In this case, Limbo is the first game on Xbox Live’s third annual Summer of Arcade series of game releases. And this action puzzle platformer is a uniquely fun experience that delivers the goods.

In Limbo you play as a spritely boy, although at first glance it’s hard to tell much about your protagonist friend as he is merely an inky black shadow with bright glowing eyes that indicate his life state. While his eyes are aglow, you’ll know he’s alive and you’ll certainly know when he’s dead since the game features a gory but stylish death when your puzzle platforming skills falter…which may be often.

While the game is not frustratingly hard, it is a definitely a challenging game with some very ingenious puzzles for your mind bending enjoyment.  Whether you’re trying to avoid traps or bounding pitfalls, switching the world’s polarity or outwitting your unfortunate enemies.  Limbo is an enjoyably tough series of levels designed cleverly & beautifully to not only challenge your mind, but to tickle your senses as well.

The world of Limbo is a monotone masterpiece – mysterious, rapturous & deadly.  The art style is definitely a highlight of the game. A world that compels the player to take on the challenges ahead in getting your shadowy self safely out of this barren industrial and mysteriously organic land of death.

Independent game studio, Playdead, did an outstanding job creating Limbo,  it is a thoroughly enjoyable, thought provoking and beautiful game. The game stands up there with gems in the genre including the often mentioned and revered, Braid. You can surely tell a lot of love was put into the game and mere words cannot accurately describe the world that Playdead gave birth to, it needs to be played to truly appreciate just how cool the game is.

I recommend fans of the genre as well as fans of beautifully crated games in general to check out Limbo which releases Wednesday, July 21^St only on Xbox Live.

Sony impressed attendees with demonstrations of 3D gaming on the Playstation 3, and while its upcoming motion controller was the talk of the town last year, the Playstation Move seemed to take a backseat to Sony’s 3D gaming.

Nintendo introduced exciting new takes on classic franchises, such as Zelda, Kirby, and Donkey Kong, but what stole everyone’s attention was the new Nintendo 3DS handheld gaming system. Eager attendees stood in what was easily the longest line in the entire expo just to spend a few minutes with the 3DS.

Microsoft introduced a sleeker and smaller Xbox 360 console, and featured it for every game demo station in its booth. In addition, Kinect, Microsoft’s motion input camera device (formerly, Project Natal), was available for demonstrations along with a host of first and third-party titles.

Numerous other publishers and developers also had excellent showings including Bethesda, THQ, Capcom, Ubisoft, EA, Sega, Disney, and many more.

Check out photos and videos below:

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VQ0CNoabQA

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Ubisoft faced early development challenges with Conviction, which was originally designed to be similar to Assassin’s Creed II, with crowd-blending as a major aspect of the game.  Even the storyline, which saw Sam Fisher as an escaped convict (hence the title of the game), was scraped.  The delays concerned Splinter Cell fans, but it is clear that Conviction is yet destined to be the Splinter Cell game you’ve been waiting for.

The basic formula for any stealth-based game includes hiding, sneaking, plenty of shadows, and killing silently.  There are plenty of these elements in Conviction, but what this title brings to the table are the Mark and Execute and Last Known Position systems.  Mark and Execute rewards players for making hand-to-hand takedowns with insta-kill moves, which come in handy when situations get really desparate.  Last Known Position adds tremendously to the stealth genre by giving the player an understanding of where the enemy A.I. is focusing on, which the player can use to flank the enemy.  These two systems add to alter the pace of the game, as well as the strategy that a player implements against the enemy.

Another gameplay element Conviction brings to the table is in the form of a graphical indicator that informs the player when Fisher is completely shrouded by the darkness.  Essentially, the colors on the screen will desaturate when Fisher is hidden, allowing the player to know that the enemy is unaware of Fisher’s position, while preserving the player’s ability to see what else lies in the dark.

Fisher’s keen ability to move from cover to cover, along with his ability to climb poles and ledges with agility make for some awesome moments, especially those involving takedowns (death from above, and pulling an enemy over a ledge).  Speaking of takedowns, they are brutal, silent, and oh so satisfying.  While the animations in hand-to-hand takedowns are varied and plentiful, one could only imagine what they could be if Fisher was equipped with a combat knife.

And speaking of equipment, there is an array of sidearms, submachine guns, machine guns, and gadgets at Fisher’s disposal.  Each of these tools are upgradeable, and none seem to be overly powerful.  One of the more notable pieces of equipment in the game are the sonic goggles, which use sonic pulses to precisely determine enemy positions, even through walls.

Some of the most memorable moments in the game come from the interrogation sequences, where players can control Fisher to use his environment to forcibly compel a person to give up valuable intel (ever wonder what it would be like to smash a bad guy’s head into a urinal or piano?), all the while, memories and words are stylistically projected onto walls and surfaces.

The story digs deep and connects the player with the emotional pain Fisher has suffered by focusing on the loss of his daughter, the death of Lambert, his relationship with Grim, and his friendship with Victor Coste.  Unfortunately, the game’s main plot is far too muddled, and while the life of the President of the US is on the line, there aren’t enough “big” moments to make the story feel epic.

Conviction’s short single-player campaign is definitely replayable, as players will try various tactics in each of the levels, but this title’s lasting appeal rests in the robust multiplayer modes.  The four variations of Conviction’s horde mode are more refined than those we’ve seen by most FPS titles, due primarily to the stealth mechanics in the game.  Each of the (two-player max) modes allow each player to take on the role of an international covert operations agent, equipped with the same tools and skills Fisher possesses.  So just like in the single-player campaign, players will be able to sneak in the shadows, climb pipes, and hang over ledges to quietly kill enemies.

In the Hunter game mode, the objective for players is to eliminate all enemies in each level or zone, but any detection of the players will lead the A.I. to call in more reinforcements, so the goal really is to engage the enemy as stealthily as possible.

The Last Stand mode is more of a traditional horde mode fare, but with a twist.  Players must protect an EMP bomb which is placed in a fixed location against waves of enemies that get smarter and tougher with each wave.  The EMP can be repaired if any damage is inflicted upon it, so teamwork is absolutely essential to distract enemies to allow repairs to take place.

Face-Off is a competitive adversarial mode where two players will battle each other in a map populated with A.I. enemies gunning for both of them.  Using the A.I. here to lure in or defeat an opponent adds a nice level of depth.

Lastly, there’s Infiltration, which is unlocked through Ubisoft’s Uplay system (gain Uplay points just by playing the game, which accumulate to unlock Infiltration and other unannounced goodies).  In this mode, players must kill all enemies without detection, but this time, players also have security systems to evade.

Aside from these four Deniable Ops missions, there is the Prologue campaign mode that introduces two new characters and additional settings, allowing two gamers to engage in five to six hours of gameplay.

To top off these multiplayer modes, Conviction includes the Persistent Elite Creation System (PEC), which allows players to earn points through gameplay challenges to upgrade weapon, gadgets, and even uniforms and skins.  Buffing up a character will be even be visually represented by extra ammo or gadget packs, so in addition to real practical effects, the player’s character will be graphically distinguishable based on the upgrades unlocked.

Multiplayer is incredibly compelling, but only when playing with another serious player.  It goes without saying, but anyone attempting to play with a person who is only interested in playing as a lone agent will find themselves very frustrated.  And speaking of frustrations, Ubisoft’s Uplay server is still in its beta phase, which means that downtimes and server issues will be an issue.  Lastly, there is a bug that prevents some players from unlocking an achievement for completing the single player campaign on realistic difficulty, but hopefully this issue will be resolved with an update soon.

While there are portions of this game that play more like Rainbow Six than the classic Splinter Cell, stealth is still a primary component in its gameplay – the key is to keep a keen eye out for a pole to climb, a ledge to hang over, or a box to hide behind.  Overall, Splinter Cell Conviction will resonate well with fans, and as an added bonus, purchases of Conviction will guarantee access to the Ghost Recon Future Soldier beta later this year.

