Infinity Ward/Activision have been raising hell with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s opening level, now confirmed as “No Russian”, which has playing as a covert CIA agent slaughtering hundreds of innocent civilians in an airport along with four Ultranationalist terrorists. The level received severe criticism for being inspired by the Mumbai massacres that occurred last November – and we can safely say Infinity Ward has amped the shock factor up by 11. Make no mistake. This is some pretty messed up gameplay, whether you’ve seen a real-life terrorist siege or not. Viewer discretion is highly advised.

First, XBox 360 owners were treated when Namco-Bandai’s Tales of Vesperia released on the system, and this certainly helped bolster the console’s presence in Japan due to it’s exclusivity. Then PS3 owners got the royal treatment, plus additional content, when Vesperia was announced to be on it’s way to Sony’s console in time for Christmas. We don’t quite know what Wii gamers were expecting, given that Tales of Graces was already announced for the console, but a blog post by a Vesperia voice actor indicates they could be in for more.

Rikiya Koyama plays Duke Pantanrei in the game’s Japanese version (the same character being voiced by Jamieson Price in the English edition) revealed on his blog today that the game, after arriving on 360 and PS3, is now making it’s way to Wii. The translated part of that paragraph (with some grammar cleaned up) reads:

“Tales of Vesperia, XBOX, and PS3, and now it is Wii will be released…”

He may have it confused with Graces, but you’d think he’d know the versions apart given how long he’s been associated with Tales of Vesperia. Namco-Bandai as of yet have not officially announced Vesperia as coming to the Nintendo Wii.

(Note: Google Translate does not successfully translate the blog post into English. To view translations of the text, copy and paste the separate lines into the translator.)

Despite spending an entire early morning whiling away on Firefight at the official worldwide launch of Halo 3: ODST, I was in equal lengths appalled, distraught and just plain high on what to review it for. On one hand, the quick, vanilla action portions of the franchise were intact, albeit with a few tactical features – the dominant one was sadly “Run for your life when low on health” from the absence of regenerating health. On the other hand, it was the same Halo. Granted it had it’s plot holes and technicalities, but the real kicker was it’s core gameplay that was still the same repetitive action and ugly graphics from the previous titles. All the new additions – the new pistol and SMG, the VISR, the world hub – meant, for lack of a kinder euphemism, jack.

Not that it mattered. No one walked into a store to buy Halo expecting an in-depth action-RPG hybrid with a complex story and 100 hours of unique missions. The specific audience was there. It was large. Bugger me silly if I could define it, but I knew, despite my humongous “meh” to the final product, I wasn’t in it.

Is Halo: Reach just more of the same Halo? Upon viewing the leaked screenshots, that’s the impression I got. The Rocket Launcher is there, yes. Not to mention some snazzy new weaponry. Does that Battle Rifle have one mean ass scope or what? And has the Chief returned? Very nice. However, despite these new environments and the so-called improved graphics, the sneaking suspicion still haunts me: This will be more of the same Halo. Aside from the hype that bears all too much in common with the ODST ad blitzkieg, why is that? Because that’s what’s sold the series.

I know that once the game is released, a discussion will arise on the subtle differences between Halo Reach and other Halo games. When Halo 3: ODST came out, some of us were hung up on false views that the game was nothing but the same Halo. Mind you, this came from early fake reviews who’s facts were all over the place but it was jarring nonetheless. Equally jarring was that, in an essence, they were right. I hope in some ways Halo: Reach is indeed not the same Halo – that it sends off the franchise with not so much a bang, but a title I’ll actually be able to play without looking at the controller in my hand, and asking ashamedly, “Why?” And maybe, just maybe, good enough to make people forget this was Bungie’s last Halo title. Until then, there is much, much work to do.

To view more leaked shots of Halo: Reach, head here.

The non-sensical threads of the Resident Evil film franchise appear to have diverged on their own way, far distinct from the canon of the games. However, brief flashes of homages can be seen every now and then. Maybe this is how video game movies are meant to be made? Not being a movie based on the game but a movie that evokes your memories of the game? Be that as it may, there will be a fourth Resident Evil film (titled: Resident Evil: Afterlife), it will feature the return of Alice (Milla Jovovich), from all 3 movies, and Claire Redfiled (Ali Larter) from Extinction. And there are quite a few surprises in store for the two this time around.

