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Madden 11 DEMO Impressions

Mel Francis — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:13:04 +0000

Last night, EA released a demo for their flagship Madden 11 title for the 360 and Ps3 – which introduced a few new features to the title, but left much to be desired.

One of the new features introduced this year is the gameplan system, which builds upon the typical playbook options that the game has always had. The new system allows you to set and rank audibles for your playbook that the AI coach can help you choose depending on scheme situations on each down. Think of it as the ask madden feature, but you’re able to use it during gameplay to switch plays on the fly. While the feature is welcomed, it tends to become a bit overbearing at times due to the fact that the coach will talk to you on every down. It tends to make the feature a bit distracting, especially when while it’s running – you can’t hear any commentary or crowd noise until it’s done.

There seems to be an issue with the way the audio is composed as well. As mentioned before, if the coach is talking to you – the crowd noise is completely silent until he is finished. This is a detriment, because it completely takes you out of the atmosphere of feeling the crowd cheering or booing your team. This also seems to happen when the commentators talk as well, it goes from being completely silent, to a raging crowd once you snap the ball. It’s not easy to see if this is just an issue with the demo or some sort of audio problem, but hopefully it’s addressed.

This years version introduces the new announce team of Cris Collinsworth and Gus Johnson to the game. Right off the bat, you will notice that Gus Johnson is almost a bit too animated – to the point where it takes away from the action in the game. It’s almost akin to watching public access pro wrestling, where the commentators try to sell you on every move being the greatest thing to ever happen. If you make a catch, as routine as it may be, Johnson will ramble on about how amazing the catch was. Aside from that, the presentation holds up very well on both console versions – they are both graphically even.

A great update that they’ve done to the visuals is the fact that the players actually look like their real life counterparts now. Last years Madden had the players looking like generic people with eye paint on and a towel around their neck. All the players from both teams look authentic now, even the coaches on the sidelines. Not only that, but the players have their actual numbers as well, as opposed to last year when anyone on the sidelines just had zero’s for their jersey number.

The controls are relatively the same, aside from some added features that go with the new gameplan system. You can use the D-pad to change your defensive or offensive line assignments pre-snap. One interesting addition was being able to press R1 (on the Ps3) or the RB (on the 360) to secure the ball while you’re running with the ball to avoid turnovers. The audible system is a bit more streamlined now, pushing the options to the bottom of the screen above the stat box.

If you enjoy Madden, then you’ll have a good time with the demo – especially if you’re a fan of the Colts or Jets. One last thing that most will be pleased to hear; you can play an entire game now with five minute quarters to get the full feeling of the game. So if you end up having a close game when the fourth quarter begins, be prepared to have those tense camera angles and gameplay.

Let us know what you think about the demo in the comments section, does it live up to the hype or will you be holding off until next years version?

Kane & Lynch 2 Behind the Scenes Video

Mel Francis — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:09:36 +0000

For all those anticipating the release of Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days, on August 17th – this video is for you. In part one of this three part series, the developers of the game will discuss certain aspects of the title. They briefly explain why they decided to use the shaky cam feel for the game and also explain other issues with the first game.

Click here to view the embedded video.

WiiWare/XBLA/PSN Titles Are More Interesting than Retail Games – Thoughts From the Dojo #18

Gary Francis — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:08:11 +0000

Let’s face it, retail games are becoming lame. Most games are either a first person shooter, a sequel, or both. The very few fresh titles get buried so quickly due to lack of promotion that no one knows of their existence half the time, left to be promoted by word of mouth and “Top 10 most underrated games of this gen” lists.

These sequels horridly enough are suffering from what I love to call “Madden Syndrome” explained simply as a sequel that is entirely the first game with one, maybe at max two new features and priced at a full $50/$60. What’s worse is that we feed the machine that kind of money for utter unoriginality.