In addition to the numerous Xbox 360 stations, attendees were invited to immerse themselves in an extreme scavenger hunt. The elaborate game, organized by corporate team-building experts, The Go Game, allowed guests to role-play as secret agents. Using their cell phones, players accessed various timed missions, which largely included locating and identifying various spies and agents (actors from The Go Game) who were planted throughout the entire Les Deux venue. Once these spies were located, players had to follow specific instructions (speak a particular phrase, or convince them with your charm) to extract the secret code which unlocked subsequent missions.

At the end of the real-life role-playing game, which culminated with meeting Sam Fisher (a character actor, not the voice actor, Michael Ironside) the first six players to make it to a restricted section in the club were given a chance to compete for a Splinter Cell Xbox 360 bundle. It was truly a memorable experience that added fun, depth, and dimension to the overall theme of the evening.

Splinter Cell Conviction will be released on April 13, 2010, and a single-player demo is currently available on the Xbox Live Marketplace.  Be sure to read hands-on impressions by clicking on this link.

In the San Francisco offices of Ubisoft, Game Director Patrick Reading and Co-Op Designer Julien Lamoureux invited game journalists to sit down and spend some quality time with the upcoming franchise sequel, Splinter Cell Conviction.  A single-player demo of Conviction was recently released over the Xbox Live Marketplace, but what Reading and Lamoureux want players to know is that the multiplayer components to the game are deeper and more intense than in any previous version of Splinter Cell.

Players can see for themselves from the short demo that graphical fidelity and animations have seen tremendous upgrades.  From the amount of details in Sam Fisher’s face, to the way his hands react against walls and objects used as cover, and how Fisher automatically ducks under a helicopter wing when a player attempts to walk through it, Conviction is visually more advanced than any of the previous titles in the series.

One of the more notable trends in gaming of recent is the inclusion of co-operative multiplayer modes, and in particular, the obligatory “horde” mode.  Horde mode, made prominent by games like Gears of War 2, Left for Dead, and Halo 3: ODST, pits teams of players in a game of survival against waves of oncoming A.I. enemies.  Though it is not a first-person shooter, Conviction features its own version of horde mode, but mixes things up with four different varieties.

The four variations of Conviction’s horde mode are more refined than those we’ve seen by most FPS titles, due primarily to the stealth mechanics in the game.  Each of the (two-player max) modes allow each player to take on the role of an international covert operations agent, equipped with the same tools and skills Fisher possesses.  So just like in the single-player campaign, players will be able to sneak in the shadows, climb pipes, and hang over ledges to quietly kill enemies.

In the Hunter game mode, the objective for players is to eliminate all enemies in each level or zone, but any detection of the players will lead the A.I. to call in more reinforcements, so the goal really is to engage the enemy as stealthily as possible.

The Last Stand mode is more of a traditional horde mode fare, but with a twist.  Players must protect an EMP bomb which is placed in a fixed location against waves of enemies that get smarter and tougher with each wave.  The EMP can be repaired if any damage is inflicted upon it, so teamwork is absolutely essential to distract enemies to allow repairs to take place.

Face-Off is a competitive adversarial mode where two players will battle each other in a map populated with A.I. enemies gunning for both of them.  Using the A.I. here to lure in or defeat an opponent adds a nice level of depth.

Lastly, there’s Infiltration, which is unlocked through Ubisoft’s Uplay system (gain Uplay points just by playing the game, which accumulate to unlock Infiltration and other unannounced goodies).  In this mode, players must kill all enemies without detection, but this time, players also have security systems to evade.

Aside from these four Deniable Ops missions, there is the Prologue campaign mode that introduces two new characters and additional settings, allowing two gamers to engage in five to six hours of gameplay.

To top off these multiplayer modes, Conviction includes the Persistent Elite Creation System (PEC), which allows players to earn points through gameplay challenges to upgrade weapon, gadgets, and even uniforms and skins.  Buffing up a character will be even be visually represented by extra ammo or gadget packs, so in addition to real practical effects, the player’s character will be graphically distinguishable based on the upgrades unlocked.

The Splinter Cell franchise started out as one of the greatest single player experiences on the Xbox platform, and with Conviction, there is little doubt that this series will be one of the most played games over Xbox Live.  Splinter Cell Conviction hits store shelves on April 13, 2010.  An Xbox 360 Splinter Cell Conviction special edition bundle will also launch on April 13, 2010.  For more information, check out Conviction’s official website.

When Bad Company 2 was first announced, I didn’t doubt that many would look forward to playing the game on Xbox Live.  The first Bad Company certainly had a lot of fans and it’s pedigree as a continuation of the Battlefield series didn’t hurt either.  But the first Bad Company didn’t have that special something that Bad Company 2 has achieved.  Bad Company was a fun game, but it’s flaws showed through and it seemed a little frustrating to play online. The lack of game modes and overall polish  from the out of the box experience didn’t help it win over too many fans of the Battlefield series.

The developers of Bad Company (DICE)  took the fans advice and Bad Company 2 adds more game types, huge maps, more weapon unlocks, more vehicles and a ranking system to the game.  Now even though all of this added stuff is great, it’s not what makes this game one of the best on Xbox Live.  One of the things I really love about the game is the team aspect and all the crazy moments that happen when you play this game with friends

For instance, aceattorney and I have participated in some matches dominating the field by being stealthily mobile and COMMUNICATING.  Something that lacks in many other games where the lone wolf mentality comes into play. Yes, in other games you can use team work, but in Bad Company 2 it’s a key to surviving and it’s also a heck of a lot of fun.  While ace and I were playing we’d jump in a tank….BOOM, enemies dead. And because one or both of us were engineers, we were able to keep our kill streak fest going for a while.  Hopping  in a chopper, we’d rain hell from the sky, landing and healing so we could continue the assault.  And while “trying” to fly the chopper we’d inevitably crash and even when we’d die, we always had a good laugh.

Those moments when we would get our butt kicked still made us come back for more, something  other online games do not quite accomplish as the frustration levels rise and we reach for the off button on our 360 . It’s the small and big moments in the game, the ebb and flow of the action that seem to get us into a rhythm of gaming pleasure. When facing adversity you try and out-think the enemy, coming up with a plan of attack, trying to pick which class and load out will help win the fight.  And it’s also fun when quirky  moments occur as well, even when the game has flaws.

One evening I was playing a game  of squad deathmatch in which the people on other side had quit, leaving only our team in the game server. We waited hopefully that someone would enter so we could finish the match, we were winning after all. While waiting we decided to see what we could do with the destruction 2.o engine and proceeded to level every building, tree and bush in the map. After a long, long time  people finally joined our squad and another enemy  team appeared. As we finished up the match it was funny to  see that the map looked nothing like it does during a normal match,  it was a wasteland.  Hilarity ensued as we ran around the barren map, looking for cover that wasn’t there in the smoldering ashes. The map we had created added a whole new dimensionality to the game.  Moments like this can just not be had in any other games on Xbox Live today. And even though it would have seemed like the match was a bust, our crazy patience and curiosity fueled destruction paid off in a unique way.

I think  games like Bad Company 2, while not perfect, certainly attain a level of fun through their added level of technology and from the developers willingness to give fans of the Battlefield series what they wanted. A playground to soldier in and all of the toys and tools needed to get the job done. And while I know that the game may not be every ones cup o’ joe, I’m enjoying the game immensely and I hope anyone out there who likes virtual battle plays this game and has a great time too.

(Destruction 2.0…as in…OH S*#%!)

Growing up in the 80’s, even though video game  arcades  started to dominate the scene,  pinball was still a fascinating, and sometimes frustrating experience for the game player. It took skills and quick reflexes to tame the best tables.  And I always loved the sights and sounds of the pinball machines as they stood out in a room,  beckoning you to add one more quarter.  Some of the best pinball tables were made in my hometown of Chicago, birthplace of the pinball machine, and Williams entertainment was one of the pioneers.

