I’ve been playing a ton of Monolith’s F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin over this weekend. I finished the single-player campaign a few hours ago and I can’t think of any rational words to describe it. I feel like David Jaffe after catching some God of War III footage, except my experience is more in the “What the hell?” realm than, “OH MY GOD, KRATOS JUST PWNED THAT GUY’S INTESTINES!!!!”
I don’t want to steal my own F.E.A.R. 2 thunder (review forthcoming), so I’ll switch the subject to the last movie I saw: Babylon A.D. It’s a typical Vin Diesel sci-fi movie -- Diesel plays a space tough guy, reluctant to save the day. I know you’re already thinking that it's boring, but I assure you the movie is amazing. I can only hope the above video can prove it to you.
Anyway, it’s the end of the week and we’ve been playing some games. Hit the break to check out which ones and don't forget to tell us what you've been playing.
Jim Sterling: In between coughing fits, I've been playing Onechanbara and FEAR 2 for review. I have to say that FEAR 2 is one of my first surprises of the year; that game is splendid, and this is coming from someone who hates the first. Highly recommended playing for anybody who wants a game that actually manages to creep you out now and then, while also having a mech section.
Conrad Zimmerman: I, too, have been playing Onechanbara for review, as well as My World My Way. And I just picked up Retro Game Challenge this afternoon and, while I'm only a short bit in, am finding it to be highly charming.
Justin Villasenor: It's mostly been strategy games for me this week: Supreme Commander and Rome: Total War, in particular.
Jonathan Ross:Left 4 Dead and TF2, of course. Checked out Flower, which was kind of neat but I dunno how much I'll play it. Been playing My World My Way and Retro Game Challenge on DS, both of which I love, and I managed to squeeze in a little SF2 HD Remix on the 360. Oh, and Onechanbara, which was...interesting.
Hamza Aziz: I've been playing getting my corrupted computer somewhat fixed, possibly losing 20GBs worth of music, and banning trolls. Yay.
Tom Fronczak:Dota Dota Dota and more Dota. And a bit more of Puzzle Quest. I'm finally at the point in Dota where I can't call myself a noob anymore and have moved comfortably onto normal mode instead of easy mode. However, I've only been playing RD mode lately, I should try AR more often. Still plenty to learn though, plus the constant updates.
Tron Knotts: I have no idea what you just said, Fronz.
As for me, I wish I was playing Retro Game Challenge and Big Bang Mini, as I finally managed to find both of them in stores. Problem is, I gave my DS to my mom, so until the DSi comes out, I've got nothing to play them on. The wait it killing me!
In the meantime, I've been playing House of the Dead: Overkill, which has turned out to be much funnier than I thought it would be. Also got back into Animal Crossing: City Folk after a couple weeks hiatus (winter can be boring), and am just about to start in on Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers.
Oh, and how could I forget LocoRoco 2? It's amazing.
Dale North: Jim, I've got the fucking SARS too. Hate it.
Anyway, I've been enjoying Atlus' Steal Princess still, especially on airplanes. I've also been playing a little UT3 here lately, too. Most of my time has been spent replaying the first Yakuza on PS2 in preparation for the Japanese PS3 that I'm about to try to muddle my way through. I still love this game, and yes, I'm going to play Yakuza 2 again too.
Brad Rice: Been slowly making my way through Resident Evil 4, but I'm much happier about finally getting to play Left 4 Dead on my friend's PC. Been playing it two-player split-screen -- I wish we had four players together working on this, just because I'd like to have a greater opportunity to use the sniper rifle.
Jordan "Grim" Devore: It's been another busy week for me, and I've only really had time to play the PSP port of PaRappa the Rapper and Burnout Paradise for Friday Night Fights.
Nick Chester: Been playing a bit of Street Fighter IV, mostly against A.I. (Seth is a teleportation spamming little biznatch) -- looking forward to getting some human competition. Also received Henry Hatsworth for the DS, although I haven't gotten much farther than the stuff I had played last year. Loving it so far. I intend to play Flower sometime today, despite our somewhat divided Destructoid review.
