Sunday, May 19, 2013

News::Project CARS Sails Away With Awolnation In Latest Trailer

Gaming Blend "A new trailer for Slightly Mad Studios' upcoming racing simulator Project CARS has gone live featuring music from Awolnation, the popular dubstep song Sail. The trailer is just a little over two minutes and does a fantastic job of tying the music to the gameplay, as high-end sports motor vehicles tear up the coastal lines in the fan-made trailer."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1260572/project-cars-sails-away-with-awolnation-in-latest-trailer

News::Reus Review | Bag Of Games

"Beautiful to behold, simple at heart yet a very complex strategy game once you get into it." BOG takes a look at Reus: A side-scrolling god game from Abbey Games.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1260599/reus-review-bag-of-games

News::Star Wars Pinball Review - Brash Games

Brash Games writes "Well, it's Star Wars, and, y'know, that's nice. Seriously though, there are three great tables here, all offering unique challenges, fantastic visuals and, as always, brilliant physics".



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1260573/star-wars-pinball-review-brash-games

News::Dollar Dash Review - Brash Games

Brash Games writes "Great idea built around classic Bomberman style gameplay. Decent visuals and, well, when in does come together, it can, albeit briefly, become the game it always should have been".



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1260571/dollar-dash-review-brash-games

News::UK games chart: Dead Island: Riptide still number one

Brash Games writes "A distinct lack of big new releases sees Techlands Dead Island: Riptide retain its crown as the best selling game in the UK for the third week in a row".



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1260574/uk-games-chart-dead-island-riptide-still-number-one

News::Metro: Last Light Review: A Diminished Return - Error! Not Found

"If there ever were a game worthy of the diamond in the rough moniker, itd be Metro 2033. Based off the Russian novel of the same name, 2033 debuted back in 2010 seemingly out of the blue, but quickly turned into a bit of a cult-favorite. Caught off guard at the games success, Metro: Last Light has clearly been given a good deal more in the way of funding and support from THQ (and eventually Koch Media), and it shows. Metro: Last Light is a good follow-up to 2033, but it definitely feels changed in ways that arent always to its benefit."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1260586/metro-last-light-review-a-diminished-return-error-not-found

News::Resident Evil: Revelations - 3DS vs. HD, Infernal vs. Casual/Normal

Take a look at a few comparison images of the 3DS and HD versions of Resident Evil: Revelations and the Infernal and Casual/Normal difficulties.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258443/resident-evil-revelations-3ds-vs-hd-infernal-vs-casual-normal

News::Sacred Citadel Review - GOS

GOS: "Sacred Citadel takes place in the world of Sacred and is a prequel to the upcoming action RPG Sacred 3. Three heroes join together to stop an evil that threatens the peaceful world of Ancaria. The story is pretty simple and straight forward, so dont expect any compelling performances to bring you to tears or to keep you on the edge of you seat in suspense. It is entertaining enough to keep you interested as you play the games four acts."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1260544/sacred-citadel-review-gos

News::FIFA 13 Goals of the Week #27

FIFPlay: FIFA 13 Best Goals of the Week Round #27 video.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258400/fifa-13-goals-of-the-week-27

News::Metro: Last Light Review | Spiderduck Network

Mike Hewitt of Galactic Gaming News makes his review debut with Metro: Last Light!



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1260587/metro-last-light-review-spiderduck-network

News::2013 Video Game Release Schedule

We've put together a list of games with confirmed release dates for 2013. If a game only has a loose release date, such as a specific quarter or month, it won't make the cut. It needs to have a date. We'll be updating this throughout the year as more and more dates get confirmed. See any that we missed? Sound off in the comments below.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258479/2013-video-game-release-schedule

News::Defiance: Best Lock Box Tiers to Buy for Rarer Items

Sick of getting crap gear in the Defiance video game? Learn about the different lock boxes that are available in the game and find out which ones pump out the most purple or orange gear. Lock boxes are essentially loot chests that come with a few pieces of gear guaranteed to be uncommon or higher. This article explains which boxes to buy to get the most bang for your buck.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258537/defiance-best-lock-box-tiers-to-buy-for-rarer-items

News::Denis Dyack and Shadow of the Eternals- Trial By Internet

OXCGN: "There is a trial going on right now in cyberspace. And we are the jury. At stake is the reputation of the man largely credited for the cult favourite Gamecube game Eternal Darkness and the future of the 'spiritual successor' to that title which is struggling for backers on Kickstarter, Shadow of the Eternals. But the question is if the trial by the internet community is even valid or right, or simply a case of Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbel's 'if you repeat a lie often enough it will become the truth'."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1260570/denis-dyack-and-shadow-of-the-eternals-trial-by-internet

