CRUNCHPOP

Gaming Heads Garrus 1/4 Scale Statue Unboxing & Review

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 16:56:00 +0000

With the shocking delay of Mass Effect: Andromeda this week (as if we didn't see that coming), this video was also delayed. Some time has passed since I shot this (note the hair) and it looks like there are even more awesome Mass Effect statues on Gaming Heads' site. Links are below.

So with that, check out this in-depth unboxing & review to one of my all-time favorite characters from one of my all-time favorite video game series.

Big thanks to my dear brothers for surprising me with this awesome piece of art for my birthday! He will forever be proudly standing on my desk, ready to nullify the Reaper threat!

Gaming Heads Garrus Store Link:
http://www.gamingheads.com/garrus.html

Gaming Heads Garrus Exclusive Link:
http://www.gamingheads.com/garrus-exc...

Gaming Heads Liara Link:
http://www.gamingheads.com/liara.html

Gaming Heads Liara Exclusive Link:
http://www.gamingheads.com/liara.html

Gaming Heads Tali'Zorah vas Normandy Link:
http://www.gamingheads.com/tali-39-zo...

Mass Effect Tali'Zorah vas Normandy Exclusive Link:
http://www.gamingheads.com/tali-39-zo...

Mass Effect Mordin Link:
http://www.gamingheads.com/mordin.html

Mass Effect Mordin Exclusive Link:
http://www.gamingheads.com/mordin-exc...

Mass Effect Minimate Gamestop Exclusive Mystery Pack:
http://www.amazon.com/Mass-Effect-Min...

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10 Minute Gamer: The Division Beta Impressions - Episode 3

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 13:58:00 +0000

With both betas behind us, The Division's official release is just around the corner. Check out our impressions from our experiences in the betas and join in on offering up what you all thought of it!

Will it live up to the hype? Will it pull some Destiny fans in? Does it scream with potential? So much is up in the air, but we are excited to almost get our hands on it!

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10 Minute Gamer: Most Anticipated Games of 2016 - Episode 2

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 13:55:00 +0000

Episode two is up and whoa, this year is looking to be amazing for all of us who game! This week's episode, we tackle our most anticipated games for 2016! Follow along and see what we both are looking forward to most! What are you most anticipating to get your hands on?

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10 Minute Gamer: Game of the Year 2015 - Episode 1

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 00:06:00 +0000

by: Chris Mills

2015 entered our lives full steam ahead, promising to delight our senses and tingle our nerves. While the year wasn't all peaches and cream, at least we had some pretty fantastic video games to distract ourselves with. We know 2015 has been gone for a little while, but here are our picks of 2015 for those of you playing catch up along with us. The order placement is not rock solid and in our estimation all of these games are great.

Chris's Picks:

10. Batman: Arkham Knight

9. Star Wars Battlefront

8. Rainbow Six: Siege

7. Bloodborne

6. Until Dawn

5. Fallout 4

4. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

3. Just Cause 3

2. Rocket League - Biggest Surprise

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Game of the Year 2015

Joshua's Picks:

10. Fallout 4

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

8. Star Wars Battlefront

7. Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe And The Blight Below

6. Helldivers

5. Just Cause 3

4. Mortal Kombat X

3. Rocket League

2. Until Dawn - Biggest Surprise

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Game of the Year 2015

Disclaimer: We have tried to take into account all aspects of these games to rate them well, but the level of fun we had while playing them influenced our lists heavily.

PS4 Launch Impressions and Review

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Sun, 17 Nov 2013 22:34:00 +0000

Does greatness await?

by: Joshua Pruett

The Playstation 4 has finally launched. I went and picked it up at the midnight event my Gamestop was having. With all the hoot-n-holler surrounding some reported serious issues, I was a bit nervous walking back to my car after with my new PS4 in hand. (Which nicely sports a slim box and carrying handle!) Since the launch of Xbox 360, you could say there is a bit of skepticism and mistrust with anyone adopting new consoles, myself included. Disturbingly, a chunk of shipments from Amazon are causing the dreaded "Blue Pulse of Death" or "Red Line of Death". Some customers are reporting other issues too and with such a rush of problems all at once, a longer-than-wanted wait to get a replacement.

Gladly, I don't have a bricked console and my experience with the system has been surprisingly positive. (I had my doubts, also my sympathies to those who have a brick.) I was able to hop on, sign into PSN, update the firmware, jump on the PSN Store, use my $10 credit and download Flower, Resogun and Contrast. I didn't yet have any disc based games because I was awaiting my shipment of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Battlefield 4 and Killzone:Shadow Fall arriving Friday evening. (Thanks buy two get one free, Amazon!) As far as launch day though, I wasn't expecting much to fully function. Remarkably, everything I wanted it to do, actually did work just fine.

Well what about the camera and streaming functions? I logged into and linked my Twitch account, started up Resogun (which is awesome by the way), hit the share button and voila! The simplicity of it is magnificent, though I hope some more options and tools for tweaking will be implemented in the near future. Still, you can change the quality of your stream from low to best and choose to include your video feed if you have a camera amongst other basic options. You can see who's in your room and who's chatting too.

As for the quality, my upload sucks pretty bad, so I noticed some lag when checking my live stream on my channel. Now, this was via the same wi-fi network, but I still think it's because of my slow upload speed. The performance increased and latency decreased when I bumped down my quality to medium, but it didn't look as good obviously. I've seen some streams that look marvelous, granted they had the upload to get them there. On a side note, I would love to see some production features for editing added.

For meat and potatoes streaming, console gamers now have a way to get themselves out there and you don't need a camera or any other hardware / software to do so. Concerning the rest of the UI in general, if I could sum it up in two words: clean and fast. Nothing appears too cumbersome and everything from downloading games to jumping back to the home screen is nearly instantaneous. You could be in the thick of it, mid-game and hit the PS button and this would snap you right back to home in the blink of an eye. Compared to the both buried PS3 and Xbox 360 interfaces, this is very welcoming indeed. I'm definitely impressed.

Speaking of impressed, the element of PS4 I am probably most impressed with is the newly designed Dual-Shock 4 controller. I will say this: after owning multiple generations of consoles, PC pads, joysticks and any other thing you use to control something with, the Dual-Shock 4 is the most comfortable controller I have ever put in my hands and is easily my new favorite. Everything just feels right about it and this is coming from someone who loved the Xbox 360 controller and not cared for the DS3 as much.

WITH ANOTHER GENERATION OF GAMES TO EXPERIENCE FOR YEARS TO COME, I AM GLAD I'M IN LOVE WITH THE CONTROLLER.

With the DS4, the quality is clearly there. Everything from the depressing/pressing of the face buttons to the swooping lip of the triggers, it's fantastic. Since I don't have a PS Vita, I am not able to check out the Remote Play functionality. Yet, that is. I am planning on picking one up, hopefully during a Black Friday sale somewhere. From what I have seen online of its performance, it looks to work quite well. I even saw someone playing Resogun in the streets of their city over an LTE network.

To Perform, Or Not To Perform

Now as far as games go, I finally got to jump into it a little bit last night. Let's talk graphics real quick. This is probably the main (if not the) reason why people are clamoring for a new console. I jumped into some KZ:SF and BF4 multiplayer matches and I am pleased to say they run at 60 frames per second and they look gorgeous. I did notice a few dips in frames with KZ:SF, but nothing too drastic. I would say BF4 looks somewhere between medium to high settings on a gaming PC.

BF4 finally gets 64 player servers too, however all of my attempts at jumping into them failed and got me kicked out. EA is aware of these issues and are supposedly releasing a patch early next week. Killzone is very much candy to the eyes and shows what the PS4 can do. It has a Crysis franchise look to it, but with a much brighter palette. I haven't had any issues online with it and not having played any Killzone prior, I'm finding it to be quite fun. I am looking forward to diving into its campaign.

ACIV:BF looks great but doesn't run at 60fps. At least the multiplayer doesn't. I haven't yet gotten a look at the campaign. Resogun, Contrast and Flower all look great in their own charming way and run at 60fps as well. That aside, I am curious to see how developers utilize the console's feature set. I am a little leery of the components being powerful enough to thrust us into a later cycle. From a cost stand point I understand, but concerning the future of performance, the jury is still out.

Time will tell and with consoles, time usually means increased optimization and graphical fidelity. I still think they should mandate 60fps. I guess it's in the developers hands and it's being done now, so let's hope more jump on that bandwagon. It's not the end-all-be-all for me, but it is nice to see silky smooth engines running on all cylinders. The graphical boost is clear from the PS3, however it's still too early to see the full potential of the system. You aren't getting a top-of-the-line, high end gaming rig of a PC here, but the added power is graciously welcomed and clearly evident in the launch lineup.

Greatness Takes Time

We all know these new consoles already have their limitations. That's not always a bad thing, though. If there's anything about PS4 and Xbox One, we know what's in them and we know they aren't changing. This is actually one of the draws of consoles to me. Everyone (owning said consoles) runs the games on the same systems with the same results. I think it also enables developers to think outside the box and help them to focus more on what they have rather than what they don't. It becomes more of a "Let's squeeze everything we can out of this" mentality. This is clearly evident in the life cycle of the console. Games like Halo 4, GTAV and The Last of Us are testament and proof that even outdated hardware can still offer jaw-dropping visuals and a few other surprises.

BY FAR AND LARGE WHAT MAKES GAMING GREAT: THE GAMES.

As for the greatness, I think it's going to take some time, but not as long as the previous generation. While the next-gen lineup is pretty lackluster, it's what's on the horizon that counts for me. I am excited to see what new IP's are mustered up. Most of my favorite games of all time have been exclusives: Super Mario Bros., Goldeneye, Mario Kart 64, Legend of Zelda, Halo, The Last of Us, Uncharted, God of War, just to name a few. I have to say that I became extremely overjoyed with the teaser of the new Uncharted. This is what matters to me more than frames per second: it's the exclusives. With all of these new games and possibilities coming soon to fruition, it's a great time to be a gamer.

Here's To Gaming

I wish we could all agree on that! Good God, there has been so much hate between all of these platforms. Between the childish brother wars of the Nintendo, Sony and Xbox fanboys moronically duking out which is better and the holier-than-thou elite master race of PC, why can't we all just enjoy games? I don't for the life of me understand the people who waste their time just wanting to watch something fail while getting off on crushing the joy of others. Good riddance to that. You could be playing games instead! Gaming is a luxury. It's something that a lot of people don't get to ever experience due to their circumstances. So, how about we be thankful for having the privilege of gaming to begin with? I think every platform has something to bring to the table. If you're disregarding that because of some staunch bias, have you ever stopped to think you could be missing something? God forbid we ever learn to cough up our pride.

GAMING IS EVOLVING. IT'S HARD TO THINK WHERE WE WILL BE IN TEN MORE YEARS EVEN, BUT THAT'S WHAT'S TRULY EXCITING.