Recently, I was visiting the forums at TeamXbox.com and came across a community discussion from last year  about  Pinball Hall Of Fame – The Williams Collection for the Xbox 360.  They were extolling the games virtues and also how great a gaming value the game was for $10 new at Gamestop.  Always looking for a good bargain and some good gaming, I filed the info away to memory.

Last week, I attended the Microsoft MVP Summit in Bellevue,  WA.  This year, I extended my stay in the pacific northwest to hang out with my good friend Peench, from PreGameLobby.com at his friend Pickle’s home  along with ProphetOne, Rhino Chaser,  Beau & Pickle’s awesome family.  It was the annual PickleJam weekend of games, food, fun and mischief.

Needing an extra copy of Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 for our multiplayer, multi- Xbox fragging weekend, we headed out to the local Gamestop in Poulsbo, WA.  While perusing the game wall and checking out the scene, a thought popped into my head…PINBALL GAME (why?, I have no idea).  I asked the clerk if they had Pinball Hall Of Fame -The Williams Collection and indeed they did,  one last copy.

When we got back to Pickle’s pad, we all hung out, ate, listened to some jams,  played COD and the guys even played some poker.  I had asked Prophet if he was interested in checking out pinball  and he kinda chuckled and said…nah.  So, while some of the crew were off of the main gaming TV I popped in the game to give it a whirl. At first I was little disappointed, cheesy intro, menu music and the annoying announcer made the game seem like a budget title. But I didn’t let that initial impression stop me.  As I started to play the game I saw some old familiar favorites.  Funhouse, in particular. Which had been a machine that was always a fun diversion in my college days at DePaul University, played really well and faithfully recreated the game I remembered many years ago

As I played alone, Pickle’s son came over to join me for two player action, then Peench came over and  before you knew it, we were all gathered around the TV saying how awesome this game was.  The sights, sounds and gameplay action took us on a trip back to our youth and it was a blast.  Even the cynics among us (ProphetOne had to agree, this game was cool and for $10 new, an awesome deal.

So for anyone seeking that trip back in time to enjoy some pinball wizardry, check this game out. Hurry though, it’s quickly being snatched up and I believe it’s not going to be restocked at Gamestop after they’re all sold out.   Check out the review of the game at Teamxbox.com for more info.

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending my fourth MVP summit. It was an exciting time and despite a nagging head cold, it was a very pleasant week.  This year, we were hosted in Bellevue, Washington, which tuned out to be a great place for the summit.  Tons of stuff right outside our doors to enjoy and a much more pleasant commute to the  Microsoft campus for our deep dive sessions and the like.

And speaking of the campus, what a great place it is since the completion of the newer buildings.  Including the new Xbox campus, complete with a soccer field and all new office spaces for the growing Xbox team.  I was happy to see that the Xbox team is finally on the proper MS campus and is able to enjoy the benefits.

During the week, we had the privilege of seeing some great stuff, hearing from some great people and hanging out with a great group.  From the MVP welcome reception, with our lead Mike Fosmire, to the deep dives and special sessions where we saw Project Natal, Dead Rising 2, Lost Planet 2, Xbox Live enforcement, security, support and behind the scenes at Xbox Live operations center.  Veteran and rookie MVPs alike were treated to some really cool and informative sessions.

As the week came to and end, we celebrated at The Garage in Seattle with bowling, billiards, pizza and libations.  It was a great time to mingle with all of the product groups and just let loose.  And on Friday, the farewell Lunch and sessions provided us with a chance to reflect on the week, reminding us how important we are to the Microsoft family.

I would like to thank all of the people who made this week happen for the Xbox and all of the product group MVPs. Everyone deserves a thank you and even though I know I can’t remember everyone’s name at the moment, you are definitely not forgotten.  Eric, Larry, Zilla, Mackenzie & crew, thanks for your hard work this week. We know things have been tough in the recent past but you have rose to the occasion…thank you! And thank you to all of the MVPs for coming out and making the summit a memorable one. You guys rock!

Enjoy the photos from the summit, I think they show the positive spirit and  good times we all experienced.

Microsoft made several key announcements, which included details on downloadable content in addition to release dates for most of the games.  Some of the titles previewed made their public debut appearances, which only added to bolster the impact of the entire event.

Developers of the showcased first and third-party (exclusive) titles were available to provide walkthrough demonstrations, with most of the games being accessible for direct, hands-on previews.  Interestingly, most of this year’s line-up once again comprises of sequels to major franchises, except for Alan Wake and Final Fantasy XIII (a franchise first on the Xbox 360).  Additionally, another noted trend is to include co-operative multiplayer support in most of this year’s big titles (again, Alan Wake and FF XIII being exceptions).

It was not long after the critically-acclaimed Halo 3 was released, that many questioned whether the Xbox 360 platform had reached the pinnacle of its success and predicted that Microsoft’s commitment to the platform would soon diminish.  After this event, there should be no doubt that the real fun has yet to begin.  See impressions of specific game titles below.

Lost Planet 2 (Capcom)

The original: Lost Planet was a gorgeous Starship Troopers game in the snow, but with wonky controls that came with a bit of a learning curve.

The hook: Earlier in the week, Gears of War Design Director Cliff Bleszinski revealed a crossover of epic proportions, rocking the headlines.  It came as a surprise that Gears heroes Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago would be playable characters in Lost Planet 2, but the similarities between the two games makes the cameos appear fitting.  Obviously, Gears fans will be pleased with the crossover, but the greatest feature in this sequel seems to be the more robust multiplayer mode.  With 4-player co-op and 16-player competitive modes, Capcom it seems, listens to the fans.

The concern: Unfortunately, Lost Planet 2 features the same quirky controls from the first game, and hardcore Gears of War veterans who try out this sequel might get turned off by the difference in controls.

Dead Rising 2 (Capcom)

The original: The first Dead Rising game was a cult hit, and for good reason.  Being a survivor in a zombie outbreak with a slew of mundane objects to use as destructive tools against plentiful, but slow-moving undead was just part of the fun.  Capcom’s inclusion of numerous outifts for the protagonist, Frank West, and the photography aspect of the game made Dead Rising stand apart.

The hook: In the sequel, the zombie-killing continues, but now the protagonist (not Frank West) can combine regular household items to make ingeniously wicked weapons.  A workbench allows the player to make the following examples: knives + boxing gloves = Wolverine claws; garden rake + car battery = electric, jabbing rake; chainsaws + boat paddle = giant Q-tip of death; motorcycle + chainsaw = death on two wheels.

In addition, through all of the zombie slaying, the protagonist eventually is covered completely red in blood – but blood fades after non-killing for a few minutes.

Lastly, Capcom has added a highly demanded multiplayer arena mode where players compete to rack up the most kills within a certain time period.

The concern: Dead Rising 2 developers would not discuss whether there were any changes made to the game save system or possible tie-in to Frank West’s story.  It also looks like the photo feature is gone, and while the amalgamated weapons bring another dimension to the game, the weapons deteriorate far too quickly.

Splinter Cell: Conviction (Ubisoft)

The original: Sam Fisher is a household name for Xbox gamers, and the sneaking, spying, and infiltrating gameplay has never been better produced than in Splinter Cell titles.  The technology at a player’s disposal made Sam Fisher into a Jason Bourne with James Bond’s tools.

The hook: Ubisoft worked incredibly hard to develop a fresh style and approach to the game we all know and love by introducing two new core features: Last Known Position and Mark & Execute.  Basically, these are gameplay mechanics to allow Sam to evade, trap, and eliminate enemy A.I. in ways never done before.  Part of the campaign strips Sam of his gadgets, forcing him to improvise (by using a broken mirror to peek under doors, for example), which is implemented quite nicely.  The slick projection of contextual video queues onto surfaces in the game also pushes Conviction’s innovation.