News::Metro: Last Light review: A new dawn [SideQuesting]

Eric Smith writes: "Metro: Last Light is not a perfect videogame. It can be clunky, it can be slow moving, and at some points, it can be flat out dumb. Sometimes, though, you dont care about perfection. Chasing after a singular goal with a lot of heart can be enough, and Metro has heart in spades."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258531/metro-last-light-review-a-new-dawn-sidequesting

News::Star Trek Into Darkness Weak $84 Million Domestic Box Office Follows Paramount Video Game Flop

Forbes - Despite having a decent Metacritic rating of 73, the Star Trek Into Darkness movie failed to build on the domestic success that the original JJ Abrams reboot had established four years ago. The film, which was forecast to break the $100 million barrier over its extended weekend launch, made just $84 million ($2 million Wednesday, $11.5 million Thursday, $22 million Friday, $27.2 million Saturday and an estimated $21.2 million Sunday). And thats the second consecutive piece of bad news for Paramount Pictures. The Hollywood studio, which officially entered the Star Trek video game space with Digital Extremes Star Trek: The Video Game in April, crashed and burned with that interactive adventure. That game, which had a full three years of development because of Star Trek IIs delay, still felt rushed when it hit store shelves and was plagued with glitches galore. That resulted in a horrendous 39 Metacritic score on PC (the most powerful platform) and a 43 and 46 rating on...



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1260537/star-trek-into-darkness-weak-84-million-domestic-box-office-follows-paramount-video-game-flop

News::Call of Duty: Black Ops 2: Uprising Review at Skewed and Reviewed

Skewed and Reviewed have posted their review for the new Black Ops 2 map pack Uprising. They cite that the new maps offer some fun gameplay but do not offer anything that new or different. They cite the new zombie mode Mob of the Dead as a plus and say this set should tide over hardcore fans until the next pack is released.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1260549/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-uprising-review-at-skewed-and-reviewed

News::Call of Duty: Ghosts official site's Venezuela poster and relation with Decree of War to the Death

The meaning of Venezuela's flag color based poster and quote added Call of Duty: Ghosts official site.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258439/call-of-duty-ghosts-official-sites-venezuela-poster-and-relation-with-decree-of-war-to-the-death

News::Metro Last Light - All Diary Page Locations - Published - Trophy Achievement Guide

Metro Last Light - All Diary Page Locations - Published - Trophy Achievement Guide



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258499/metro-last-light-all-diary-page-locations-published-trophy-achievement-guide

News::Metro: Last Light Review A Sign of Hope I TheKoalition

Asad Quadri of The Koalition writes: 2010 saw the release of Metro 2033 for the PC and the Xbox 360 which was developed by 4A Games and published by the now defunct THQ. Based off the novel of the same name, it was a tragic story about mankind's struggle in the underground Metro Station against monsters, poverty and each other. The protagonist Artyom, was out on a mission to save his station from the mysterious Dark Ones. As he carries out his journey, he discovers that there is more to the Dark Ones than meets the eye. The game was highly acclaimed for it's powerful storytelling, stunning visuals and challenging, exciting gameplay. Artyom and mankind's fight for survival was far from over, thus 4A Games and new publishers Deep Silver looks to return players to the terrifying world of the Metro once more with Metro: Last Light.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1260545/metro-last-light-review-a-sign-of-hope-i-thekoalition

News::7 Days to Die by The Fun Pimps Entertainment Open for Pre-Orders

The Fun Pimps Entertainment, a new Dallas-based developer, has recently announced their upcoming PC survival zombie shooter entitled 7 Days to Die. As the info below states, 7 Days to Die combines numerous genres to bring you an adventure you wont soon forget. In the past 48 hours, 7 Days to Die has received over 8,000 on the trailer and hundreds of pre-orders.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1260543/7-days-to-die-by-the-fun-pimps-entertainment-open-for-pre-orders

News::Neverwinter Economy Crashes Whilst Still In Beta

An exploit has come to light in the MMO Neverwinter which has led the economy to ruination whilst the game is still in beta. Reddit users explain how the exploit allowed players to bid on items in the games auction house for negative amounts, allowing them to win the item and gain the set amount of in game money. This isn't all though as the in game money can be converted to ZEN, a form of online currency that costs real world cash and can be transferred into other games.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1260540/neverwinter-economy-crashes-whilst-still-in-beta

