Websites for Geeks: Loot Crate

Have you ever craved to order a box full of random geeky toys, clothes and collectibles sent to your house every month for a nominal fee? Well, there's a website that provides that very service! I discovered Loot Crate last summer while browsing through the interwebs, likely looking for nonessential things to spend money on. Loot Crate is a website that allows you to subscribe for a service in which they send you a box full of goodies every month. Every month has a theme; for instance there was a survive crate which included zombie related items such as the zombie survival guide and a punny Walking Dead t-shirt. The value of the items packed into the crate is advertised as at a value of more than forty dollars. It's all pretty geeky stuff ranging from Star Wars to Doctor Who and everything in between like superheroes and all kinds of game related gear.

However, there is a catch; you won't know what exactly is in the crate until it's dropped off at your door and you open it up. This is why I was a little skeptical to sign up in the first place. While you can get the crates fairly cheap (maximum you pay with shipping is under $20) I wasn't sure how I felt paying for completely random items. Part of the idea is fun and the idea of being surprised is cool but at the same time, you might also worry about receiving something you already own or just have no interest in. So it's kind of a coin-flip. There is the possibility of being the winner of the fabled mega crate though. One customer every month will win the mega crate which is valued at nearly eight hundred dollars. Wow! These puppies contain exclusive collectible gear, replicas and in some cases consoles and video games. You can browse through the past crates on their site and see what the contents were to get a better idea of what to expect though should you decide to sign-up.

You can also just be like me and wait for a theme that really excites you, like dragons. That's right, the theme of April, is dragons. I like that as opposed to the more general themes the website has chosen over the past few months like celebrate or launch. I feel like with those themes, I don't know what to expect. But dragons, well there can only be one thing inside, and that's dragons! So I caved. I'm hoping for some cool Skyrim related swag or anything awesome to do with dragons, because, well, dragons. I have faith the loot crate team will impress me and I plan to do a video review which I'll post here on my blog. Their website is definitely worth checking out and while you don't have to subscribe right away, you can always keep your eyes peeled for a theme that interests you!

The Darth Maul Game That Could Have Been

It looks like there was a Star Wars game in production before Lucas Arts was sold off that could have rivaled the much anticipated bounty hunter adventure, Star Wars: 1313. I was reading an article on GameInformer yesterday about such a game that had been being developed at Red Fly studios that focuses on one of Star Wars' most badass characters, Darth Maul. Yeah just let that sink in for a moment. I know, it's incredibly depressing because this looks like it truly had potential to be an awesome game worthy of Darth Maul and we won't ever get to play it. You can see some gameplay for yourself in the video below, courtesy of GameInformer.

What's even more surprising is this is all prototype and concept stage material. (I posted some concept art below) Red Fly didn't have a script or a clear idea of where they were going with this game. I feel that doesn't even matter though, just looking at how beautiful Maul looks slashing through Mandalorians with that double bladed lightsaber feels so satisfying. There would be no shortage of possible plot-lines the studio could have chosen to follow as well and with a team of writers, a script would have been a cinch. While I would have preferred an origin type story line that takes place before Maul's appearance in Phantom Menace, I wouldn't mind taking control of a cyborg Maul as he rises from the ashes.

This Twi'lek appears here and in the art above. She may have been some kind of companion

Unfortunately, since Disney's acquisition of Lucas Arts, we may never see games featuring Darth Maul or something similar to Star Wars: 1313. EA still holds the rights to Lucas Arts video game properties though and Battlefront III is definitely a step in the right direction. Hopefully they step up their game and take cues from concepts like this in the future. Check out some of the concept art below (again, courtesy of GameInformer) and feel free to let me know just how bad you would have loved to play this game.

It looks like Red Fly was planning a story after Phantom Menace due to the robotic legs

Awesome Indie Games: Papers Please

I think the five dollars I spent last weekend on Papers Please is easily one of the best purchases I've made on Steam. Papers Please puts you in the working role of an immigration inspector working at a border checkpoint to the fictitious country, Arstotzka. You are tasked with inspecting the documents of incoming immigrants and keeping an eye out for forged passports, terrorists, criminals and smugglers. If all the information in the papers of the immigrant match up, you can admit them into your country. If not, they get a big ole' fat denial and in some cases, you can have immigrants arrested. Making mistakes earns you citations and racking up too many and you'll have your pay docked.

Your pay is central to the game. The more immigrants you successfully approve or deny the more money you make, but you only have so much time in a day and if you go too fast, you can miss small discrepancies. At the end of each day, you are shown how much money you made or lost and are allowed to manage your expenses. Your money pays for rent, food, and heat for you and your family. Rent is mandatory but you can decide whether or not to pay for heat and food. Careful though, ignore them and your family members will get sick and you'll need to pay for medicine. I'm sure you can guess what happens if you don't pay for medicine.

It doesn't sound too hard but you realize at the very start of the game you're in for a rough ride. When you arrive to work, you are given very little instruction on how to do your job; likely similar to how lower-class working conditions were in that period. The game definitely makes you feel like a replaceable cog in the machine. When you start to feel like you're getting the hang of it, the game changes things up and adds in new documents to inspect, tools to scan or procedures to use. Things are usually changed day-to-day so you need to remain ever vigilant.

You're also challenged with moral dilemmas like a mother trying to see her son for the first time in 10 years without the right papers or a man trying to escape his war-torn country for safety in yours. I was surprised how my attitude quickly became very selfish. Helping people would directly hurt me and my family and that's what was important to me.  But not all of these encounters are given in complete selflessness, a revolutionary group seeking reform will compensate you for your cooperation in their plans.

Papers Please has 20 different endings, I've only unlocked 5 of them myself. Some are only slightly different while others give you a drastically different ending. You can also unlock an endless mode. In both story and endless modes, the entrants are randomized so you can't retry days and expect the game to follow a script that you can memorize. I definitely recommend Papers Please for any puzzle or simulation enthusiasts but it also makes a fun experience for more casual players.