The concern: A small, but loud contingent of Splinter Cell fans have reacted quite negatively to the exclusion of the Spies v. Mercenaries mode that was featured in Splinter Cell: Double Agent.  Instead, Conviction offers a co-op multiplayer mode that pits players against computer-controlled enemies.  Conviction Game Director Patrick Reading, on absence of the Spies v. Mercs mode, made it clear that Conviction is a new Splinter Cell game, developed around Last Known Position and Mark & Execute.  These two gameplay elements makes Conviction incredibly fun to play, but are impossible to implement into a Spies v. Mercs mode.  Therefore, to avoid stripping down the new core mechanics, Ubisoft had to ditch the old multiplayer mode and create a new one that uses the new features.

Final Fantasy XIII (Square Enix)

The original: Final Fantasy XIII represents the franchise’s first real foray onto the Xbox platform (the MMORPG FF XI doesn’t count), but comparisons will inexorably be made to the beloved previous versions that have graced the Playstation 2 platform.

The hook: Microsoft’s announcement of Final Fantasy coming to the 360 back in 2008 set the gaming world on fire.  FFXIII’s gameplay visuals are just as stunning as the pre-rendered cutscenes that have previously been released (just don’t expect to really enjoy them since you’ll likely be busy looking through your party’s action menus throughout battles), and from the little that was shown at X10, it is safe to say that FFXIII will probably be as enjoyable as the Final Fantasy gamers remember.

The concern: While FFXIII will consume an inane amount of time to complete, the linear gameplay and plot brings some worry the side quest hungry.  Square Enix has responded by emphasizing the importance of telling a cohesive story, but some still think hundreds of side quests are what makes a true FF game.  Also, the tremendous drop in resale value in Japan, where the game was released in December, could be interpreted as a bad sign.

Xbox Live Gameroom (First Party)

The original: Basically, Xbox Live Arcade is the original, but Gameroom will apparently feature more retro games.

The hook: The virtual world presentation of Gameroom allows for interaction with your friends, of course, in their Avatar forms.  Also, paying for a game once, and being able to play it both on the PC and on the 360 is a feature long overdue.

The concern: While the potential for tons of licensed properties is there, so far, the pricing seems a bit stiff, especially considering these are retro games.

Crackdown 2 (Ruffian Games)

The original: Everyone bought the first Crackdown game for access to the Halo 3 beta, but were surprised when they found a third-person action game with a bold twist: you play a cop with superpowers.  DLC made Crackdown far more robust with multiplayer modes and new characters, and the orb-hunting madness became everyone’s latest addiction.

The hook: Enhanced textures, saturated colors, and the same cell-shaded look are sublime, but the biggest news to come out of X10 is a 16 player multiplayer mode (including 8 vs. 8 teams), and 4-player co-op.  Orb hunting is now taken to the next level with addition of rogue orbs – orbs that MOVE!  Also, the addition of a passenger-carrying helicopter makes possible formation skydiving.  Side note: enemy A.I. do not have flying vehicles, but they can shoot players down.

The concern: Sadly, transforming vehicles are out, but Agency vehicles now come fully upgraded.  Also, while there are a variety of agents and costumes, there are unfortunately no female agents.  Lastly, comparisons will continue to be made to GTA IV’s multiplayer offerings, but the agents’ super abilities really makes Crackdown 2 unique.

Fable 3 (Lionhead Studios)

The original: Creator Peter Molyneux’s first two Fable games were excellent RPGs, distinctly allowing gamers to make choices that impacted not only the character which they played, but also the game’s inhabitants and world.  Fable 2 allowed players to marry, procreate, and even have a dog companion.

The hook: The third game in the series introduces even more expressions of emotion through stunning angel’s wings that either shock or inspire.  Weapons will now be shaped by the actions a player takes, whether the player is ruthless or heroic.  In our conversation with Molyneux, he described his ambition to simply occupy the few moments in a gamer’s mind just as his or her head hits the pillow – Molyneux wants gamers to be compelled to consider the actions they took, and the choices they made in the game.  To this end, physical contact, or touch, will be a large component in the game.  Indeed, Molyneux even described perfecting the art of the “man hug,” an embrace without the lean, so to speak.

Another large component to Fable 3 is the kingdom-ruling component, which makes the impact of a gamer’s choices far greater and perhaps even profound than ever before.

The concern: Recall the Milo demo Molyneux presented at E3 last year, where Project Natal was used to allow a gamer to emotionally connect with an in-game character at an entirely new dimension of immersion.  Like the Milo demo, Fable 3 pursues an emotionally-engaging experience, but is that what gamers really resonate with?  Would the apparently significant touch aspect of the game be overlooked by gamers who just want the thrill of questing and killing, or will this finally be the ultimate Fable game Molyneux has been trying to make for years?

Halo: Reach (Bungie)

The original: Spanning four FPS titles, the Halo franchise has consistently provided some of the richest gaming experiences on any platform.  The controls, music, weapons, vehicles, epic storyline, and superb multiplayer modes all contribute to Halo’s success.

The hook: Because Reach takes place before the events of the first Halo game, the cast of protagonists are comprised of a squad of Spartans.  Yes, a GROUP of Spartans taking on the Covenant in a battle that we know ends with the Covenant winning.  Not only does the 4-player co-op campaign mode sound great, but the story has to be a compelling one of heroism and tragedy.

Graphically, Bungie has pulled off some amazing tricks.  During a free camera run-through of one level, Community and PR Director Brian Jarrard showed just how great the level of detail is in Reach.  From improved particle effects to tiny details on the weapons and on the smallest bolts holding together a building, the Halo universe looks incredibly rich and more realistic than ever.  In the audio department, all of the weapons now sound like they have weight behind them, including the traditionally wimpy-sounding Needler.

Lastly, multiplayer will feature what almost looks like a class-based system, where a player will have at their disposal, one type of support skill or tool, whether it is the ability to sprint, or the use of a bubble shield.  This feature will certainly change how teams have been playing in the ultra-competitive world of Halo multiplayer.  When we asked Jarrard whether Reach is Halo’s “Modern Warfare,” he said that because at its heart, Reach preserves the core gameplay that makes up a Halo game, the analogy was not accurate.

Oh, and the groundbreaking level-making tool, Forge, is back, after being absent from Halo 3: ODST.

The concern:  Bungie’s last offering with a Chief-less Halo in ODST was received well by both critics and gamers, but not as well as the previous Halo titles.  Of course, whether or not Master Chief will make any appearances in Reach has yet to be determined, but if our favorite Spartan is absent from Reach, Noble Team better be able to fill those huge shoes.  Finally, will Reach present enough gameplay advances to overtake Modern Warfare 2, which has been sitting atop the Xbox Live activity list?

Alan Wake (Remedy Games)

The original: Alan Wake is one of the few games being released this year that is not a sequel, but the developers behind this title aren’t new to gaming.  Remedy Games is best known for the Max Payne franchise (which was produced into a critically-panned feature film starring Mark Wahlberg), and with Microsoft’s full weight behind it, this studio has something to prove with Alan Wake.

The hook: Imagine if Stephen King wrote a season of the TV show, Lost.  Alan Wake would have some striking resemblances to it.  Presented in an episodic format, this third-person horror-adventure-mystery game uses light as a gameplay element.  In order to kill possessed townsfolk and objects, the player must use various light-emitting tools (i.e., flashlight, flare gun, spotlight), in addition to assorted firearms to weaken and destroy the mysterious and evil darkness.  During the developer walkthrough demonstration of a level that appears late in the game, the dark atmosphere, haunting sound, and limited resources (Alan has limited access to batteries and flares) made for a creepy experience.

Beyond the stellar graphics and innovative presentation, the storyline and narrative seem to be the most compelling aspects of the game.  Basically, Alan’s latest fictional horror novel seems to be coming to life in a sleepy little town called Bright Falls.  Add to the mix Alan’s own personal stake in finding his missing wife, and we’ve got ourselves a great mystery to play through.