News::Japanese Theme MOBA Onigiri: Pandemonium Screenshots

Onigiri: Pandemonium is a newly announced 3D MOBA developed by Japanese studio, CyberStep. Featuring a real-time action combat system, Onigiri: Pandemonium makes players slay or play along side Japanese-themed ghosts and demons. Take a look at some new screenshots below.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258364/japanese-theme-moba-onigiri-pandemonium-screenshots

News::Final Fantasy XIV Adds Even More Character Customization Features

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is going to have new character customization options, following user feedback after the games alpha-testing phase.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258331/final-fantasy-xiv-adds-even-more-character-customization-features

News::DuckTales Remastered Early Talks Began In Early 2010

DuckTales Remastered, the upcoming HD console remake of the original Ducktales, has been in the works for quite a while. The first conversations about the game go all the way back to early 2010, says Capcom USAs Senior Vice-President Christian Svensson.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258329/ducktales-remastered-early-talks-began-in-early-2010

News::Watch Dogs new footage - a look at the features

A look at the new footage a the game's underlying features in this Watch Dogs video.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258519/watch-dogs-new-footage-a-look-at-the-features

News::Unigamesity Anomaly 2 Review

Anomaly 2 is a solid game, but one that lacks the raw innovation of the original.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258359/unigamesity-anomaly-2-review

News::Why Defiance's 'fun now, depth later' is great for MMORPGs

Joystiq: "Defiance is the main game I've been playing for two weeks now, and this may continue. It's not that it's less flawed than the other MMORPGs, but instead that the parts of the game that it focuses on hold much more appeal to me. To put it another way: Most games within this genre are focused on combat, and Defiance's combat is significantly more fun for me than its competitors'."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258496/why-defiances-fun-now-depth-later-is-great-for-mmorpgs

News::Episode 16: Back to the Future of Gaming

Looks like I couldn't make it to the podcast, so give it up for barrel as he tries his hand at hosting in this episode! *applause* In any case, this episode is all about the future of gaming. Following their discussion about what games they're currently playing, our heroes talk about the future of video game hardware, trends, and...David Cage? Also, thanks to you guys, the rest of the episode is a special question-answering New Zealand Khorner. And I must say, it's quite entertaining, actually.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258495/episode-16-back-to-the-future-of-gaming

News::OCEAN CITY RACING Is Now Out for $4.99 - Open World Driving Game Powered by UE3

Ocean City Racing is now available to purchase on Desura , GreenManGaming and GetGamesGo for $4.99 on PC and MAC Ocean City Racing is an open world driving game powered by Unreal Engine 3. OCR features the biggest, most detailed and alive open world city , advanced driving physics and highest quality visuals ever seen in a low price indie driving game. Featuring a free roam , time-trial and a race mode on a massive environment , Ocean City Racing offers hours of fun for just $4.99.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258498/ocean-city-racing-is-now-out-for-4-99-open-world-driving-game-powered-by-ue3

News::Neverwinter Auction House Taken Offline Due to Exploit

After an exploit involving Cheat Engine allowed players to dupe Astral Diamonds, which could then be converted into Zen, the Gateway, or Neverwinter's Auction House was taken offline. While the Neverwinter team reacted quickly, there has been no announcement of the actions they plan to take to restore the damage caused other than a forum post explaining how they will be "taking action" against accounts that "utilized" this exploit.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258507/neverwinter-auction-house-taken-offline-due-to-exploit

News::Among The Sleep Surpasses It's Kickstarter Goal By Almost $50,000

Among The Sleep has surpassed it's kickstarter goal by just shy of $50,000 for a grand total raised of $248,358. Among The Sleep is an indie horror game like no other, putting you in control of a defenceless two year old child.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258452/among-the-sleep-surpasses-its-kickstarter-goal-by-almost-50-000

News::Voice Makes the Character

OnlySP: *Disclaimer There are some story spoilers for Splinter Cell: Conviction and Metal Gear Solid 4 in this article* 2013 seems to be the changing of the guard when it comes to video game voice-actors. And why shouldnt it? As time progresses and the end draws near for our favorite voice-actors, the medium is forever. But that time has not yet come. One of the first voice-actor changes that struck a nerve was the swap of the Splinter Cell voice from series vet Michael Ironside to relative unknown Eric Johnson.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258463/voice-makes-the-character