My Time with Titanfall

So it's been about a week since Titanfall dropped but I still wanted to share some of my experience with the game here. I hope it can also serve as an opinion from someone not affiliated with any huge media sources.

I've been saying it for a while that Respawn did what Infinity Ward and Treyarch, could not. They took the first-person shooter genre and exciting online-play of games like Call of Duty and made it fun again. The game adds enough new features and uses the maps in very creative ways that allow play to flow so smoothly making the experience of playing Titanfall one of the best and unique online shooter experiences I've ever had. When I first sat down to play the game with my brothers, we traded the controller between matches without moving from the couch for at least seven hours. That's something we haven't done since the first Modern Warfare game and there are very few games, even now, that I could play for seven hours straight.

What makes Titanfall so engaging is the versatility the game offers you. The game takes place in the future and players take control of pilots on the battlefield equipped with what Respawn has termed, 'jump-kits.' These jump-kits allow players to traverse along walls, scale buildings and other structures and attack enemy titans from above. The wall-running mechanic works so well and you feel so cool while doing it. You can shoot and aim while wall-running which takes a little more refinement but wall-running works perfectly for reaching new vantage points, flanking and just getting around the map in general in an effective way. The maps are built for this mechanic and there was never a point where I thought, "damn, I wish there was a wall here." It's strange how easy the wall-running comes. In one map, the first time I played, I just started running and jumping and found myself running along the rooftops of buildings. It comes so naturally and the maps flow in a way that make it so simple and fun.

The maps are also designed large enough to fit the massive titans. Theoretically, there can be 12 titans on the map at a time if every player on each team has earned one but the most titans I recall in a game at one time was 8, still an impressive amount. Titans are earned by players racking up kills; each kill reduces the amount of time before your titan is ready. Playing in the titan is where Titanfall is really able to mix things up. Even as an opposing pilot, you need to think and be more cautious with the giant mechs out on the field. One thing to always keep in mind though is that pilots aren't as under-powered as you might think.

For instance, I jumped out of my titan at one point and took to the rooftops while my titan continued fighting another foe on the ground. While my titan engaged the enemy, I jumped from the roof onto the back of the titan and began blasting into the core dealing some heavy damage. This left the pilot in a bit of a predicament. Eventually my titan and myself would cause enough damage to 'doom' the enemy titan. This gives the pilot a certain amount of time to save his or herself and eject before their titan implodes. He could try to save his titan by getting out and trying to shoot me but my titan would make quick work of him. He could also stay in his titan and cause as much damage to my titan as possible before being finished off. You can usually depend on the titan's A.I. to do what you'd expect it to do as well and any kills it earns while you aren't in it count toward your score.

Engaging titan to titan is also a blast. Equipped with giant guns and rocket launchers, the battles can get really out of hand fast if you're not careful. One ability titans have to counter these deadly weapons is a shield that allows them to block all incoming fire and then launch it back at the enemy titan. It's pretty wild seeing all the bullets, rockets and whatever else accumulate mid-air and then send it back. You can also get in close and personal and start throwing punches. Engage a weakened titan in melee combat and you might perform an 'execution' which allows you to rip the enemy pilot from the cockpit and crush them. when your titan takes to much damage, it goes into a 'doomed' state which gives you a certain amount of time to eject from your cockpit, hundreds of feet into the air. One ability I loved to equip my titan with was the 'nuclear ejection.' Upon eject, your titan's nuclear core would obliterate anything in range making it a good tactic if you're ever swarmed by titans.

Customizable loadouts are available for both pilots and titans and offer a wide range of options. You can create the perfect pilot load-out for turning titans into scrap metal or take a stealthier approach with specific skills related to active camo. Customization feels more key when it comes to the titan however. You can chose from three models. The Atlas is the default model balanced in both armor and damage. It has good mobility and can hold its own in a fight while dealing a fair amount of damage. The Ogre on the other hand has the highest damage output and armor but lacks mobility. But if mobility is what you crave, you can chose the Stryder at the sacrifice of damage and armor. With a slew of weapons and perk-like upgrades you can make a titan perfect for many styles of play.

One of my only gripes with Titanfall is the lack of a single player campaign. The campaign is all played online. There are still cut-scenes, character and a story but all the gameplay is done online. It's interesting but I would have preferred the classic single player campaign, or at least a co-op type of deal. However, in campaign, you can play through as both factions offering different unlocks and story perspectives which is cool. I also realize that this genre appeals more to people that don't normally play a campaign and this may be Respawn's way of 'testing the waters.' This doesn't detract from the great experience that Titanfall offers. I definitely recommend playing Titanfall, especially if you're someone that hates Call of Duty. This is leagues ahead of Call of Duty and I expect it to really turn the tide when it comes to the CoD series. It's still early for Titanfall and the Xbox One but I don't doubt that it will eventually replace CoD and become the go-to shooter for fans of the genre.

Dark Souls II: Strategy Guide Debate

As the release date for Dark Souls II draws closer (March 11) and my anticipation builds, I've been considering whether or not to purchase a strategy guide. When I jumped into the first Dark Souls game last year, I was lucky enough to be able to reference a number of online, user submitted guides whenever I ran into trouble, which was a lot. Finding strategies for bosses, weapon locations, examining character builds, bugs and exploits, and which way to go next where all invaluable pieces of information as I played through the game.

Now with Dark Souls II on the horizon, I have the chance to go in completely cold since it will take quite some time for walkthroughs to make their way onto the internet. I could of course buy the strategy guide, but I'm afraid it would ruin the experience. I could easily use the guide to find out if I'm going the right way, missing a weapon or a secret area or just doing everything wrong. It'd be so convenient, which is part of the problem. It might sound kind of masochistic, but I want this kick to kick my butt. I think that's a good deal of where the fun will emanate from. Having the guide would just give me all the answers, like cheating on a test. I could also resort to purchasing the guide and using it only for emergencies, when I get stuck and I feel completely and utterly hopeless.

That's where I'm at with my internal debate. I'm leaning toward going in completely cold but I don't want the game to frustrate me to the point that I just end up hating it and giving up. What do you think? Does Dark Souls II warrant an occasion to grab the guide or should I go in blind.