A shining ray of hope is upon us however in the virtual consoles on each platform. Every time I look at a list for the Playstation Network, Xbox Live Arcade, or WiiWare, I find a new and exciting IP that I would love to check out for the low price range of $5-$15. These titles are simply becoming more and more fresh as time goes by and if they are “inspired” by games of the past, these indie developers find just some way to put their own stamp on it. For almost this entire year I had not really been too excited for any title, I’m not a huge God of War fan, user reviews of Final Fantasy XIII were “meh” I had not played Mass Effect until two weeks prior to writing this article.

When I saw Limbo however, I had finally saw a title that I was comfortable spending money on, a great experience for only $15. The game was true to platforming, making the jumps a challenge, making you truly feel as afraid of dying to a difficult ledge as you are to an enemy on screen. In fact the challenge of the game came mostly in this respect as there are no combat options. I truly have no complaints with the title where as all of the major retail titles for the year, which you pay more for, have problems. God of War III is just God of War II and God of War, Final Fantasy XIII was disappointing after the runaway hype train around its release, and Mass Effect 2, I have not played as of yet, but it cannot be so different from the original.

The virtual consoles also very kindly offer old school classics at the same price range as these brand new titles, some are just fitted to work well with current Televisions and others are given a full HD makeover. Some of these old school titles are also completely remade such as Bionic Commando and Super Street Fighter II Turbo.

Think about it, you can buy four completely creative, sometimes innovative, and affordable titles for the price of one sequel with Madden Syndrome. Take yourself a look at the list of titles for the virtual consoles on all three platforms of this generation and see how long you can resist wanting to buy half the stores. I would make a list of “Games to check out” but these lists are all over the blogs, so I would be beating a dead horse for the umpteenth time over. Game affordably in this economy fellows!

Yoshinori Ono updates fans on Street Fighter

Gary Francis — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:27:19 +0000

Famed Street Fighter producer Yoshinori Ono has had a lot to say about the franchise he has revitalized over the Comic-Con weekend.

Street Fighter III: Third Strike Online Edition - The producer has stated at his Comic-Con panel that that the title is in early stages so fans should urgently take their suggestions to the Capcom-Unity forums in order to have their voices heard on features they would love to see in the game. I personally just want to see an HD touch up, so that the characters don’t look so pixelated on HD Televisions, and maybe Yun and Chun-Li can get toned down just a little. (taken from Comicbookresources.com)

Super Street Fighter IV- The producer confirmed without a shadow of a doubt, since there were rumors that the extra character slots for the arcade versions might have been photoshopped, that there will in fact be two additional characters in the arcade release of Super Street Fighter IV. According to Ono, more information will be revealed at the Tokyo Game Show, however if you play back his panel at Comic-Con you will hear some names. I wonder just how true that is. Here’s hoping for Alex of Street Fighter III and Karin of Street Fighter Alpha III. (taken from Comicbookresources.com)

Street Fighter X Tekken- Apparently new info on the title will come very slowly we will not hear anything more about the crossover until Captivate 2011 and the game will release some time in 2012 according to an interview the producer has done in Famitsu magazine.

PS3 Firmware 3.41 Out Now – Adds Store Recommendations Feature

Mel Francis — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:48:22 +0000

Sony has announced last night that sometime in the near future, we will be graced with new Ps3 firmware. What does it add? Well not much aside from this nifty looking store recommendations feature – which basically suggests to the consumer what they might like based on the media they’re viewing at the moment.

PSP firmware 6.31 is slated to come out around the same time as well, but details are sketchy aside from “…system software stability during use of some PSP format software titles has been improved.”.

Sounds like side-speak for closing holes on the homebrew community.

Avid Playstation fans are still clamoring for the oft-mentioned cross game chat – when will it finally arrive? Only time will tell.

[Source - Official Playstation Blog]

Update: The update is now available – so get it while it’s hot!

Street Fighter X Tekken, Street Fighter III: Third Strike Online Edition, More Super Street Fighter IV DLC:Fighting Games Live!