Topher Cantler: My whole gaming week consisted of downloadable titles. Flower, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo, Castle Crashers, SSFIITHDR, and Pac Man CE. SSFIITHDR has reinforced the fact that I still inexplicably suck balls at Street Fighter, but it isn't stopping me from being super pumped for SFIV this week. I've kicked enough ass in Rival Schools over the years, it's time for karma to bite me in the ass with a game I'm not so good at. Hurt pride will be a small price to pay for more Street Fighter. Come beat me up, I'll stil be having a blast anyway.
Jim Sterling: Oh yeah, also just started playing Halo Wars. It's pretty much Command & Conquer, but with more Haloz!
Samit Sarkar: I got my hands on the Killzone 2 demo this week, and I must say, it's a fantastic little slice of the game. Obviously, it's visually striking -- that much was never in doubt -- but the gameplay itself is what kept me coming back (I've played through the 10- to 15-minute demo three times now, and I'm definitely going to play it some more before the game's release). The Helghast AI is some of the best I've seen in a videogame: they fight like you would expect real soldiers to fight, flushing you out from cover with grenades and by flanking you. Suffice it to say that the demo shut up the "it's just another gray current-gen shooter" thoughts in me, and now I really want to buy the game.
I also gave the Resident Evil 5 demo a shot, even though I've never played any of the prior games in the series for more than fifteen minutes or so. I was very apprehensive because of the whole you-can't-move-while-you-shoot thing, and in fact, I died pretty quickly the first time I tried it. I don't understand why the default control scheme (D, I believe) has you aim with the left analog stick instead of the right -- luckily, using scheme A fixed all that, and I was able to complete "Public Assembly" on my second try. Even with a ten-minute demo, it's easy to see how well-crafted the game is; the devs do a wonderful job of ratcheting up the tension (I was at low health the whole time and got a green herb just when I neeeded it). I could actually see myself enjoying this game.
On Wednesday, EA had their Winter and Spring Preview event in Manhattan, which I attended; they were showing off a ton of games (at least 15), including The Godfather II (awesome fire effects), Battlefield 1943 (looking like a tremendous value for a downloadable game), EA SPORTS Active (it may usurp Wii Fit's throne), and The Sims 3 (addictive). Look for previews on some of those games (and more) in the days to come.
I beat Flower in about two hours on Friday night, and they were two of the most fun hours I've had with videogames in a while. I didn't have a problem with the more "game-y" aspects of the game -- I've never disliked what people call "collect-a-thons" -- and there's a definite story arc in the game that evokes one hell of an emotional response. Flower may not be for everyone, but I think everyone should at least try it regardless.
Finally, I resumed my trek to Rivet City in Fallout 3's Capital Wasteland. That's where I am right now, and I was enraged when I discovered that, just because I happened to duck into the Jefferson Memorial on my way to Rivet City, the game won't allow me to get the Trophy for finishing my current main story quest ("Scientific Pursuits"). Apparently, you have to complete quest objectives in the order in which they are presented -- there's only one very specific order for each quest, and you have to do the quest that way if you want the Trophy for that quest. RAAAAAGE.
Conrad Zimmerman: That's interesting. I did a ton of stuff out of order on the 360 version and it awarded the achievements when I completed the quest line, regardless of how I went about it.
Jim Sterling: PS3 version of Fallout 3 RUINED, Xbox 360 version comes out tops. Confirmed!
Samit Sarkar: Well, I haven't actually completed the quest yet, so I'm not sure if I won't get the Trophy. But I've already talked to Dr. Li, and said "I've already visited Project Purity, he's not there," and the game still gives me the objective "Talk to Doctor Li." It's weird. Plus, there's this, which is what really worries me.
beat Fable 2, played some Far Cry 2 and a lot of Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection this week. It would be the ultimate collection if it had Strider and Toe Jam & Earl. But at least it has Fantasy Zone, which is awesome.
