Original Drakengard team returning for follow-up to cult classic
Exciting news: Drakengard 3 has been announced and the team behind the amazing original is returning. Famitsu’s announcement came out of left field, but I’ll happily embrace it.
The original Drakengard was a cult-hit on PS2. The game involved a soldier making a pact with a dragon and as a result they are both forever connected. They are soon hunted down by a crazy empire but receive help from numerous other memorable characters who have also made pacts with mythical beasts.
Drakengard stands out for not only a great story, but also great gameplay. The game placed the player in a wide open field and sent waves of soldiers after them. From the perspective of the main character, the game played a lot like Dynasty Warriors. However, if you became overwhelmed, you could call upon your dragon (or in the later missions when you get some of the other characters like the child who made a pact with a giant golem) and fly around the field reigning fire down on everyone. On top of that, there were a number of sky battles where you controlled the dragon in aerial dog fights.
The game deserves a wider audience. Here’s hoping that if Drakengard 3 does well, that an HD collection may be on its way. I’m also left wondering if the batshit insane endings (spoilers in the video) from Drakengard may be returning.
Drakengard 3 will be releasing for PS3.
Check It: More Gaming on AlbotasBuy It: Drakengard on PS2

Original Drakengard team returning for follow-up to cult classic

Exciting news: Drakengard 3 has been announced and the team behind the amazing original is returning. Famitsu’s announcement came out of left field, but I’ll happily embrace it.

The original Drakengard was a cult-hit on PS2. The game involved a soldier making a pact with a dragon and as a result they are both forever connected. They are soon hunted down by a crazy empire but receive help from numerous other memorable characters who have also made pacts with mythical beasts.

Drakengard stands out for not only a great story, but also great gameplay. The game placed the player in a wide open field and sent waves of soldiers after them. From the perspective of the main character, the game played a lot like Dynasty Warriors. However, if you became overwhelmed, you could call upon your dragon (or in the later missions when you get some of the other characters like the child who made a pact with a giant golem) and fly around the field reigning fire down on everyone. On top of that, there were a number of sky battles where you controlled the dragon in aerial dog fights.

The game deserves a wider audience. Here’s hoping that if Drakengard 3 does well, that an HD collection may be on its way. I’m also left wondering if the batshit insane endings (spoilers in the video) from Drakengard may be returning.

Drakengard 3 will be releasing for PS3.

Check It: More Gaming on Albotas
Buy It: Drakengard on PS2

The PlayStation 4: Some Things You Need to Know

Alright, normally I’d make a post like this a little more in-depth, blunt, and I guess professional, but there’s a lot to cover. I’m going to pretty much wing this and write about what I saw from watching the live stream of the conference, as well what was exactly shown from tonight’s Sony press event, in which the PlayStation 4 was officially revealed.

If you want to watch the entire two hour conference, I haven’t found a link to a full video yet. You can definitely catch bits and pieces from the event in clips on multiple websites, like GT.TV.

So the conference opened up with a really loud intro in which Sony chose to give a short trailer to showcase their past generations of gaming. They used MSTRKRFT’s remix of Metric’s “Monster Hospital,” and I really like that song, so I paid attention. After the trailer, some boring guy got on stage and was like “Blahblahblahblahblahblah, thanks for coming out here. Here’s our PLAYSTATION 4!” Then everyone clapped because some people in the audience thought they actually wouldn’t fucking call it a PlayStation and they would call it an “Orbis.” 

(And by the way, if you’re still calling the PlayStation 4 the “Orbis,” and you’re blogging/writing for a gaming site, please get away from your keyboard and go outside or something. We have an official name for it. Motherfuckers don’t call Gamecubes “Dolphins,” so why you wanna call a PS4 an “Orbis,” still?)

Anyway, then some other guy who worked on some old games for the Atari and helped make Earthworm Jim or something started talking for a long time. Then he explained what’s new with the PlayStation 4, feature wise. The “share,” button was explained, and it was revealed that gamers can now instantly post screenshots and video clips directly into Facebook or somewhere on the Internet. Sony’s actually working with Facebook and UStream, actually. Or something like that. The controller has a touch screen, but we’ve known that for a bit thanks to numerous rumors from the Internet.

The PS4’s camera will allow players to look at each other while playing a game. Different games, same game, etc. You can look at each other, spectate, talk shit, and you can even stream yourself. Pretty much instantly. There’s a pic of that in the image dump up top.

The console is NOT backwards compatible (physically, I guess?) but you will be able to play PS1, PS2, and PS3 games on your system by streaming. Downloads can now be completed when your system is off, which is an extremely cool feature. Games you buy are available to play ASAP. If you want to play Killzone, you can purchase it and literally start it up and begin playing with the game being downloaded while you’re still in-game. Also, there’s a lot to do with clouds. You can transfer games to your Vita, much like Wii U and its controller.