Review: Gone Home (Spoiler Free)

Gone Home is an indie first-person interactive adventure game developed and published by the Fullbright Company. In the game, players take control of Kaitlin Greenbriar, a young woman returning home from a long trip in Europe to find no trace of her parents or sister. The game relies on the exploration of players as they move about the house and collect clues.

Kaitlin's parents inherited the secluded mansion in which the game takes place from a recently deceased uncle and have been living in it for about a year when she returns home. The game does a great job of setting the mood; the game takes place at night during a violent storm and the house is alive with creaks and moans as you move about. It provokes a very unsettling feeling as you explore and dive into various notes, drawers and cabinets all while hearing footsteps and creaky floorboards just behind you. It's incredibly eerie and had my hairs standing on end quite a few times. Gone Home is also great looking visually. It does a fine job of crafting realistic looking environments and objects, all of which you can investigate up close and maneuver as you search for clues.

Gone home takes place in the year of 1995; a blast to the past when I was still playing Super Nintendo games and watching VHS tapes. In Gone Home, you'll find stacks of VHS recordings of the X-Files and audio cassette tapes, also reminiscent of my childhood. The focus of solving the mystery however lies in notes, letters, journal entries and newspaper clippings scattered throughout the house. Scavenging for these items and trying to determine what they mean is the core of the game.

The notes do a great job of getting players to know Kaitlin's family, almost to a point where you feel you know almost as much as Kaitlin herself. As you hover over certain clues, Kaitlin will occasionally make some kind of comment or remark. For instance, discovering a dirty magazine belonging to her father hidden under some books will prompt an "oh gosh, dad" on screen. As a player, I felt somewhat the same way and it was fun to see Kaitlin's realistic reactions to some of her discoveries. Digging through her father's books and VHS tape collection, you'll learn very fast that he's a sci-fi junkie. Going through the belongings of the mom and sister reveal characteristics as well but I'll leave that for you to discover.

There is no fighting in Gone Home nor is there any use for weapons or a flashlight. You have a map and will find keys to unlock certain locked doors in the house or combinations to unlock various compartments. You use the intricacies and details of the house to learn about members of the family and search for clues to learn of where they are. This was one of my only gripes about the game. I didn't need any fighting or weapons but for an interactive story based game, I felt it was lacking any challenging puzzles. Anyone with a good sense of direction and the ability to read can play the game without any trouble. Maybe that's what Fullbright was going for though. A game that just about anybody could play and enjoy.

However, the play doesn't last long. Even after I took plenty of time to read every note and scrap of paper I found and search every nook and cranny of that house, I finished the game in just two hours. The other sad thing is that there isn't really any point in replaying the game; you won't experience anything different. Gone Home normally retails for twenty dollars (thankfully I bought it for eight) which feels like a lot for a two hour game, so be wary if you plan to purchase.

Now don't get me wrong. I really enjoyed the game despite the ease and the short play through. The game has a great story and a twist unlike any other game I've played before. It's unconventional but at the same time, refreshing and fun. Gone Home has a good message and it is definitely worth  playing. I sat down to play for only a few minutes but found myself unable to put it down. I'd recommend playing it all in one sitting for the best effect. After playing, I'm looking forward to seeing more games from the Fullbright Company in this exploration style. I believe they executed it well, but they have the potential to do even better.

Dark Souls II Gets 'T' Rating: Is ESRB Becoming More Lenient?

Dark Souls II, now less than a month away has received an official rating from the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board). The surprise however is that the game has only received a 'T' (teen) rating for blood and gore, mild language, partial nudity and violence. Its rating is particularly interesting because the title's predecessors, Demon's Souls and Dark Souls where both rated M. It is also worth noting that Dark Souls II has all the same content descriptors as the first Dark Souls with the addition of mild language.

Based on game-play trailers and other demonstration videos, Dark Souls II doesn't look any less violent or gruesome than it's predecessors. Even The ESRB's description of the game notes content that is very similar to the first Dark Souls game.

ESRB Description:

This is a role-playing game in which players assume the role of an undead fighter in the realm of Drangleic. Players traverse dungeon-like settings and battle a variety of fantastical enemies (e.g., ghouls, zombies, skeletons, giant rats) to gain souls. Players use knives, swords, and arrows to defeat enemies. Combat is highlighted by cries of pain and small splashes of blood. Some locations depict instances of blood and gore: a giant snake boss holding its severed head; a giant boss creature composed of hundreds of corpses; dead ogres near a pool of blood; a torture device with streaks of blood. During the course of the game, a boss creature appears partially topless (e.g. hair barely covering breasts). The words 'bastard' and “pr*ck” can be heard in the dialogue.

With plenty of blood and gore and even the presence of nearly exposed breasts, it is a wonder why the game is only rated 'T'. I'm not disagreeing with the rating nor am I upset about it, just confounded. Could this be a sign the ESRB is taking it easy with the 'M' rating? Perhaps the 'M' rating is being reserved for games with more gun violence?

 I wouldn't worry about what this means for Dark Souls II however. I'm sure the game will deliver the same experience that fans love and expect from the series despite the 'T' rating. It'll be interesting however to see how this effects the future of other game ratings and if the ESRB will be more tolerant in their upcoming ratings. 

Thief: Explore the Possibilities in this New Trailer

Over the past few months, I have been skeptical about the Eidos Montreal reboot of Thief. I played the original Thief games on the computer back in the nineties and the fantasy and fun that they created for me will be hard for this reboot to follow up. If you've been keeping up though, Eidos Montreal has flooded the web with walk through videos and demonstrations showing a variety of new possibilities in the upcoming reboot. Now, a new trailer released earlier today ties them all together for one big trailer filled with plenty of thieving.