Apart from TF2 and Rockband, ive put some time into Burnout Paradise (on pc). Its a good port, which made me happy, looks and runs great. Its certainly not a bad game at all, although im finding it a little tedious now that im on my A license, ive raced over most roads, and im not getting new cars often. But its an ideal game for playing a couple of events at a time, and theres enough variety there to keep me coming back.
I started playing persona 4 on normal and I'm really enjoying it. Retro game challenge has also been super fun this week but that damn rpg is making me frustrated
I've been slowly playing more God Hand, played through Doukutsu Monogatari for the second time, and I'm really loving Burnout Paradise with the new update that came out. Today I played TF2 for the first time and realized that the netcode is bullocks on the 360, still fun, despite the connection issues.
Pretty much just some Rock Band 2. I've hit a brick wall in the challenges on expert drums in the form of Teenage Riot by Sonic Youth, and can't master its Run to the Hills-esque beats well enough to get past it. And I refuse to drop down to hard, because that's just giving up.
Animal Crossing: City Folk as always, continuing to focus on earning a shitload of money, waiting for the day when I have enough matching furniture to impress the HRA, and also waiting on finding a damn flagpole for the Mario set.
I got bored and downloaded Star Parodier, Contra III, and Art Style: Orbient on the Virtual Console. Star Parodier is good but perhaps a touch easy on the normal level, as I got to the final boss on my first go. The enemy bullets also have a tendency to disappear in the giant waves of firepower coming from your ship. Contra III is surprisingly playable with the Gamecube controller; I had held off on downloading it because I thought it would be a nightmare with the distance between the B and Y buttons. Very minor hiccups exist with this setup, but it's not like Super Mario World where holding down Y and jumping is essential. Orbient is totally worth 600 Nintendo Gilzenny Points. It's pretty hard! The levels get devious by the halfway point and the mechanics are solid. The aesthetic is great as well, which you'd expect from a series called Art Style. There's something about the graphics and music that reminds me of an NES game in the way they make me feel, I can't pinpoint it. Absolutely recommended if you're looking for a puzzle game out of the norm. I look forward to checking out other entries in the series, and even though I had no plans of getting a DSi this might be the series to do it if the DSiware Art Style games come out over here.
Finally beat Shadow of the Colossus yesterday after being stuck at the final colossus for several days (stupidly got stuck and didn't know what to do at one point in the battle, finally figured it out.) Kudos for taking an old game cliché (hit the boss' glowing weak point!) and somehow building a satisfying game around it. Beautiful game.
Today I got Konami's Shadow of Destiny for PC because it was cheap at Big Lots and I'd heard good things. I sat down and played through it for the first time over a couple of sittings. Quite enjoyable. If you like time travel stories I recommend it, especially at $4 or whatever.
And I finished Sam & Max Season 1 Episodes 4 and 5, and am working on the final one now. I dig this game.
If I get really bored or something Ill try to play some Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem, or maybe some Burnout Paradise or Ace Combat 6. More than likely Ill play a little Call of Duty 4 multiplayer though.
I do feel like picking up Metroid Prime for some reason though Im not sure how much Im going to like the aiming controls.
Anyway, Europe finaly got the privilege to play Chrono Trigger, and I completed it this week. I really have no words to describe it. For a 14 year old game it really holds up to today's standards. Nay, if modern RPG's are representative of today's standards, then I'd say it surpasses it by far! The game is simply just perfect, and can safely climb up to my top 5 list of favourite games.
I also decided that its about time to complete Final Fantasy III for the DS, as it kinda bothers me that I haven't done it yet. I have to say its kind of a polarizing experience after playing Chrono Trigger and all. I'm going to grind my party all the way up level 60, so I'll finally be strong enough to go through with that horrendous end sequence (where savespots are non-existant).
An unhealthy amount of Burnout Paradise. Grim is really patient; he'll let you mess up barrel rolls all day, and will still help you :)
Other than that, not much. Street Fighter IV in the arcade, Burnout Dominator (PSP), and The Warriors (PSP). The later two are probably the most underrated games on the PSP, despite the fact that Dominator WAS NOT made by Criterion (EA UK) and that The Warriors is based on a movie.
