Today Rockstar games revealed this trailer which explains Red Dead Redemption’s various weapons and the unique mechanics surrounding gunplay.  I have to say, the more I look into this game the more genuinely impressed and excited I become.

The natural motion physics engine in particular looks like something that has been a long time coming for shooters.  I especially appreciate the way that people are knocked off their feet from a gunshot.  Bodies don’t appear unnatural at all like with generic rag-doll physics and each impact is uniquely generated by the game’s engine.  Is it weird to get so excited about watching things get shot?

The large variety of weapons in the game doesn’t surprise me but I was not expecting a sniper rifle.  I had no idea they were around as early as the 19th century.  Also, that buffalo rifle is ridiculous, it looks like it’s probably a .50 caliber…  I imagine ammo for that will run a pretty half-penny.

The dead-eye targeting system is a bit like Fallout 3’s VATS meets Max Payne’s Bullet Time.  In other words it does not provide too much of an advantage to make the game easy, only enough to contend with the enemies’ AI.

Lastly I meant to post this video on the game’s story a bit earlier, but was afraid it was already common knowledge.  Just in case I’ll post it anyway:

I am hoping the story won’t be a straight revenge tale since those are all to often executed poorly, especially in video games.  Still, I like what I see from this trailer a lot.  The music is great, and the voice acting is decent.  If you frequent the site look forward to me squealing about Red Dead Redemption until April 27th… and then probably for a few months after.

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Red Dead Redemption Gameplay Video

Roy ps3, rockstar, videos 0 comments

I really feel bad constantly writing about such expensive shit.  I know times are tough, especially with a long year of must-own games stretching out in front of us…  But this Odin figure may be the last piece of Final Fantasy XIII memorabilia this year, with an estimated release of sometime in July.  By that time, most of you will have already bought the game and decided if it’s uber-lame or not.  Anyway, the going price on Amiami is 15,550 yen which is a discounted price believe it or not.  That translates to roughly $170 USD.

Surprisingly enough, I was able to find the figure on Kidnemo for $159.99 which is less than the price in Japan — that is a rarity.

In addition to being able to transform between Odin and Odin’s gestalt mode, the blades can be used by the Play Arts Lightning figure.  How is that for cohesion?  I assume she can also ride on the gestalt horsey but since I don’t know the joint capabilities of these figures it’s hard to say for sure.  A better question may be can Lightning even stand while holding those blades?

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All OMG Toys posts can be found here.

Sarah figure, merchandise, square enix 4 comments

I don’t generally play action games but I did give Assassin’s Creed a chance shortly after purchasing my PS3.  I wanted to like it; it was an awesome concept and I loved the aesthetic of the game.  Despite a strong presentation, the game failed to wow me and quickly settled to the list of “games I would probably get to or something,” ultimately being sold on eBay.

The sequel promised fans a number of improvements and the part of my being that wanted to like the first title resurfaced, so I gave it a chance.

WE BUILT THIS CITY ON LINGUINI AND ROLLS

Possibly the most successful (and simple) improvement is the inclusion of a currency system.  There are a number of places where you can find cash in Assassin’s Creed II — this includes pickpocketing, looting corpses, treasure chests and so on.  Even if you may not be progressing in the story, building up cash still feels like you’re getting something done.

If you have money, then there are places to spend it.  Purchasable items include weapons, armor, medicine and more that become available as you progress in the story.  I should note that changing armor does slightly alter Ezio’s appearance which is always a big plus for me.  The weapons are distinct and intricate as well.

If you buy things, you need to put them somewhere, right?  This leads into my favorite element of the game: your villa.  After a few hours into the game you’ll become the proud, semi-owner of a house and a down-and-out village.  You can then pour your florins into fixing up the place, which attracts new residents who spend money at the shops you’ve helped out — meaning you’re entitled to a cut.  I found myself terribly addicted to working on my town and basically bought every upgrade as soon as I could afford it so I would earn more money when it came time to collect.