News::TechExclusive: Bad Bots Review

TechExclusive: "Hearkening back to the days of 2D side-scrolling shoot-em-ups, Bad Bots for PC is a throwback as it is an interesting diversion."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258448/techexclusive-bad-bots-review

News::Bioshock Infinite Review | Gamer Escape

Irrational Games have successfully taken the original Bioshock formula and polished it to a mirror shine. While there are still some issues with the game, it does not detract nearly enough from the amazing experience that you will find very hard to put down. This game is worth your attention and is definitely an early nominee for game of the year.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258385/bioshock-infinite-review-gamer-escape

News::New Monster Hunter Online Info and Screenshots Showcase the Gendrome and the Genprey

Tencent published a few new pieces of info and a batch of screenshots about another of the boss monsters that players will find in Monster Hunter Online, the Gendrome.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258486/new-monster-hunter-online-info-and-screenshots-showcase-the-gendrome-and-the-genprey

News::Communitoid 013, featuring special guest JJ McCallum!

In this extra British episode of Communitoid, we're joined by special British guest JJ McCallum! JJ recalls the time he fiddled with Conor's no-no place, Jo gets all hot and bothered by JJ's accent, Aaron is the worst host ever, and I show up late, per usual. Also, Panzadolphin56 recaps the latest Werewolf game, and djnealb records an intro for us!


Click here for the direct download link! You can also subscribe to us on iTunes, RSS, Twitter, and the Cblogs, join our Facebook group, and talk about us in our Forums! Want to know more about anything you heard on the show? Click here for full show notes, including links to everything on Destructoid we discussed!


Thanks for listening! And until next time: Be Better People!


Communitoid 013, featuring special guest JJ McCallum! screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/communitoid-013-featuring-special-guest-jj-mccallum--253709.phtml

News::Police Blotter: His Face Fought the Law and the Law Won

News::Logitech G430 Gaming Headset Review (PC / Any*)

These days, a games graphics are often the most talked-about aspect of it, but an often-overlooked area is how a game sounds. Aside from providing a new level of immersion, a really great sound system can give the gamer a huge advantage, being able to hear other players more clearly or even the direction theyre coming from. So when a game has truly great sound direction, youll need a good sound system to take advantage. Logitech has tackled this part of the entertainment equation with a long history of high-quality speaker systems and headphones, providing an excellent audio experience at a reasonable, competitive price. Their latest foray into the gaming audio arena is their G430 Gaming Headset. Sporting built-in Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound, a huge bass response, and a noise-cancelling microphone, the G430 promises the complete package for PC gaming audio at a relatively-low price of $80. Can Logitechs newest gaming headset give Turtle Beach or even Bose a run for their money?



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258426/logitech-g430-gaming-headset-review-pc-any

News::Guns of Icarus Online Interview

Another day, another exclusive interview on Worlds Factory. Some nice information from Muse Games about their plans for the unique steampunk, airship combat multiplayer game.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258392/guns-of-icarus-online-interview

News::Saint Seiya Online Taiwan Publisher Is Confirmed

The publisher, Iwan Interactive, was confirmed earlier today to be the 2nd overseas server for Saint Seiya Online after China. Saint Seiya Taiwan is scheduled for beta in Q3, while the original China server entered official Open Beta this week.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258373/saint-seiya-online-taiwan-publisher-is-confirmed

News::CounterSpy takes inspiration from classic side-scrollers

The first thing you'll notice about CounterSpy is its unique art style. Really, you can say that about a lot of the indie titles Sony has been picking up lately, but there's something extra special about this one. That probably has to do with the fact that the ten-man team at Dynamighty is comprised of ex-LucasArts and Pixar folks.


As you can probably tell from the title, CounterSpy has you playing as a spy tasked with infiltrating two opposing superpowers in order to sabotage their weapons of mass destruction.


CounterSpy takes inspiration from classic side-scrollers screenshot


Read more...



via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/counterspy-takes-inspiration-from-classic-side-scrollers-253992.phtml

News::Prime World beta footage overview

A video look at the MMO Prime World which is currently in Beta for this weekend only.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258419/prime-world-beta-footage-overview

News::Bioshock Infinite Review | NowUC

Ultimately, there is very little to criticise about this game. Its pretty linear with very little choice to alter the storyline but thats really not a big problem. Its a superb game and well worth a play.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258380/bioshock-infinite-review-nowuc

News::Anomaly 2 Review - MKAU Gaming

11bit Studios are back with the sequel to that tower-defense-game-with-a-twist or tower offence, Anomaly. Anomaly 2 is here, and a long way 11 bit has come since the original....