Anyway, that rant behind us, I am supremely excited for ALL platforms. It just keeps getting better. Think about the possibilities of the future. With the addition of Steam Machines in development, the Oculus Rift movement, new announcements of new IP, Nvidia releasing their Maxwell cards next year and the arrival of Xbox One, I am excited to see everything unfold. There are plenty of games across plenty of platforms to enjoy and the best part is: you can enjoy them all. Well, unless you have gobs of money, you can at least respect them all.

BOTTOM LINE
PS4 has some good things going for it. While nothing is perfect, when comparing it to its predecessor, it's safe to say that it can deliver and surpass in almost every way. The game lineup is its current hindrance from that greatness, but what's there is a decent start and with a little hope, time will assist in achieving that. I am also very interested in seeing what role Gaikai plays in the PS4's life. We will have to wait and see, but I'm looking forward to it!

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Hey there! Since I couldn't change my PSN name to one more fitting for Crunchpop, I'll be using: bountyXbandit. Be sure to check out my stream! Here's a list of all the games I am currently playing and will be streaming, so stop by from time to time and say hello!

- Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

- Battlefield 4

- Contrast

- Flower

- Killzone: Shadow Fall

- Resogun

Cheers!

Photo credit: Sony

Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft Beta Impressions

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 23:29:00 +0000

Home is where the Hearthstone is.
By: Joshua Pruett

World of Warcraft. I've always had a soft spot for World of Warcraft, or WoW, as all have come to call it. WoW was the first MMORPG that really sucked me into it's fantastically vibrant world. It even spawned my interest in Warcraft lore and eventually, the trading card game. Like with any deck collecting game, you need a few ingredients to fully enjoy it: time, money and people. Because life also demands some of these ingredients (oh, God), I slowly furthered myself from what was a very delightful and brutal game of cards. History became legend, legend became myth and for two and a half....wait, wrong lore.

Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft Beta. I am thrilled to be a part of it. Now, let's see if it can virtually rekindle my affection for thin card stock with numbers written on them.

A Simplified Complexity

If you're a veteran to WoW TCG, you'll notice some definitive differences with Hearthstone. While I won't go into every detail here, the first thing I noticed was the resource system. In WoW TCG, you had quests that fueled your ability to play cards per turn. The cool thing about it was, you could complete the quests and then turn them over to utilize them as resources. Hearthstone removes the quest cards all together for a straightforward mana system. Per turn you accumulate mana, which you can then use to spend on playing cards. Though I loved the dual functionality of the quest cards, a lot of their functions are found on other cards throughout your deck, so their omission is negligible. Quests do make an appearance in another way and I'll get into that a little later.

The deck-building component of the game is very well done and easy to navigate. You can search for specific card attributes, mana costs, neutral allies and hero class spells to assist in putting together a killer deck. One thing that I am a little bummed about at the moment is not being able to pick your hero. In WoW TCG, your entire deck is based off of your hero and his/her class. The same goes here, but there aren't multiple Warlocks, Warriors, Mages, etc. Right now, there are one of each class with a locked hero power which you can't change. Hopefully they add more heroes in the future that offer alternate hero powers or at least give you the option to switch out their powers for others.

It is beta, so I am sure we will see more and more cards become available. This brings me to the next thing on my mind: obtaining new cards. We are playing a deck-building game mind you, and that means: money. I do like that you can earn gold to open new decks. You do this by successfully winning against real players and fulfilling quests. See, I told you quests would come back. Quests are now implemented not as cards, but as little daily tasks you can pursue for gold. Win two games with a Warlock and you get a sack of forty gold, etc. With expert packs costing 100 gold, pursuing these quests will get you some shiny new cards for your decks fairly quick. And we all love opening new decks.

Expert decks hold five cards with at least one of those being a rare or better. After opening multiple decks, I got pretty lucky. The best deck I opened handed me two rares and a legendary. Me like. When you open a deck, they are revealed face down. You mouse over, click and reveal. I love that they present it like this! It captures the giddy joy of opening real packs. If you are impatient or just don't have any interest in grinding it out, you can just skip the wait and buy the packs upright with real moolah. At $2.99 for two packs (10 cards), looks like I'll be grinding out my collection. There are some quantity deals available, but buying the larger quantity packs will save you most. Basic cards can be earned by leveling up each class. You'll unlock different cards at staggered levels. These basics aren't the best, but they are crucial to filling your deck and making it one that can win.

Balance has always been something that irks me with this type of game. Though a lot of the game does depend on your skill and strategy, it seems that an equal amount can depend on what cards you do and don't have. This is one of the reasons I get turned off to these games. Let's not forget another factor: random odds. Sometimes, the odds just aren't in your favor and you can't do a damn thing about it. But what's a game without a slew of luck thrown into it? You gotta have luck. Speaking of favor, the AI seems to get it handed to them every round, which is why I prefer playing humans. There's an unpredictability that AI just can't match, not to mention the possibility of mistakes humans can make. (Including myself.) Luckily, Hearthstone does a good job of letting you suss out your deck through some good ole' trial and error via practice mode.

Having just the right amount of low, mid and high cost cards will give you a better chance at overcoming the many obstacles between you and victory. (Tip: Mouse over the name of your custom deck and you'll find a nice little bar graph that gives you how many cards you have per mana cost type.) While you're building a deck, you also have an option to craft cards. This is available through the crafting mode where you disenchant unwanted cards for Arcane Dust. The rarity will help determine the cost. In turn, you can use that dust to make new cards, all at a cost of course.

Ah, the sweet taste of victory. Unfortunately, I don't have it every meal, but when I do, I savor it. And though I don't always win, the game is still supremely fun. I love not having to keep track of damage counters and the clean-up is a cinch. I do miss the human interaction. You can't replace someone playing right in front of you. There is a social experience the online world just can't mimic and as of now, you can't chat with random players that aren't your friends. The emotes you can use are a welcomed touch, I would just like to see a chat or voice chat implemented.

Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft Beta has been a blast. Even in beta, it's nice to see it have that Blizzard polish. Though I am very sad to see the physical game go, I am glad to see it translate this well virtually. Let's see what else Blizzard has in store. So far, so good.

If you'd like to challenge my adept skills (yeah right), add my battletag: TheRebelX#1460!

Batman: Arkham Origins is Out Today

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Fri, 25 Oct 2013 14:12:00 +0000

The Caped Crusader has his work cut out for him in Arkham Origins.

By: Joshua Pruett

Let's get one thing out in the open: I love Batman. As far as comic book characters are concerned, I don't look any further for favorites. You see, I grew up watching the old Batman of Adam West, the wonderful dark-deco world of Batman: The Animated Series and all of the good and bad Batman films. (Nolan, I can't thank you enough.) I have collected the comics since Sword of Azrael and on the video game front, I've been playing since Batman Forever on the SNES. I even have quite a few toys and statues of the Dark Knight along with his infamous enemies. Now, in all of these different mediums, Batman has had his highs (Nolan's trilogy) and lows (Batman & Robin). The good thing is, he can take it. In the upcoming Arkham Origins releasing today, he has no choice but to.

When Arkham Asylum released back in 2009, I remember being slightly skeptical. Rocksteady was at the helm and other than an older PS2 game (Urban Chaos), I wasn't quite sure of their abilities to make a game where you actually felt like Batman. Let's face it, up until that point, we hadn't really had too much luck with must-play Batman titles. To this day, I couldn't have been proven more wrong. Arkham Asylum was an amazing offering that not only felt like being Batman, but enabled you as him. With it's success, Rocksteady pushed through the stellar Arkham City in 2011, further expanding our experience in being the Batman.

So what's got me all excited about Batman: Arkham Origins? Plenty. Check out my list below:

STORY. Rocksteady did a bang-up job of telling tales with Arkham Asylum and Arkham City. This time around, it's Warner Bros. Games Montreal calling the shots. My hope is that they build onto the universe Rocksteady helped setup, but expand it with some interesting storytelling. This is an origin story after all, taking place in the younger days of Bruce. It will be fun (hopefully) watching the story unfold. I will say, Arkham Origins has very intriguing line-up of villains. Copperhead, Black Mask, Anarchy, Firefly, Deathstroke, Deadshot and Lady Shiva are some of the newcomers amongst the returning Bane, Joker, Riddler, Penguin, Mad Hatter, etc.

With a story that takes place before, the voice talent sees a bit of a change as well. I panicked when I saw Batman and Joker getting changes because of my beloved memories of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamil giving those roles their iconic sound. Gladly though, I was relieved when hearing some of Roger Craig Smith's Batman lines in some gameplay footage. It's noticeably different, but Batman's noticeable younger, so it makes sense. It's the Joker's change that irked me more. Just recently during New York Comic Con, a monologue of the classic graphic novel The Killing Joke was read by none other than Troy Baker. His likeness to Mark Hamil's Joker is pretty impressive. My fears were put to rest.

GADGETS. As with the previous games, you can't be Batman without that utility belt. It is one of the keys to your success and Origins plans to give you some new additions to your arsenal: shock gloves, remote detonator and concussion detonator to name a few. I always enjoyed the progressive upgrading available in the previous games. Let's hope they keep that up.

FAST TRAVEL. Arkham City was fairly large. It was really easy to get around thanks to your ability to use Batman's cape to glide. In Origins, that mechanic returns but to get someplace ridiculously quick, you can summon the Batwing. Although I am not sure if you can actually pilot it (that would be awesome), having access to this jet will make being Batman feel that much better.

UNLOCKS. The last two games were chock-full of unlocks in an assortment of flavors: missions, challenges, items, weapons, upgrades, collectibles, art, skins and game modes. There will be loads to keep you busy and coming back to reveal every nook, cranny and secret.

MULTIPLAYER. There, I said it. I know you're thinking: "A Batman mulitplayer, how the eff is that going to work?" I said the same thing with Assassin's Creed and Splinter Cell, which are some of the most unique multiplayer experiences you can encounter. Sporting a 2v3v3 format, players will take on gangs and rivals of the Dynamic Duo. These teams will be led by Joker and Bane. The remaining two players will don the cape and cowl of Batman & Robin. Though I am pondering how it works and plays, it sounds to be pretty dang fun to me!

MUSIC. Nick Arundel's score back in Batman Arkham City was nothing short of amazing. In fact, I'm listening to it now as this is written. He did a perfect job of marrying likeness of Danny Elfman's iconic Batman motif (without directly playing the motif) and the ominous attack of Hans Zimmer's Batman sound. There are parts that remind me of Batman: The Animated Series and parts that remind me of Phillip Glass. It's been one of my favorite soundtrack albums to date and I still listen to it very regularly. With much lovely sentiment toward Arundel's masterpiece, I was a little bummed when I found that Christopher Drake was composing Origins. After previewing a couple tracks, I had a change of heart. Also, I didn't know that he did the OST for the motion comic Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. Reassuring indeed. With that said, I am very much looking forward to analyzing, breaking it down and really giving it a solid listen.

