Xbox 360

Xbox 360 Games To Expect In February

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!”

Game Utopia: How Gaming Could Be In the (Near) Future

Sometimes I stay up at night and fantasize about how awesome my current consoles could be. I’m not talking about adding pinstripes and superfluous flames; I’m talking more about features and functionality. Plus taking the time to put flames on your console means that you have a severe lack of friends and an overabundance of time and idiocy. We rarely take the time to think about how restricted consoles are when compared to PCs. After all, when it really comes down to it, consoles are highly specialized PCs tasked with rendering the game in the tray. I’ve had several ideas of what awesome things we might see soon on consoles. I’ve also had the brilliant idea to put them into list form, because everyone loves lists.

Does Violence Make Games More Entertaining?

Before I get started, just think of your favourite violent game. Got it? Right, now imagine the game with all the violence taken out of it. Would it be as enjoyable? It’s pretty safe to say that the answer would be no. Does this mean (let’s just say you’re agreeing with me for now) that the game in question relies on the violence for it to be entertaining and not through the actual mechanics of the game. I would have to say no, because most games that use gratuitous violence use it in a way to enhance the mechanics of the game. For example, in a game like Gears of War, pulling off a headshot with the sniper rifle from half the map away is satisfying because the mechanics make it a challenging task. The skull explosion and spurt of blood just enhance the feeling you get for pulling it off, just like the ragdoll physics in an action game.

Violence has always been present in games in one way or another. It’s just that with the recent enhancement in graphics technology it has become possible to make it more realistic. Now realistic is certainly not the word I would chose to describe most of the violence in modern games. The reason I’m using it, is because I think people too often confuse the word realistic with exaggerated. For example, calling the violence in Gears of War or Ninja Gaiden 2 realistic is just plain ridiculous.

What Longer Console Lifespans Mean for the Industry

The Xbox 360, the first console of this generation, recently reached its 5^th birthday while the Wii and Playstation 3 have both hit their 4^th. Console lifespans normally last 4 to 5 years, and consoles are, of course, lauded and hyped well beforehand. This cycle of death and rebirth cost millions of dollars to the individual companies and exponentially more to their fans; such is the sacrifice to get the latest and greatest in gaming technology.

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.

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.