I believe I did the same thing, I believe if you visit 3 dog, you should get the trophy, unless you've already done it, and if so sorry to hear about that!
I just beat Tales of Symphonia, so I'm trying to decide whether to go back to Mana Kehmia or chill with some multiplayer action and prepare for the oncoming Street Fighter IV tsunami.
@Projectexodus:
FF3 is the game in my DS too. I'm only about roughly halfway through the game now but I would give up my airship for some Phoenix Downs aplenty. Seriously.
Played Dynasty Warriors 6 with a friend last night on the new gaming system, which was ultra fun. Other than that, just been playing Burnout Paradise and Prince of Persia.
I am still playing LBP. Thinking of finally picking up Mirror's Edge, if not I may play back through Uncharted to give me a fix until Uncharted 2 comes out. That and playing some FIFA 09 and NCAA 09 (yes I play both kinds of football!)
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Contest:
11:40 PM on 02.15.2009
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Some other things.
I got bored and downloaded Star Parodier, Contra III, and Art Style: Orbient on the Virtual Console. Star Parodier is good but perhaps a touch easy on the normal level, as I got to the final boss on my first go. The enemy bullets also have a tendency to disappear in the giant waves of firepower coming from your ship. Contra III is surprisingly playable with the Gamecube controller; I had held off on downloading it because I thought it would be a nightmare with the distance between the B and Y buttons. Very minor hiccups exist with this setup, but it's not like Super Mario World where holding down Y and jumping is essential. Orbient is totally worth 600 Nintendo Gilzenny Points. It's pretty hard! The levels get devious by the halfway point and the mechanics are solid. The aesthetic is great as well, which you'd expect from a series called Art Style. There's something about the graphics and music that reminds me of an NES game in the way they make me feel, I can't pinpoint it. Absolutely recommended if you're looking for a puzzle game out of the norm. I look forward to checking out other entries in the series, and even though I had no plans of getting a DSi this might be the series to do it if the DSiware Art Style games come out over here.
Finally beat Shadow of the Colossus yesterday after being stuck at the final colossus for several days (stupidly got stuck and didn't know what to do at one point in the battle, finally figured it out.) Kudos for taking an old game cliché (hit the boss' glowing weak point!) and somehow building a satisfying game around it. Beautiful game.
Today I got Konami's Shadow of Destiny for PC because it was cheap at Big Lots and I'd heard good things. I sat down and played through it for the first time over a couple of sittings. Quite enjoyable. If you like time travel stories I recommend it, especially at $4 or whatever.
And I finished Sam & Max Season 1 Episodes 4 and 5, and am working on the final one now. I dig this game.
I do feel like picking up Metroid Prime for some reason though Im not sure how much Im going to like the aiming controls.
Hopefully I'll have one of them finished before star Ocean 4
Anyway, Europe finaly got the privilege to play Chrono Trigger, and I completed it this week. I really have no words to describe it. For a 14 year old game it really holds up to today's standards. Nay, if modern RPG's are representative of today's standards, then I'd say it surpasses it by far! The game is simply just perfect, and can safely climb up to my top 5 list of favourite games.
I also decided that its about time to complete Final Fantasy III for the DS, as it kinda bothers me that I haven't done it yet. I have to say its kind of a polarizing experience after playing Chrono Trigger and all. I'm going to grind my party all the way up level 60, so I'll finally be strong enough to go through with that horrendous end sequence (where savespots are non-existant).
So yeah, this has been another week of DS love.
Other than that, not much. Street Fighter IV in the arcade, Burnout Dominator (PSP), and The Warriors (PSP). The later two are probably the most underrated games on the PSP, despite the fact that Dominator WAS NOT made by Criterion (EA UK) and that The Warriors is based on a movie.
I believe I did the same thing, I believe if you visit 3 dog, you should get the trophy, unless you've already done it, and if so sorry to hear about that!
@Projectexodus:
FF3 is the game in my DS too. I'm only about roughly halfway through the game now but I would give up my airship for some Phoenix Downs aplenty. Seriously.