------------------------------

What's getting you excited about this entry? Do you think it will live up to the past titles? Be looking for a full review very soon!

UPDATE: I picked up my copy last evening and popped it in before going to bed. So far, it feels very similar to City and Asylum, which is a good thing. In the looks department, everything is beautifully done! I am very impressed with the graphics. DAT TITLE SCREEN, DAMN! I didn't get to play long, but I launched into the story and am loving it so far. I can tell the story is going to be a lot of fun to tackle! I am still unclear about fast travel. Looks like it's just going to be a point to point system of getting around, no flying. Oh well. I am excited to check out the multiplayer mode and I am liking the way the game is being presented. Stay tuned for a full review!

Picture source: Batman Arkham Origins website

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist - PS3 Review

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 14:21:00 +0000

I spy a game you will want to play.
By: Joshua Pruett

Sam Fisher. What a guy. You'd be hard pressed to not find gamers that haven't heard his name. With the series hitting it's sixth installment, Splinter Cell: Blacklist is delivering an experience worthy of remembering. Speaking of remembering, lets reminisce for a little bit. Released back in 2002 across multiple platforms, the original Splinter Cell definitively offered fresh ideas to the table of stealth driven combat. Playing as Sam meant more than just going in guns blazing. It meant a different approach (and a patient one at that) would ensure a successful mission. This made Sam standout. It made Splinter Cell count for more than just a cookie-cutter, third person shooter.

Through the second iteration of Splinter Cell, Pandora Tomorrow (2004) took things to brave new heights with it's asymmetric multiplayer. The fact that you could grab a merc as an opposing spy and hold the white button (yes, the white button, we are talking original Xbox here) on the controller to whisper a sweet nothing before you began his demise was paramount to excitement. Interestingly enough, you could utilize a spy bullet to literally "spy" on your opponents' live conversations (again, via the white button.)

It was this kind of forward, progressive gameplay that gave the series all of the praise it deserved. Does Blacklist garner the same praise? Let's find out...

PRESENTATION - An older but younger Sam?

So here we are five renditions later with Splinter Cell: Blacklist. The more things change, the more things stay the same. With Sam, we see a big change. Namely, in who takes the helm of his voice. Up until this point, it's always been one man that I have grown to love: Michael Ironside. For me, this was probably the hardest change about Blacklist to digest. You see, I get really attached to my voice actors. (Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamil and Arleen Sorkin, anyone?)

For the first time since it's inception, Splinter Cell: Blacklist brings Eric Johnson to give Sam Fisher a new direction. I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical of his performance. I spent the first couple of campaign missions scratching my head.

IRONSIDE HAD SUCH A UNIQUE TIMBRE TO HIS VOICE: A GRAVELLY, CALM BUT STERN TONE THAT GRACEFULLY USHERED FIRM RESOLVE WITH A DASH OF SARCASTIC CYNICISM. YOU COULD HEAR HIS DRY SENSE OF HUMOR. JOHNSON BRINGS A MUCH YOUNGER, MORE SERIOUS PRESENCE TO SAM.

This is kind of where things flatline: there just doesn't seem to be the same amount of depth to Johnson's rendition. He just comes off as monotone to me. You need a pinch of humor to such a heavy role. I feel it lost with Blacklist's Sam Fisher. Visually, Sam looks younger as well, which chronologically makes no sense, because his daughter Sarah is now older. Johnson gets the job done, albeit being slightly one note throughout. This could be the writing. If Ubisoft is trying to reboot the series, I understand their decision to change up the lead. If anything, his tone grew on me at least. A little disappointing, but not deal breaking. Blacklist does a decent job of bringing likable characters to your aid. Grim, Victor, Briggs, Charlie, Kobin and the villain Sadiq are all well acted. I especially liked Kobin who was voiced by Elais Toufexis playing Adam Jensen in the latest Deus Ex.

The story presents itself organically, which I found endearing. After an effective cut scene that kick-starts the plot, players are thrust into the action via the Paladin. She's a big ole' plane and houses all of the menus that launch the various modes offered. Much like you navigated Shepard around the Normandy in Mass Effect, you'll do the same with Sam on the Paladin. You'll keep up with your crew by talking to them between missions, which help move the story along. There are also little unlocks of concept art if you scavenge around.

You won't be making desperate decisions that alter the outcome of the story however. An RPG, this is not. (Though I kind of secretly want one.) The more I interacted with the characters, the more I wanted to influence some crazy plot twist of fate. Talking of plots, Blacklist conveys some substance, if feeling slightly washed out nearing the end. It's not that it's bad, it's just a little underwhelming and I found myself a little apathetic towards it's outcome. These qualms aside, pushing through wasn't by any means a chore and it did offer some intense action set pieces that were fun to watch unfold. The overall taste of the story is just a bit been-there-done-that.

GAMEPLAY - Somewhere between ghosts and panthers...

We've seen some changes throughout the history of Sam's gameplay mechanics, but Blacklist stays steady in balancing the best of all the past iterations. Borrowing the cover, mark and execute and last known position systems from Conviction and refining some of the older features from the past games, Blacklist rewards you for being as stealth as possible. Sure you can run in guns blazing (which never really worked out for me) but you're better off taking a little bit of time in planning your attack. It even encourages going completely undetected.

Between ghost, panther and assault play styles, my progress proved to be somewhere between a ghost and a panther. The cool thing is, I chose to play this way. Giving you multiple ways to tackle levels means you can challenge yourself in attacking a different approach. In turn, this gives you plenty more replay-ability which is always something I look for in a game. It did seem that running-and-gunning will get you floored pretty quickly. The option to pursue that path is there if you deem it your desire.

Shadow Net is the in-game network that tallies up your whole career. You can then compare your stats to your friends and try to beat their scores to be the best. During my play through, I was constantly being reminded that my friends were beating me at this or that. I've never been too good at competing for high scores, but it's there if you want to. Also, challenges become available asking you to carry out specific tasks, handing you a chunk of extra change if and when you succeed. These too are recording and measuring your friends' stats.

YOU WOULDN'T BE A SPLINTER CELL WITHOUT YOUR GADGETS AND THE CUSTOMIZATION LOAD-OUTS IN BLACKLIST ARE BOUNTIFUL.

Drones, sticky cams, noisemakers, incendiary grenades are some, just to name a few. The gun list is notably nice, giving you options to adjust and upgrade each to your liking. Even your suit gets broken down to the customization of your pants, gloves, goggles, etc. Both weapon and suit choices will effect your load-out attributes, which will affect your gameplay style. There's something for every strategic scenario. There's also some aesthetic choices available like changing the lights on your goggles or the skins of your suits. All of these are purchased with in-game currency that you earn from doing challenges and just playing the game. The cool thing is, you share the pool between all modes. So if you want to play multiplayer for a while, you can collect a chunk of change and then spend it all on your single player load-outs if you fancy.

Well all this is fine and dandy but how does the game feel? Though looking at the controller layout may seem paralyzing at first, I found controls surprisingly tight in Blacklist. For me, getting used to reloading with R3 or submitting to the use of the select button wasn't completely arduous, moreover just awkward. Not for long though. Soon, I was rip-roaring-it-up, slinging my blade left and right in the necks of my enemies. The radial menu utilized makes selecting gadgets a breeze and I love double-tapping the left trigger for a quick throw down of my selected combustible. (Especially useful in the many precarious situations I found myself in multiplayer.)

The AI works at presenting a challenge, but I would suggest upping the level if you are a veteran gamer. Depending on your play style, you'll be able to increase the difficulty simply by your actions. Or should I say, inactions? There were a couple of instances where my poor enemies were as dense as a brick. I would find them walking blindly in bizarre patterns, not reacting to the sound of a door opening right in front of them, etc. This wasn't persistent throughout, just noticeable when it did happen. It doesn't seem that Blacklist's AI reacts to sound as sensitively as previous Splinter Cell games. Maybe it's just me. Either way, it didn't negatively affect my experience.

SOUND & VISUALS - A little foggy in those goggles.

Splinter Cell has always been a series that pushes not only gameplay, but graphics. While Blacklist looks good, it doesn't stack up to the calibre of some other recent titles like The Last of Us. Throughout my play through of the campaign, I felt some inconsistency between various levels. Some just appeared super drab and washed out, while others were more colorful and bright in their palette. Framerate is fairly steady, but will dip down occasionally in heavy action and when there is smoke present. Also, I noted a jerkiness every so often in the Unreal engine that made animations stutter. This was most present to me aboard the Paladin.

Now, I know that we are rearing the end of this generation and straddling the line of next-gen, it just seems that the series doesn't have as much of a shocking contrast in graphical awe as opposed to it's previous titles. Still, there are some nifty pretty aspects like lens flares, filters and particle effects, plus the character models and faces look decent. The sound department has always delivered in the series and with Blacklist, continues to do so. The orchestral score is brilliantly laced with some fun motifs that really fit the bill, offering just enough moodiness and ambience to stand out while not being too distracting. Guns, explosions and of course, voice acting all sound top-notch as well.

ENJOYMENT - Shaking in my boots...

I have screamed numerous times in games. Oh, I've jumped out of my seat in Resident Evil 4, thrown my controllers down in Alan Wake, clawed up fluffy pillows in The Last of Us, but nothing scares me as much as Classic Spies vs. Mercs. While Blacklist offers plenty of other modes that are equally fun, Classic Spies vs. Mercs brings tension to new heights for me. I think it's because I just hate being and/or the feeling of being chased. Reduced to a 2v2 count with a set load-out for each side, Classic SvM pits the spies trying to hack the terminals against the mercs trying to defend them. This mode also darkens it's maps significantly. Spies may seem to have the upper hand, but with the mercs having a standard head-mounted flashlight, I beg to differ.

This mode offers some of the most intense matches I have ever encountered. There is no "I" in team and you will have to communicate to your teammate thoroughly to survive. You will have to coordinate to hack those terminals, spies. Mercs, you had better throw some prox mines down and watch those black pockets closely. There is something about that feeling of knowing someone is over your shoulder. You know what I am talking about? That creeping figure in the shadows you know exists. Those dark corners where you swear you saw someone. The letting down of your guard to get your ass taken out by something from above. The fact that someone controls whom you are in the way of making their goal sweetens the deal.

SPIES AND MERCS DOES SOMETHING A TRADITIONAL FIRST AND THIRD PERSON SHOOTER CANNOT: IT TACTICALLY BALANCES ASYMMETRY.