The new trailer has me anticipating Thief more than I had been but I'm still cautious. Incredible looking visuals made possible by modern technology certainly breathe new life into the series. The last Thief game, Thief: Deadly Shadows was released nearly 10 years ago in 2004 so the jump of an entire generation of game consoles is quite the face lift. Eidos Montreal seems to have done a great job with the environments which capture the pivotal dark, steampunk atmosphere. They also seem to have adopted the ever popular free running style of navigating buildings and rooftops which is appropriate for someone in Garrett's line of work. Garrett's arsenal of tools and weapons at his disposable also seems to have been expanded allowing for plenty of ways to reach your goal. 

My main concerns aren't with visuals however, the size of the city or how many tools Garrett has in his inventory. I could return to the original Thief games on the computer and enjoy it for hours. What matters to me is the story and the true feel of Thief. Many have pointed out it looks Bethesda's Dishonored when in fact, Bethesda has admitted to having been heavily inspired by the early Thief games. I don't want Eidos Montreal to feel like they have to live up to Dishonored. 

No, Eidos Montreal needs to live up to the original Thief games by crafting Garrett as the character he was originally conceived as. He's a true anti-hero; a cynical loner shrouded in mystery. He does things his way, because he wants to. His interests serve only himself. He doesn't steal because he needs to, he steals because he wants too. He craves the challenge and the excitement of stealing. He's been compared to Robin Hood but he's more like a medieval Han Solo if you think about it. I think if Eidos Montreal can pull off the creation of Garrett the game will be a success. 

I'm sure many early fans of the Thief series feel the same way and they will have very high standards for this game. What do you think, fan or not are you looking forward to Thief? The game will be available on the Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, PS4 and PC February 27th. 

Don't Starve: Why Can't I Get Into It?

I'm a big fan of Indie games. I find them to be refreshingly creative and original compared to some of the more mainstream titles we see on the shelves. I also enjoy the great majority of classical approaches developers have taken with their games like the top-down view in Hotline Miami, the 8-bit graphics of Minecraft, the retro style of Faster Than Light and side-scroll gameplay of many others. However, the open world survival adventure game, Don't Starve from Klei Entertainment has me at a loss. 

I love the concept of Don't Starve; it evokes images reminiscent of a Tim Burton movie mixed with something like Minecraft. You craft supplies from materials you collect, build fires to keep you sane in the night, explore caves and much more. The different monsters you find throughout the world are terrifying and add an element of horror to the game which I love. The game progresses through the seasons which alter your needs to survive. When you die, you are awarded experience to unlock more characters, each with their own perks. 

While it sounds fun and intriguing, I just can't get into it for some strange reason. The really weird thing is that I want to; I want to like Don't Starve but I can't bring myself to play it for more than 10 or 15 minutes before I move onto something else. I feel like I've explored the entirety of my world and I haven't come across anything particularly interesting. Then again, it's the only world I've played in, so maybe I should just die and generate a new world. If I were to die, I could also gain some experience which might allow me to unlock another character. I also haven't made it to winter which I hear adds more excitement to the game. I've also pondered if there are some secrets or lesser known features of the game I may not have yet discovered. 

Whatever it is, I'm sure I'll figure it out. I like Don't Starve and I want to enjoy it. Perhaps I just need to sit down and really grind for a bit and discover where the true fun is in this game. Have you had a similar experience with a generally well received indie game? Feel free to make suggestions for indie games I should check out too. 

Bethesda Announces "Hearthfire" DLC for Skyrim

Bethesda recently announced some very unique DLC for Skyrim that will allow players to build and customize their very own house. Hearthfire will allow you to construct your own house outside of city walls on your own plot of land where you can fill the insides with a multitude of items and furnishings. 

  

 

A new drafting and carpenter's table allow you to craft items that will fill your house. Looking at the video that was released with the announcement of Hearthfire, it looks like you'll also be responsible for crafting not only your furniture and decorations, but even the fine details such as locks and hinges for doors will be important in constructing your home.

You'll be able to construct various rooms that meet your characters needs such as an alchemy lab, mage's tower, training room, an armory or even a trophy room. The trophy room in the video shows off some awesome looking trophies which look like preserved enemies ranging from trolls and Draugr, to Hagravens and Dwemer sphere warriors.

The customization doesn't end inside though;outside you can build gardens and other areas responsible for harvesting food and consumable items. Stewards can be hired to maintain your home, provide transport and deliver furniture to your home as well. A new adoption system will allow you and your spouse to adopt children to live in you house. You can raise your children by assigning them chores or playing a game with them. In maintaining your house, it is important to wipe out skeever infestations and fend off those nosy, dumb giants to protect your family and livestock.

This is a new level of customization to The Elder Scrolls and should be popular among players. Allowing players to build a house to their liking is so cool because you can really interject your character's personality and skills into the game. If you're a mage or an alchemist, having a large greenhouse, garden, and mage's tower complete with a lab can be built to meets your character's specific needs. If you have a lot of rare weaponry and armor you want to show off, you can now build an entire room dedicated to displaying your collection. Being outside of city walls and being able to choose your own plot of land is even more intriguing since you can find the perfect climate and piece of land to settle your estate on. 

 

Right now, Hearthfire is only slated to release on the Xbox 360 on September 4, for 400 Microsoft points. As for the PS3 and PC however, there has been no word on when or if they will receive the Hearthfire content. This raises concerns, especially for PS3 players who are still waiting for the release of "Dawnguard" the first DLC released for Skyrim. Dawnguard has been available to Xbox 360 players and recently to PC players but is still not ready for the PS3 due to "performance errors". 

I'm sure Hearthfire will be released on the PS3 and PC eventually but Bethesda is playing catch-up still. Bethesda VP, Pete Hines explains that they "are working on multiple projects, even beyond those two things," and that Hearthfire will not effect the work on Dawnguard for the PS3. No release date on Dawnguard for PS3 has been given but we can only hope that it will be soon.

Star Wars 1313 Takes Players to "Hell"

Star Wars 1313 is a more gritty take on Star Wars that will take players below the surface of Coruscant to the criminal filled, deadly underworld of level 1313. The developer diary below describes the dark world of 1313 as the most dangerous place in the galaxy and it is even equated with Hell at one point. I think it's safe to say 1313 doesn't play host to common thugs but is full of deadly and formidable criminals.

