Ludic Theory

Too Human: Release Date

James — Wed, 14 May 2008 03:46:16 +0000

Too Human has had its share of bad press, however as the game approaches release on the 19^th of August later this year it shows extreme promise. The game has been scaled back from the originally intended 4 player co-op to now 2 player co-op. While this will, no doubt, be a disappointment to some, the game even with only 2 people to be somewhat “compact”. Silicon Knights seems to have captured the magic that made Diablo and Phantasy Star Online such a success, and the game is definitely worth a look later this fall.

For more information I strongly suggest reading the live blog below.

Source: 1UP

XBLA: Assault Heroes 2 & Penny Arcade Adventures

James — Tue, 13 May 2008 22:55:47 +0000

Tomorrow Xbox Live users will get to fulfill their two stick shooting needs as Assault Heroes 2 makes it way to XBLA. New features include an enhanced multiplayer mode, elaboration of on foot combat including evasion technique and the ability to steal enemy vehicles. Fans of the first, or Geometry Wars fans, will not be disappointed for $10 (800 points).

May 21^st Penny Arcade will be releasing their first foray into the gaming market, Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One. This XBLA title is priced at $20 (1600 points) and features the excellent writing and illustrations, well known to Penny Arcade users, supported by RPG gameplay. This game is defiantly worth a look next Wednesday.

Force Unleashed: No PC Version

James — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:41:36 +0000

The Force Unleashed, Lucas Art’s newest game set in the Star Wars universe, has seen its share of delays. Originally slated for fall of 2007 the game is now set to release September of this year. This time was obviously not spent on the company’s native platform, the PC. In an interview with VideoGamer, Cameron Suey, the producer in charge of the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions said:

“The PC being the gaming platform that it is, someone with a $4,000 high-end system would definitely be able to play the Euphoria, the DMM and really technical elements of the game. But someone with a low-end PC would have a watered down experience, they would have to turn all the settings down and it wouldn’t be the same game.”

Mr. Suey didn’t comment on the notably downgraded Wii and PSP versions of the game that we can expect to launch beside the PS3 and 360 release.

Source: VideoGamer Interview

Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts

James — Tue, 13 May 2008 06:12:06 +0000

Lovers of Lego rejoice; as new details on the up and coming Rare developed game in the Banjo universe, Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts, emerge we learn that the game entails a great amount of vehicle creation and modification as the name would suggest. As previously reported Nuts and Bolts is not a racer, instead vehicles will play a large role in the missions. The vehicle customization is said to be very easy, allowing players to jump in and out of the editor while playing the game, while in the editor players will be able to drag and drop blocks similarly to Lego. The game is also touting a multiplayer mode were players will no doubt be able to compete against each other with their own creations.

With this announcement Microsoft may have another Viva Piñata on their hands. The bright vibrant aesthetic the game features, along with cute and cuddly creatures, is sure to draw in younger audiences; while the vehicle customization and tinkering, if done correctly, should draw in their parents.

Source: Neogaf

Banjo 3, Newton Confirmed?

James — Mon, 12 May 2008 21:50:39 +0000

After the giant leak Microsoft suffered yesterday a number of screens, from the upcoming rare game Banjo Kazooie 3, have found their way into the public eye. The beautiful screens are full of vibrant colors, great draw distance and show Banjo in a number of vehicles. Speculation soon emerged that perhaps this Banjo would be a kart racer. However not to fret as in an interview with Kotaku, community manager for rare, George Kelion said “it’s definitely not a racer” he went on to say that “You’re better off waiting until tomorrow, when we reveal what is for us the most spectacular feature of the game, which is the gameplay mechanic.” In the interview he also mentioned a surprise that was yet to be revealed.

The surprise as far as we can conjecture is the rumoured Wiimote rip-off peripheral code named “Newton” as originally reported by Patrick Klepek over at the MTV multiplayer blog. The “Newton” would further segregate the already split 360 audience making it more difficult for developers to know which segment of the audience to focus mainly. No doubt Microsoft is trying to capture the main stream appeal and press the Wii has, it is unlikely though that they will succeed as Microsoft has yet to be able to pull off emulating another’s technology so if they succeed it will be a first.

Microsoft New Accesory Lips

James — Mon, 12 May 2008 19:52:24 +0000

8bitjoystick, a fairly reliable source of information relating to the 360, has confirmed that the men over at Microsoft have been working on a new 360 accessory. The accessory codenamed “lips” is scheduled to be announced tomorrow at Gamers Day. Microsoft has shown that they are not scared of segmenting their audience, as is seen with the hard drive lacking arcade unit, so this being a requirement for some games would not be completely unfounded. While there is no word yet on what the device will do stayed tuned for information on another, no doubt over priced, accessory from Microsoft.