From the article quoting Milla’s Twitter:

“One of the scenes we’re shooting today is the last scene in the movie and the guys had to invent something that could take a 3d camera that high and far,” she Tweeted this morning. “The technology we’re using is all so new and cutting edge that you can’t just buy rigs premade to get the shots we want! Its so exciting though, to think that we’re inventing things on this movie that will probably be standard in 5 years time!”

Later, she continued with “I fly a small aircraft in this film and they did a shot of it landing on the boat we’re on the night before last and get this, all the people who live in the skyscrapers around the harbor phoned 911 reporting a plane crash on the ship! how rad! they got HUNDREDS of call!”

Apparently things are coming along nicely according to this later Tweet, “So cool! (Director) Paul (W.S. Anderson) just told us the dailys from the last few days look INCREDIBLE!!! (dailys is the latest footage that’s been shot already)”

And to top things off, they have the Executioner from Resident Evil 5 on-board as well:

Most recently, she wrote, “They were of the big action sequence with Alice and Claire fighting THE EXECUTIONER who in reality is an 8 ft. tall heavy weight boxer! He has a HUGE axe and we’re in a prison shower, so every time he swings the axe, showers explode! So thru the whole scene its literally raining! so beautiful!”

Though if that fugly man on the left in the above pic is really Chris Redfield, then this movie is already begun digging it’s own hole on recommended list.

Tally ho, GAF.

New shots, taken off-screen, were captured by a rather enterprising user (no guesses as to what his name could be) and posted on the NeoGAF forums not too long ago of Halo Reach, along with some new information relating to the weapons and HUD. In the shots you can see several new weapons, and what look to be (gasp) environments that don’t look so damn dull? You can also spot what one GAF user referred to as a “Needler Rifle”. Because nothing says you hate snipers like 200 yard far exploding needle in the head.

Other new gameplay details include:

Battle Rifle

it is a one shot battle rifle with 12 rounds, pretty powerful and effective long range.

Perks

This is what the HUD looks like. In the bottom left, you can see your squadmates health and names.
Right above the radar shows what perks you are carrying. When I played there were 3 perks-sprinting, cloaking, and halogram.
The sprinting makes you run when you hold LB,
cloaking makes you invisible (when you cloak your radar jams and you can’t really hear anything around you).
The hologram creates a hologram of yourself, so enemies will shoot at both.

In preparation for their one-minute-after-midnight launch of Infinity Ward and Activision’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 on November 10th, American-based department store chain Walmart has created some rather…interesting commercials, including the already famous “Fastest Way to Play” commercial.

The commercials star Steve “a regional manager for a nuts and bolts company” and Nick, who “has none of the responsibilities I do and all the time in the world, and I still dominate him in every game we’ve ever played”. Nick, an IT specialist at the same fictional company, “actually had to teach Steve how to turn on his XBox 360″. These fictional profiles obviously do their best to reinforce the trash-talking aspects of the ad campaign. And while the hamminess of their characters can’t be denied, neither can the humour of their exchanges (”Hey this is called ‘Modern Warfare’, not ‘Civil Warfare’ so don’t even head for the musket”). One of the commercials also features Steve alternating between describing a cold, Black Ops mission and talking to his little daughter about her “tummy ache”. So the weird quotient is in good supply, too.

So far, 10 such commercials have been released, while 3 more (including one to be uploaded tonight) are on the way. All videos, present and future, can be viewed here.

I won’t attempt to explain the Mumbai terror attacks that took place almost a year ago in our native land of the saffron, white and green. Unless you were in India, you wouldn’t really understand it – unlike a 9/11 that took place over the period of one admittedly beautiful New York morn, 26/11 took place over a period of almost two days. In those several hours, we learned of Splinter Cell voice actor Michael Rudder being injured, the deaths of major industrialists and special operatives, and for those who cared, the delay of GTA IV for PC in India. And in those several hours, every person who wasn’t glued to their TV or walking an all-too quiet street in the afternoon, we had our lives changed. That we haven’t had a terrorist attack on that scale in almost a year is saying a lot.