The third person view of the spy gives you all of the angles you need. Slap on a Ghillie suit with sonar goggles and you're guaranteed to score multiple kills. Their gadgets / load-outs bolster their stealthy mobility. They are killing machines designed to take you down before you can blink. Mercs however, not so much. After playing a spy, you'll feel claustrophobic as a merc. The fixed first person view doesn't lend the most generous of hands when it comes to checking your six. Fear not, the mercs have plenty of punch in their arsenal to strike that same fear in any spy. Shotguns, assault rifles, proximity mines, detection gadgets and remote controlled drones will help you weed out their pesky nature.

Neither side will be most effective without the most important component to success: communication. Luckily, I have met some new friends by sharing the same goal of teamwork and let me tell you, it's glorious. You can tell the teams who don't effectively communicate. They are usually the ones losing. Blacklist has several other multiplayer modes that tickle my fancy, but I mainly stick with Blacklist SvM and Classic SvM. Blacklist SvM is 4v4, asymmetrical and allows custom load-outs. The same goal stands as classic for spies and mercs, but the levels are much brighter. With the added team count and the lighting turned up, this mode type is much frantically faster. If you are wanting to tackle missions co-operatively, there are plenty to do so with a friend online or split screen. All of these modes enable you to use your money pool and upgrade whatever load-out you would like. It's pretty rewarding earning boatloads of cash and spending it on the next gadget or gun you've been eyeing. Fact of the matter, you do not want to miss playing the multiplayer.

BOTTOM LINE:
The campaign offers tackling fun under fire however you see fit, but suffers from a slightly stale story. It's the mighty draw of Blacklist's excellent multiplayer and co-operative modes that truly warrant a purchase. There's plenty to unlock, much more challenges to master and DLC packs on the way to keep things fresh. If you are looking for something off-the-beaten path from your standard shooters, look no further.

YAYS
+ Rich, customizable and deeply rewarding gameplay
+ The presentation of navigation via the Paladin
+ A variety of modes to keep you coming back
+ Using a drone to take out a spy: priceless

NAYS
- U-Play....enough said
- No Michael Ironside this time around
- The initial learning curve may turn some noses
- Graphically showing it's age / some screen tearing

4.5 out of 5 werewolf unicorns

"FEROCIOUS"

Photo credit: PSX Extreme

E3 2013 Impressions

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 15:04:00 +0000

By: Joshua Pruett

Well that was a pretty intense week of announcements. Between WWDC and E3, good God, it didn't seem there was an end in sight. Not that this was a bad thing, I ate all of the information up as I would a heaping tower of waffles buried under a monument of bacon that lived in it's own atmosphere of syrup. That said, you can now check out my impressions of E3 2013 over at my YouTube channel. Let me know your thoughts! I want to hear what your highs and lows of the show were, so take a gander and share them with me!

Injustice: Gods Among Us Battle Edition Unboxing & Review - PS3

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 20:49:00 +0000

It's finally here! I usually do not go to midnight releases because of the fact that I love my sleep and typically struggle staying up late. Injustice garnered my respect to bite the bullet and take one for the team. (Little did I know I would stay up until 4:30am playing.) Between the early morning and late evening of yesterday, I am currently about 60% complete on story mode with a little bit of time spent dabbling in S.T.A.R. Mission Labs and online multiplayer. So far, so awesome.

The story is carefully crafted with superb storytelling and top notch voice acting. This is partially due to most of the Justice League Animated cast making their efforts on Injustice. I really haven't cared about a story in a fighting game since Mortal Kombat (2011). Let's face it, it's not the genre's strength. The pacing is what makes things very interesting throughout. Also, I really like how Injustice rewards you for playing all modes. You will be unlocking lots and lots of goodies. This all ties into the leveling system too. Story mode level progression will roll over online. You earn cards that you can spend on your hero card, costumes, art, music, etc. It seems everything you do earns you points to unlock something you haven't discovered yet. I really like this aspect.

As for the game itself, it's a downright blast to play. For me, the stick makes all the difference. Each character is so unique, it's going to take a while to figure everyone out. I am currently digging on Green Arrow, Raven and Aquaman. They're are just some nifty zoning options and combat opportunities with these three that captured my attention. All in all, I can't wait to dive in deeper! If you are a fan of fighters and a fan of comics, pick this up ASAP. Be sure to check out my latest review and unboxing of the battle edition above!

Injustice: Gods Among Us - Release Tonight & Demo Impressions On Xbox 360 & PS3

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 04:28:00 +0000

For those that don't know, I have a soft spot for comics, especially DC. I also have a soft spot for fighting games. They have always been a huge part of my gaming history and when a game called Mortal Kombat entered the scene, I was more than intrigued. My days of spouting bouts with my buds on the couch started with Capcom's gem, Street Fighter II, along with its many iterations. However, it was Mortal Kombat that really sealed my love for fighting games. I really wasn't allowed to play the MK series until MK 4, but that doesn't mean I didn't. I guess mom didn't mind the "sweat" on the SNES version, but everything else I had to sneak. Man that was lame.

In the pre-NetherRealm days of 2008, MK vs. DC Universe made an attempt to gain some ground after the previously successful release of SFIV. MK vs. DC Universe wasn't a bad game, I just felt that it lacked some pizazz and polish. It seemed to be trying too hard and I think the game was slightly hampered because of it. Flash forward to 2011. NetherRealm released their new rendition of Mortal Kombat and the crowd went wild. I truly am loving and still playing it to this day. The game captures all the atmosphere and brutality of what truly is and should always be Mortal Kombat. I was very proud to see it taken onto tournament level at EVO. Let's hope the community does the same with Injustice.

During EVO 2012, a rough build of Injustice: Gods Among Us was presented by Ed Boon himself. Seeing the game in action got me all giddy and excited. From what was shown, I could immediately tell the resemblance to the updated 2011 MK. I was also very glad to see that the game was solely focused on the DC Universe. I think having a more focused effort towards one universe is the way to go. I followed the game ever since and here we are at the night of release.

My impressions from the demo are definitely positive. Everything from the menus to the level design is superbly polished. The ebb and flow of each fight is very natural. I enjoy the exchange the fighters display as they interact their own unique way with the interactive backgrounds. Fights will lead you from one place to another as you pummel your poor opponents into a transition. These are nuts to see. The wager system is a neat feature as well, adding a gamble of odds to the mix when activated. Each player will cough up chunks of their meter against the other. Whomever gave the most up wins the wager and gets an edge of combat opportunity or health regen, albeit at the cost of your wager. Super moves are specific to each character and are absolutely over-the-top. A great answer to MK's fatalities. You never know what's going to happen next.

It's this kind of unpredictable outcome each round offers that plays seamlessly into the comic universe of DC. It's just really fun to watch a match unfold.

Playing on both PS3 and Xbox 360, I really don't see much of a difference graphically. Honestly, there shouldn't be. The game is beautiful and runs at a very solid framerate on both. The PS3 seems more crisp and a little brighter overall. The Xbox 360 seemed darker, but shadows were more prevalent. You could argue the adjustments could be made within the game and/or on your television. However, I think it just comes down to preference when choosing systems. I am personally getting it on the PS3 due the near full hard drive of my 360. I don't typically play fighters on control pads unless I have to, so that's not a factor for me. This time, there isn't a Kratos situation either. Everyone is getting everything.

As far as the gameplay goes, it falls between the 2011 rendition of MK and the quicker speed of UMvC3. I find the new direction to be quite refreshing. The button layout will take a little getting use to, as well as adapting to some of the new implemented mechanics and meters. With most new fighting game franchises, this is pretty much expected. It will take a little bit for the community to break everything down and see where the loopholes lie. Overall, the fighting system as a whole seems simple enough to pickup, but has the depth for the people who truly want to master it. I really like what NetherRealm is bringing to the table. Interactive backgrounds, level transitions, the wager system, super moves, robust online progression, S.T.A.R. lab missions; the list goes on and on. Between the secrets, unlocks and dlc, we should be pretty busy for a long time.

Injustice: Gods Among Us is offered in multiple flavors on PS3 and Xbox 360. You have the standard, the collector's and the battle edition. The collector's highlight is 13" statue of Wonder Woman vs. Batman which looks pretty freakin' rad. The battle's highlight touts a fight stick made by PDP. With all of the statues and toys that I own and my need for a stick with a normal button layout, I am going with the battle edition. Tonight couldn't come sooner. I can't wait to dig in and get good, or at least think I am getting good. What are you going with? What system are you going to play Injustice on? Make sure to comment and let me know!

For a superbly deep disassembly and breakdown review of the Injustice fight stick, check out Kaihong's post over on the forums on Shoryuken.com @ Kaihong's Incredible Breakdown of Injustice Fight Stick. I was completely floored and so happy to get an in-depth look at the stick. Thank's Kaihong!

Photo credit: Gamestop, Injustice

My Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon Thoughts & The First 15 Minutes Over @ IGN

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 23:45:00 +0000

by Joshua Pruett

You had me at that logo. Look at it. It was a sealed deal with "Blood Dragon" in the title. I am just completely enthralled with that hot pink/electric blue gridded terrain and the font that looks like word art from Microsoft Works. (Yeah, I went there.) It's actually what piqued my interest to even look into the game a couple months ago. I loved Far Cry 3, don't get me wrong, but another game in that sandbox would get kind of old for me.

However, if you slap on a coat of paint that layers over-the-top, ridiculously outlandish throwbacks to my favorite '80's action movies/cartoons, then count me the heck in. Speaking of the 80's, the color palette in Blood Dragon makes this a far cry from being Far Cry. Not to say that Far Cry 3 wasn't colorful. Blood Dragon just magnifies the saturation levels to such greater heights.

Crimson red skies and bright cyan lens flares serve as a backdrop to brilliant fiery-orange explosions as you rip your way through the world's firefights. (I couldn't help but love the evil emblem of Colonel Sloan's army being projected from the rooftops. Reminds me of Cobra. Nice touch.) I mean, you run around with a blade that glows light purple? Okie-dokie! I assume you will see every color within the spectrum. So much as they should have called it Far Cry 3: ROYGBIV. If you are color blind, it should be even more of a wild ride. Sure it's bold and flashy, but it's a world that I would love to explore because of it. Although it probably won't be for everybody, you got to admit it grabs your attention. Everything you do produces the results of rainbows hemorrhaging more rainbows.

This shouldn't deter FC veterans and fans too much. As far as story goes, there doesn't appear to be any correlation with the FC universe. It does take place on a remote island, but it seems like the only familiar thing to Far Cry 3 is that Blood Dragon just utilizes the engine and some of the game mechanics. It's not a rehashed, uninspired ripoff with a new skin either. That's clearly obvious. I am pretty curious to see what kind of surprises unfold, what enemies you will encounter and what weapons you will have access to as the game progresses. Another interesting venture would be multiplayer. I haven't seen anything concerning that, but given the setting, some co-op and/or deathmatch options would be wholeheartedly enticing.

