyneaux has once again promised to offer us the best RPG ever created and went so far as to mention that this statement was rather bold and unfulfilled with the first game. However, this time around Lionhead studios will likely display a change in the direction of gameplay. Therefore, changing the way the game plays out and forcing players away from a linear storyboard.

One of Fable 2's most promising aspects is the free environment it will offer, you will have many opportunites to express how your character will develop, you can be an adventurer or even opt for a wife and children. It is aspects and gaming innovation such as these that will make Fable a sure winner amongst other more common games of this genre. Finally, a big feature will be it's cooperative mode that will allow a second player to take part in the adventure. Unlike the first game, Fable 2 promises to offer more to the players, something to look forward to is a revamped comat system and social options that help your character interact with other characters in game.

Having been an avid player of the first title I am eagerly awaiting the release date of Fable 2, surely it may not be the most mature/dark themed RPG but it will promise to retain all it's originality and flair that will make this title a sure 'Win' on the Xbox 360. Stay tuned for it's release date on October 23rd 2008 :)

Check out the Fable 2 Trailer @ Gametrailers.com


Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Fallout 3 gets the thumbs up in AU


Good News for all Australian Gamers, I am thrilled to announce that the OFLC has removed the ban on Fallout 3. Yes, we will all be experiencing the Fallout 3 experience down-under once more. Apparently Bethesda was able to resubmit a slightly toned down version of the game that will now carry a MA 15+ classification. This is a proud day for all us gamers in Australia, for we have won a great fight to keep Fallout 3 on the shelves!


Unfortunately, we will not know the details of this toned down version as distributor 'Red Ant' had 'no comment' to give when Gamespot attempted to pry details of this recently submitted version. I am just greatful that we will still have access to the game. In contrast, due to the Ban being lifted we probably will be able to import the US release. Keep your fingers crossed!


-C

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Final Fantasy: Dissidia (PSP) Pre-Roster


When the name FF:Dissidia is mentioned, I am reminded distinctly of the fighting game long past known as Erhgeiz. Dissidia has been confirmed to be an all out brawl-fest that sports characters created by Tetsuya Nomura in a highly anticipated deathmatch for the PSP console. This title is sure to impress FF fans world-wide, but will it be enough to stand up to other great fighting titles that have graced our shores. One thing for certain is atleast we will have access to some of our all-time favourite RPG heroes of all time. The Roster is still yet unconfirmed, although it can be said that the following characters will be making an appearance:

FFI: Warrior of Light, Garland
FFII: Firion, The Emperor
FFIII: Onion Knight, Cloud of Darkness
FFVI: Kefka
FFVII: Cloud, Sephiroth
FFVIII: Squall, Ultimecia
FFIX: Zidane, Kuja
FFX: Tidus, Jecht

The line-up is looking to be pretty solid, although it could still do with many major additions to add to this title's fine polish. In the meantime, we will all have to be patient and wait for more news on this title.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Megahouse Queen's Blade Nanael PVC


For all you figure collectors out there, Megahouse has announced a new figure addition to their Queen's blade PVC range. This time around we are graced by the highly detailed and innocent looking 'Nanael' She is the angelic character of the Queen's Blade role playing game. As we can see from the photos, this figure is definitely a must have for collectors and those of you who love the character, as it is a nice addition as opposed to the more expensive cold-cast variant that retails for around 18,500 yen. She has been carefully sculpted toward an in-motion pose with her floating sword suspended in mid-air via the included base. The figure is available for pre-orders and you can follow the link to order it online at PlayAsia. This figure is highly popular and reservations have already closed on a few sites. Numbers will be limited, so don't miss out!


Play-Asia.com - PRE-ORDER EXCELLENT MODEL QUEENS'S BLADE NANAEL HERE

Monday, August 4, 2008

Dawn of War 2

Coming to our shores soon enough, another E3 teaser... 'Dawn of War 2' Who?, when they were growing up wasn't influenced by some kind of Gamesworkshop product either being simple Warhammer or 40K. Most avid gamers would have atleast heard of the strategic based miniature action game. Fortunately enough, for us guys with sparing cash THQ, Relic have been generous enough to create the Real-time-strategy Dawn of War series based on the Warhammer 40K universe. Clearly we can see that the teaser really portrays the grim warfare of the space marine chapters. As a kid I have always loved the Warhammer universe but could only imagine how it would look if it were a virtual reality. Therefore, I think this trailer is worth a very special honorable mention. Let's just hope for us guys in AU that the OFLC don't get their grubby undeserving mits on this title before it hits our shores. Enjoy!

