Video Games

The Baconing – Review (Xbox)

If The Tick was a playable character in the next Diablo game, the result would be a lot like The Baconing.  This is the third game in the Deathspank series, but Hothead Games and its titular hero is mighty, indeed!  Only Deathspank, hero of the downtrodden, can bring the Thongs of Virtue to the enchanted Bacon fires that can destroy these mystical underpants, thus freeing his realm from a world-devouring evil created by his own hubris.  I have to clarify that this is really the story of the game.  The Deathspank series is a very self-aware parody of the action RPG genre and the sense of humor shines in The Baconing.

Gamers who haven’t tried the first two games can jump into the series with The Baconing without having to worry about the backstory.  Deathspank’s entire world is ridiculous, full of non-sequiturs, and easily summed up in the short intro.  He accidentally doomed his world by wearing six pairs of enchanted panties at once, and now has to go out and hit bad guys with his mighty weapons.

Mass Effect 3 Leaked

Somebody call Shepard because the Normandy may have sprung a leak.  News is breaking right now with screen shots from an unofficial Mass Effect 3 demo.  The demo contains placeholder textures and music, as well as features like Origin support and game modes: Action/Story/RPG.  Reportedly, the demo is lurking inside a closed preview for its upcoming revamp of the Dashboard for the Xbox 360.  Thanks to PlayMagUK for breaking the story.

Why Play Modern Warfare 3 When You Could Play Modern Warfare 1?

We are literally days away from the  release of the next installment of one of the biggest gaming franchises ever: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. While many people may already be planning the  campout at their local Wal-Mart (or wherever else it is you go to buy games in  the middle of the night) there is a simple solution for those of us who are not  so die-hard.

Play the first Modern Warfare instead.  Wait, this is not the giant step backward that some of you may think. Here are a  few facts for you to chew on (and do not spit them back out, either). First,  this game is not dead at all. I logged in and found hundreds of populated  servers ready for my bombing runs and helicopter strafing attacks, though I was  annoyingly shot to death through walls more times than I care to admit. Whether  this happened because of cheating, or that the other players were so familiar  with the maps that they just knew the camping spots I do not know remains to be seen. 

New Bioware Game, Alan Wake Sequel and MGS Rising to Be Shown at VGA’

It has been confirmed that at the upcoming VGA’s, Bioware, makers of Dragon Age and Mass Effect, will be showing off their next big game for the first time that surprisingly is an entirely new IP.  It could very well be their first big title to release on the next wave of consoles, which would be very cool to see. Though I can only assume it will be a pre-rendered teaser of some kind.

We will also be seeing Alan Wake’s sequel in some form. And the third big game to be confirmed is none other than Metal Gear Rising, which Konami has been silent about since E3 2010, so this could finally be some proper gameplay and perhaps even a solid date announcement.  Many speculated it might have been cancelled due to being quiet for so long, so it’s awesome to know this isn’t the case.  I can’t wait to slice some watermelons.

Early MW3 Players May Get an XBL Ban

Got an early, legitimate copy of the hotly anticipated Modern Warfare 3? Best not play it online. According to Microsoft, those playing Modern Warfare 3 online before its official release date of November 8th may get banned from Xbox Live. The reasons for this are unclear.

Originally, Xbox Live’s Policy and Enforcement director Stephen Toulouse tweeted the following: “For those asking about MW3 pre-release play: If your copy is legit and obtained legitly [sic], have fun. It’s a great game.” He backtracked a few hours later, tweeting: “clarification: dblchk’d with Activision. Mw3 pre-release play not  authorised. So pls be patient. Playing early may impact your account!”

PSN Policies are a Changin’

Changes are coming to the PlayStation Network and they are set to ruin your life… if you’re a pirate.  As of November 18th, downloaded game content will only be accessible to two activated systems for PlayStation Network users.  However, this does not affect any games purchased before the 18th.  In case you didn’t know, PlayStation Network has always allowed you access to your purchased digital game content on up to five systems. 

This policy change affects both PS3 and PSP digital content.  The good news is, Sony is adding some convenience along with the changes.  Sony plans on providing a dedicated website for PSN users to activate or deactivate systems tied to their PSN account via the PC.  This is great news, as previously, deactivating a system required a call into the Sony PlayStation customer service group.  If you’d like to know more about deactivating/activating a system, you can go here.  Thank you to the PlayStation blog for providing the details for this story.

Heavy Rain: Director’s Cut coming November 8th

PS3 exclusive Heavy Rain is getting a director’s cut re-release on November 8th. People who’ve yet to check out the highly successful murder mystery thriller can look forward to a bunch of nifty extras if they decide to pick it up next week including:

• Heavy Rain Chronicles – The Taxidermist DLC
• The complete game soundtrack
• 8 making-of bonus videos
• Three dynamic themes for their PS3
• Some concept art and trailers
• Updated user interface and menus that now fully support PlayStation Move