And now a year later, the news arrives of Modern Warfare 2 featuring a level wherein five Ultranationalist terrorists enter an airport and begin mowing down civilians in a manner meant to resemble the Mumbai massacres. With Activision’s blockbuster worldwide release nearly coinciding with the anniversary of the attacks, I thought it best to summarize one Indian’s take on any controversy this is meant to create.

Fucking deal with it already (initiate Full-Rant Mode. Execute).

The original Modern Warfare had an opening sequence wherein you played the victim, President Al-Fulani, from the first person perspective. I couldn’t move or control my fate, letalone affect those of my aggressors. It was little more than a standard first person cutscene, albeit a personal that set the tone for the grisly combat to follow. Personally, it evoked memories of Daniel Pearl’s kidnapping and murder while politically, it set the stage for what would become a mirror to the real world invasion of Iraq. The whole idea created a connection to the real world, further reinforcing the game’s realism.

As soon as I heard the basic details of this so-called Airport Massacre mission in Modern Warfare 2, along with subsequent news that it was skippable (same as the case for Al-Fulani’s first person execution), I immediately thought of a particular sequence in Die Hard 2. Here a SWAT team and airport officials literally march to their death at the hands of former US Army Spec Ops soldiers before John McClane heroically drops in to their rescue (for which more people die later. “Yippee-ki-yay” indeed, mother fucker). In terms of real world politics, the only thing I could connect it to was the 2002 Nord-Ost Siege in Russia by 40-50 Chechen terrorists, in which more than 129 hostages were killed. I also felt a nostaligic twinge for Reservoir Dogs. Maybe it was the suits.

Activision and Infinity Ward will most likely remove this portion from the game until the heat calms down. But if not, let’s make one thing clear: When I play Modern Warfare 2, I’m going to thoroughly enjoy killing all those civilians and leaving their bodies spread across escalators, elevators, and what-not. I’m going to love watching them crawl away helplessly before I pull the trigger, and move on to mowing down hapless security guards who haven’t a hope in hell of defending the innocent. Just like I loved shooting Ultranationalists at close range in CoD 4.

Just like I love dismembering and disintegrating Nazis in Wolfenstein, just to hear their terrible screams of pain. Just like I loved running people over in Grand Theft Auto 4 once and then driving alternately in reverse and forward to finish the job. Ditto for killing more humans by the second in Prototype in the most fantastically brutal. Did I mention getting a kick out of mass murdering in Smash TV, Serious Sam, Myth II and Robotron? I’m not a political prankster looking to get mileage out of playing off of people’s emotions. I’m not a hypocrite who believes games cannot undergo amazing revelations like cinema has with Asian Extreme cinema and New Wave French Extremity, simply because kids are “more susceptible” to picking violent games then watching violent movies (”because games are meant for kids” they say). I’m not some recluse who sees Lara Croft as more beautiful than any girlfriend could ever be.

And as far as violence goes – even if I get killed at the end or I’m a double agent in the game, even if I murder 200, 300, a billion innocent people (and seriously, if we want to play the realism game, how many strangers do you know who are completely innocent?), I’d still be able to wash my hands afterwards without uttering “Out damned spot!” even once. Besides coming back with an experience that I know I couldn’t, wouldn’t and shouldn’t ever obtain in real life.

Just like they told me a year ago about GTA IV because of the Mumbai terror attacks; just like they told me 10 years ago about Doom because of two extremely stupid kids in Columbine; just like they told me 17 years ago about Mortal Kombat for no good reason other than they were afraid of what they didn’t understand. Ironically, the game targetted will keep changing but the issue remains the same. And time upon time again, we must stand up and speak loud and clear to our easily offended species when we say “It’s just a game”. Seriously. Quit playing common sense catch-up and get with the program already.

