12 players at one time in one game sounds like the way online hockey was always meant to be. The latest trailer for NHL 09 shows us what to expect when it come to online league play, etc. The game will be released for Xbox 360 and Sony PS3 on September 9, 2008. PS2 and PC versions will follow in October. It’s been a while since I could honestly say I was genuinely excited about a hockey video game…
Nine new screenshots have been released by EA for NBA Live 09. This game series has come a long way since ‘Lakers vs. Celtics’ was released in 1989. 09 features Tony Parker on the cover and is set for an October 7, 2008 release. Some of the new features include “pick and roll control”, “signature playcalling”, “NBA Academy”, “lockdown control” and “Quickstrike AnkleBreakers”. According to EA, the AI has also been upgraded. I haven’t actually played the game yet, but from what I’ve seen, it looks like it is a considerable improvement over NBA Live 08.
The Konsole Kingz recently interviewed model-actress Bria Myles who made her videogame debut with Don King Prizefighter from 2K Sports, where she plays a temptress. By dating her in the game, your boxer will basically unlock bigger arenas and get to fight higher ranked opponents. You may also recognize her from Kanye West/Rhymefest video “Brand New” or Nelly Fertado’s “Promiscuous Girl”. It looks like she’s certainly on her way in the entertainment industry. Check out the interview:
Snoop is finding ways to make sure every human knows who he is one way or another. The guy did a country song with twangs and all. For a California brother, it ain’t half-bad. Country’s been imitating for so long, it’s not like the genre has a clear sound anymore, which opens the way for people like Snoop Dog and Jessica Simpson to break in. Snoop is well on his way to country stardom. His wife is getting in on the action too, with her drunk driving arrest this past weekend. Go ahead Snoop. I ain’t mad at ya. Especially when you team up with Willie Nelson. Much better than Nelly’s team up with Tim McGraw. Listen to Snoop Dog and Willie Nelson right here: http://perezhilton.com/2008-06-18-this-is-not-a-joke-40.
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Our very own Will “Kezins” Snizek (WS) sat down for a fireside chat with our friends at Gaming Blog Networks’ owner Jason Townsend-Rogers (JTR). Jason, a member of the ECA, jots down Will’s take on Government involvement in gaming. Picking at the mind of the creator and owner of Kezins.com was a difficult task. Nevertheless, Jason threw additional questions at Will that would have thrown me back into 1955. (Back to the Future reference, not a good one) But with the 1.21 jiggawatts powering that mind, Will spoke about his true passion of photography, blogging, and defending the negative critiscm games receive.
(JTR): My next question regards how games are being portrayed in mainstream media, what do you think video games, and the industry as a whole, can do to improve their societal image?
(WS): I don’t think we’ll ever get rid of the negative images entirely, because negativity is what sells news these days in the mainstream media; also, places like Fox News etc will always rather interview a wacko like Jack Thompson who is going to make off the wall and shocking statements than someone who has a more academic approach to things.
(WS): I really think the best way the industry can improve their image is to simply continue publishing game blogs and get the information out there. The smart people will do their research and discover what’s real and what’s media spin. Another thing I have noticed over the past few years is an increase in video game research from the academic community. I think as research continues, gaming will be seen in a more positive light
(WS): On another note, I do think the game companies need to make a stronger stand against minors getting their hands on “M” rated titles. That is a big issue now, and the only way to reverse the public image of this would be for game companies to start taking a stand against children playing the real violent and adult games.
Check out the rest of this great interview here.
When I first downloaded Commando 3 on the XBLA, I was excited that they were finally bringing the classic arcade series back. If you are looking to re-live the old Commando days, you might be left feeling a little let down. While the game isn’t bad, they certainly went in a direction that didn’t add much of value to the series. The best way I can describe the new game is that it’s a lot of fun in short bursts, but the gameplay really doesn’t last very long. Cooperative play certainly will add to the fun, but the title isn’t going to make my favorite list by a long shot.
The Good:
I’ve seen some unfortunate landings during my time in Liberty City but the above crash certainly outdoes the typical blunder. When taking short cuts in Liberty City, you honestly never know what random event will take place. Many people love the GTA series for the outlandish humor and violence, but I continue playing for the random sequences of events that you control. Even when you think everything is going your way, something crazy will happen. This is what the author of the video has to say about the events:
I just completed a mission and was driving back when I thought I would make a short cut. Turns out I couldn’t of picked the worst place to cut through.
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MGS4, as I’m sure you’ve heard, has really been trying our patience this week with its lenghty cut scenes. So far, in my playthrough of the game, its been as if the gameplay breaks up the videos — instead of the other way around. Video games have, since their inception, been trying to cop off the vision of Hollywood and the way it presents its story.
The following is my prime examples for which games have presented their story best, worst, and which one gets halfway there…
Best Presentation
BioShock — Ken Levine’s baby really took video game story telling to a new level. Instead of forcing the player to watch the story unfold a certain way, it took more of a Half-Life 2-esque approach to it. The interactive storytelling made the game fall into its own, creating a story that was engaging and even presented some game philosophy questions towards the end of your aquatic adventure.
The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning and Guilty Gear X2 #Reload make their way to the 360 recycle bin, aka “Xbox Originals,” June 16. Its a questionable set to release as neither game was popular, there seems to be no theme and both lack any real relevance today.
Although, GGX2 did take its heavy metal-inspired look and sound and made a respectable fighting game out of it with admirable online play. No word yet on Interweb play being available in the “Xbox Originals” release, though.
Both will go live at the price of 1200 MS Points ($15) next week and here’s what Metacritic scored them:
Guilty Gear X2 #Reload - Metascore: 86
The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning - Metascore: 69
Via Major Nelson
Here’s the latest GameStop weekly ad for 6/6/08 through 6/12/08. There really isn’t anything exciting on this week’s deals for the most part, but a few caught my eye.
Haze has already dropped in price drastically, even though it’s still basically a new release. We hated the game here at Kezins.com, but if it continues to drop in price, it might be worth the buy. $39.99 may still be a bit high for the title. When it hits $29.99, I’d say “pick it up”.
The only real deal of note is the 20% bonus trade-in credit towards MGS4. I’m not big on trade-ins myself, but if you don’t have the cash to outright buy Metal Gear Solid 4, a trade-in is the way to go. Konami may have some shady practices when it comes to marketing this title, but it’s still going to be the best available PS3 game for a while. The way things are looking, it will be the top PS3 title of 2008.
Via GameStop
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