The concern: Sure, Rome wasn’t built in a day, but Alan Wake, having been in development for over five years has extremely high expectation levels to fulfill.  And while this game is promised to have a definite conclusion to the story, the prospects of additional “episodes” being made available for DLC tells us that maybe some answers are being saved for those willing to pay for them.

One of the most anticipated films up until last year was the feature film based on the Halo mythos, produced by none other than Peter Jackson (“Lord of the Rings”) and helmed by Neill Blomkam (“District 9″). Unfortunately, creative differences and usual Hollywood politics apparently all but killed any chance of the film being made. Stepping up to fill those cinematic shoes is a compilation of seven animated short films that expand the Halo universe.

343 Industries and Microsoft Game Studios gathered veteran Japanese anime writers and directors to produce these unique tales that at times, take great liberties with the franchise, but ultimately serve to flesh out the immense Halo story. Unfortunately, none of the seven shorts go beyond the ending of the “Halo 3″ video game, which will be disappointing for those who are hoping to be shown the fate of John 117. Master Chief is not a central character in each of the shorts, but does make cameo appearances in several of them.

“Origins” features Cortana, Master Chief’s A.I. companion, as she tells the broad and epic history of the entire Halo franchise. “The Babysitter” focuses on a group of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers (ODST) as one of the ODST deals with serving as back-up to a heroic Spartan. “Prototype” follows a hardened United Nations Space Command (UNSC) marine who confronts his own mortality in protecting his squad against an onslaught of Covenant forces. In “Homecoming,” a Spartan faces overwhelming odds and reflects on her past and the sacrifices she was forced to make as she was forged into a Spartan. “The Duel” blends decidedly Japanese artwork and culture and the little-known world of the Elite alien race to tell the tale of love, honor, and betrayal. “Odd One Out” stands out as the most fantastical and comical story of the set, as Spartan 1337 finds himself in another fine mess. “The Package” rounds up “Halo Legends” with a daring mission involving Master Chief and four other Spartans as they risk everything to rescue an important package that has fallen into the hands of the Covenant.

Visuals

Each story, similar to the recently-released “Dante’s Inferno: An Animated Epic,” has a different artistic visual style, with “The Duel” being unique in its watercolor style of presentation. When viewed in high-definition, the images throughout are incredibly crisp, but the majority of the stories take a traditional anime approach by limiting animation in favor of scenes of still shots which lack much action or movement. Of all of the shorts, “The Package” stands out with its unceasing amount of on-screen action, three-dimensional style (as opposed to flat, two dimensional artwork), and superb particle and glow effects – Master Chief has never looked so good.

Sound and Extras

While the short films were written and directed primarily by Japanese talents, the voices were dubbed in English. The voice acting is not perfect, but the music and sounds of Halo are meticulously reproduced.
Directors Frank O’Connor and Joseph Chou provide commentary, a behind the scenes look at the making of “Halo Legends” is included, and the O’Connor-narrated “Halo: The Story So Far” brings much appreciated (and needed) clarity to the epic story that spans several games and books.

Conclusion

Halo fans will undoubedtly enjoy “Halo Legends” with its very memorable stories and characters, and the 119 running time will seem far too short. “Halo Legends” is rated PG-13 and will be released on February 16, 2010.

Miami New Times just released a list of the top 10 parties being held this Superbowl weekend, with Community Vibes 5 grabbing the top spot, beating events held by Pepsi (#10), Maxim (#4), and even Playboy (#3).

Five years running, Community Vibes has grown to truly epic proportions. GamertagRadio founder Danny Pena has outdone himself this year, garnering 2K Games as the Official Sponsor of Community Vibes 5, and even managed to get Xbox Live’s Larry Hyrb (better known as Major Nelson) excited (watch the video here).

In addition to the music and game tournaments, expect thousands of dollars in prizes and giveaways, including an Xbox 360 console. So if you are anywhere near Miami, be sure to head to Community Vibes 5 for an unforgettable experience.

WHAT: “Community Vibes 5″
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 6th, 2010
WHERE: Ecco Lounge: 168 SE 1st St. Unit 1A, Miami, FL 33131
WHO: GamertagRadio.com and You
COST TO ENTER: Nothing, nada!

As a stand-alone story, Mass Effect 2 can at times, seem formulaic.  Commander Shepard, who previously rescued the galaxy from a rogue alien and an insane A.I. is gathering a crew of notorious and dangerous characters to solve a mystery involving a familiar foe.  There are some twists and turns within the main storyline, but the true gems are found within the backstories of the various crewmembers themselves.

Bioware is known for its ability to create memorable characters, and in ME2, character animations, backstories, and dialogue all succeed in connecting the player’s emotions to each of the varied personalities in the game.  In the end, the decisions a player makes will serve as investments into the different characters and the relationships that accompany them.

Combining different firearms and biotic abilities is still a part of the core gameplay, but management of Shepard and the rest of the crew during battles is done more efficiently.  There are additional biotic skills introduced into this title, which will mix-up strategies for some of the more violent encounters throughout the game.

Completing the main campaign and many of the seemingly endless amounts of sidequests and tasks can an intimidating amount of time, and true completists would be happy to know that each character can be explored to varying degrees of depth.  Add to the mix the various paragon and renegade actions and dialogue choices, and the game can take a number of different turns depending on the player’s in-game choices.

Exploration of planets is handled quite differently this time around.  Instead of making landfall on a planet, players scan a planet from orbit.  Scanning planets for minerals and potential quests requires responding to vibrations of the controller, not unlike how Batman: Arkham Asylum handled hacking through doors.  In addition, faring through space can require micromanaging fuel and probe resources, which are used to harvest the minerals.

One of the more remarkable aspects of ME2 is the Live-connected “Cerberus Network,” which is available via an unlock code with every new purchase of ME2.  The Cerberus Network grants access to exclusive downloadable content (both free and paid), which will make an already robust game even deeper.  Used copies of the game will likely not come with the code to access the Cerberus Network, but access is available for purchase over the Xbox Live Marketplace.  Clearly a method to encourage new game purchases over used game purchases, this sales strategy definitely provides a valuable incentive for new purchases over even video game rentals.

The textures, lighting, and direction are fitting for this immense and epic game.  Cinematic is probably the best way to describe the look and feel of ME2, from the dynamic dialogue system, to the various worlds players will be embarking upon.  Particle and glow effects are also impressive, but the animation could have used some polish.  When roaming around the ship for example, Shepard will tilt his head over to one side, and run in an awkward position.  Even some of the close-up shots of the hero make him look a little out of it.

In the voice acting department, talented actors such as Martin Sheen and Seth Green lead the cast to produce extremely convincing results.  It is a little jarring when a very alien-looking character speaks with a perfectly normal American accent, but considering the amazing amount of voiced dialogue, a lack of completely unique languages or accents is forgivable.

ME2 continues the already stellar franchise with its polish and driving characters.  This title will undoubtedly be a contender for Game of the Year, and with support for far-reaching and additional downloadable content, players just might be playing ME2 until at least the end of the year.

When I first previewed Mass Effect what seems like ages ago at E3 in Los Angeles, the Bioware presenters just seemed far too ambitious.  A shooter, RPG, and adventure game, all rolled into one, with vehicles, to boot?  That just seemed like a game that wanted to be too much.  But while I was skeptical, I really hoped that Bioware could pull it off – if they did, they could create one of the best games of all time.

Of course, as we all know, Mass Effect was a tremendous success.  Not only was ME critically-acclaimed, but it stands as one of the most beloved titles on the Xbox 360 platform due to its memorable characters (with superb voice acting), epic storyline, and rich universe.  From the time I spent with a demo at CES 2010, it’s looking like Bioware is taking gamers to an enhanced and darker experience with the highly-anticipated sequel.