Some other people talked and games were shown. There’s a new Killzone, some other game with some robot in it that looked like a Dreamworks film, and Square-Enix came on stage to show some video too. Then Square-Enix invited grandpa/Final Fantasy board director on stage to say “Hey guys, wanna know what Final Fantasy game we’re making NOW? Too fucking bad, you’ll see it at E3!” Then he got off stage and some other shit was shown. I don’t remember. There was a car game that seemed overly detailed and extremely realistic, but I don’t like cars to begin with so I kind of blocked that out. Oh, and Infamous.

What I do remember, game wise, was Watch Dogs. That game looks incredible. Here’s a trailer of that. Highly suggest watching it if you wanna see what’s on some next-level shit right now. It’s also coming to multiple platforms, but it’s releasing on PS4 first.

Then Sony said “Hey, you remember when we made this?” and then showed off the PlayStation Move. And then I left the room to make a sandwich and watch my girlfriend play Dead Space 2 for a little bit, so I missed a big chunk of it. It was boring though, I’m sure.

Then Blizzard came out! And whoever spoke for Blizzard looked like a really cool step-dad or something, so I really paid attention to him. He was seriously the Tony Stark of Sony tonight, looking real comfortable and making jokes people had genuine laughs with.

Then this motherfucker announced that Diablo III was coming to PlayStation 4 (AND PS3) and every superior PC gamer in the world lost their fucking minds.

Then Bungie came out and said “Hey guys, Destiny is coming out on PS4, too.” Then this team from Bungie came out and stood there in blazers, looked real odd for a while, and then Scotty beamed their awkward asses up so Sony could close the event.

And that was it, for the most part. I’ve linked this post with a bunch of articles to further explain what I can’t right now. There’s loads of photos, videos, etc, so check them out. There’s bits I missed out on, but I’m okay with that. That’s pretty much what happened. I was kind of struggling to not fall asleep.

What we still don’t know is what Sony will price this thing at, what the actual console looks like, and what else is in store for the console. We know it’s out this holiday season, though. Maybe more will be revealed at E3, perhaps?

 

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Gunslinger Stratos Looks Awesome

While I think arcade games that use fake guns as controllers are mildly problematic, this arcade game made by Byking and published by Square-Enix looks really cool. You can combine the gun controllers - either horizontally or vertically - to form new weapons. No way it’s ever making its way to the West though.

Hands-On With ‘Hitman: Absolution’
I had the chance to play this game at a private press event during NYCC and it absolutely blew my mind. There was one particular scenario where the game’s lead producer, Hakan Abrak, told me that there were twelve different ways to go about killing my target, and pulling off each unique kill would unlock bonuses within the game. I could go the run-and-gun route, set up a drug deal and plant a bomb at the meet-up spot, or even track down the target’s drug dealer and lace the drugs with the poison from a fish that can be found at a market somewhere in the level. Crazy shit!
What I liked most was the fact that the game never held my hand. There are no on-screen prompts or off-screen narrators telling you how to reach your goals. All you get is a little marker on a map, but it’s up to you to figure out how to get there. Hakan explained to me that the team at IO Interactive wanted this game to let you live out the fantasy of actually being a hired killer. With that in mind, it’s up to the player to become as immersed in the fantasy world as little or as much as they wish. You can probably clear the game by just luring all your targets away to a quite spot for a stealth kill, but paying close attention to your surroundings and the habits of those around you will definitely be way more rewarding.
Here’s a video showing of just a few the ways you can dispatch of your targets:

One big part of the Hitman series has always been the costumes. Kill a dude, rock their outfit, and blend in. For example: you can kill a gardener, wear his duds, then sneak into the greenhouse attached to a mansion, but gardeners aren’t allowed inside the mansion itself and will be removed by force, so you can either kill a guard and steal their outfit (but raise suspicion among other guards who don’t recognize you), or take out the chef and wear his threads. No one ever suspects the chef!
Here’s a video highlighting a few of the costume changes Agent 47 will make when Hitman: Absolution hits shelves on November 20, 2012 for PS3, Xbox 360, and PC.

Pre-order: Hitman: Absolution (Professional Edition)

Hands-On With ‘Hitman: Absolution’

I had the chance to play this game at a private press event during NYCC and it absolutely blew my mind. There was one particular scenario where the game’s lead producer, Hakan Abrak, told me that there were twelve different ways to go about killing my target, and pulling off each unique kill would unlock bonuses within the game. I could go the run-and-gun route, set up a drug deal and plant a bomb at the meet-up spot, or even track down the target’s drug dealer and lace the drugs with the poison from a fish that can be found at a market somewhere in the level. Crazy shit!