Viva Pinata 2?

James — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:54:26 +0000

Arguably the best game of 2007 seems to be getting a sequel? A leak yesterday indicates the family friendly Viva Piñata may have either a very large downloadable expansion pack or a new retail release on the way. Microsoft has yet to comment but some of the screens seem to indicate that there will be possibly co-op play as well as a plethora of new objects and piñatas. Viva Piñata worked on two levels, for those who have not played it, allowing children to be amused with the bright colors and the novelty of raising their own garden while adults would pick up on the subtle humour that the game employed. Marketed correctly, unlike last time, could prove this game to be a huge retail success.

Those that have not yet played the original should defiantly give it a look as it could quite possibly be the best game you have never played.

View Screenshot

GoW 2: More Shit to Eat, More Locusts to Die

James — Mon, 12 May 2008 01:20:02 +0000

With the release of the first gameplay video by Epic Games on the upcoming Gears of War 2 we got our first look at what can be expected. The level shown takes place on a large transport vehicle that the Cog must defend on their way to a locust occupied city. The video shows the “stop and pop” style of play the game is known for as well as debuting a few new features. Players now will be able to pick up a downed locust, while holding a pistol, with the press of the A-button and use him as a human shield while dispatching other attackers. Other small features shown, such as the ability to block an opponent’s chainsaw with your own and changes to the weapon set that should slightly change the way the game is played. Unfortunately there is no indication if we can expect a better story from the game or more elaboration on the locust civilization. Perhaps the biggest disappointment is seeing that the Y-button still being mapped to looking at points of interest. While this did help to at times convey a cinematic look, it could be far better used to enter and exit cover while the A-Button is used for rolling and the roadie run. This would help to avoid the wide spread problem of sticking to cover in multiplayer while attempting to flee a firefight. Despite these mild complaints the video shows promise for fans of the original and definitely something to keep an eye on as it gets closer to release.

If you would like to check out the video for yourself click the link below:
http://www.gamevideos.com/video/id/18698

Gamers Influence EA

James — Mon, 12 May 2008 00:35:43 +0000

As reported by Kotaku Electronic Arts has once again responded to an outcry from their fans. After fans rallied against the announcement that extra weapons would have a price tag, they announced plans were changed and the weapons would be free.

EA has again responded to their fans positively. For the second time a large upset online presence has changed the outcome of upcoming PC releases: Mass Effect and Spore. These two games will no longer have the standard secuROM which requires online activation every 10 days. This bodes well for the gaming industry as a whole; the more publishers listen to their fans the more the quality of games should improve. EA is not the first major studio to do this but none the less it is great to see another publisher supporting those that play their games.

Now if only we didn’t have to pay for cheats.

Grand Theft Auto 4 Review

James — Sun, 11 May 2008 22:13:20 +0000

Rockstar North’s newest instalment in the Grand Theft Auto series takes a much more serious approach than the previous versions. The game attempts to blend the open world aspects the game is known for with a gripping narrative that is new to long time fans. Herein lies the main flaw with Grand Theft Auto, the freedom that players enjoy can sometimes directly oppose what is happening in the narrative. For instance when on a date, a new feature, a player can attack someone at the bowling alley while your date calmly asks whether or not you have been involved in any criminal activity. To be fair the time required to make any game act realistically to all of the possible actions a player can do would take immense time and effort which would not be a cost effective way of allocating resources.

Despite these pronounced flaws, they don’t detract too much from your attachment to the characters. When unfortunate events befall them you feel genuinely sad and in some cases regret or guilt when it is your actions that lead to these fates. Niko Bellic, the main character, is perhaps the most interesting. At the games start, you don’t know much at all about Niko. As the game unfolds however you learn more about his shady past and his reasons for joining his cousin in Liberty City. Unfortunately as you progress further in the story you begin to see inconsistencies in his character. Niko has a sense of values, willing to kill some but basing his decisions on loyalty. This very nature of his character somewhat pressures you to follow the rules of Liberty City, not aimlessly running over civilians on the way to your next objective as was common place in previous GTA games. As you progress through the mission structure however the character of Niko becomes less loyal, in some cases even killing previous employers as long as the money is good. This change draws into question the sanity of Niko and you seem no longer to be breaking character when going on a shooting spree through town.

Despite its flaws Grand Theft Auto IV is an excellent game, and what you would expect from a sequel to the series. Liberty City is diverse and interesting enough that you are willing to spend the upwards of 30 hours there that it will take to finish the game. Multiplayer modes are varied and entertaining and very fun with a group of friends. I would recommend GTA to any fans of the previous games as long as expectations are not too high.

8/10