The sequel’s storyline has a few surprises, including a traumatic event that Shephard suffers, affecting him physically, and possibily event his status as a Spectre.  Decisions made by gamers in the first Mass Effect may even affect the story of ME2.  I was also told that the novel, Mass Effect: Ascension fills in the gap between ME and ME2, and serves as a great setup for the sequel.

Visually, ME2 has a darker atmosphere and a grittier look.  The graphics engine from ME has been optimized, with improved textures and character models, and it seems like framerate issues are a thing of the past.  While ME had highly impressive graphics, I’m hoping that ME2 will present additional animations.  Unfortunately, I only saw a small portion of ME2, so I was unable to determine whether there will be new animations.

In terms of gameplay, there are additional weapons, abilities (Shephard can “charge” at a group of enemies, going through obstacles and cover to take them out with a swift blow), and armor to customize your crew.  Moreover, not only has the Citadel been rebuilt with varying and unique environments in the different sections, the Normandy has received huge upgrades, including a captain’s quarters, where you can upgrade weapons and such.  The Mako we’re told, has been upgraded as well, but alas, details were kept under wraps.

New mini-games used to unlock doors or to hack computers require you to play short match games (match the same colors of computer code), and re-route circuitry.  The mini-games were fun little diversions that added that extra dimension to the game.

Of course, the Paragon/Renegade system is back, but in addition to the storyline being affected by a gamer’s ethical choices, scars on Shephard’s face will either heal and recede, or grow and become more prominent.  Additionally, during conversations with other characters, there will be a quick-time option to take either Paragon or Renegade action, which will also affect short-term events.

With new, richly-written characters, weapons, skills, and another epic mystery to solve, Mass Effect 2 will set the bar high for gaming in 2010.  Mass Effect 2 is set for release on January 26, 2010.

One of the most anticipated games of the year is the continuation of the critically-acclaimed Splinter Cell franchise.  Having gone through early development issues (and purported storyline issues), as well as the ill-founded rumor of a replacement for the voice of Sam Fisher, Conviction has gone through a troubling couple of years.

More recently, while developer-guided demonstrations appeared at E3 and other events, hands-on time with Conviction was extremely limited.  It was to my surprise then that a demo of Conviction was playable at the 2010 Consumer Electronic Show, an expo that is not generally known for it’s gaming offerings.  Not only was part of the single-player campaign playable at Microsoft’s gargantuan booth, but one of the multiplayer modes was also playable over at the Dolby booth, of all places.

Conviction’s single-player campaign begins with Sam Fisher on the lam, and without the support of the spy organization, Third Echelon.  Fisher initially resorts to using rudimentary and make-shift tools to uncover the conspiracy and somehow get back into full support.  In terms of gameplay, Conviction seems faster, and more intense.  Fisher sneaks, climbs, and hides like his usual predator self, but now he can slide into cover when running, and vault over cover as an absolute necessity at times.  The need for increased agility was quickly apparent when I encountered a group of enemies; the A.I. possessed a pack-like approach to hunting me down.

One of the more more memorable moments in the level I demoed included an interrogation of the last remaining enemy.  Fisher’s techniques are brutal, and some are even context sensitive.  Positioning Fisher and his unfortunate interviewee to the hood of a nearby pickup truck and hitting the action button will result in different interrogation action than moving the enemy near a tree stump.

Another excellent moment in the level required patient observation and careful planning to elimate a group of enemies all within just a few moments.  To aid in this, Fisher was in possession of a heartbeat sensor, which works similar to sonar, effectively giving you the positions of each target in an area.  Moreover, the mark and execute feature allows gamers to quickly eliminate enemies during any assault (executes are only available after hand-to-hand takedowns).

Graphically, Sam Fisher has never looked better.  Naturally, the large, projected images and level cues added a dramatic flair, and despite the dark and shadowy environments, I never had any difficulty seeing them.

Game Director Patrick Reading sat down with me and gave me a preview of co-op in Conviction.  The co-op modes Ubisoft is including with Conviction will undoubtedly appeal to gamers, especially in light of the recent co-op trend.  Offline gamers will be happy to know that Conviction will support split-screen co-op in addition to co-op over Live.

Aside from the prologue story-mode that lead up to the events of the single-player campaign, players can also engage in Deniable Ops Missions, three of which are co-op, and one mode that pits spy versus spy.  The co-op modes are similar to the familiar horde mode many co-op games have been featuring, but naturally, Conviction will require stealth, teamwork, planning, and deception (the A.I. will never assume there is more than one of you).

One feature I was excited to learn about was the Persistent Elite Creation System, which allows gamers to earn points through gameplay challenges in both single-player and co-op games, to use on equipment upgrades, visual customizations (like uniforms, skins, and camo), and even accessory upgrades (such as ammo packs).

Gamers have been treated with some incredible run-and-gun action games recently, and Splinter Cell: Conviction, seems to be bringing an intelligent stealth-action game that gamer have been missing for far too long.

For additional details, please visit the forums at talkingaboutgames.com, or contact TAG Senior Editor, Parris Lilly at parris@talkingaboutgames.com.

Since the advent of the innovative Skill Stick schematic, EA Sports’ NHL series has continued to set the bar high in the gaming world. NHL 10 proves to be no exception, and with improved visuals, greater depth in gameplay, and a create-a-player mode one can only dream of, this title is arguably the crown jewel of the EA Sports catalog.

As previously mentioned, this year’s edition of EA Sports’ NHL series once again features the Skill Stick controls, but with improved accuracy and responsiveness. The perfected control scheme is absolutely necessary not only for shooting the puck at precise locations on the net, but also for skating, dekeing, checking, and controlling the player’s hockey stick.

The breakneck speed of the sport is well translated into the game. With tape to tape passing of the puck, and severe, bone-crunching checking, quick reflexes are a prerequisite for any gamer. A poorly timed bodycheck may not only leave the intended target still skating, but more dangerously could leave the ice open for an attack on the goal.

Executing tricks and moves is not new to this series, but the inclusion of new defensive actions like pinning players against the boards is a huge step into the immersion of realistic ice hockey.

Another welcome addition to NHL 10 is first-person fighting. Fighting is not a prevalent part of ice hockey or in this game, but it certainly is a part of the game. The element of the first person view during fighting is a fun interruption in the action, and really makes this reviewer wonder what an ice hockey game in first-person view would be like.

There are a litany of modes available, including practices, drills, single-games, dynasty, and the create-a-player mode, offline multiplayer, and the famous, robust, and persistant online multiplayer mode. With the create-a-player mode, gamers create and customize a hockey player starting in the minors, hoping to be drafted to an NHL team. A gamer sticks with this player for the duration of the season, without the ability to switch players during games. This permits the camera to swing around only the created player, instead of the usual broadcast viewpoint, and adds yet another level of immersion. Even when the player is on the bench between shifts or is sent to the penalty box, the viewpoint is exclusively from the created player’s. And the new instant-action, Battle for the Cup mode places the gamer in the pressures of a Stanley Cup final game with everything on the line.

It seems with this year, EA Sports has greatly increased the graphical fidelity across all of its titles, and NHL 10 has never looked more real. From the animation, textures, lighting, and reflections, this title is visual reference material, ideal for showing off that recently purchased HDTV. There are minor frame rate issues during some of the player introduction sequences, but considering these are minor, and not gameplay-affecting, they can be overlooked.

The sounds of an ice hockey game are duly replicated here as well, like the minor atmospheric sounds of the crowd, the crisp shaving of ice by skates, and of course the slaps of the puck. While these ambient noises may not be noticeable, especially in the heat of an intense match, they serve to further immerse gamers into the world of the NHL quite effectively.

This robust and complete sports title is a must have for any sports video game fan, and will prove to provide a rich experience and replayability.