Yes, the picture above actually happens. I loved it so much that I took this screenshot to use for this post. Cut scenes are righteously crafted. Pixel art is the perfect medium to totally capture the cheese factor for this game and to my knowledge, all of the cut scenes make use of it. The beginning shots of Rex being assembled had me rolling. There is plenty of voice acting that is just downright hilarious as well. (Rex is voiced by Michael Biehn from Terminator.) Check out the tutorials and note the animations. They are some of the funniest I have seen in a game. As far as music goes, the band Power Glove takes care of the soundtrack and boy, it really amps up the atmosphere with a Tron meets Terminator vibe. (PC players get the digital soundtrack when pre-ordering as a bonus.)

The most radical thing is, it's a standalone game. You don't have to own Far Cry 3. The asking price is $14.99, which is well worth it if you ask me. Do yourself a favor and go watch the video of the first 15 minutes from the boys over at IGN. You will laugh at this game's awesomeness and you will want to play it yourself. Trust me, if you love any references to action movies and cartoons from the 80's, this should be your bag. Who wouldn't want to mow down evil baddies with a chain gun from your helicopter while Little Richard blares in the background?

So who's planning on playing this?! What are your thoughts?! I want to know what you think!

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon is expected to release May 1 on XBLA, PSN and Steam.
(However, PSN says April 30th?)

Photo credits: PC Gamer, IGN

Video credit: IGN

Review - The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition - Xbox 360

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Tue, 08 May 2012 02:20:00 +0000

By Joshua Pruett

Note: This review is based off the Xbox 360 version and will be as spoiler free as possible. I will give fair warning so you know to go hide in the shrubs, but be ye warned. Reader discretion is advised. On a side note, I did install this to my hard drive on my console and suggest you do the same for optimum performance. I experienced no carpal tunnel, irritable bowels or dementia during my "Normal" play-through, only slight insomnia. Moving on....

I remember a couple years ago getting so utterly frustrated at the release of The Witcher. At the time, my PC could barely run Joe & Mac 2: Lost in the Tropics, so how in the hades could it ever run a complex and gorgeous engine sported in a title like The Witcher? Then, The Witcher 2 surfaces, calling my name, getting rave reviews and I had to miss out again. But was all of the fuss worth the wait for The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition? Read on down the road and see for yourself.

Into the Fray - Presentation - (Minor spoliers)

Upon booting up The Witcher 2, you are treated to a cinematic that rivals anything you'll ever see from Pixar. I kept saying to myself how I would love to watch a whole series of anything in that amount of jaw dropping detail. Heck, I would watch "I Love Lucy" if it was done in this glorious fashion. Anyhow, you begin your role as a witcher. Witchers are unique warriors who are born and raised to decimate monsters of every assortment. Swordplay, alchemy and magic mastery are at their disposal. They are hired guns, lone renegades, rejected mercenaries accepted only when needed.

But you don't play as just any Burt Macklin, F.B.I. witcher. You play as Geralt of Rivia, a flawed gem who is revered and feared. His eyes tell all. He has such a mysterious air about him and you can sense the reluctance in the large cast characters you interact with. From recent events, Geralt's memory has been sketchy, except that he has been framed for the murder of King Foltest.

Suspicion points to Letho, a witcher known as the Kingslayer. You must clear your name and get to the truth. Your decisions are very integral to the plot, and many subplots reveal themselves while trying to accomplish your main objectives. The story is broken into three acts and come the end of the first, you will be forced to choose how the next major chunk of the game will unfold for you. Knowing that there is two paths with completely different branching arcs to pursue is just awesome. This breaks up the game and offers great pacing.

This is where it all comes together. In order to get a game right, you need to captivate the audience. In this case, the player needs to give a damn about holding hands with the character to see it through to the credits. For this to happen, you have to give the player a character they care about, then place them in situations that force compromise. You will never win with your decisions in The Witcher 2. There is always a price to pay and therein lies the victory of the narrative. It's in the weight of your decisions as Geralt.

The Witcher 2 does an excellent job of telling a story that layers plots on so thick, you'll be buried in difficult decisions, but never happier in making them.

The story deals in many situations: betrayal, deception, greed, lies, anger, politics, anguish, survival on a backbone of regicide. And just fair warning, if you haven't gathered that this is an adult game, let me just say: this is an adult game. This isn't a JRPG with sass, this is an all-out dark title jam-packed with violence, sex, nudity, language, blood and gore. Rated "M" for good reason, but let that not deter you. The presentation of this gritty backdrop brings a level of relation no other game has achieved. A truly unique experience told through it's high caliber production value.

Hear Beauty, See Beauty - Sound and Visuals

What's a believably good story without a believable world? Absolutely nothing. The PC version took the term "eye candy" to a whole new level. The Xbox 360 version delightfully does the same by the standards of current gen consoles. Rich textures are everywhere on everything and they don't look like pixel puke. Character models are rendered splendidly and their animations are smooth and silky.

The RED engine really pushes the hardware with brilliant results. By far, this is one of the prettiest games you will see to grace the aging system.

Geralt's swordplay during combat is very well done and you are in for a treat watching the combos chain into brutal finishers. And all of this while being engrossed in lush environments that are carefully constructed. Nothing ever looks out of place in terms of how landscape is arranged. It all feels so organic and fresh.

Speaking of which, the lighting is breathtaking. Watching gorgeous sunset gradients siphoning rays through trees while the sky progressively turns to twilight is outstanding. The good thing is, the frame rate stays solid. Something I feared would surely hiccup when there are 20 billion things happening at once.

Particle effects look a little bit more toned down say to games like KOA:Reckoning, but one could argue it's fitting for the game's tone. I guess I just wanted to see a little more with the magic effects. Installing the game is recommended and will significantly help pop-in from texture loading. However, even with it installed, there is occurring pop-in, particularly noticed while changing angles in cut scenes. There were also some graphical glitches with people getting stuck in the background during conversation. Screen tearing is evident, but not severe. Nothing game breaking, moreover distracting.

The music sets the ebb and flow, giving you a dynamic experience. Brooding and ominous strings accompany the shrill shrieks of Nekkers as they charge one moment, but playing dice with a dwarf will issue in some good ole' knee slapping. The soundtrack is gorgeous and if you nab the Dark Edition, it's included on disc. Voice acting is top notch and you'll be thankful that when everyone opens their mouth, they deliver a solid performance. In a title so steeped in narrative, the effectiveness of having these performances is crucial to conveying the story. The Witcher 2 does this with ease.

Go Suck An Egg, Letho - Control and Gameplay

Sure it looks and sounds nice, but how does it handle? The adaptation from it's PC counterpart spun a guessing game of how it would translate to console. Don't worry, you'll feel right at home. Using a radial system, you can cycle through your signs (magic) and pockets holding LB and using the left thumb stick. It helps that using this menu slows down time, allowing you to get what you need when you need it.

Navigating through inventory, journals and quests all make sense and are easy to access. The map however, can be a bit deceiving. The mini map seems slightly wonky, which doesn't help that the main map lacks detail. The quest tracker seems to have a mind of it's own too. There were times where I had no idea where that thing was taking me, but it wasn't to the right destination for certain quests.

Combat revolves around two attack buttons, a dodge, a block, and a button each for magic and secondary weapons. Sounds simple enough. However, I got my head handed back to me repeatedly, learning that the button masher will end up skewered. There's a give and take to the flow of combat, reminding me of Assassin's Creed and the recent KOA: Reckoning.

You have to give the animation some time. It's not latent, there is just a groove you need to find. The A.I. are well versed for the most part, using their own tactics. Some bosses gave me trouble, others were pretty easy. You learn quickly that timing is everything and once you get the hang of it, you'll be filleting flesh in no time.

Geralt has several mastery trees you can dump points in when you level up: training, swordsmanship, alchemy and signs (magic). Each tree has many paths to take, unlocking new active and passive abilities. Some of these can be further mutated by mutagens you find for enhancement.

Meditation is key for Geralt's survivability. Making potions and oils can only be done through it and only when you aren't engaged in a fight. This spurs some planning on your end before jumping head first into a bout. Toxicity plays another role, limiting the amount of potions you can use. Oils can be put onto your swords to add effects in your favor as well. Armor and weapons can be enhanced through upgrades, given they have the slots.

Everything can work for you, it's a matter of how prepared you choose to be.

Sometimes, I had to reload a game save after being thrust into combat without warning. For the most part, you can tell danger is approaching before you go prancing in with your guard down. Crafting is also big part of The Witcher 2. Throughout your journey, you'll collect and earn diagrams that require materials. After gathering said ingredients, you can talk to a craftsman and have them made for a price.
A word to the wise, hold on to certain alchemy materials. You will need them later, as I found out the hard way. Suck.

Overwhelmed? You think there's a lot to juggle and contemplate? Well, there sure is. The Witcher 2's combat is complex, but once you understand and read your enemies, it's pretty straightforward. The cool part is in making Geralt suit your gameplay style. With all of the trees offered, the choices for enhancing your armor and mutating skills, you'll have plenty of options to change up your tactics.

I Choose Triss - Replay Value

After playing through The Witcher 2, you have to ask yourself: "What if?" The game begs for another go around. With so much added content to tackle in a completely different way than before, you can't help but give in to the possibilities. CD Projekt Red has a very fine title on their hands. It's clear that the time they nurtured into building the game's quality will pay out in the nurturing you give Geralt.

For the RPG lover looking to get lost in the mystery of The Witcher 2, you won't find your way back, but you won't want to.

Yays:

+ Unrivaled narrative and universe

+ Satisfying and visceral combat with depth

+ Plethora of customization to tackling gameplay

+ Enhanced Edition adds more reasons to come back

Nays:

- Wonky map and mini map

- Wonkier quest tracker

- Texture pop-in
- Minimal screen tearing

4.75 out of 5 Werewolf Unicorns
"RAVENOUS"

Review In Progress: The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings - Enhanced Edition for Xbox 360

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 03:35:00 +0000

Why hello there. The Witcher 2 hits stores today and I have been busy delving into it's dark and rich world. It's been a good time indeed so far and I want to squelch the fears of any RPG lover by saying they will not be disappointed. Also, I want to thank CD Projekt Red for generously sending me a copy, so I can share my two cents with everyone. Mad, mad thanks again! So, keep your eyes freshly peeled and be looking for the review real soon! In the meantime, don't wait for me, go treat yourself and pick this epic saga up!