The video also shows off some great looking artwork that'll give you an idea of what to expect from the world of 1313. Unfortunately there isn't any new gameplay but the video is definitely worth a watch. Will you be a resourceful enough Bounty Hunter to survive 1313? Star Wars 1313 doesn't have a release date as of now but will release on the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

[source] IGN

New Dishonored Trailer Schools You in Stealth

Corvo, the protagonist of Bethesda and Arkane Studios' new game Dishonored, is a deadly assassin who is out for revenge after being framed for a murder he did not commit. As an assassin, stealth will play a very important role in achieving your goals as you guide Corvo.

A new trailer released by Arkane Studios gives some tips on sneaking around and assassinating unsuspecting guards. Dishonored allows you to employ many traditional stealth tactics such as putting out lights, peeking around corners or keyholes, and using distractions; qualities that are sure to please sneaky players. In addition to these abilities, Corvo can also utilize unique powers that he's been endowed with. You can see everything in the video below which is sure to get you even more excited for Dishonored.

Dishonored hits store shelves October 9 and will be available on the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC.

Capcom Announces Remember Me

At Gamescom today, Capcom announced a new title being developed by Dontnod named Remember Me. The game is set in the year 2084 in Neo-Paris which is much fancier, lighter and cooler looking than regular old Paris. Players will take control of Nilin, a former memory hunter who went rogue after losing her memory and now seeks the truth that has been hidden from her.


Remember Me focuses on human memories and their significance. As Nilin, you can access the memories of other people in the world through a digital disc like object located at the nape of the neck. What Nilin does is presumably not something just anybody could do. Her unique skill to tap into memories allows her to steal the memory which can reveal vital information to her mission or she can alter the memory. Altering a memory can have a variety of different effects depending on how and what is altered. For instance, in the gameplay trailer revealed, Nilin alters a man's memory to make him believe he killed his wife. When the police approach him, he panics and shoots himself. The gameplay sequence in which the memory is altered almost acts as a small minigame. It challenges players with a puzzle; you are given a set of objects to manipulate which may seem insignificant but prove to have more serious ramifications in the end. The trailer demonstrates that choosing the wrong object doesn't result in immediate failure so it poses the question of whether or no there will be a limited number of attempts. 

Other skills that Nilin posses include the ever so popular and useful art of parkour. She can scale buildings, shimmy on ledges and make dangerous jumps allowing her to get around in a variety of ways.You can catch a glimpse of combat in the announcement trailer which shows Nilin utilizing a lot of hand-to-hand melee combat against large groups of enemies.The gameplay trailer shows off some great visuals; the futuristic skyline of Neo-Paris looks stunning. as Nilin roams the streets, we get a good look at all sorts of digital advertisements, commercials and even a wanted ad for Nilin herself. The city is under heavy surveillance and Nilin is forced to evade floating security bots and other authorities. At a couple points in the gameplay demonstration, she uses some kind of scanning device which lets her identify enemies and their fields of view which are highlighted in red.

Announcement Trailer

Gameplay Trailer

Remember Me is a great concept which resonates with something similar to the story of Jason Bourne. The focus on memory stealing and alteration should also provide great plot elements as well for a story more unique to game players. As of now, I have to say that I'm impressed and personally can't wait to see more on Remember Me. The game is slated for a May 2013 release on the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC as of now.

Hitman: Absolution Contract Mode

In Hitman: Absolution, you won't be restricted to assassinating but you'll be able to put hits out yourself in the new Contract Mode. This new challenge will allow players to customize a contract in which they select the target or targets, the level, and which weapons the player is allowed to employ in their assassination. You can also customize witness specifications and designate a time limit for the contract as well. Once the contract is created, you can share it online with the world or challenge your friends directly to complete your contract.

You can also browse through other players contracts which have been uploaded. Completing a contract awards you with a unique type of currency, depending on your performance, which can be used in contract mode to purchase weapons or other features to include in you contract to make it even more challenging and diverse. The currency used in contract mode can also be earned throughout the campaign, likely by completing challenges. Hitman: Absolution will come pre-loaded with several contracts that you can use to get started or draw inspiration from.

IO Interactive's Contract challenge is an awesome idea and will undoubtedly add great value to Agent 47's new adventure. Designing ways for people to be killed should provide endless fun. Hitman: Absolution is set to release on November 20, 2012 for the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC.

Sony Announces Until Dawn

Today at Gamescom, Sony announced Until Dawn, a survival horror title being developed by Supermassive Games exclusively for the PS Move. Additionally, Sony revealed a chilling trailer showing some tense gameplay. Until Dawn is based on cliche teen horror movies such as Friday the 13th, Scream and Halloween, so you can expect a lot of dead phone lines, sudden power outages and a hot, ditzy cheerleader.

The plot will follow a group of classmates (presumably High School) who on the anniversary of a former friends disappearance, decide to visit the last place he was seen. Strangely enough, it was a log cabin in the woods on a mountain side; it doesn't get much more isolated than that. After people in the group start turning up dead though, the teens suddenly regret digging up the past.

You'll be able to play as different characters in the party throughout the game. Sometimes you will be alone and sometimes you will have a partner as you fight to stay alive and frantically search for clues to investigate who is killing your friends. Executive Creative Director Will Byles [expects] that Until Dawn will draw you in with its characters, chilling setting and shocking, twisted story. He also suggests in his statements about the game that as you play, you will make choices which will determine which of your friends survive and what kind of ending you get.

Since Until Dawn is being developed exclusively for the PS Move, players will utilize the move controller to aim a flashlight in the darkness, examine clues and activate things such as levers. Sony promises the move controller will reflect natural movements of players in the game which will even further immerse them in the horror experience of Until Dawn.

So what do you think? Does the prospect of a survival horror title engineered for the PS Move sound intriguing or is it too soon to tell? The last motion based survival horror game, Rise of Nightmares for the Kinect definitely came up short but Until Dawn already looks like it has much more potential. The survival horror genre has been a little weak recently with very few titles or games that don't live up to the survival horror experience; so it is nice to see an original title being developed. Check out the trailer and keep an eye out here for more news on Until Dawn.

