Video Games

Xbox 360 Gets Exclusive Crysis 2 Demo on January 25

EA along with Crytek GmbH has announced a Crysis 2 multiplayer exclusive demo for Xbox 360. The demo will be available to download on January 25 for Xbox Live Gold Members. Crysis 2 is Crytek high anticipated sequel to Crysis and will be released on consoles later this year.

The demo will contain two different game modes. “Team Instant Action” mode is a team death-match mode. The other mode is “Crash Site” mode, is were you need to control alien drop pods to gain points. Both modes will be playable on the “Skyline” map. Crysis 2 takes place in New York City so it almost sounds like the map will be taking place atop buildings.

Crysis 2 will feature the Nanosuit that gives you superhuman like strength. With the Nanosuit you will be able to run fast, jump great distances, and turn invisible. The games compete multiplayer will feature 12 different maps and a ranking system with a level max of 50. It will also feature load-outs for your weapons and Nanosuit.

Crysis 2 multiplayer is being handled by Crytek UK. Crytek UK is Crytek’s “Specialist Mulitplayer Studio”. I hav

Franchises that Need to Make A Comeback

There sure are a lot of sequels out there in the current market and even if they’re not, they might as well be. Some games might not bear the same name as others, but the market has become ever so slightly stale in past couple of years. This got me thinking what games I would love to see get revived and be given another go. Some didn’t die out exactly and some finished strong, however, all of them are good enough to warrant a return.

Crash Bandicoot

It’s a shame that Naughty Dog had to move on from this series. Crash Bandicoot 2 will always be one of the greatest platformers ever and I would love for them to revisit this franchise. Wrath of Cortex was certainly the last decent entry in the series, but it’s clear that Naughty Dog kept the special ingredient to themselves. With the success of Uncharted, the odds of seeing another Crash game from them is unlikely, however, one can hope.

Best And Worst PC Games of 2010

2010 was positively bloated with games. The big business of blockbuster games, combined with the ease of distributing downloadable arcade titles, and a thriving indie subculture has left us with more great games than any one person can play.  The PC Department staff sat down to sort out the best and worst of the year.  Here’s what Charles Battersby, Ari Runanin-Telle and Mark Quinlan came up with for Player Affinity’s Best and Worst in PC Gaming for 2010:

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Preview

Game Informer has run a big feature on Bethesda’s newly announced Elder Scrolls sequel, Skyrim, and boy does this sound good. It’s been two hundred years since the events of Oblivion, and the world has fallen into chaos. Elves have taken over the empire, the Blades have died out, and the country is sitting on the precarious brink of civil war. As if that weren’t enough, a super-powerful dragon has been tearing the world asunder as prophesied by the Elder Scrolls. Just when it seems that the kingdom, and perhaps the world itself, are doomed to be flame-broiled dragon snacks, a hero arises to slay the foul beast. This is, of course, where you come in.

Breach Preview

Breach, a multi-player only shooter is set to be released on Xbox Live Arcade next week, and as it approaches that time, information about the game is becoming more and more available. Atomic Games’ Breach is a stripped-down shooter with old and new innovations that harken back to more established AAA-shooters like Battlefield: Bad Company 2 as well as to introduce other elements to make it more interesting.

Oddboxx Receives Widescreen Update & More

If you own the Oddboxx compilation of Oddworld games, you might have noticed some updates downloading today on your Steam account. The developer Oddworld Inhabitants has previously promised an update for Stranger’s Wrath, which will provide enhanced graphics, but today’s update is not THAT update.  Today players got a set of fixes and minor improvements.

THQ Announces MX vs. ATV Alive for $39.99

THQ has announced that the next installment in the MX vs. ATV will be MX vs. ATV Alive.  The game will be released in May with a price of $39.99 for the XBOX 360 and the PS3.  I have always enjoyed the MX vs. ATV games, but it has been an awhile since I have played one.   With this price point they are sure to attract myself and other people back into the series. 

THQ also announced that the game will introduce the new “Bar-to-Bar” mechanic.  Which sounds like you will be able to punch and elbow other dudes in order to get first place.  Alive will also feature better terrain deformation, better controls, and collision which will help add more realism to Alive.  With all these features the game will be more accessible to a wider audience base.  It amazes me that this franchise has sold over 10 million units in the franchise history.