Latest Issue of Game Informer Gives The Witcher 2 a 9.5

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 03:09:00 +0000

The latest issue of Game Informer just arrived in my mailbox today and I was very giddy to see the review of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition for the Xbox 360. It garnered a 9.5, with high praise and exaltation. I've been slightly concerned with the porting of the engine from PC to Xbox 360, but according to Game Informer, it looks to be one of the most gorgeous games on Xbox 360 and is expertly optimized for console: graphics, menus and all. Glad to hear this, because I always fear cumbersome inventory slothfulness and graphical 8fps slide shows with RPG's on ported titles to consoles. (I hate scrolling on a those controllers too, yuck.) As far as the graphics, I know it's not going to be as breathtaking as the PC, but I have been pretty blown away by the depth of detail in all of the media flourishing about. Gameplay was also highly touted, sporting smooth animations you'll command through a cleverly integrated control layout. Though, what I am most excited about is the story. The narrative in this game looks to rival Mass Effect and Uncharted. The pacing looks so organically implemented, I can't wait! I am a sucker for dark, complex characters that have to deal with circumstances actually having weight and substance, amongst dealing copious amounts of death in a stylistic, fantastical fashion. I love characters that are far from perfect and have evident flaws that you'll have to make them deal with. It's all part of the experience that makes it that much deeper and believable. This game looks to be all about that. It doesn't hurt that Geralt is just a bad ass. I mean crap, he's got reptilian slit pupils. Look for it in stores next Tuesday, April 17th in both Standard and Dark Editions.

The Diabolical Third on the First?!

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:52:00 +0000

What hath mine eyes told me? Doth they deceive? This overcast, dreary Sunday morning, I just saw a post on Joystiq showing a promo poster of Diablo 3 in a Best Buy with a counter that ticks down to......hold it......February 1st. Whoaseph. I knew that Blizzard said early 2012, but for some reason or maybe due to the track record of Blizzard, I was thinking that meant November. Now, either this news is actually legitimate or some Best Buy sap just got a metaphoric back hand to the face by being shown the front door. There have been several updates to the post on Joystiq reporting the UK to be doing the same poster for February 3rd. The picture was taken and uploaded by user "sasquatchxing" on the ShackNews forums. Regardless if anything is relevant, this news is excitingly striking my heart-strings.

I went ahead a month or two ago and pre-ordered the Collector's Edition from Gamestop. For not that much more, the extra content justified the purchase for me. I am a huge geek when it comes to soundtracks. I always had an admiration for scores and love to dissect and listen to them in their entirety. (Currently received the Skyrim 4-disc set and thoroughly enjoying it.) I am also a sucker for art books (which Blizzard's are highly exalted) and the Diablo skull looks like a nifty little paper weight that I can possibly turn into a necklace and get my ass kicked on the streets. Be sure to check out all of the contents here.

Did I mention I'll be playing on my Mac? Something Blizzard consistently does right is add support for Windows and OSX right out of the box. By jove, what a concept! Gee, I wonder who else could learn something from them? Many think there are few of us, but we Mac players do indeed exist, so thank you Blizzard.

What's your speculation? You think it really could be February 1st? What class will you be rolling first? Female Demon Hunter for me. Chicks with guns who kick all sorts of ass and have badittude, I am there yesterday. All I know is I can't wait for this game! Let us know in the comments!

Best Upcoming Games of 2011 (Xbox 360, XBLA, PS3, PSN, PC) - Part 4

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:48:00 +0000

This seems to be one of the most active years in downloadable arcade titles. I swear, they just keep lining up and coming out. Here are some more games for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on the brink of release to checkout! (Continued from our ongoing list of the Best Upcoming Games of 2011 series.)

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Street Fighter III: Third Strike Online Edition - XBLA, PSN
Genre: Fighting
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Release Date: August 24

EVO 2011 has me all amped up to FIGHT! Fighting games have always held such a big chunk of my video game sentiment. I remember the amount of triumph as I launched my first "HADOKEN!" with Ken in SFII. This was back in the day where almost every game coming out was a fighting game and the market was saturated with both good and bad titles. As people lined up left and right to plunk their hard-earned tokens, fighting to be the next champion, the Street Fighter series always seemed to hold dominance in the genre. Street Fighter is an iconic part of my childhood for sure, which is why I am very excited to see this port of Street Fighter III: Third Strike hit XBLA and PSN. To be honest, I really didn't play III, but have heard great things. This entry will feature online play, chock full of challenges and a new tournament mode for up to 8 people. Lag / delay has always been a huge problem with fighting online. Hopefully everything will remain smooth and free from chugging. Graphics are getting some enhancement due to the HD foray and from what I have seen, it's looking silky. When SFII HD Remix hit, I was blown away, so I am excited to see SFIII with some polish. Looking forward to sinking my teeth into the core dynamics of this very well received fighter from the fighting game staple that is Capcom.
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X-Men Destiny - Xbox 360, PS3
Genre: Action RPG
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Silicon Knights
Release: September 27

As great as X-Men:First Class was, I am happy to say that this is no movie tie-in game. Usually, those games never transfer over to anyting but absolute rubbish. Luckily, our friends over at Silicon Knights (Too Human, Eternal Darkness) are creating what appears to be fun Action RPG experience in the X-Men universe. You start by choosing between three mutant characters, each brand new to the universe and written for this game. This is where you are given a clean slate to start with. Finding X-Genes (the fuel behind fantastic powers), you will be able to customize your power set, enabling new abilities and actions. The cool thing is, once you meet classic X-Men characters, you gain access to there X-Genes, which you can then utilize. Pretty freaking rad! This is an RPG, so expect to see some interesting conversation trees with choices a la Mass Effect style, or at least we've been told. The story should be pretty solid, with Mike Carrey (ongoing X-Men:Legacy writer) manning the guns. From what I have read, there are some concerns with gameplay and graphics, being slightly sluggish and bland, respectively. Regardless, it's on my radar and hopefully they'll have enough time to add polish and shine.
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NeverDead - Xbox 360, PS3
Genre: Third Person Action / Shooter
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Rebellion
Release: Q3 2011

You're wife was murdered. You were left for dead by Astaroth, a head honcho Demon King who cares nothing of you but that you are out of the way. But alas, in your death you are granted immortality. You play as Bryce Boltzmann and you are never dead. This third person action game looks to offer some pretty interesting mechanics. Since you are immortal, you can't die. Well, kind of. If you are reduced to just your head, you are susceptible to being killed by certain enemies. Otherwise, you have plenty ways to dispatch carnage at your disposal to prevent this from happening. However, you have with you Arcadia, a woman of the organization NADA to watch your back and make sure you are sticking to your mission, offering help where she can. The thing is, you have to protect her from death. It's unclear if she is with you for the entire game, but I am a bit leery of a full story escort mission if that's the case. On the flip-side, you do have some nifty abilities being immortal. You can rip your arm off and use it as a detonation device. Can't get to a certain area? Well why don't you just rip your head off and toss it up to the desired location, teleporting the rest of your body to it? It also looks to bring dual welding guns and a sword for melee, bolstering your arsenal. Co-op and versus look to offer unique challenges for those wanting to take it online. I am curious to see the strategy behind the online modes. With the mechanics of the game, it may be unique enough to turn some heads.
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Crimson Alliance - Xbox 360
Genre: Action RPG
Publisher: Certain Affinity
Developer: Certain Affinity
Release: Q3 2011

Just when I thought there weren't enough Action RPG's, we get slapped with one after the next. Certain Affinity is a fairly new developer that brought map packs via Halo and CoD. They are branching out and adding to the Summer of Arcade on Xbox 360 with Crimson Alliance. Choosing between three separate classes (Merc, Wizard and Assassin), players will be able to team up online with their buddies in this dungeon crawler. Just like most RPG's, you'll be able to level, spec and equip your toon to become a powerful force. Comes complete with 4 player online co-op. (Dungeon Siege III, if an arcade game can get it right, why can't you?) Graphics aren't too complex, but display a fun, fantastical style similar to WoW or Torchlight. Being the final game in the Summer of Arcade lineup, if you're planning to purchase the previous games, you'll get Crimson Alliance for free! Check it out!
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Orcs Must Die! - XBLA, PSN PC
Genre: Third Person Action Strategy Shooter / Tower Defense
Publisher: Microsoft
Developer: Robot Entertainment
Release: Q3 2011

Ha! This game could only mean one thing: killing orcs and lots of them. You play as a WarMage with both benefits of magic, melee, range and traps at your disposal. Using your sword-staff, you can combo into knocking the snot out of orcs while quickly switching to your force back magic. This helplessly launches the suckers into the spikes you laid earlier set to spring on any sorry sap meandering about. Don't forget to pick'em off with your crossbow. Headshot! Just by watching some footage, you'll see how flawlessly fun it is to chain combos to your kill multiplier by getting creative with your arsenal. Hordes of orcs will make their way through your defenses, so you had better strategically plan exactly where to best fool your foes. The aforementioned pop-up spikes, spring floor catapults and archers are just some of your disposable preventions available. I am very excited about this game. It just looks downright awesome. The blending of third person action and strategic planning looks so well done. Give it a look and see for yourself!
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By the way, here's what I'm currently playing through:
Bastion - XBLA
Dungeon Siege III - Xbox 360
L.A. Noire - Xbox 360
Trine - Xbox 360
Mortal Kombat - Xbox 360
Gears 2 - Xbox 360

----> BEST UPCOMING GAMES OF 2011 PART 1 HERE!
----> BEST UPCOMING GAMES OF 2011 PART 2 HERE!
----> BEST UPCOMING GAMES OF 2011 PART 3 HERE!

Be sure to "like" us on our facebook page to keep up with us, and other projects, articles, and videos we are working on!

Best Upcoming Games of 2011 (Xbox 360, XBLA, PS3, PC) - Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 23:12:00 +0000

We are almost to the ridiculous holiday gaming season. As for now, we have some fun distractions to keep us at bay until the craziness of amazing releases roll around. Check out some more of the "Best Upcoming Games of 2011" below that I think are worth your time and money. Don't worry PS3, we have some exclusives for you just around the bend. (Continued from our ongoing list of the Best Upcoming Games of 2011 series.)

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Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet - XBLA, PC

Genre: Shooter / Metroidvania
Publisher: Fuelcell Games
Developer: Fuelcell Games
Release Date: August 3

The Summer of Arcade via XBLA kicked off with Bastion this week and Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet will be sweeping your Xbox 360 and PC shortly. And what is this game exactly about you might ask? It's a side scrolling shooter that pits you in a flying saucer, hovering and adventuring through planets with beautifully silhouetted martian landscapes and even more "martian" inhabitants. You have an assorted variety of weapons at your disposal, huge bosses to defeat, puzzles to solve and plenty to explore a la Metroidvania-esque design. Did I mention the color and animations look exquisite and the music is grandiose? This upcoming game is MARVELOUSLY DELICIOUS LOOKING!

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Torchlight 2 - PC, Mac

Genre: Action RPG
Publisher: Runic Games
Developer: Runic Games
Release: Rumored July 2011 for PC / TBD for Mac

I loved Torchlight. It itches that fix of obsessive compulsive loot hoarding while keeping things fresh with randomized dungeons and detailed talent trees to customize all whilst looking bright and beautiful. Just a super fun game. I only really had one problem: the lack of multiplayer. This time around, Runic has added drop-in-and-out multiplayer, allowing for you to take or search for a buddy, join in for some hackin' and slashin' and continue on your merry way with what ever loot and experience you picked up. Wow, that sounds amazing, doesn't it Dungeon Siege III? With four new classes, plenty of new skills and loot, updated weather and world effects, this is a must have for me. The Mac version street date (or should I say Steam date) is currently being determined. There is also talk of a port to Xbox 360 and maybe even a mobile version. That would be cool.