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258338/anomaly-2-review-mkau-gaming

News::(WGB) Metro: Last Light Review

Baden of WGB writes: "4A have returned to deliver a sequel to Metro 2033, a groundbreaking FPS/creepfest that garnered a considerable cult following, though never managing to achieve major commercial success, despite deserving it. This time around 4A have made some changes to allow the game to appeal to a broader market, but have those changes been for the best? Join me as I venture forth once again into the creepy darkness of the metro tunnels andOHMYGODSOMETHINGJUSTMOVEDSHOOTITSHOOTITSHOOTIT!"



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258407/wgb-metro-last-light-review

News::ArcheAge - Game Costumes Step up to Fashion Show

MMOsite writes: The popular Korean MMORPG ArcheAge recently has lots of hot topics for us to discuss, the hack issue, the CN closed beta and the game costume on T stage show. Yes, you didn't hear that wrong, ArcheAge game costume has been designed by Korean dress design major student Dois and brought to the fashion show.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258375/archeage-game-costumes-step-up-to-fashion-show

News::Metro: Last Light Review (PopBucket)

PopBucket writes: At a glance it is a disappointment, but look patiently further and any player will find a lot to love about Metro: Last Light.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258398/metro-last-light-review-popbucket

News::Kevin Conroy returning for Batman: Arkham Origins

Kevin Conroy announces he's back for Arkham Origins at Dallas Comic-Con.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258395/kevin-conroy-returning-for-batman-arkham-origins

News::Time Extend: The Warriors


The brawler has always been a genre light on narrative. From Double Dragon’s “Dude, they punched your girlfriend” to God Of War’s “Dude, I punched my girlfriend”, it doesn’t take much to motivate a fight. Rockstar’s 2005 brawler The Warriors takes this classic setup at face value, and in doing so forces the player into their own unwitting satire. The Warriors is a gang that loves to battle its rivals: like the player, its members relish fighting, robbing and generally misbehaving. Yet when the head of the largest gang in New York City tries to bring everyone together into an organised syndicate, it ends in disaster. You get to indulge in every kind of crime a 1979 New York City gang would, but the end result is deflating – you can never go beyond them.


The game begins with a rendering of the movie’s opening sequence. Cyrus, leader of the Riffs, gathers every gang together in Pelham Bay Park. No one is fighting, rival gangs are standing next to one another peacefully, and no one is bickering over their turf. There are 60,000 kids in gangs, but only 20,000 cops in New York City, and all you have to do is count to realise the possibilities. Cyrus shouts, “Can you DIG it?” to the enormous crowd’s cheers. But then the leader of the Rogues, Luther, pulls out a gun and shoots the Riffs’ main man. As he falls back, the cutscene fades out and the game begins three months earlier. The question posed here is one of the unanswered themes of the film: what went wrong?


Naturally, you play as The Warriors, an upstart gang from Coney Island that has to claw its way from being two lone members into controlling the southern tip of the Bronx. As you progress through the main campaign, each member experiences a unique flashback mission focused on their origins. Rivalries are formed, gangs from the film are bopped with, and you proceed through a linear series of missions, optional side-missions and tasks that can be completed from your home base hub in Coney. You spend these missions taking over stores in Coney, fighting the rival gang present there, and then exerting your influence throughout New York City.


What makes the game’s missions and hubs unique is the way they create the illusion of being in control of Coney Island but never allow you to be more than a violent gang. In one mission there are stores that you smash until their owners offer you protection money, which you can collect from mid-mission or when you’re protecting Coney from invading gangs. Yet wealth does not accumulate. Drugs can be bought, money can be stolen, car radios snatched and spray cans help you tag walls, but what you steal in one mission does not carry over to the next. You may own Coney, but the game design offers no benefit to this, nor is there any way to expand territory. Unlike a gang simulation such as The Godfather or Saints Row, which encourage a sense of enterprise and control in the player, The Warriors is instead a mostly chaotic experience. You will be in the same abandoned warehouse at the end of the game that you start out in. You never upgrade to a Grand Theft Auto-style mansion or buy fancy clothes. As a gang, the Warriors are more interested in brawling, sex and their reputation than actually running an organised crime syndicate. And in the game, despite all of Cyrus’s talk, that’s all you’ll ever end up doing.



