Some changes are required...

I have decided that this blog needs some sort of re-tooling.

In recent times it has become rather stale, with me simply posting trailers with the accompanying "Dude, look how awesome this looks!". Perhaps unsurprisingly, this became boring quite quickly.

I'll get back to you.

To keep you occupied in the meantime, here's the front and back cover of Macho Man Randy Savage's 2003 rap album 'Be A Man' for you to look at. I've never listened to it myself but it looks pretty good.

Early impressions of...Tekken 6, DJ Hero.

Even though there are many games out there on shelves that I have little to no interest in, I'm always interested to play them. Be it downloadable demos, games I don't own or in-store displays, I'm up for anything. 

TEKKEN 6 (played on PS3)

Just to preface this, I was a mad keen Tekken player back in the day. Hwaorang was my dude of choice and I took him to the many heights and lows that Tekken 3 on the PS1 would allow. Since then, my interest in the King of Iron Fist Tournament had gradually waned with each installment of the franchise. But number six is the first entry to land on current generation consoles, I decided to check it out.

And holy fuck, nothing has changed.

I picked Hwoarang out of the forty-two character select screen (just to illustrate how big this roster is, there are two Armor Kings) and was surprised that he hadn't changed since the late nineties. Still rocking the forehead goggles and leather chaps, it was something of a comfort to see the orange-haired biker who hasn't aged a day looking up at me with the same ol' attitude that won me over those many years ago.

Yep. Still awesome.

I entered the standard Arcade Mode and was pitted against another old-timey character, Panda. Now, if you had asked me a week ago how to perform moves and grabs in Tekken, I would not have known where to start. But as soon as I had that Playstation controller in my hand, my thumbs knew what to do. Seriously, I had no recollection of any combination of buttons. Somewhere in the deep recesses of my memory, the moves came flooding back almost immediately. Straight away, my fingers somehow knew that pressing triangle and circle together executed a throw. I was blown away that I could remember such things considering I hadn't touched a Tekken game in years.

Long story short, I kicked Panda's arse in two rounds. Granted, I played hundred of hours of Tekken 3 back in the day so that may have helped me. Hwoarang was exactly the same as I remember him. KICK, KICK, KICK, KICK change stance, KICK, KICK. I have to say I enjoyed myself but was really disappointed at how stale the game seemed. Yes, I only played one round but Namco Bandai aren't exactly shouting from the rooftops about how they've redesigned the shit out of Tekken. All I got from number 6 is that it was 3 with better graphics. And, hasn't that been the case with every damn Tekken?

DJ HERO (played on Xbox 360)

When I first heard about Activision's attempt to translate their billion-dollar Guitar Hero franchise into the world of DJing, it was obviously a money grab. While I didn't care less about DJing in general (anymore), I couldn't see the concept of a DJing game being anything but awful. Then they released shots of the turntable controller. It looked, quite simply, like the dumbest thing ever. I started picturing nothing but a sad loser, sitting alone in his underwear with his stupid toy turntable playing his stupid DJ game, looking all stupid.

Like so.

Then I played it. And you know what, it's kinda fun. 

The crux of the songs featured are mash-ups. Yes, I was like you in rolling my eyes. The mash-up in itself is so tired it couldn't be revived no matter what. I fired up the menu screen and was suddenly thrown into a track. It was a mix of Marvin Gaye's I Heard It On The Grapevine and Gorillaz' Feel Good Inc. I quickly grabbed hold of the turntable with my right hand and the cross-fader with my left.

I looked almost as 2002 as this dude.

I had no idea what to do with the crossfader but everything seemed to be pretty straightforward and...pretty enjoyable. Holding down the blue (x) button on the turntable while scratching when prompted was actually rewarding when I managed to pull it off correctly. I played through the entire track and scored a pitiful one star for my efforts but it opened my eyes a little to what the possibilities of this game could be. Perhaps I might pick it up sometime next year on the cheap. Because right now it's upwards of $130.

People enjoy shooting other people in the face.

As seen on the multiplayer menu of Modern Warfare 2. Wow. I'm one of them and I'll be sure to report on my experiences soon right here on this blog. But not just yet.

Seriously, go to hell EB Games.

If you can't make it out, it says Mario Kart DS - NEW: $58.95, PREOWNED $64.92.

Bully 2 in development?

Back in the heady days of the Ps2, Rockstar Games released a little game called Bully (also known as Canis Canem Edit). And it was fantastic in pretty much every way. Getting to class on time actually mattered at Bullworth Academy. You wanted to learn art and chemistry (and frustrating english), in between escorting nerds, punching jocks and learning jujitsu from a homeless dude. And it was a scathing microcosm of modern day USA.

Take that, conservative America!

Well, there may be a sequel in development. Musician Shawn Lee, who delivered the wonderful score for the first Bully, was interviewed recently. When asked whether he would be scoring any other games, he replied "Yes, it looks like I will be doing the soundtrack for Bully 2 in the not so distant future...".

Naturally, Rockstar Games went into damage control and issued a statement: "We do not comment on rumour or speculation", which is the standard response when you aren't ready to announce the game you have in development. And basically translates to "Dude, shutup".