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BloodRayne: Betrayal - XBLA, PSN

Genre: Side-scrolling Action Adventure
Publisher: Majesco
Developer: Way Forward Technologies
Release: August 31

Vampires, blood, blades and one kick-ass vixen named Rayne. Having played both BloodRayne and BloodRayne 2 and loving them, I have to admit, I was pretty stoked to hear about a new game from this franchise! Our favorite red-headed dhampir returns with her twin arm blades, deadlier than ever, yet with a slightly different approach. Still staying in the action category, Majesco has decided to change up the scene by making this entry a 2-D, hand-drawn, side-scrolling adventure action game. And when I say hand-drawn, I mean painstakingly. An approximate 4,000 frames are given to Rayne alone, crisply and beautifully rendering on your HD TV in all her glory. The game has a very anime / manga artistic direction. It looks kind of like the newer Castlevanias as far as the level layouts. Combat looks super fluid and over-the-top as Rayne gracefully arches her body into a sweet dismount after decapitating a foe. She has use of a gun too, which you can pull out at whim to blast a freshly stabbed baddie. I am interested to see what the implementation of customizing combos and skills will do to the gameplay. Hopefully the depth is there for expanse and re playability. I am not too concerned, because there is a big emphasis on points based off of skill, so we should be seeing some fun ways to dispose of our enemies in the midst of presenting a challenge. In the meantime, we are promised mega boss battles and a solid story, so coupled with the aforementioned features, it's going to be a bloody good time. After following this series with much attachment, a day one purchase only makes sense for me.

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Toy Soldiers: Cold War - XBLA

Genre: Shooter / Tower Defense
Publisher: Microsoft
Developer: Signal Studios
Release: August 17

Remember playing with your G.I.Joe's? Remember demolishing those cheap, plastic army men when dropping an imaginary fly-by napalm bomb from your stealth bomber? Remember making explosions with your mouth? I still do all of these things. Or at least, I'd like to. Last year's Toy Soldiers hit with great success and fulfilled our childhood toy wars to a great degree. It only gets better. There are some pretty nifty tweaks getting thrown into the mix and now the game takes place years ahead of the last, opening up some fresh new armies and their units. Blast enough of the opposing force and you could be rewarded with a Commando. This is where the camera shifts to third-person and gives you a bazooka in one hand and an assault rifle in the other to wreak utter havoc upon those who stand in your way. There's just nothing like watching those little plastic saps twist as they fall to the ground. Don't you strategy fans worry either, this is still a tower defense game, so managing your units and upgrading your defenses is supremely necessary. Also, there's a rewind feature to back up and counter mistakes made. Oh and need someone to play with? This game is loaded with online capabilities, co-op and split screen. It's going to be explosive, so check it!

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The Lord of the Rings: War in the North - Xbox 360, PS3, PC

Genre: Action RPG
Publisher: Warner Brothers Interactive
Developer: Snowblind Studios
Release: August 24

The Lord of the Rings. What an awesome universe. However, when it comes to games, they have been pretty meh. At least in my opinion. I was a bit skeptical when first hearing of War in the North. You see, with such a large property such as LOTR, there seems to be certain limits that always seem to hamper the quality of the experience for me. A big limit is the art style. While being amazing as a whole, looking at War in the North, I felt a bit uninspired. It didn't really jump out at me. Much criticism took me further and I began to think about how limited your race choices are and then your skill tree choices, etc. All because you are confined within an already defined universe. Let me guess, you can only be an elf, dwarf and human? Bah. But then I watched the demo. My mind has changed. First, the graphics are brilliant. Everything is so detailed. Character models look surprisingly lovely. I love that this game is rated Mature too. Loads of blood and dismemberment of orcs? Check. Finishing moves? Check. This is Lord of the Rings, right? In watching the E3 demo, Snowblind promises tons of loot and reiterates that it is loot based. I love that idea. I'll just keep my fingers crossed that they come up with a plethora of armor and weapons. Even though the races are kinda ho-hum, the co-operative gameplay is definitely emphasized through the utilization of their diversified strengths for each problematic circumstance. And when the going gets too tough, call in Beleram, one of the Great Eagles to turn the tables. Notice I said co-op, because it completely supports online co-op. Now, it is limited to 3 players because of the amount of playable races. Nonetheless, it's in third person, so that is awesome! Full control of the camera instead of a fixed isometric mess? I'll take that any day! (Ahem, Dungeon Siege III.) Give the videos a look and I think you'll see why I changed my mind. Looking forward to this!

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By the way, here's what I'm currently playing through:

Bastion - XBLA
Dungeon Siege III - Xbox 360

L.A. Noire - Xbox 360

Trine - Xbox 360

Mortal Kombat - Xbox 360

Gears 2 - Xbox 360

----> BEST UPCOMING GAMES OF 2011 PART 1 HERE!

----> BEST UPCOMING GAMES OF 2011 PART 2 HERE!

----> TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON SPECIAL

Be sure to "like" us on our facebook page to keep up with us, and other projects, articles, and videos we are working on!

CRUNCHPOP - EPISODE 3 - TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON SPECIAL

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 03:18:00 +0000

Here is the latest in movie reviews (?) where we had a few special guests grace us with their own take on Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

What did you think about the latest in the Transformers franchise?

Since we were not able to make it to the episode this week, we will be releasing our personal review soon, and give the amount of Werewolf Unicorns we believe the movie deserved.

If you haven't seen Transformers: Dark of the Moon, be sure to read our post about what you need to know before you see it in the theater.

--->GREEN LANTERN REVIEW
--->X-MEN: FIRST CLASS REVIEW

PRE-TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON PREPARATIONS

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:45:00 +0000

While preparing to watch the latest in the Transformers franchise, I (Chris) have been re-watching the first and second Transformers movies and have realized how little time is being spent on the actual story line. The amount of actual meaningful dialogue - to explosion ratio is laughable in retrospect.

That being said, I am actually expecting the same when I walk into the Alamo Draft House tomorrow evening. But, of all things to hate, I'm not going to hold that against the movie at all. This is the entertainment I am paying for. I want to see 5 billion colors overloading my optical nerve and all of my other senses. I want to see more robot fodder than the grains of sand I have seen in my life. I want to see unreal scenes of action, survivability and limits of the human body. This is why I pay (too much) money to see this genre of movies in the theater.

When debating which format I was going to see "Dark of the Moon"(DLP or 3D), I did a bit of research (combing the bowels of the internet) on this very subject and found this very interesting letter from Paramount Pictures/Michael Bay, addressed to the projectionist of each theater showing the movie.

This has encouraged me to give 3D another chance, since we have already dogged the 3D movies in our X-Men: First Class Review . I am very interested to see improvements in the 3D movie realm as I find the concept fascinating, but the execution so far to be pretty annoying after the initial "wow factor" wears off (10 minutes in).

I do know that Michael Bay has been highly influenced by another director that has avidly pushed the 3D experience in movies, James Cameron (Avatar). Here is a very interesting conversation about the use of 3D in movie from pre-poduction, on into post-production. (technical film nerd info alert)

Michael Bay & James Cameron Talk 3D (Extended) from Michael Bay Dot Com on Vimeo.

I loved to hear Michael Bay explain how he really wanted to fine tune the 3D experience in a way that was natural for the scene, using both film and digital shots to create the best end result.

So I look forward to another Michael Bay movie that will wow me with visuals and leave me hanging in the lore department.

I'm really keeping my hopes low for "Dark of the Moon" so that I might be surprised in the end... - Chris
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CRUNCHPOP - Episode 2 - Green Lantern Movie Review

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:59:00 +0000

In this episode, Crunchpop travels to Oa, to see just how DC's Green Lantern stacks up to this summer's current blockbusters. Check out the final verdict!

Do you guys agree?
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----> X-men: First Class Review

Also check out our ongoing overview of some great games coming out in the not so distant future.
----> BEST UPCOMING GAMES OF 2011 PART 1 HERE!
----> BEST UPCOMING GAMES OF 2011 PART 2 HERE!

Best Upcoming Games of 2011 (Xbox 360, XBLA, PS3, PC) - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 02:08:00 +0000

Continuing the slew and onslaught of the "Upcoming Games of 2011", here's part two. There are some dandy games on the horizon and funny thing is, below are mostly downloadable multi-platform titles! Are we seeing a trend in the gaming industry? That aside, I CANNOT WAIT!

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From Dust - XBLA, PSN, PC
Genre: Simulation (God game)
Developer: Ubisoft
Release: July 27

This game looks so impressive. You have to check out the trailer to really get what I mean. It's a God simulation where you have different tools to build a world "from dust." Use lava to bubble where you move the cursor, watching it cool to form land. Use dirt to provoke vegetation and watch as water takes over, making it's own tributaries and rivers. Awesome? Yes. Dynamic? You bet. I am not sure how the rest of the gameplay will be besides creating, but you seem to have influence over the people that populate your world. Reminds me of Peter Molyneux's Black & White. This looks really interesting and can't wait to see it unfold. Another stellar arcade download coming to us!

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Dead Island - 360, PS3, PC

Genre: First Person Action
Publisher: Deep Silver
Developer: Techland (Poland)
Release: September 6

So when I first saw this trailer, I had to hold back tears. I don't think a game trailer has ever done that. I mean, I've cried almost from being so pissed off at a game, but this is different. It's gotta be the little girl. Talk about a shizznitty vacation. Anyway, the game looks to offer some intriguing features to first-person melee and include some role-playing elements with open mission structure. Plus, it's 4-player co-op. That's always welcomed. Make sure you take a look at the trailer and note the beautiful particle and blood effects running rampant throughout. It's zombies with dismemberment, decapitations and the like. Not for the squeamish. The game has my interest and I am curious to see it shape up or ship out.

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Gears of War 3 - 360

Genre: Third-Person Shooter
Publisher: Microsoft
Developer: Epic Games
Release: September 20

Until recently, I have had a late arrival to the Gears franchise. I picked up the combo pack a couple of months ago, beat Gears 1 but still haven’t gotten around to playing through Gears 2. I did get into the Gears 3 Multiplayer Beta via Bulletstorm and thoroughly enjoyed myself. As the story goes, this is the final countdown to the fate of Marcus and his team. Having not played Gears 2 yet, I’m not too sure where the status of the struggle lies, but I am pretty excited to see the bond the team has during this campaign. From the footage I have seen, their dynamic looks more fleshed out (which I am sure to get filled in when playing Gears 2). However, this time around, the team looks well seasoned and the story will be tying up loose ends which I am already looking forward to. New guns, the mech suit, gameplay tweaks, enhanced graphics, Horde Mode 2.0 and the most robust multiplayer experience looks to ensure a ride of epic proportions in Gears 3.