Activision did not depart from the basic concept of allowing gamers to control a team of heroes and villians as they dungeon crawl through levels to face enemies and bosses. A gamer may control any one of their heroes at any given time, and switch from character to character with a simple press of the directional pad. In addition to the latent powers each character possesses (like Storm’s ability to fly, or Wolverine’s healing factor), as each hero or villian gains experience points through defeating enemies, additional powers are unlocked. Gamers can activate the fusion powers of two characters, which results in massive destruction with a glorious visual payoff. And to top it off, gamers can earn and find various team bosts, which increase defenses, health, attack points, and the like.

Each level basically consists of a forced path (filled with destructible environmental objects) that leads the customized team of characters to groups of enemies. The levels include the usual fare of indoor hallways and rooms, but there are also much-welcomed, sprawling outdoor levels. Often, the groups of robots or soldiers will come in large numbers, and although it is enjoyable battle large numbers of enemies, despite the enemies the fact that the weaker enemies the game throws at gamers seem to lack much differentiation from each other. The boss battles require varying methods to defeat it, but usually consist of defeating lesser enemies in order to weaken the main boss. Still, being able to battle the classic (and newer) villians and characters from the Marvel universe is a treat in and of itself.

With a far more polished graphics engine than used in the first Ultimate Alliance, UA2 is stunning to look at, especially when the camera is zoomed in close to the characters. The textures are outstanding, and the special effects presented by different superpowers are just as impressive. These graphical effects shine particularly with some of the massive fusion special moves (imagine for instance, Storm’s gigantic funnel cloud made of Johnny Storm’s flames, sweeping up enemies in the entire screen).

Lengthy cutscenes are composed of pre-rendered graphics, which facilitate the storyline. Fans of Marvel films and cartoons will appreciate not only the graphics involved, but also the often superb voice acting.

Improving on nearly every aspect of the original game, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 tells a compelling story and provides an exciting co-op experience. The plot, while perhaps difficult to muster with, is not overly complex for children to understand (my nine year-old nephew was able to grasp and explore the basic premise of this game). With quizzes, a battle simulator, and downloadable content featuring even more playable characters coming soon, there is very little reason not to pick up this game.

Bungie took the graphics engine that brought to life bright alien worlds, and created a war-affected city landscape that is sometimes dreary, but often rich in color. Since the game takes place in both day and night times, gamers are equipped with a special heads up display tool (called VISR) that is essentially a combination of a friendly/foe marker and night-vision. Activating the VISR is more than just a graphical feature – it is a tactical advantage that balances against the lack of Master Chief’s prowess and strength.

The cutscenes are created using the same engine, and not only do they look great, but they facilitate a great level of immersion. The unique faces of the ODST behind the helmets are a welcome change from the blank, faceless characters that populate Halo 3 multiplayer matches.

Overall, the look of ODST is not as impressive as more recent titles, but still manages to bring a high level of texture work and animation.

The game places gamers in the roles of various ODST that have been separated during a drop. ODST’s storyline is unraveled through the use of cutscenes and playable flashbacks, which pieces together a story only known as a backdrop of Master Chief’s adventures.

In the roughly six-hour campaign, players will have access to the weaponry and vehicles that Halo fans are used to, with a few new, welcome additions. And despite the lack of Master Chief’s recharging shield and health, “stamina” does recharge, and health packs seem to be readily available throughout the abandoned streets.

Having played through the campaign in both single-player and co-op mode, it became clear that playing this game with a friend is truly the better experience. The levels lend themselves to at least one partner due to the numerous flanking opportunities spread throughout the city streets and buildings, not to mention the tremendous fun when vehicles become available.

Firefight is a gameplay type that pits players against waves of Covenant forces with limited health and ammo. The waves of enemies get progressively tougher, and the teamwork and strategy necessary to achieve high scores are simple enough reasons to love (and hate) Firefight. The challenge that is presented in Firefight is a true test of any gamer’s FPS skills.

The entire package provides a campaign that is playable in 4-player co-op, Firefight mode, and Halo 3 multiplayer maps, not to mention access to the Halo Reach Beta. Halo 3: ODST is aptly titled because while it is not a sequel in its own right, it does present a new experience for Halo fans to devour.

Almost every other video game publisher has resigned to the fact that MW2 will dominate holiday sales this year, and have pushed their titles further into 2010 and beyond. MW2 has already been proclaimed by COD4 fans as Game of the Year. There is so little that has been disclosed about MW2, but the excitement and anticipation for this title could not be greater.

The over 13 million copies of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare that have been sold serve as a good indication of how well MW2 could perform in the market, but there is a clear expectation that MW2 actually be superior to its critically-acclaimed predecessor.

Years after its release, COD4 is still one of the most played games over Xbox Live due to its captivating multiplayer component. Yes, COD4 had one of the most compelling single-player experiences ever, but the multiplayer is what has gamers keeping the game in their Xbox 360’s tray.

I pondered these thoughts as we were ushered into the press conference room. Microsoft’s Larry Hyrb’s presence was not entirely unexpected, but it was curious, for a game that will be published across all platforms. After a brief introduction, Hyrb took the stage and announced the MW2 custom-designed Xbox 360. This console is adored with minimalistic military markings, and is crowned with a 25oGB hard drive. Bundled with two wireless controllers and of course, the MW2 game, with this package (priced at $399), Microsoft seems to have delivered a resounding answer to the PS3 Slim.

Before we were unleashed to get our hands on MW2, Infinity Ward Community Relations Manager Robert Bowling presented a quick look at the new multiplayer features in MW2. The basic, winning formula has not changed since COD4, but there are additional weapons and equipment to customize a loadout. Additionally, there are customizable titles, emblems, and even killstreak perks. Some new perks include the ability to scavenge a dead enemy’s equipment, or to set your own spawn point.

It was finally time for the press to make the mad rush into the demo room, where dozens of stations awaited. The multiplayer beta build that was available included three maps, which took place in Afghanistan, Rio de Janeiro, and atop a building complex. The three game modes that were available, capture the flag, team deathmatch, and demolition allowed each map to be explored and studied.

Members of the media were not given access to all the weapons, equipment, and perks, and every couple of rounds, all stats were reset, allowing no one to fully explore the demo. However, even with the limited number of loadouts available, the game was simply awe-inspiring.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHQm2DeVk_E

Controls in this sequel just felt smoother and more in tune with my intended aiming and movements. The improved graphics may have something to do with this, but Infinity Ward definitely seemed to have made just the right amount of tweaking to get the controls even more refined.

The graphics, having been honed with streaming (and gorgeous, I might add) textures, improved character models, and increased special effects no longer make multiplayer look “gimped” compared to visuals in a single player campaign. The environments in the levels are just as alive as the characters with dust winds, debris, and the right amount of destructible (and exploding) items. “Scorched earth” indeed.

For those looking for a game as realistically-sounding as it looks, MW2 simply delivers, bringing the sounds of hellish war to the auditory senses. From the thunder of a distant grenade to the menacing buzzing of an attack chopper’s gun, the audio department at Infinity Ward seemed to have held nothing back.

Being such a tremendous experience in itself, I wondered what a tremendous value MW2 will be. The multiplayer experience alone is well worth the price of the game, but the addition of an outstanding single-player campaign that promises to deliver a more dramatic experience than the first Modern Warfare makes MW2 the perfect package that will prove to deliver a lasting gaming experience.

For more information about the multiplayer reveal of MW2, be sure to check out other hands-on impressions from Parris Lilly (talkingaboutgames.com), Sarkis Daglian (ve3tro.com), and Peter Toledo (gamertagradio.com).

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

It was truly a complete experience for LA Kings fans, allowing interaction with players from the team’s dynasty, as well as current Kings players. The first event of its kind, Hockey Fest 09 certainly did not disappoint.

At the heart of the entertainment tent was EA’s NHL 10 booth.  Eight gaming stations were set up to serve as the first public demonstration of the complete version of NHL 10.  EA Sports Community Manager Alain Quinto and NHL 10 Producer Andy Agostini were on-site, guiding eager fans and gamers alike in the latest version of EA’s superb NHL franchise.