Gary Francis — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:42:35 +0000

At Comic-Con this passed Saturday, Capcom’s Yoshinori Ono surprised fans by throwing the ultimate curveball. What started as an announcement of an announcement on his twitter page and grew into rumors of a new Darkstalkers title, was revealed on Saturday to be not one but three surprises. The first being that Super Street Fighter IV would be attaining some new DLC costumes. Secondly put an ear to ear grin on my face, Street Fighter III: Third Strike Online Edition, details of which have not been revealed, the general assumption is that it will simply be the 1999 title with Online play? What’s interesting to note is that this new version of Street Fighter III: Third Strike will not be out for some time according to Ono, seems odd if you’re just slapping online features into a new game. Perhaps HD polish? Balance tweaks? A man can dream I suppose. Moving on to the final announcement which is by far the most popular and surprising Capcom has announced a partnership with Namco Bandai games for Street Fighter X Tekken. Namco Bandai will also be doing their own version of the same crossover. What’s known for sure is that Street Fighter X Tekken seems to be re-using the Street Fighter IV models of the Street Fighter cast and the Tekken characters are given the Street Fighter IV look. The game will be 2 v 2 from what the trailer has shown, with tag team play similar to Tatsunoko vs. Capcom or Marvel vs. Capcom.

A few questions that come to mind are, can the Street Fighter characters and Tekken characters work under one system? Tekken characters with Supers? How will the Tekken characters deal with fireballs? Will the Street Fighter characters have juggle combos? What will the command lists look like? Will we see Street Fighter characters with series of chain moves? All I know is I cannot wait for more information about this game.

Enjoy the little visuals we have already.

Click here to view the embedded video.

More Marvel vs. Capcom 3 character reveals

Gary Francis — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:48:45 +0000

Marvel.com has revealed The Mighty Thor and The Sun Goddess Amaterasu to be two new reveals in Marvel vs. Capcom 3.

Here are the pics to prove it.

New Footage of Marvel vs. Capcom 3 + New Character Trailer

Gary Francis — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:30:02 +0000

By now you have heard Dante’s mother’s clone Trish, The most iconic super genius known to man, Dr. Doom, The strongest woman in the world, Chun-Li and The Fantastic Four in one character Super Skrull have been announced to grace Marvel vs. Capcom 3.

Chun-Li and Dr. Doom were no surprise and the Super Skrull had been rumored since the game’s producer confirmed that the Fantastic Four would not have spots on the character roster. The real surprise here is Trish, I’m not sure how I feel about that one, maybe Marvel vs. Capcom 3 has a thing for guns? Next confirms Lady and Black Widow perhaps.

Hope you guys are ready for the greatest video game crossover in history to come back, but just in case you are not, here’s some videos to whet your appetite.

Click here to view the embedded video.

My Letter to Playstation fanboys across the globe-Thoughts From the Dojo #17

Gary Francis — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:46:05 +0000

Now I’m breaking two personal rules writing this article, the first being writing my column twice in the same week. The second is responding to internet fans. This obviously is directed at the playstation fanboys out there who have really been giving me a hard time with every minor criticism I give towards anything regarding the Playstation 3.

I’ve criticized both of the major platforms in my history here on GamingVice.net, but I am only met with such “hate” from people who must have Sony putting food in their children’s mouths the way they defend that console to the death. The latest instance would be my article called “Uncharted: Truly Unmarked Territory?.” The article was meant to make people realize that the Uncharted IP while solidly done, a great game that I could not put down to where I finished both games in a span of four days, is not as magnificent as the hype implied. The title has a plethora of mechanics found in various other games in one game, and we call that originality. Somehow I am bashing something related to the PS3. So I have to wonder, do playstation fans read articles? Or do they just have that maternal instinct to jump on whoever attacks their darling Playstation 3?