Something about Ninja Theory’s next tactical action/adventure title, Enslaved, reminds me of Tony Jha’s Ong Bak 2. You know, the movie that former EGM writer (and now infamous Cracked contributor) Seanbaby called “The Most Batshit Insane Martial Arts Movie Ever”. Ninja Theory’s put robots in to the mix, so you can bet they’re on a whole other level of awesome. So, how about checking out exactly how Enslaved’s protagonist fights?

Animator Markus Hammarstedt, whose previous experience includes GRIN’s Terminator Salvation and Massive Entertainment’s World in Conflict has worked on a special melee sequence animation for Ninja Theory, copyrighted in 2009. The animation only shows the basic punches and kicks – hopefully Ninja Theory will reveal the game soon enough and we can take a closer look at the weapon combat.

Many elements of the main character’s clothing can be identified using previous screens and concept art of the game. The gauntlet on the right arm, the bandages on the foot, and if you look very closely, even the belt’s design is identifiable.

Enslaved is slated for release some time in 2010 for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3.

Tecmo recently released a behind the scenes video detailing the making of Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2’s various viral campaigns that circulated through Japan in the months leading to it’s release. Yes, the exact same ones that showed the embarrassing Japanese populous fonding what was, for all intents and purposes, a wall. The video itself quite hilarious, especially when they detail the making of the final ad, “Shake” (watch as the makers follow the exact same movements as the characters). Good to know the devs had an idea exactly what could use the most marketing.

I gander and gaze at specimens like PSXExtreme and HipHopGamer. They push out rumour after rumour without a hint of credence, and expect the fanboys (and fans) to swallow it, unquestioningly. “Kojima’s on the PS3 Again, Dawg??”, “Top Secret New PS3 Title That We Can’t Tell You About But Thanks for All the Hits!” and so on. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to these “real” and “reputed” sources of news, there is a Playstation 3 title, exclusive to the platform till now, based on a brand new IP waiting to be published. So the real question is not what it is, but do you want it?

Of course, we’ll get 2 or 3 things concerning this IP out of the way first.

The developers: Steambot Studios and Bluepoint (Blast Factor).

The title: Exodyssey.

From the developer’s official blog:

“Steambot Studios and Bluepoint Games (Blast Factor), have recently collaborated on a proof of concept real-time demo on Sony Playstation 3, based on the universe of Exodyssey. The prototype was done in a very short period of time and shows our intentions in terms of graphics and gameplay… We are now looking for a publisher and potential investors to start working on this next action-adventure AAA title. Bring it on!”

Additionally, Steambot talks of the game at this past July’s CG Con 2009

“People even had a 1st glance at the ‘Exodyssey video game proof of concept’ that Austin’s Bluepoint helped develop, running on a PS3!”

And then again at official launch party for the franchise:

“The event was a success, more than 200 guests for an evening of visual thrills. Books and DVDs on sale, live painting, book signing, exclusive video projection of the Exodyssey world, good music, drinks and food, and the presentation of the Exodyssey game demo…”

There are more than enough indications that they’re intent with going forward in developing an Exodyssey game, which again, is currently exclusive to the PS3.

It’s hard to really define what Exodyssey is. Originally an illustrations book, called the “visual development of an epic adventure by Steambot Studios” that tells the story of a future humanity who’s roots are quietly being snuffed out and a protagonist who holds the key to finding out why. It can best be described as a graphic novel featuring the talents of concept artists behind such games as Assassin’s Creed, Prince of Persia, Far Cry 2, Splinter Cell and Deus Ex 3. Over 500 illustrations spanning 5 worlds and 176 pages to showcase the story of this brand new universe. The book and game are only the first few pieces of this new universe, according to Steambot Studios.