Dawn of War 2 Trailer @ Gametrailers.com

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Castlevania: The Order of Ecclesia


Konami revealed more details on their upcoming Castlevania game which will once again make an appearance on Nintendo's DS console. Fans of the series will be glad to know that Koji Igarashi will personally foresee the development of this project this time around. Igarashi has decided to excuse the anime style seen in the late 'Portrait of Ruin' and adopt the classic style of artist Ayami Kojima, whose beautifully haunting style most will remember from Castlevania 'Symphony of the Night".

This installment takes place sometime after Symphony of the Night, whereby Richter Belmont has vanished and it is up to the Sacred order of ecclesia to take up the vampire hunting reigns and make an attempt to disrupt the resurrection of the darklord. Some people will be excited to know that the protagonist is a female character who goes by the name of Shanoa. As you guys can see, she is already looking bada$$! :) Not to mention, that the game will have a worldmap feature that will also allow players to wonder from town to town and not be stuck in just the castle. I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of this title, surely it will be a worthy addition to the classic series.

Below is the trailer at Gametrailers.com -

A brighter Diablo III?

Despite an online petition being signed by fans that accumulated over 52, 000 signatures for the redevelopment of a darker themed Diablo. Blizzard has come forth and stated that it was too late to change the current palette unveiled at the E3 demonstration this year. A vast majority of fans were displeased with the new-art style and feel of the demo with much crtiscism towards the cartoony look and brighter palette.

Blizzard does however, ensure that the game will possess the same dark feel as the previous installments and that the color change was to help differentiate a vast number of on-screen sprites. Personally, I feel the new change in direction is for the better as the dark themed setting was getting a little old. Furthermore, the game will still maintain it's dark storyline even though the art-style has been changed accordingly. On a lighter note, the current demo looked very refreshing and it did demonstrate that the game maintained it's original game mechanics of bird's eye view playstyle. Much to my delight, I was afraid with all the new 3d action-rpg's on the market that Blizzard decided to stay true with the game's original workflow. As a fan of the series I will place my faith in Blizzard's hands, so far I am more than impressed with what I have seen. Additionally, it is much too early on to be making any major criticisms on any part of the game, let's just keep our fingers crossed and hope it continues to impress.
The Screenshot is a taste in what we will expect from Diablo III.

Friday, August 1, 2008

My thoughts (Soul Calibur IV)


After finally getting an AU release on the 31st of July. The raving fans were finally able to get a taste of action from the highly anticipated 3D fighting game. Having played the game for about 5 hours straight now, I can say this game is highly addictive and lots of fun. I am aware many reviewers have given the game much flak for the poorly integrated story-mode and personally I am not all too fond of it myself. However, this is only a minor setback toward what the game is suppose to portray. The game mechanics are great, it plays familiar to the previous installments but are also kind enough on new comers to the game. A newly integrated soul system allows players to beat at each others armor and prevents other players to drag a match on by constantly blocking. Furthermore, this system has been integrated to reflect this by adding 'battle damage' to the players armor as the gauge decreases. To add to the excitement, once the player's soul gauge runs empty you are given an oportunity to release I devasting finishing move by pressing all attck buttons. For those of you familiar with 'Mortal Kombat', the finishing montages are much like the MK fatalities only the execution is slightly different. Although, many have argues this system is flawed it is nonetheless a very nice addition to already good game mechanics and it gives players a diversity to their playing style.

Players are able to customise their characters by completing battle missions which allow special armor sets and weapons to be unlocked given the specific requirements are met. This can become slightly frustrating as some goals can become quite cumbersome to achieve. Nevertheless, the armor sets are elaborately animated and further add to SC4's power to impress gamers.

The graphics are flawless and the character movements/animations are fluid to the inept realism of integrated game physics. Adding to this, the models are simply stunning, more simply put... the game itself is a 'visual orgy' and guaranteed to impress the most hardcore gamer critiques. Finally, the STAR WARS touch is a nice gimmick that further adds to the ever growing concept of the 'Dream match' concept. Personally, I have always wanted to pit 'Darth Vader' against another fighter of a 3-D genre and NAMCO in collaboration with Lucas Arts Ent have gone out and made this possible.

To all the people who were against the addition of these characters: The developers did it for the consumers... yes, we may argue it was unecessary, but nonetheless we all must agree that it was a nice bonus.