The way you fight reflects the fact you’re controlling a bunch of thugs rather than the usual collection of ex-military blackbelts. The simple brawling system revolves around dealing with large numbers of enemies instead of fancy moves, and boils down to alternating between a strong and light attack while building up your rage meter to do more damage. There is no elegant kung-fu and no flashy multi-part animations: you punch and kick wildly in a fight. One example for many: a dashing attack is here a bodily tackle rather than an elaborate jumping kick.


Yet the game presents this prosaic violence in gritty and satisfying slow motion. Pick up a brick and smash it across an opponent’s face, and the game slows the animation so you can watch their expression twist in agony. Drag an opponent over to a wall and you can introduce his skull to it slo-o-o-wly. What keeps this tactically challenging is constantly managing the crowds. Get surrounded and you’re finished. A quick strike ahead, a lunge behind and a grab to the left are constantly rolling off the controller while you negotiate the space of the brawl. Although members have varying stats for strength, mugging or stealing, they all play in the same manner – Rembrandt may be the best spray painter in the gang, but it doesn’t make that big a difference since these activities boil down to minigames anyway. Some members do more damage and have better rage attacks, but as a general rule they’re indistinguishable.


Cleon, the Warriors’ leader, will bust any member who tries to break rank, and his stats make him the best brawler. Yet as a leader he is never shown caring about anything except his gang’s reputation. When Rembrandt, the spray paint artist, wants to win an art competition with the Warriors’ tag, Cleon dismisses it as a waste of time. Ajax is voiced by the original actor who played him (James Remar), and like the film reprises his role as the pushy tank of the gang. When you first encounter him he’s borderline assaulting a girl. Later he nearly gets himself killed because he takes a break to have sex with a rival gang member’s girlfriend. As in the film, he ends up being arrested by an undercover police officer posing as a prostitute. Other gang members vary from being contemplative sociopaths to being just as violent as Cleon or Ajax. Unlike GTA: San Andreas, in which the protagonist will refuse to do drugs, these characters all regularly take cocaine (albeit called “flash”) and drink. They are never depicted as anything other than violent, uncaring individuals. There is no moral high ground in this game. If you’re seen beating up another gang a bystander will comment: “That’s what I like to see – trash taking care of itself”.



It’s why the game works so well as a prequel to the film. Contrasting the 20 or so missions of brawling over debts and turf are intermittent cutscenes of Cyrus discussing his plans for the city. He explains to his lieutenant that to organise the gangs, “peace and unity are all that matters”. These bickering groups must give up their fight for turf and unite. When he begins to plan his grand meeting he argues that “it must be with respect, not force, that they accept our invitation”. No one is going to be beaten into joining the alliance. And yet you’ve spent the entire game playing a bunch of thugs whose only interests are fighting and their reputation. The gangs you brawl with, often seen beating women and taking drugs, are little better than you. The game design’s emphasis on never having any real control over yourselves or territory emphasises the greater point that you simply enjoy the action. Cyrus’s dream of a unified organisation was never going to work in the first place because the gangs, along with the player, don’t care.


The final mission of the game recreates the film’s plot, and details the long trip from Pelham Bay Park back to Coney. When the surviving Warriors finally manage to catch a safe train back home they fall into an argument about Cyrus’s dream of ruling the City. “It’s all out there – all we gotta do is figure out a way to steal it,” Cochise declares. After a few moments, Snow adds: “Sounds great – what’s worth stealing?” Just as in the film, the scene is interrupted by a pair of upper-class couples staggering on to the train and sitting across from the gang. Even with the now-awkward-looking PS2 visuals, the moment holds together for its stark contrast of the two groups. There are no clothing upgrades, no way to get rich by saving money, and thus no real way for the gang to be anything but what they are.


As much as the game’s narrative may poke at the limitations of the Warriors, it is Cyrus’s vision of a grand organised crime syndicate that really twists the knife. For most of the characters, and the player, the appeal of being a gang in late ’70s New York is not hard to understand. But the consequences are lost in the immediate thrills: appropriately enough for a prequel, the future gets bound up in the present. And the point of the whole thing? As one rioter comments during the brownout mission early in the game: “This is the American Dream, baby! Fucking shit up and not worrying about the consequences!”


The post Time Extend: The Warriors appeared first on Edge Online.






via Edge Online http://www.edge-online.com/features/time-extend-the-warriors/

News::EVE Online I Played basic training, uninstalled and ran away

Its a long running joke that the learning curve to Eve Online is rather more like a sheer cliff face. After trying to play EVE after years away, things certainly didn't go to plan...



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1258117/eve-online-i-played-basic-training-uninstalled-and-ran-away