Note: All quotes are taken from press releases sent out by the game’s publishers.
Bionic Commando Rearmed 2
I played the first Rearmed and it was perfectly fine, but I didn’t understand all the hype surrounding it. Maybe it was the lack of attachment to the original product or maybe it was just the fact that it had its own nagging problems?
““Radd” Spencer will make use of his trademark tool – his bionic grappling hook – to grab, swing and leap through series of lush new environments. This won’t be an easy mission as he’ll be met by General Sabio’s gun-toting soldiers, attack-droids, and plenty of other threats along the way. Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 improves upon the visual achievements of its predecessor with the addition of more detailed character models, textures, and vibrant colors. New in-game mechanics such as customizable bionic arm components and upgrades will take “Radd” Spencer’s abilities to the next level!”
The biggest addition to this sequel is obviously “yo, he can jump.” That definitely wasn’t one of my problems with the first game so I assume this game will be mildly just okay in my mind when it is released February 1st. Fun fact: My first ever article written on Player Affinity was the announcement of Bionic Commando Rearmed 2.
Test Drive Unlimited 2
Again, played the original and my only thought was “it’s okay, but nothing I want to continue playing.” The fact that Atari has published a sequel means some people had to have liked it.
“Test Drive Unlimited 2 expands on the traditional racing experience providing gamers with M.O.O.R. ®: Massively Open Online Racing®; immersing drivers in a persistent online environment and revolutionizing multiplayer racing communities as players compete, team up, and share their achievements and creations online. Unlike any other driving game, TDU2 blends the open world experience with realistic vehicles and performance dynamics and for the first time, TDU2 features vehicle damage, weather effects, day and night cycles, and a brand new island to explore.”
Seems to just be more (moor?) Test Drive. Someone out there is probably really excited about that fact. Me? Not so much. For those people, you can have Test Drive Unlimited 2 in your hands on February 8th.
Stacking
Double Fine, the guys behind the delightfully hilarious Psychonauts, Brutal Legend, and Costume Quest have returned with a game about Russian stacking dolls. I haven’t even played the game and it’s already hilarious.
“In Stacking, a family of Russian stacking dolls has been separated by tough economic times. The youngest doll, Charlie Blackmore, begins a heroic effort to bring his family back together. But he’s one size smaller than any other doll in the world. Game players will help Charlie, who is all too accustomed to being overlooked and dismissed – too small to be of any real consequence – discover that his size can be his greatest strength.”
This game is going to be an absolute delight. Giving Double Fine a ridiculous concept like Russian stacking dolls can only provide good things. Stacking will be out on XBLA February 8th.
Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds
For some reason, I have never been able to get deep into a fighting game that isn’t named “Street Fighter IV.” I’ve tried multiple games but none clicked like SFIV did. Marvel vs. Capcom 3 does admittedly look really good so I’ll definitely give it a chance.
“Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds: After a decade of waiting, iconic Marvel and Capcom characters join forces again in a re-envisioned team fighting game for a new generation. Fill the shoes of legendary characters from the most beloved franchises in entertainment as you battle in a comic book brought to life powered by Capcom’s MT Framework. Get set for the ultimate faceoff when Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds hits PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft in spring 2011.”
The more I think about it, the more I get interested in Marvel vs. Capcom. It looks great and I have no doubt it will control well. I will try to control my anticipation up until its release on February 15th.
de Blob 2
The original de Blob was something I never got around to playing, despite owning it. It seemed interesting but it wasn’t enough to make me want to turn on my Wii. Thankfully, de Blob 2 is coming to Xbox 360 and PS3 this time around. Which means I will play it. Maybe.
“In de Blob 2: The Underground for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii, Comrade Black is back and so is his war on color. Disguised as Papa Blanc, Comrade Black rigs the city's election in order to win and take control of Prisma City with his brainwashing new cult. That is, until de Blob bounces back in full color-spreading force with his revolution to restore color and life back to the city and its residents. In the colorful sequel, de Blob will paint his way through the enormous and pollution-filled Prisma City accompanied by a fantastic new interactive soundtrack and an arsenal of new tricks to confound his enemies. Joining de Blob will be a new robot sidekick, named Pinky, who will help him blast enemies, disable traps, and negotiate the challenging levels of Prisma City. The game will also present players with new side quests, which allow players to upgrade de Blob's abilities. de Blob 2: The Underground will feature an in-depth single-player campaign with all-new power-ups and challenges, as well as multiplayer modes that support co-operative and competitive play.”
Lengthy descriptions aside, de Blob 2 seems to be a game that you will play, think “well that was fun,” and then never play it again. While I hope that’s not the case, I’m seeing nothing that will prove me wrong. We will all find out February 22nd.
Bulletstorm
The highly anticipated (or at least by me) shooter from Epic Games is finally (almost) here. A game that promises absolute madness, similar to a good Nicholas Cage film, is something I’ve been wanting for a while. Now if only Nicholas Cage was the main character in Bulletstorm.
“Bulletstorm is the kind of game we love to make because it's pure, unadulterated entertainment,” said Epic Games President Dr. Michael Capps. “People Can Fly has created a wildly fun first-person shooter that looks gorgeous running on the latest Unreal Engine 3 technology, and the skillshot system is a welcome addition to the genre. We can’t wait to see how everyone reacts to seeing Bulletstorm.”
I couldn’t be more excited for this game. It seems like it could be the definition of just plain fun. As of lately, I’ve felt a strong First Person Shooter fatigue come over me but with Bulletstom’s odd hook being “shit is crazy,” I expect that fatigue to fade away when we all get Bulletstom February 22nd.
Most Anticipated February Game: Bulletstorm