New Terrifying Trailer for Dead Space III

If you're excited for Dead Space 3 next year, this new trailer from EA Games is sure to increase that excitement exponentially. The new trailer assures that Dead Space 3 will be full of terror and intense survival situations that the series has become known for executing so well. Isaac Clarke along with partner Ellie and newcomer John Carver is still after the Markers, seeking to stop them and the Unitologists at all costs. The dialogue and visuals of coffins in the trailer implies that wherever the trio are, there seems to have been some kind of mass execution or genocide and then there's a subsequent breakout in which Isaac commands everyone to arm themselves. Who everyone is, we don't know. He could simply be referring to Ellie and  Carver or could he be addressing more people?

Luckily, the wait isn't too long from now. Dead Space 3 has an official release date of February 5, 2013 in North America and February 8, 2013 in Europe for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

The Amazing Spiderman: Movie Review

When Sony Studios announced that the next Spider-Man movie would be a reboot, most people reacted with confusion. The series had only been dormant for about three years after the third movie and a reboot seemed unnecessary to most; so why was the series rebooted? The third film was arguably the worst in the series and showed considerable signs that new talent was needed. Disagreements between director, Sam Raimi and Sony made Spider-Man 3 into a huge mess with too many subplots. Leading actor Tobey Maguire was being paid upwards of $50 million dollars to come back for another film and rising paychecks for Kirsten Dunst and other supporting actors inflated the budget to a point where it would be more economical to just start fresh.

So The Amazing Spider-Man was born; a new take on the old origin story utilizes smarter writing and a fresh cast to inject new life into the Spider-Man story. Director Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer) teams up with writer, James Vanderbilt to retell the beginning of Spider-Man.

Left in the care of his Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field), the film focuses on Peter Parker's (Andrew Garfield) emotional issues with the mysterious disappearance of his parents rather than his nerd status and bullies at high school. Peter comes across his father's old briefcase containing files on cross-species genetics which leads Peter to his father's friend and partner, Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans) at Oscorp. Peter and a one-armed Connors get along great swapping scientific equations and discussing Connor's research but Peter's curiosity at Oscorp leaves his DNA mutated with that of a spider. While Peter copes with his powers, Dr. Connors continues his experiments under the demands of the elusive Norman Osborne and is pressured into prematurely beginning experiments on live subjects, himself first. The experiment results in Connors mutating in a giant lizard man; he's driven mad by the power and craves more of the drug that transforms him and Spider-Man is the only one who can stop him.

This new take on the origins of Spider-Man takes the opportunity to explore Peter Parker's life as a high school kid, before he even became Spider-Man. Peter Parker isn't bitten by a spider in the first ten minutes of the movie, don't expect that to happen until you're about an hour in. No, The Amazing Spider-Man takes the time to show us what kind of person Peter Parker is and Andrew Garfield does an excellent job of fleshing the character out whether he's behind the mask or not.

Peter Parker and friendly neighborhood web-slinger, Spider-Man are played by the leaner and younger Andrew Garfield. He embodies the physical appearance of Peter Parker better than Tobey Maguire and while he's still a debate team participant and mathlete, he has this quality of independence and he's more of an outcast rather than some geeky loser. He carries around a skateboard that he rides along on the streets of New York or around school, until he's warned by a teacher passing by. This new Peter Parker isn't afraid to break some rules or deviate from the status quo. With glasses replaced by contact lenses and calculator by smart phone, it's safe to say that Peter Parker can actually be described as cool. Garfield's more rebellious Peter Parker is still at heart a good kid but is constantly bemoaned with the disappearance of his parents. Garfield really makes you care about Peter Parker so that when we see a nasty argument with his aunt and uncle or hear a gut-wrenching, emotional voice mail from Uncle Ben, feelings of sympathy are amplified.

 Emma Stone is a fresh addition to the cast as well, replacing the boring and annoying Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst). She's an adept intellectual science major who works at Oscorp as an asistant to Dr. Connors and she is also the love interest of Peter Parker. Gwen is coincidentally the daughter of police captain George Stacey (Dennis Leary) who aims to arrest Spider-Man. The characters go well together and compliment each other perfectly; they're both model students and have a rebellious side. Some of the best moments of the movie are scenes that focus on the flirtatious couple whether it be Peter sneaking into Gwen's room from the fire escape or the scene in which Gwen is truly worried about the safety of a battered Peter being the hero Spider-Man.Garfield and Stone have obvious chemistry and their scenes together were a joy to watch.

After Peter dons the new Spider-Man suit which has noticeably darker colors, the film shifts to feature more action and combat but doesn't ditch Peter's turmoil between his life as a kid and a hero. Action scenes with the assistance of CGI are expertly shot and won't give you a headache like most films these days. The camera doesn't frantically move, wildly around the screen or from frame to frame in milliseconds. You can actually see what's going on and when you do, you'll definitely notice that Spider-Man actually fights like a spider. His movements are much more agile, quick and unpredictable. His webs, which are now supported by devices on his wrists (like in the comics) come into play during combat a lot more as well, unlike Raimi's Spider-Man who was more of a brawler. This new fighting style definitely comes into play during Spider-man's fights with The Lizard who is rendered perfectly to resemble a man and a lizard.The 3D is also awesome but you might regret choosing so since there's no action or web swinging until about an hour in and the beginning scenes just aren't that interesting in 3D.

The themes of power and responsibility are still a strong element in the movie and play a role in Peter's decision making throughout the movie. Not only are Peter's spidey powers the focus here but his intellectual prowess is also something that he realizes can hurt people. Something I enjoyed more though was seeing Peter return home from his outings as Spider-Man bruised and scuffed up. While he is superhuman and has these powers, he's still taking hits and experiencing pain. It's a clear indication that he's not invincible and that he's putting his own well being on the line to protect the people of New York.