What I liked most was the fact that the game never held my hand. There are no on-screen prompts or off-screen narrators telling you how to reach your goals. All you get is a little marker on a map, but it’s up to you to figure out how to get there. Hakan explained to me that the team at IO Interactive wanted this game to let you live out the fantasy of actually being a hired killer. With that in mind, it’s up to the player to become as immersed in the fantasy world as little or as much as they wish. You can probably clear the game by just luring all your targets away to a quite spot for a stealth kill, but paying close attention to your surroundings and the habits of those around you will definitely be way more rewarding.

Here’s a video showing of just a few the ways you can dispatch of your targets:

One big part of the Hitman series has always been the costumes. Kill a dude, rock their outfit, and blend in. For example: you can kill a gardener, wear his duds, then sneak into the greenhouse attached to a mansion, but gardeners aren’t allowed inside the mansion itself and will be removed by force, so you can either kill a guard and steal their outfit (but raise suspicion among other guards who don’t recognize you), or take out the chef and wear his threads. No one ever suspects the chef!

Here’s a video highlighting a few of the costume changes Agent 47 will make when Hitman: Absolution hits shelves on November 20, 2012 for PS3, Xbox 360, and PC.

Pre-order: Hitman: Absolution (Professional Edition)

Metal Gear Solid Play Arts Figures On Display At NYCC

Square Enix had a buttload of awesome figures on display at their booth this year, but these Metal Gear Solid Play Arts Kai figures were definitely one of the main highlights. Check out the NYCC exclusive metallic red variant of Cyborg Ninja!

Buy: Metal Gear Solid Play Arts Kai Figures
More: Metal Gear Posts 

This 11-pound Final Fantasy Box Set Will Cost You $445

If you have an extra $500 lying around, you can pre-order this “Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary Ultimate Box” from now until September 30th. It includes a disc for every numbered Final Fantasy game from I-XIII, an art book, music CDs, and a movie detailing the past 25 years of the franchise.

And now for the bad news: This for Japan only and exclusive to the Japanese Square Enix Store. Sorry, bros.

Buy: Dawn: The Worlds of Final Fantasy
Peep it: More Final Fantasy posts

(Source: kotaku.com)

‘Hitman’ x Complex x Orisue For The Agent 47 Initiative
To celebrate the release of Hitman: Absolution, Complex has teamed up with streetwear label Orisue to produce this limited edition tee for the Agent 47 Initiative capsule collection inspired by Agent 47’s assassin gear and the Latin motto of The Agency – Merces Letifer (Lethal Trade). This tee’s available exclusively from Karmaloop. A Neff snapback hat and Flud watch will be added to the collection later this year. We’ll keep you posted.

Hitman’ x Complex x Orisue For The Agent 47 Initiative

To celebrate the release of Hitman: Absolution, Complex has teamed up with streetwear label Orisue to produce this limited edition tee for the Agent 47 Initiative capsule collection inspired by Agent 47’s assassin gear and the Latin motto of The Agency – Merces Letifer (Lethal Trade). This tee’s available exclusively from Karmaloop. A Neff snapback hat and Flud watch will be added to the collection later this year. We’ll keep you posted.

Dragon Quest x Pepsi: Toy Slime Included with Each Bottle of Slime
Back in the day, Square Enix teamed up with Coke to make special edition Final Fantasy mini figures. A decade later they have turned their back on Coke and have gone to Pepsi. But who cares - these Dragon Quest mini figures are amazing! I absolutely need that Momon.

Dragon Quest x Pepsi: Toy Slime Included with Each Bottle of Slime

Back in the day, Square Enix teamed up with Coke to make special edition Final Fantasy mini figures. A decade later they have turned their back on Coke and have gone to Pepsi. But who cares - these Dragon Quest mini figures are amazing! I absolutely need that Momon.

Dragon Quest X Keyboard Looks Goo-ed
I’m not really planning on getting Dragon Quest X since I haven’t played IX yet, but I would like to trade in my Mini Medals for some of the game’s accessories. I’ll probably pick up the neat-o thumbdrive, and if I’m feeling awfully silly I might grab this ridiculous keyboard. It will cost about $50 but the stares from my coworkers will be priceless.

Dragon Quest X Keyboard Looks Goo-ed

I’m not really planning on getting Dragon Quest X since I haven’t played IX yet, but I would like to trade in my Mini Medals for some of the game’s accessories. I’ll probably pick up the neat-o thumbdrive, and if I’m feeling awfully silly I might grab this ridiculous keyboard. It will cost about $50 but the stares from my coworkers will be priceless.