I wrote an article a while back about Tekken 6 on the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360, when a developer for the game said that having the title on the Xbox 360 would be a problem. My article included cold hard facts and even machine specs which showed how the game playing on the 360 should be absolutely no problem. I was met with extreme hate over the article, only for but merely days later, an article was posted of the very same developer saying that having Tekken 6 on the Xbox 360 would be no problem. I went to E3 the same year, and noticed oddly enough that the 360 version looked more crisp graphically, which I double checked with a friend. More facts for you, the arcade cabinet that houses Tekken 6 is more or less a PS3 in casing, but the game looks better on the 360? Brings to mind an argument that multi-platform titles work better on the 360 because developers start there and the port to the PS3. At the end of the day though, I showed my true Microsoft fandom, by buying the Playstation 3 version of the title.

In the past, whenever I have criticized the Xbox 360, Microsoft fans have thrown “hate” toward me, sure, but never for anything like Playstation fans. It seems that if I even mention a previous Playstation 2 exclusive that is now on both the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360, I’m met with the claims of me being an Xbox 360 fanboy. How can I be when my response to that is usually “good, so now everybody can play it”? It makes me a 360 fanboy because I’m happy that everyone can play Grand Theft Auto, Final Fantasy XIII, or Tekken? This is the flawed logic that you Playstation fans put me up against. You all sound like children when you comment on articles that way. You still get the game on your console, what on earth are you complaining about? Oh? The 360 version gimps the PS3 version? Is that right? If that’s the case, why do so many games that work for the 360 work better than the PS3 version? Bayonetta? (Super)Street Fighter IV? Tekken 6? Elder Scrolls IV? If anything 360 fans should be complaining about it taking longer for games to come out because of the time it takes to develop the Playstation 3 version that will be lesser anyway.

Does this make me a 360 fanboy for stating facts? Not at all, I own both consoles, and more often than not you can find a Playstation 3 controller in my hand. I have spent the last weekend playing both Uncharted titles, and the Playstation 3 version of Super Street Fighter IV. It seems however that I’m locked in a battle with Playstation fans everywhere when I do not even want to be. I just want to play games, write about them, and maybe convince a few people that some games are more hype than originality.

It is in that regard that Playstation fans, at least in my opinion, take all meaning out of Game of the year, because every Playstation 3 exclusive should be game of the year. Case and point, when inFamous came out, it was met with “This better be game of the year” By the time the end of the year rolled around and Modern Warfare 2 had taken the vote, inFamous wasn’t even being mention in the light of Uncharted 2. If you ask me that’s nonsensical, if gamers want to be taken seriously we cannot jump at the next big thing and wanting it to win numerous awards because we see it that way. Out of the three titles, if any deserved a Game of the Year nomination it was inFamous for being truly an original concept, it may have borrowed elements from other games, but for the most part inFamous is its own game. With Uncharted other than the story, you can see where another title has done what Uncharted had done before. I respect Uncharted, I love the game, but its just not very original, it just plays well. Modern Warfare 2 was a standard fps affair, and should not have even been around the game of the year heap.

If you are still convinced that I am an Xbox 360 fanboy, or a fanboy of any sort other than gaming after reading this. You probably did not read the whole article in which case, I am unable to take you seriously.

5 Fighting Games to Look forward to for the Enthusiast- Thoughts From The Dojo # 16

Gary Francis — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:10:45 +0000

To think I thought as a fan of the fighting game genre that last year was a fluke and that Tekken 6, Street Fighter IV, Tatsunoko vs. Capcom, The King of Fighters XII, and BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger were all we were in for in this “dying” genre. Well it seems as if the fighting game genre is here to stay and minus the arcades, everything is just like the old days, the Japanese have the games for months and then we pick them up later.