Marc Webb does a commendable job of rebooting the Spider-Man series with much more engaging actors, better writing and direction.Webb and the new refreshing cast do an excellent job of engaging the audience and capturing your attention. There are actually elements of tension, suspense, true romance and you can expect the occasional laugh to relieve some of the more emotional scenes. Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone alone made the movie much more compelling and entertaining than their predecessors from Raimi's era. The movie is suitable for the whole family as well. Younger children may find The Lizard a little scary but the rest of the film is appropriate for most ages. And as always, you can expect a brief scene teasing sequel which comes about two minutes into the credits. All-in-All the reboot is great and scores better than the original three. If you like Spider-Man or heroes in general, I would definitely recommend the Amazing Spider-Man.

Hitman: Absolution Video Walkthrough

Hitman: Absolution release date in October isn't far off but Square-Enix decided they want to give players an even greater look at Agent 47 in action despite the countless other videos and Sniper Challenge mini game. Game director, Tore Blystad and Travis Barbour provide commentary as Agent 47 searches for answers concerning the whereabouts of Victoria. In the level entitled "The Streets of Hope" he's after Lenny "The Limp" Dexter, the leader of a local street gang that goes by "The Cougars". In addition to kidnapping Lenny, you are also tasked with taking out the members of his gang.

The non-linear style of play allows you to approach in your missions in your own unique way and at your own pace. You can explore the environment and find tools and other assets that will aid you in your completion of the mission. Improvised weapons and disguises are two of the biggest assets you will come across. These improvised weapons will prove invaluable to making quick kills or creating accidental deaths to drawing suspicion. Disguises, as always will be your key into restricted areas. In some cases however, characters can see through your disguise if you aren't careful or linger in their line of sight too long, so they aren't fool-proof this time around.

A new notebook feature, similar to the PDA from Blood Money, allows you to track your progress in the current mission. You can see your completed objectives and view challenges in the notebook as you play. Challenges are similar to those in the Sniper Challenge game and if completed will earn you more money. The notebook tracks how much money you've earned for the current mission as well and tells you what negative and what positive scores you have received. Playing more stealthily and covering your tracks will earn you more money.

The new instinct feature shows off how it can be utilized to discover hiding places, weapons and to locate targets. Instinct can be turned off however along with other various advice tools and tips that display on the screen. A new "trespassing" alert will appear if you're in an area that you aren't supposed to be so you know to be careful or to find a disguise. Unlike other Hitman games though, trespassing won"t instantly get you shot at by armed guards. In Absolution, you're simply escorted out of the area, permitting you didn't see any potentially incriminating material. The other alert lets you know that there is a visible weapon equipped so that you can put it away before you're caught. The tips and instinct can all be disabled though for veteran players or those who want more of a challenge.

The trailer shows off a couple of other new features but i'll let you watch to discover those yourself. the visuals look better than any Hitman game before it with excellent lighting effects, facial detail and general body movement and environment detail. Look for Hitman: Absolution on November 20, 2012 and be sure to pre-order the game to earn one of four cool in-game bonuses.

Top Ten Video Game Weapons of All Time

Over the years video games have shown us a variety of different weapons, from blades to guns, bombs to chainsaws and let's admit, they make gaming fun. While weapons are common in many games these days, there are definitely those that stand out among the rest. They're those weapons that you that are so elusive you may spend days trying to get it. They're the weapons that may not be the strongest but are the most fun to use. Or it could simply be that they are the most powerful weapon in the game. With a handful of these great weapons to choose from, I decided to compose a list and countdown the top ten greatest video game weapons of all time.


10. Crowbar - Half-Life

It is the iconic weapon of the Half-Life series and the signature weapon of Alien killer, Gordon Freeman. The  crowbar is the first weapon that Gordon acquires in each game and aids him in combat and solving puzzles throughout the Black Mesa facility, City 17 and beyond. The single piece of cast iron painted red with silver tipped ends has made the crowbar one of the most noticeable weapons in gaming. Whether it be destroying crates, clearing obstacles, breaking padlocks or being your last defense after running out of ammo, the crowbar has always served as a trusty weapon.



9. Mehrunes' Razor - The Elder scrolls V: Skyrim

The deadly Deadric artifact is one of the most powerful blades in all of Skyrim and with a 3% chance to kill your opponent in one hit, the razor is definitely a weapon you'll want in your inventory. You can acquire Mehrunes' Razor after being prompted by Mythic Dawn fanatic, Silus Vesuius. Silus operates a museum featuring several artifacts of the Mythic Dawn but he also has a keen interest in the Deadric Prince, Mehrunes Dagon. To complete his collection, he employs the player to collect the pieces of the fabled dagger so that he can prey to the Deadric Prince to repair it. However, at the shrine, Mehrunes prompts the player to kill Silus and take the dagger which he will only repair for you. Killing Silus is a no-brainer, as it rewards you with one of the best weapons in the game and it's a one-of-a-kind once owned by a god. The razor is the perfect weapon for any stealth player but no doubt, its power and deadly effects can be useful to any character. Oh yeah, the 3% chance to kill a target in one hit, applies to dragons as well.

8. 211-V Plasma Cutter - Dead Space

The plasma cutter is to Isaac Clarke like the crowbar is to Gordon Freeman. The plasma cutter offers unrivaled reliability with firing options that allow players to dismember necromorphs with vertically fired lines of ionized plasma or horizontally fired lines for maximum potential. Ammo is plentiful, which in a game Like Dead Space is sure to make the plasma cutter one of your best friends when fighting through necromorph hordes. The ability to upgrade weapons allows you to craft an even deadlier plasma cutter and in the second game, you even have to option to ignite enemies in flames. Again, the plasma cutter is one of those weapons that has become a trademark or icon for a game series. The plasma cutter is often one of the first weapons people think of or recognize from Dead Space despite the large arsenal that is available to Isaac throughout the game, which earns it a spot on this top ten list.