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Trine 2 - XBLA, PSN, PC

Genre: Action / Platform / Puzzle
Publisher: Atlus
Developer: Frostbyte
Release: Q3 2011(September 30 rumored)

Whoaseph. Holy cacao! Remember how I mentioned that I was a sucker for every kind of fantastical art? This game has been in my sights ever since I saw the first trailer. Trine 2 looks absolutely gorgeous. In fact, it could be the most beautiful Xbox Live Arcade game I have ever set eyes on. This trailer forced me to buy Trine 1 through Steam. (Which by the way, is available for Mac for all of you Apple users like myself.) I figured I should get acquainted to know what to look for in Trine 2. From what I have played thus far, I love! Trine 2 looks to expand on the gameplay elements from it's predecessor, returning with the same thief / wizard / warrior characters and garnishing their puzzle- solving dynamics with new abilities. Challenges look to be more creative this time around. If it's anything like the first and being improved upon, I am going to be one happy camper.

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Fireburst - XBLA, PSN, PC
Genre: Racing Action
Publisher: Zoo Games
Developer: ExDream
Release: Summer 2011

Did anybody play Vigilante 8 or Twisted Metal? How about Blur? I really loved Blur. What a kick ass game. This looks to fall into that vein of destructive vehicular combat, all whilst screaming down a track, trying to keep from blowing up. The arcade racer features an oddball cast each with specific cars and abilities. Cars are divided into four different classes including buggys, trucks, offroaders and muscle cars. Each of these cars offer a distinct Fireboost ability like Fireblast, which you can use to annihilate opponents. Firewheels is another nifty trade that gives your screeching tires flame tracks that damage anyone tailing your blazing path. Graphically, the game looks pretty amazing, especially considering it's a downloadable game. Tracks look dynamic, cars look detailed and the particle / fire effects look radical. Another hot contender in this array upcoming games.

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Dangit. How the crap to keep up with so many titles? Guess I can't complain. Would rather have too many good games to play than not enough! I'm currently working on part 3 of "Best Upcoming Games of 2011" which starts the beginning of the giant franchises. Let me know if there are any games you want reviewed, previewed or discussed!

Even bigger games coming, so stay tuned and thanks for reading! ~ Joshua

By the way, here are the games that I'm currently playing through:

Dungeon Siege III - Xbox 360

L.A. Noire - Xbox 360

Trine- Mac

Mortal Kombat - Xbox 360

Gears 2 - Xbox 360

----> BEST UPCOMING GAMES OF 2011 PART 1 HERE!
----> BEST UPCOMING GAMES OF 2011 PART 3 HERE!
----> GREEN LANTERN MOVIE REVIEW
----> WHO OK'd THIS? - FUNNY VINTAGE COMICS

Be sure to "like" us on our facebook page to keep up with us, and other projects, articles, and videos we are working on!

WHO OK'd THIS? Episode 1

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 22:35:00 +0000

This week we are going to start a small series of videos showcasing the silliest of vintage comics cheese. We are calling the series "WHO OK'd THIS" since there were obviously some cheese filled suits "ok'ing" these plot lines.

This week we are going to check out some frames from Action Comics #311 and we hope you will laugh with us!

Best Upcoming Games of 2011 - (Xbox 360, XBLA PS3, PC) Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 04:25:00 +0000

It’s absurd the amount of amazing games at the forefront of our fingertips. Just when I thought last year was an awesome year for gaming, looks like this one may just top it. Wait until Fall, it's brutal. Check out the first batch of the "Best Upcoming Games of 2011" below:

Warning: Shadows of the Damned and Deus Ex trailers not intended for youngsters.

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Dungeon Siege 3 360, PS3, PC

Genre: Action RPG

Publisher: Square Enix

Developer: Obsidian

Release: June 21 (Out Today)

For good graciousness, Blizzard, pull the trigger on Diablo 3 already so I don’t have to find a dungeon crawler that will never add up to it! While we wait for infinity to come, I recently played the demo of Dungeon Siege 3 on xbox 360, to satisfy my loot, kill, repeat urges. This game is out today and I am planning on hitting the books with it. I have been hankering to slay endless hordes of all-things-evil to get some new piece of stat molested armor. What is it about leveling up that is so addicting?! Anyways, when I took the demo online for a spin with a buddy, I must say, I had fun. The art does seem a tad generic and selecting enemies was spotty, but overall I am pretty excited to see if this can deliver a fix until Diablo 3. I do at least think the characters are nifty and the graphics, pretty for the genre. I liked the dash of Mass Effect-esque dialogue options, the inventory system was...manageable and the talent trees look fun to tool around with. Whether or not the end product will be polished enough is the question. Let’s see what you can do Obsidian. Gulp. <--(For those who know Obsidian.)

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Shadows of the Damned 360, PS3

Genre: Third-Person Action

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Developer: Grasshopper Manufacture

Release: June 21 (Out Today)

It’s Shake’n’Bake, and I helped?! Talk about random, over-the-top crazy gaming. When I first saw Shadows of the Damned, I said sneeringly under a crimson sun: “TARANTINO & RODRIGUEZ”. Yes, this has you going to Hell to save your girlfriend, but this time you aren’t Dante. Instead, you are who semi-appears to be John Stamos, or the likes of him, looking to unleash unholy havoc to get your woman back. But you can’t go to the gates of Hell unsuited and outwitted. First, you need a torch. Make that a torch with a flaming skull who speaks to you in an English accent, morphing into new weapons at your whim, all whilst making crass jokes. Sound ridiculous enough? Add buckets of bizarre creatures, funky encounters and gobs of gore. Bingo. Suda 51 (No More Heroes) and Shinji Mikami (Resident Evil) team up to bring you this mesh of mayhem. Really not my cup of tea. It's a bit too bonkers and crude for me, but this level of zanyness will definitely appeal to the hardcore.

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Bastion XBLA, PC

Genre: Action RPG

Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive

Developer: Supergiant Games

Release: July 20

I am a complete sucker for fantasy art and this game has done nothing but make me drool. I am captivated by it’s purdyness. Bastion is an Action RPG that brings some cool ideas to the table. One of those being a narrator that carries you through, voicing what is being penned as you play. Take a look at the trailer and see what I am talking about. I am digging these quality XBLA games!

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Max Payne 3 360, PS3, PC

Genre: Third-Person Shooter

Publisher: Rockstar Games

Developer: Rockstar Vancouver

Release: August 1

Max Payne 3 has had delays along with the silent treatment from Rockstar. Originally, it was suppose to see the light of day the winter of 2009, then pushed back again. It's now 2011, but don’t lose faith. Pictures have been surfacing and it’s looking pretty promising. At least promising that it still exists. Maybe they had to scrap parts so they could use the same tech that's in L.A. Noire, who knows? If that is the case, I’d be super excited! Max Payne has always had a noir flair to it. Judging by the pictures, it looks to be very gritty and dark. Here's hoping to it being good. Definitely back on the radar!

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Deus Ex: Human Revolution 360, PS3, PC

Genre: First Person Shooter/RPG

Publisher: Square Enix

Developer: Eidos Montreal

Release: August 23

The first Deus Ex: Brilliant. Highly acclaimed for it’s open-ended form (for it's time especially) and engaging story, Deus Ex: Human Revolution looks to adopt conceptually and outdo it’s predecessor. From what E3 footage I have seen recently, I am getting more amped for it’s release. It’s actually a prequel, putting you in the shoes of Adam Jensen, a security official for Sariff Industries. The world is torn between trans-human augmentation and after a tiff, your injuries give you no other choice but to incorporate them so you can live. The story looks very engaging and the gameplay seems spectacular. Players really get a ton of customization not only in abilities, powers and the like, but also in approaching how you play. Stealth it up, snapping necks like no one knows you’re there, or say “Screw that, chew on these guns blazing!” Plus, how can you not like the melange stylings of The Matrix-meets-Blade Runner-meets-Terminator-meets-Bicentennial Man? (Just kidding on that last one.)

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There are so many rad games coming out, that I am going to divide this "Best Upcoming Games of 2011" list up into multiple parts. Let me know if there are any games you want reviewed, previewed or discussed and be looking for the next parts to this madness soon! ~ Joshua

---> BEST UPCOMING GAMES OF 2011 PART 2 HERE
---> BEST UPCOMING GAMES OF 2011 PART 3 HERE

Summer Movie Round-Up

noreply@blogger.com (CRUNCHPOP) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 15:54:00 +0000

Movies that are on our radar... or not.

X-Men: First Class

June 3, 2011

Josh and I have already done a pretty in-depth review about the latest iteration of the X-Men chronicles. You can watch that (Video Spoiler Alert) HERE! Please Subscribe to our Youtube Channel (Click the Subscribe button on the right side of the page!)

What's This?
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Super 8

June 10, 2011

You may love it, you may hate it. But if this movie is like anything else good ol' J.J. Abrams has done recently, you'll probably be disappointed somehow. (i.e. Lost)

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Green Lantern

June 17, 2011

I greatly anticipate this movie to do one of two things. Either the movie will inspire me to really get neck deep in Green Lantern lore, or it will solidify my disinterest and wow me with green-splosions.

Any Green Lantern lovers out there who would like to explain the excitement behind a guy with a ring?

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~~Mr. Popper's Penguins~~

Don't Care

#whathappenedtojimcarrey (OOPS) Next...

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II

July 15, 2011

We simply can't wait for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II !! The movie will most definitely escalate into the intense showdown between Harry and Voldemort, wreaking havoc and destruction to Hogwarts in their wake.

Captain America: The First Avenger

July 22, 2011

I am personally excited about Captain America: The First Avenger because of the time period with which the movie is based in. It really worked in X-Men: First Class, and from what I have seen from the artistic direction and cinematography in the trailer, it will take me 3+ views before my brain pays any attention to the story and not the "pur-di-ness."

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Also another not so mainstream movie…

Bellflower

Summer 2011

This movie is particularly interesting to see how awesome Director, Writer, and Actor, Evan Glodell is at doing what he does….(everything) --- It has flame-balls and rad vintage cars, do you really need to know anything else?

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ANY MOVIES WE MISSED? Let us know in the comments!

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Blip: The Video Games Magazine June, 1983

Lets just hope that they don't try to make more additions to the video game graveyard out of these titles.

To quote my favorite source (comic longbox) for all things "current" --- My issue of Marvel's failed magazine, Blip: The Video Games Magazine June, 1983 issue goes into prophetic-realism-mode when they said:

"What did E.T. and TRON prove? Maybe that the only thing a movie tie-in has going for it is its title. That might account for some sales. But in the end, the game will sell---or not sell--- on its own merits."