Pre-Order Final Fantasy Theatrhythm for 3DS, Get A Customizable Stylus.
This is kinda’ cool, I guess, but when will companies wise up and realize their special styluses — no matter how cool looking — are useless. Seriously, does anyone even use these things? The 3DS has a built-in stylus holder for a reason: people hate carrying around extra shit.
That being said, I’m totally pre-ordering the game just so I can get one.

Pre-Order Final Fantasy Theatrhythm for 3DS, Get A Customizable Stylus.

This is kinda’ cool, I guess, but when will companies wise up and realize their special styluses — no matter how cool looking — are useless. Seriously, does anyone even use these things? The 3DS has a built-in stylus holder for a reason: people hate carrying around extra shit.

That being said, I’m totally pre-ordering the game just so I can get one.

Square-Enix Streaming Sountracks fo’ Free
Don’t want to pay a crazy amount of money for Square-Enix soundtracks? Get ‘em on iTunes for super cheap. Don’t want to pay anything? Check out music.square-enix.com, where the Final  Fantasy and Dragon Quest wizards are streaming select games’ OSTs for free. It’s full of bugs and not-so-full of selection, but if they keep adding games, this could get pretty cool.

Square-Enix Streaming Sountracks fo’ Free

Don’t want to pay a crazy amount of money for Square-Enix soundtracks? Get ‘em on iTunes for super cheap. Don’t want to pay anything? Check out music.square-enix.com, where the Final  Fantasy and Dragon Quest wizards are streaming select games’ OSTs for free. It’s full of bugs and not-so-full of selection, but if they keep adding games, this could get pretty cool.

(Source: andriasang.com)

Driving Around In Sleeping Dogs Looks Nucking Futs.

We already showed you the story trailer for Square Enix’s Sleeping Dogs, and now we have a look at how driving will work in the game. There’s hi-jacking, illegal racing, and jumping stunts typical of what you’d expect from a GTA-style game, but you can also ram other vehicles, and — more interestingly — do car-hopping hijack moves reminiscent of the Pursuit Force games for PSP. And, my God, the explosions!

A Little Bit On The Sleeping Dogs Side: In this upcoming action flick of a game from Square Enix, players will take on the role of an undercover cop infiltrating one of the world’s most deadly criminal organizations, the Hong Kong Triads. The graphics and settings are gorgeous, the combat looks sick, and who doesn’t love a good crime story?

Sleeping Dogs drops later this year.

A Little Bit on the Slime Side: Oh my fucking slurp. If I wasn’t sure this limited edition Dragon Quest 3DS would go for nearly double it’s sticker price on eBay and import shops, I’d throw down my money right now. It will come in a bundle along with the 3DS remake of Dragon Quest Monsters for about $310 on May 31, 2012. 

A Little Bit on the Slime Side: Oh my fucking slurp. If I wasn’t sure this limited edition Dragon Quest 3DS would go for nearly double it’s sticker price on eBay and import shops, I’d throw down my money right now. It will come in a bundle along with the 3DS remake of Dragon Quest Monsters for about $310 on May 31, 2012. 

A Little Bit On The Snazzy 3DS Side: Japan is getting this gorgeous limited edition Kingdom Hearts DDD 3DS. Lucky jerks.
tinycartridge:

Limited edition Kingdom Hearts 3DS hitting Japan with Dream Drop Distance in March (click for larger image).
It looks a lot like the patterned Kingdom Hearts DSi released in Japan back in 2009, but the system’s glossy finish and the magenta crown give it a lot more “pop.” I would actually  consider buying this — if I was a dude resigned to buying all the expensive Kingdom Hearts junk out there, and if the console weren’t region-locked.
Buy: Nintendo 3DS (Flame Red, Black, & Blue)
Find: Nintendo DS/3DS release dates, discounts, & more
See also: More Kingdom Hearts 3D

A Little Bit On The Snazzy 3DS Side: Japan is getting this gorgeous limited edition Kingdom Hearts DDD 3DS. Lucky jerks.

tinycartridge:

Limited edition Kingdom Hearts 3DS hitting Japan with Dream Drop Distance in March (click for larger image).

It looks a lot like the patterned Kingdom Hearts DSi released in Japan back in 2009, but the system’s glossy finish and the magenta crown give it a lot more “pop.” I would actually  consider buying this — if I was a dude resigned to buying all the expensive Kingdom Hearts junk out there, and if the console weren’t region-locked.

Buy: Nintendo 3DS (Flame Red, Black, & Blue)

Find: Nintendo DS/3DS release dates, discounts, & more

See also: More Kingdom Hearts 3D

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