7. Mk 2 Lancer Assault Rifle - Gears of War

The Mk 2 Lancer Assault Rifle is unlike any other rifle due to the fact it has an attached chainsaw for cutting up Locust hordes. Not only is the chainsaw intimidating, it's actually practical. The original Mk 1 Lancer only had a bayonet fixed to it which was not very effective against locust armor. Marcus Fenix and his father, Adam Fenix are actually the brains behind the Mk 2 Lancer and the design was conceived by Adam Fenix himself. The chainsaw addition allowed Gears to easily cut through Locust armor and aerved as a better melee component on the rifle itself. The rifle holds a whopping 660 rounds (550 in Gears 2) allowing you to mow down Locust hordes easily. However, if they close in or flank your cover, they'll be sorry when the mean-looking teeth of that chainsaw rips them apart.

6. Energy Sword - Halo

Easily one of the most popular weapons from the Halo series, the Energy Sword takes spot six on this list. The Energy sword is one of the most deadly weapons in all of Halo and is only wielded by the Covenant Elite or the Sangheili. The sword is extremely effective in close quarters combat and successful strikes from the sword almost always result in a fatality. The razor sharp ionized blades of the Energy Sword can cut through the densest of metals, reduce enemy shields to zero and kill in a single strike. White-hot energy produced by the blades burns and cauterizes flesh, organs and tissue inside the body creating wounds that are nearly impossible to recover from. The tactful Sangheili also devised a fail safe within the sword which destroys the weapon if the original user drops it. The energy housed within the sword destroys the hilt preventing enemy soldiers from retrieving it. One of the most awful sights a player can see in Halo during multiplayer is that of an enemy player running toward them with an energy sword equipped. If you don't have a rocket launcher, sniper rifle or sword to defend yourself, you'll add a tally to your deaths.With the ability to kill an enemy in a single strike or cause permanent damage, the Energy Sword easily earns its place among the top ten weapons of all time.

5. Fat Man - Fallout 3 (New Vegas)

Fat Man was originally the codename for the atomic bomb detonated over Nagasaki; in the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout, it is a gun that catapults 'mini nukes' that will decimate your enemy. Don't misinterpret 'mini nukes' because there is nothing mini about this gun. The nuke which is loaded into the catapult like device is slightly larger than the average human head. Weighing in at about 30 pounds, the Fat Man is the perfect weapon for taking out small armies, enemy strongholds, or a pack of mutants with a nuclear strike. It makes the perfect explosive weapon, from far range; get to close and you could find yourself feeling the blast as well. It is much wiser to fire the weapon upward, similar to a mortar to avoid be caught in the nuclear blast range. Another variant of the Fat Man, the Experimental MIRV is even more destructive with the ability to fire eight mini nukes at once. The resulting explosion is a small mushroom cloud and a bunch of dismembered bodies. Also, be sure not to head into that blast radius to scavenge without a radsuit, or some radaway as the entire area with be irradiated.

4. Crissaegrim -Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

The Crissaegrim is considered to be the ultimate weapon of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. The weapon allows the player to walk while swinging and each attack results in four great, successive swings. The swings cover the entire area in front of Alucard from above his head to below his feet allowing players to slash anything in their path. The lightning fast swings and power of the sword make it the most powerful weapon in the game. Coincidentally, it is also the most elusive weapon in the game. It can only be found by killing a schmoo in the Forbidden Library section of the castle. Schmoos are difficult enough to find and the chances they drop a Crisseagrim are very rare at best. With enough dedication though, players will obtain this legendary sword and if they feel up to the task can find a second to equip in their left hand making them a killing machine.

3. Master Sword - The Legend of Zelda

Possibly the most iconic weapon of video game history comes from a franchise that is 20 years old and one of the most famous game series of all time. The Master Sword is a recurring weapon in the Zelda games forged by the goddess Hylia and only worthy of being wielded by a true hero, Link. Imbued with the power to vanquish evil, the sword embodies much more than being just a weapon. It symbolizes true good, power, and is the definition of what it means to be a man and a hero of the people. It is the only weapon capable of destroying, Link's nemesis, Ganon and has become so recognizable with the Triforce etched blade and winged hilt. The moment in which Link pulls the sword from its alter within the Temple of Time is always a highlight in each title and gives players this ultimate feeling of accomplishment. The Master Sword may not be the biggest sword or the most deadly but you won't ever see Link fighting the forces of evil with any sword but the fabled Master Sword.

2. BFG 9000 - Doom

It isn't hard to figure out what the acronym BFG stands for and it fits the weapon well. With the ability to vaporize demons and other hellish monsters with a single blast of plasma, the BFG 9000 is hailed as the most powerful weapon in the Doom series and possibly gaming history. Described in the game as 'the most advanced firearm ever designed' the BFG is able to decimate anything within 15 meters of the blast radius. Each plasma projectile contains a computer chip capable of tracking and identifying enemies. The BFG has the ability to eliminate any enemy with a single blast of plasma and with the friend or foe identification system built into the gun, it is the perfect weapon. Carry this gun around Hell and you'll be unstoppable.

1. Zero-Point Energy Field Manipulator (Gravity Gun) - Half-Life 2

Gordon is famous for carrying around his crowbar but there's another weapon that he's very often associated with. Simply known as the gravity gun, the ZPEFM was originally intended to handle hazardous materials or move heavy objects. The tractor beam on the weapon which is able to lift and manipulate any object in the game is powered by a Xen crystal.The gravity gun has two functions which make it especially useful. The first allows you to pick up and manipulate objects. It is useful for creating paths by stacking or moving objects. You can also create shields out of some objects which gives it a defensive use as well. The secondary function allows you to launch items from the primary mode or you can launch items while they aren't in the primary mode. The combination of these two functions allows players to pick up deadly objects such as saw blades and use them to kill enemies. A kill with a saw blade usually results in cutting the target in half. Other objects such as oil drums and propane tanks also make deadly projectiles to be launched from the gravity gun. Its ability to use a variety of different projectiles make it the most powerful weapon in the game. Paired with its ability to create shields, create paths and build barriers it is also the most effective and useful weapons in Half-Life 2.

There are a lot of other powerful and just plain awesome video game weapons out there. Did your favorite weapons make it on the list or are the others you would have preferred to see on here? share your thoughts in comment.