Attendees lined up to get their hands on the latest version of this award-winning, critically-acclaimed sports franchise and were not disappointed.  The new defensive actions that players can take add yet another layer to the already-deep and frantic gameplay, while graphical and control improvements make NHL 10 pure heaven to play.

Later in the day, EA gave a few lucky attendees the opportunity of a lifetime – to challenge superstar LA Kings players on the virtual ice.  A huge crowd gathered to see if their favorite players could transfer their strategies and skills into the highly accurate NHL 10.  At the end of the day, fan-favorite, Jack Johnson proved himself to be quite the hustler and dominated his fan opponent.

By all accounts, the Kings are postured to be a true threat this upcoming season, and even experts predict a playoff run for the Kings, which would be a welcome reward for the worlds most diehard fans.

Be sure to check out EA’s Alain Quinto’s coverage of the event and all things NHL 10 at his blog, “In the Crease,” and pre-order NHL 10 at your favorite retailer to guarantee that you’ll be hitting the ice when it releases September 15, 2009!

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

Yesterday, the ODST team made their way to Pasadena, California, where the temperatures were flaring, and wildfires were raging. But despite the harsh conditions, gamers flocked to the Pasadena Gamestop, driving as much as two hours to get there.

When I arrived at the tour stop, the ODST truck was parked in the middle of the parking lot. Its massive size and black paint job created an imposing site that drew even non-gamers to check out what looked to many like a military command center.

Indeed, when I spoke with Team Lead, Patrick Hand, the non-gamer onlookers were right! The over-sized truck, which was only recently painted black from its original olive drab paint job, used to be a vehicle which was typically used as a mobile command center. The truck had all of the amenities, power outlets, air-conditioning, and even bullet-proof plating.

In its new life, the ODST truck, when deployed, expands and widens (with manual cranks), bringing the walls of the truck out, and creating plenty of room inside for eight gaming stations, and additional seats for those next in line to get their hands-on the game. Each of the gaming stations and seats were custom-designed to efficiently pack up for travel.

Once inside the truck and at their stations, gamers were given a five-minute introduction, and a paltry ten-minutes of gameplay. But according to most of the hardcore Halo fans that showed up, even an hour’s worth of gaming wouldn’t be enough time with ODST.  Top players in each four-person team were rewarded with some rather awesome swag, including Halo Wars figures, and car license plate frames that read, “My other car is a Warthog.”

Hand said that the turnout so far in the ODST tour had been great. And Pasadena was no exception, as it looked like Hand and his team had no time to rest, constantly checking on the lines of eager, but heat-battered fans. In fact, with the grueling schedule of the tour, the ODST team would have little rest between stops as they haul the truck from town to town.

Still, Hand was quite proud of the ODST truck, his team, and mostly, of the diehard fans that braved weather, fire, and traffic to pay homage to Halo 3: ODST.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7dahsV-o_0

To find out where the ODST truck is headed next, click here: ODST TOUR DATES

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D23, the official community for Disney fans, was launched this year, and is named in honor of the year 1923, when Walt Disney founded what is now Disney Studios.  This year marks the first D23 Expo, and looks to feature something for everyone.

Some of the scheduled events includes screenings of Disney films in Digital 3D, including The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Toy Story and Toy Story 2.  Additionally, attendees can look forward to checking out previews of highly-anticipated upcoming films, Disney’s A Christmas Carol, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, Old Dogs (with Robin Williams and John Travolta), Prince of Persia and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (both from producer Jerry Bruckheimer), Tron: Legacy, The Princess and the Frog, and Toy Story 3.

Also, set to appear are some of Disney’s television stars, including Tom Bergeron, Patricia Heaton, Kelsey Grammer, Ed O’Neill, Joseph Fiennes, and Cheryl Burke.

Among some of the exclusive looks behind the scenes at Disney’s Parks and Resorts, Disney is planning on letting attendees “backstage” to check out set pieces, props, costumes, and other collectors’ items from the television series, Lost.

For tickets, and additional information, be sure to check out the D23 Expo site by clicking on this link: D23 Expo

‘Splosion Man is a side-scrolling platformer, with amazingly creative levels, which are almost puzzles in themselves. Armed with only the explosive power of his body, the character you control is a cross between the classic video game character Strider and a mini nuclear bomb.

To get through the game’s 50 levels, players will have to navigate horizontally as well as vertically but jumping, wall-jumping, riding elevators, and with clever uses of explosive canisters that act as launch pads. All the while, players must avoid traps that crush or douse (with toxic liquid, of course) ‘Splosion Man. Each level is populated with scientists who are themselves easily exploded, but are armed with a litany of mechanical defenses such as stationary guns, missle launchers, and robot guards. There are several conveniently-located checkpoints throughout each level, keeping frustration at bay.

Some of the other challenges of the game, aside from just getting through the levels, is to collect the hidden cake in each level, and to complete the levels in the quickest times possible. The achievements are definitely worth playing the game over for, since Twisted Pixel decided to offer players avatar clothing and a theme for rewards!

With a four-player co-op mode, and a really creative take on the traditional platformer, ‘Splosion Man is a MUST BUY. Download the trial today on the Xbox Live Marketplace and see for yourself!

Capcom v. Street Fighter 2 was playable at Comic-Con, and gamers waited in imense lines to get their hands on this classic fighting game. In this version of the game, available now on Xbox Live Arcade, Capcom did not change much from the arcade or Dreamcast version. Capcom however, did bring updated, smoother images and widescreen support for the Xbox 360 platform. The resulting game is still just as fun and easy to play, but difficult to master. One of the features of the game is immediate access to all 56 characters from the start. Obviously, this allows gamers to jump in and immediately begin experimenting with an endless combination of three-character teams, but it also relieves the gamer from the frustration of tedious unlocking. If you haven’t already done so, download the free trial, or better yet, get the full version!

Over at the EA Showcase, we were able to spend some quality time with EA’s biggest upcoming titles. From Jack Black to rockstars, to lawsuits, there has been a lot to talk about with regards to Tim Schafer’s Brutal Legend. Having spent some quality time with this rock-parody title, the two main aspects of the game that really struck a chord with me (pun intended) are that first, gamers will laugh their head off playing this game, and second, the hack-and-slash action is superb. Sure, the game will probably be repetitive at times, but the writing is truly top-notch, and with Jack Black’s delivery and intonation, any repetition in action or characters will be broken up quickly.

Partnering up with Hasbro, EA has created a G.I. Joe game to accompany the blockbuster film hit. The game takes place after the events of the film, so the story will be fresh for gamers who have seen the film. More importantly, the game features Joes that were sorely absent from the film. While you can only play two Joes at any given time (A.I. controls one character, but you can switch between the two at-will), EA promises to have a huge lineup of characters to choose from. Moreover, there is offline-only co-op, with jump-in/jump-out gameplay. The graphics aren’t the prettiest, but the run-and-gun gameplay looks frentic, with hundreds of Cobra’s minions to dispatch. Each kill racks up points, which are used to unlock other characters and weapons, so there is some replayability value in this title.

Dragon Age Origins was also on-hand for us to check out, and for fans of Bioware’s Knights of the Old Republic and Mass Effect, this is one game you need to keep your eye on. The gameplay is similar to the aforementioned RPG hits, but of course, in an entirely new setting. Lord of the Rings afficionatoes will see many similarities, but that’s not a bad thing. Defending from orc raids and troll boss battles are done right here, with multiple spells and attacks available (spells and special attacks may be assigned to face buttons on the controller). What was really great to see was the character creation system; it is so deep, even character portraits are customizable. The blood and gore have been making headlines, but they aren’t over-the-top, and are presented at a level that isn’t distracting from the gameplay. And on a final note, no, we did not see any of the “adult” portions of the game.

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