I'm up for a Bully sequel. They gave the first one a port on the Xbox 360, but from all reports it was rather broken. Riddled with game-crashing bugs, Rockstar released a patch or two, which in turn, made the game worse. To see that properly realised in a sequel? Sign me up. The continuing adventures of Jimmy Hopkins sounds fine by me.

No take that, conservative America!

The 10th of November...mark it.

Two important events happened today.

IMPORTANT EVENT 1:

I picked up a copy of Modern Warfare 2 early this morning for $82 at Big W.

IMPORTANT EVENT 2: 

Ice-T picked up his Prestige Edition of the game (complete with night vision goggles) a few hours later in New York.

Now if you'll excuse us, Ice and I have to go back to shooting dudes in the face.

Venezuela, a fate worse than Australia.

For years, Australians in the video game community have lamented the outdated, ignorant laws in this country that continue to ban and censor games as a result of the viewpoints of outdated, ignorant people.

But let's look at the positives for a change. At least we don't live in Venezuela. Last week, a law was passed in the South American country to effectively ban all violent video games. Not just ones that conflict with extremist religious beliefs, but all violent video games.  This law will go into effect in three months and carries severe penalties of three to five years prison for each of the following offenses:

- Sale of a video game.

- Production of a video game.

- Importation of a video game.

Campaigns have apparently also been launched throughout the country to warn people of the dangers of video games.

Man, that sucks kinda hard. As much as Australia seems to always get the short end of the stick, at least we get most games on our shelves. I played the demo for Left 4 Dead 2 the other night, and was disgusted by the editing that was forced upon the developers by Australia's archaic laws. A zombie game with no blood, and on top of that, the zombies' bodies disappear pretty much immediately after shooting them. Seriously, it was like playing a Commodore 64 game or something.

Left 4 Dead 2 - International Version.

Left 4 Dead 2 - Australian version.

But we still get ninety percent of our violent games freely. Even if I wanted the unedited version of Left 4 Dead 2 and ordered it from overseas, I wouldn't be thrown it jail for it. So next time you are bitching and moaning (like I enjoy doing) about being treated like children by your government, spare a thought for the poor Venezuelan.

Also, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has access to these guys and they look like the wrong people to fuck with.

Mass Effect 2 like a motherfucker.

Even though we are right in the nexus of the holiday release season, there won't be such a long break in between awesome games next year. As soon as January hits, the games keep coming. One such game is Mass Effect 2, which is set to drop on January 29.

A whole slew of details have been thrown out by developer Bioware and oh boy, it looks the goods. First of all, they've revealed a collector's edition of the game.

That's some pretty sweet box art.

Let's go through what it's got for a price of $119.95:

- Tin case

- 48-page hardcover art book 'The Art Of Mass Effect 2'

- Issue 1 of comic 'Mass Effect: Redemption

- Behind the scenes DVD

- Unlockable armour and weapons

- The game (obviously)

Now, I'm not entirely sure about this edition. For a couple of reasons. One, I'm not exactly fussed on its contents all that much. Two, and this is the worst part, it will be distributed in Australia...exclusively...through EB games.

Yeah, you heard me.

Anyway, even if you couldn't care less about the collector's edition, Bioware have released a couple of videos to get you all excited for January. The first one features the new types of enemies you'll encounter. The second video, however, is jam-packed with awesome gameplay and the return of one of my favourite characters. Enjoy.

The final Modern Warfare 2 trailer...hot damn.

Unless you're living in a cave on Pluto, in a hole in the ground, and dead, then you will no doubt be aware of Modern Warfare 2 being released on Tuesday the 10th.

Developer Infinity Ward has dropped the last trailer to sell you the game before its release. And to be quite honest...holy fucking shit. If this trailer doesn't get you pumped up to shoot dudes in the face then you sir, have a week-old turd where you heart should be. 

CONSIDER ME SOLD.

There's wrong and there's wrong and then there's this.

For those regular readers of this blog, you will no doubt be aware of my low opinion of shovelware-type games made for sub-normal morons such as the Imagine series from Ubisoft.

A publisher from Italy is one such culprit. 505 Games, based in Milan, have slapped their names on a bunch of crap in the past. They are rumoured to be involved in developing a game based on Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. This game detailed below however, is closer to their modus operandi. And before you ask, I've actually seen this thing in shops.

Fighting Angels for the PS2. 'Catfighters' scratching each others eyes out. Quotes from the back of the box include: "Watch the Sexy Gauge rise and when it hits the top, unleash the Sexy Dance!" and "Unlock new outfits when you complete the game several times!".

Here's a closer look at this piece of shit.

Anyway, for this game alone, 505 Games should be sent straight to hell but it seems they want to anger me even more before they start to taste sulphur. Next month sees the release of Baby And Me, a brand new game for the Wii. And only Australia gets the pleasure of the special edition of the game - which comes with a fucking baby.

The standard 'wrong' edition.

The special 'Oh Jesus, fucking kill it!' edition.