5) Mortal Kombat 9(working title): Ed Boon and his team are at it again, but perhaps this may be a good outing? Mortal Kombat to the fighting game enthusiast has always been in the boat of shallow, non-tournament worthy fighters along with the Dead or Alive franchise. Mortal Kombat 7 is looking to change all that by adding all sorts of things seen in good fighters of the recent past. Added are EX type moves that take away from your “super” meter to perform, ripped straight from the Street Fighter III series. X-ray moves which act like Desperation Moves from The King of Fighters ’94, fill up your “super” meter, and unleash loads of damage. There is also the addition of a tag mode that seems to have been directly ripped from the Marvel vs. series, from tagging, to assists, tagging as you block, even your assist not performing their attack if you get hit. From the sheer amount of mechanics this game has ripped directly from Capcom and SNK fighting games it may actually be worth learning how to play. That alone makes this one something to watch.

Click here to view the embedded video.

4) The King of Fighters XIII: Now The King of Fighters suffered a real hit with KOFXII. The previous installment was ill received for its barebones fighting experience and as a result, a very shallow gameplay that was uncharacteristic of the series’ normally layered strategy riddled fare. The King of Fighters XIII graphically looks exactly like its predecesor but don’t let that scare you, SNK seems to know how they skipped a beat and are ready to take KOFXIII back to its roots. Returning are series favorites K’ and Mai Shiranui along with their respective teams, with the character options nearing thirty, this game is already better than the disappointing twenty in XII. New features to the series include EX moves, that work just as they do in Street Fighter or Darkstalkers’ ES moves, The Hyper Drive system allows for some awesomely extensive combo options as well as another the other new feature, The NEO MAX cancel, performing your Desperation Move in Hyper Drive mode at the cost of two meters will alow you to cancel into your Devestating NEO MAX attack. As a tournament worthy fighting game, this one is looking like it has all the tools, it just needs what this series never has in this country, a good fan base.

Click here to view the embedded video.

3) BlazBlue: Continuum Shift is the new installment in a franchise that has a surprisingly large cult following. BlazBlue can be called somewhat of a spawn of Guilty Gear but it seems to me at least in this country that, BlazBlue has exceeded Guilty Gear as far as a fan base is concerned. The new game adds changes more to the mechanics than the cast. While there are two free new characters, a character replacement, and a DLC character making a total of four new characters, the rest is balance changes for the existing cast. Also the mechanic changes are for those in the know, casual players won’t even see a thing. Guard Libra has been replaced by Guard Primer which turns guard breaking into a more standard fare, when your character is hit with a sufficient amount of guard crushing moves, their guard is crushed and you are left open to a combo attempt by your opponent. Barrier Burst has been replaced with Break Burst that is very similar but behaves differently depending on if you are attacking or defending, offensively you can create combo oppurtunities, while defending will grant you complete invincibility during the attack but will permanently half your guard meter. BlazBlue may just be this generation’s technical master piece, I just hope that it will achieve the fan base it deserves.

Click here to view the embedded video.

2) Marvel vs. Capcom 3 has been highly anticipated since Marvel vs. Capcom 2, that’s ten years of hype and now it has been officially announced, it will be in our hands next year and I can’t wait. While the controls may be a mix between Marvel vs. Capcom 2 and Tatsunoko vs. Capcom the gameplay is Marvel vs. Capcom through and through. Dante, Deadpool and Chris Redfield join the fray for the first time and they look and play just as you’ve always dreamed. Not too much is out on MVC3 just yet but from what we have seen from E3 its definitely best in show here.

Click here to view the embedded video.

1) Yoshinori Ono’s surprise. This might seem like a real stinker in the top slot but for a producer to say something along the lines of Super Street Fighter IV being nothing yet, that’s got me pretty psyched as to what his next project would be. Could it be Darkstalkers? He’s mentioned it before, perhaps a new IP? Capcom vs. SNK 3? The list of rumors that can be made until he makes his announcement is absolutely endless. If you’re not hype you should be and I cannot wait until Comic-con when he unveils it to the world.