Upgrading your village also changes its appearance and gives the player access to new areas.  The system was terribly fun but I was disappointed when I had maxed all upgrades so quickly.  Especially in the late-to-post-game, I was just sitting on gobs of money but had nothing to do with it all!  Perhaps the average player wouldn’t attack this system with the same ferocity I did.  I guess I would have liked more upgrades to be available as the player progresses or maybe even some DLC.

I JUST KICKED THE POPE IN THE DICK

The setting for Assassin’s Creed II is absolutely one of its greatest selling points.  I really started to appreciate the research put into the game when I became aware that nearly every building, person, and town you will encounter is part of the recorded history of 15th century Italy.

Possibly more impressive than the research put into the historical characters is the way the writers piece them together to form a new “unwritten” part of history.  The validity of the true elements makes it seem that much more interesting — like a Dan Brown book, only not lame.

I was never a fan of the reality which serves as a frame for the actual meat of the game in both titles.  Desmond’s life of asking, “Huh, what’s going on?” and other people replying, “We don’t have time for this, Desmond!” gets kinda old.  Still, I suppose it is an effective way of connecting the two titles.  I also get the feeling that the creators have some big plans as to where Desmond’s story is going, or so I hope.

□ ASSASSINATE, □ ASSASSINATE, □ ASSASSINATE

All games are basically made up of a number of goals that lead to a boss: rinse and repeat.  Some games make this more painfully obvious than others.  A big way to prevent the player from feeling this cripplingly simplistic formula is with some variety in goals.  This was where, many would also argue, Assassin’s Creed failed.

The creators of the sequel definitely took this issue to heart.  I never felt as though my actions were repetitive and I frankly appreciated the creativity behind them, especially toward the end of the game.  One particularly creative assassination required me to don a golden mask allowing me to sneak into a masquerade to time a shot from a wrist-pistol with the blast of an exploding firework.  That’s just plain sexy.

I will admit, however, that the level of difficulty was rarely a concern for me.  I wouldn’t flinch at taking on upwards of ten guards since by the end of the game, I had so much HP and fifteen vials of medicine ready to suck down at a moment’s notice.  If a higher difficulty was unlocked the second time around (a la Demon’s Souls) I would gladly replay the game, but since there isn’t I can’t say there is much replay value.

CONCLUSIONS — REQUIESCAT EN PACE

Assassin’s Creed II is a shining example of developers recognizing how a game can be improved and implementing that knowledge.  The result is a game which is significantly more enjoyable than its predecessor.

These improvements, in my opinion, blur the line between an action game and an RPG, which is a big part of why I enjoyed it.  My only real complaint is the lack of any deeper or more challenging game-play, especially post-game.  Still, the main quest is great, and with some DLC on the way Assassin’s Creed II promises to entertain into 2010.

Roy ps3, review, ubisoft 5 comments

I realize some of you may have suffered mild sticker-shock from the two Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker bundles I posted about last week.  I can completely understand not being able to slap down $3-400 in these difficult times.  Well, I think I may have found a happy medium: Hori’s accessory set themed after the game.

Included in the set is the following:

• MGSPW PSP pouch (holds two UMDs)
• MILITAIRES SANS FRONTIERES face cover (compatible with 2000 and 3000 series)
• Dog tag screen cleaner strap
• Decal sheet

This bundle costs a mere 2,680 yen, which would be around $30 USD.  It’s already available on Play-Asia for pre-order for $34.90 which is a tad inflated, but not too bad considering.

I really like this pouch and prefer it to both of the ones included in the more expensive sets.  If I didn’t already have a case, I would definitely grab this bundle.  I can vouch for the quality of Hori cases since I have had mine since the 2000 series launched and it’s still going strong.

I am not too crazy about the face cover since those things remind me of a dumpster lid, but if that’s your thing then there you go.

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Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker PSP Bundles Announced

Roy konami, merchandise 1 comment