That's right folks. Take your Wii remote and attach it to this doll. No more shitty Mario Kart steering wheel for you Australia! You and you alone are the only country in the world to get this awesomely terrifying special edition bonus. Features include (I'm not joking here):

Your baby reacts by giggling, gurgling or crying through the Wii remote

Ten Baby Mode games including feed baby & send baby to sleep

Eight Play Mode games including rattle, catch, clap & balloons

Balance Board support: rock baby to sleep, burp baby, teach baby to walk

Customise baby with new clothes, accessories and playrooms

So then, 505 games, are you happy with yourself? Do you spout off this evil in meetings and then go kiss your children with the same mouth? Every time you look at that baby peripheral, I bet somewhere in the back of your mind, you want to bring it fresh humans for sustenance don't you?

Games of November - Part 2

The more I look at November, the more I realise there's WAY more games coming out than I previously thought. Partly thanks to games being delayed, others I've totally forgotten about. I can already hear my wallet beginning to strain..

GHOSTBUSTERS (Xbox 360)

Attention Australian Ghostbusters fans! Remember this? Yes, the PS3 and PS2 versions have been on shelves since July and now you can play it on your 360! Thanks to Sony exclusively distributing the game outside the US, it basically meant that Sony threw a bunch of money around to deny 360 owners from playing the game until the week before Modern Warfare 2 is released, when nobody will buy it. But I will.

I played the demo recently,

(http://preparations4birth.blogspot.com/2009/10/ghostbusters-early-impressions.html)

and it was pretty damn good. Granted, I won't buy it until later in the year but I'll manage to bust some ghosts before too long.

Release date: November 6.

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TEKKEN 6 (Xbox 360, PS3, PSP)

Hey! It's the King of Iron Fist Tournament 6! Yep, Namco Bandai are still making Tekken games and this one is based on the arcade...that was first released in Japan in 2007. This home version is based on an updated build of the arcade game called Tekken 6: Bloodline Rebellion, with new stages and characters. And from what I've seen of it...it's Tekken alright. One point in particular - the animation of a character arching his back in pain when he is knocked down is still in there. I remember that being in Tekken four games ago! That said, Hwoarang is still wearing leather chaps so there is something to be said for stagnant irrelevance. Burn on you, Namco Bandai!

Release date: November 5.

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ASSASSIN'S CREED 2 (Xbox 360, PS3)

Despite my previous reservations about the first game (snore!), I'm actually really excited for this sequel. The ability to swim, two blades, a wrist gun, Da Vinci supplying you weapons, stabbing dudes...actually stabbing dudes is the thing that's going to bring me back to the Assassin's Creed franchise. Ubisoft have apparently taken all the criticisms of the first game to heart and made this one more awesome. Hopefully, it pans out and I won't be collecting flags all over again.

Release date: November 19.

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LEFT 4 DEAD 2 (Xbox 360)

The Australian version is the censored, gimped, made-for-toddlers, government-approved version. Don't play into the hands of the Office of Film and Literature Classification, but instead import your copy from an online overseas retailer. Unless you want to be someone who is on the same level as Nazi sympathiser in terms of evilness, don't buy the Australian version. Rumour has it that the developers, Valve, might patch all the awesomeness back into the Aussie version after launch but don't count on it. Oh, apparently the game is about zombies or something...

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Release date: November 17.

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So there's November for you. Plenty of incredible games to go out and buy. So get to it!

Games of November - Part 1.

The last important month of the year has arrived and it even though a few select titles were pushed back until next year, there's still plenty to sink your teeth into in November...

DRAGON AGE: ORIGINS (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)

Before the arrival of Mass Effect 2 in February, developer Bioware have been busy in their Edmonton studios with another RPG of theirs, Dragon Age: Origins. Described as a 'dark heroic fantasy', this medieval action-adventure seems to be all about the old school RPG. Swords, shields, mages, ugly-as-fuck enemies called Darkspawn and tons and tons of blood. I'm equally excited and frightened by this game. Excited because I haven't played a decent medieval RPG since Oblivion. Frightened because Bioware say a typical run through of this game will take '80-100 hours'. Holy shit.

Release date: November 5.

MODERN WARFARE 2 (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)

Naturally, this one's a given. The build-up and expectation for this game has reached insane levels. Why is that? Mostly because of the multiplayer. Sure the single player campaign is shaping up to be amazing (Washington DC in flames etc.), but the real anticipation lies in the online features. New perks, kill streaks, death streaks and hell of a lot more guarantees I'll be picking up this game on day one. I'm still searching for Ice T and no doubt he'll be playing this one so I'll be sure to post a story if I ever manage to shoot him in the face.

Release date: November 10.

NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. WII (Wii)

Despite the rather clunky name, this game represents the first true side-scrolling Mario game on a console in ages. Taking its name and basic gameplay from the incredible 2006 New Super Mario Bros. for the DS, this updated version adds four-player action, propeller suits, penguins suits and of course, the best thing about a Mario game, the appearance of Yoshi. If I had a Wii, I would go out and buy this one immediately but I guess it will just have to wait until some time next year. EB Games has a pre-order bonus of a cool looking red Mario cap so...fuck EB Games.

Release date: November 12.

TO BE CONTINUED...