And so I put forth this interesting proposition to all PS3 fans – with a project like this coming through (and yes, more than likely, the game will be based off the illustrations seen in the teaser), who needs Mass Effect for the PS3? Pray that a big time publisher (you listening Sony?) has already picked this up, or is at least considering the same.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves has released to a tidal wave of critical acclaim. Official numbers have yet to arrive on the sales, but the response from gamers has been equally fervent. James Paick and Scribble Pad Studios, a Los Angeles-based design consulting and concept art studio, worked with Naughty Dog Studios to create the stunning vistas and visual style of the game. They’ve recently uploaded a boatload of Uncharted 2 concept art drawings, that besides displaying various environments and vehicles (though there’s a heavy emphasis on trains) also gives more than a few hints about events and locales that hero Nathan Drake visits. So yes, a minor spoiler warning is in order.

Scribble Pad Studios’ “purpose is to create stunning visual concepts of original content and pursue the visual style and artistic creativity”. They specialize in the “development for video game and film/commercial industries in the following areas: Pre-vis Concept Art, Visual Development, Environment Design, Character Design, Key art illustration, Book Cover illustration and Theme Park and Attraction design.” Their track record also includes Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2, Rise of the Argonauts and Wizards of the Coast projects.

You have to wonder. On June 8th 2008, Rare senior software engineer Nick Burton stated that Kameo: Elements of Power (and Perfect Dark Zero, another Rare title exclusive to XBox 360) had “made a lot of money” for the company in a profession where, “If you break even you’re lucky, you’re in the minority. If you make a decent amount of money you’re really in the minority. You’re in the top percentile.” Now, it’s come to light that Kameo was indeed due for a sequel, but was cancelled in late 2007. This happened nearly 2 years after the release of the original.

One thing can be said about recent footage of animations for the sequel: Kameo had changed. Her body, before more cartoony, is slender and sleek as she bounds up walls, slides through ladder rungs and tip-toes along wall tops. The game itself looks to be less of an adventure title and more acrobatic action-based a la Prince of Persia and Heavenly Sword. Was the sudden change in art-style and gameplay done to appease to more mature fans of the 360?

As you’ll see in the development shot, the tattoo on the model’s leg matches that of Kameo from the first game; also, the word “Kameo” can be seen at the bottom. At least we know now of one Rare sequel that’s never gonna happen.

Resistance has in a short time become an intriguing franchise in this seventh generation of console gaming. The game fully reached it’s potential with the second game in the series, who’s visual scale and fun single-player matched the more hyped FPS games of this generation. However, in the journey that it took to become the game we know well as Resistance, Insomniac had an altogether different approach with the series.

Originally dubbed “I8″, it was more along the lines of a full-scale Humanity vs. Chimera war scenario than the bleak future the soldiers were facing in Resistance. You did battle with dozens of human soldiers, but also fought against humans as well as Chimera, who seemed to retain their look all throughout the dev cycle (as evidenced by the appearance of the Chimera 35 seconds in to the first video “I8″). On top of that, the second video showcases missions involving the Black Ops soldiers of Resistance. Despite having the same look and feel as “I8″, this video shows more enemies on screen, more aggressive Chimera soldiers and better animations.

You can also check out the concept art, from the game’s inception as I8 to the working model of Resistance: Fall of Man.

Remedy Entertainment stirred the hype when they announced Alan Wake in 2005 as an exclusive for XBox 360. Since then, the game has undergone numerous delays and re-workings in both the main character’s appearance and the overall art-style of the game. Each subsequent reveal of the game has been spread between 2005, 2006 and 2008 with the game’s “final” look revealed in 2009. A release date of 2010 has been announced but until then, check out how the game has undergone it’s transformations in what will culminate in more than 5 years of trailers and teasers.

(Note: First pic of each comparison represents the game’s look in 2005, the second pic corresponds to its 2006 look, third pic corresponds to its 2008 look and the fourth pic corresponds to the game’s final look as of 2009)

At least that’s what the profile of Bjørn Toft Madsen, Software Director at Rare, says. Working on a joint project between the two companies in the past three months, Madsen’s role in the is stated to be to “Manage a large team of engineers working on a tight schedule to go from pre-production to finished product in a year”.

Rumour has it that this is an avatar game for Natal. Besides it being well known about their role in Project Natal development, Madsen’s last two projects were avatars and the avatar soccer watching zones for Sky and Canal+.

(Source: Superannuation)