Thursday, September 30, 2010

Dead Rising 2 | Review


Synopsis: The zombie apocalypse has arrived thanks to Capcom with the release of Dead Rising 2, which places you in the shoes of the hero, Chuck Greene, who is tasked with getting his daughter her daily dose of Zombrex, clearing his name, and saving civilians all while killing hordes of zombies with anything and everything he can get his hands on. Dead Rising 2 takes place in Fortune City several years after the invasion of Willamette, in a modern day Vegas with lights, showgirls, gambling, and loads of shops for additional weapons, clothes, and cash. There is also an onslaught of new features to the sequel consisting of a new character and the removal of the camera, such as thousands of zombies, more in game objects, combining objects to make new weapons, online coop, and the four player “Terror is Reality” matches for piles of cash.

Praise: I honestly tried really hard to like the first Dead Rising title but unfortunately the whole camera part of the game took too much away from the zombie slaying, so when I heard they were doing away with the photography element, I was sold. The amount of weapons and clothing to equip during gameplay is practically limitless while proving to be very necessary with the addition of all the zombies throughout the maps. The weapon combination is also a wonderful addition as combined weapons earn you extra prestige points to help with leveling up and learning new abilities. The new coop feature helps with missions and makes it easier to spend more time exploring shops, searching for new items to combine, and of course gambling. Lastly, Terror is Reality, I don’t know what to say, it is a handful of simplistic mini games you play online with three other players and…well it is a lot of fun with a big payoff of prize money to use in the story mode.

Gripes: While there is a lot of praise about my time spent with this title, there is one very large issue I have, and no it is not the camera or controls, but a mass amount of load screens. There is almost as many load screens as there are zombies in Fortune City. Anytime I walked through a door, started a cut scene, or left a cut scene, there was a load screen. While the loads screens weren’t long, they just occurred way too often for a game you have to download to the PS3 hard drive. The only other issues I had were minor in comparison, but the collision detection was off at times and while it was humorous to take out zombies that weren’t even in front of me, it seems like there would have been more QA to prevent this. Finally, I have a love hate issue with the timed missions. I understand that it is a part of what makes this game but it can be equally frustrating trying to manage time and determining priorities throughout gameplay.

Overall, there is a LOT of replay value to Dead Rising 2. Whether grinding for cash in TIR, combing weapons to level up, or just trying to kill as many zombies as possible to make it out of Fortune City alive, Dead Rising 2 is something I will go back to for the coop and to complete missions missed during the first playthrough. I just hope that there is a patch in the future to help with the load screens and increase the number weapon combinations to make time spent with this title less frustrating and a much more fun.

Mashbuttons.com gives Dead Rising 2 a 7 out of 10.

Dead Rising 2 is available now for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010


NBA 2k11 Developer Call Wrap-Up

Short-shorts, David Stern and the tongue! Ok, my wrap-up is a little bit more detailed than that. This call left me more excited for a basketball game than I ever been. Classic teams, new animation and smarter (and more logical) AI for franchise mode.

As everyone knows Michael Jordan will be featured in the game but it goes much further beyond that. Michael Jordan will be available to add to any team you would like but first you must complete 10 Jordan challenges. These challenges are scenarios from classic Jordan career achievements; but does that mean he will play against/with modern rosters or generic player? Nope, each challenge will be accurate down the short-shorts, uniforms and players. So you will get to see the likes of Larry Bird, John Stockton and Dominique Wilkens.

The Franchise mode got a boost in AI logic for trades, daft and other roster movements. So you won’t see the Hornets pursuing a high profile PG with Paul and Collison already on the roster. Also, instead of the generic spread sheet draft format they now have the draft in Madison Square Garden with Clay Bennett’s boyfriend David Stern.

Some other features they are boasting for this year’s installment are gameplay improvement, new animations and improved players, coaches and refs faces. The animation overhaul was a huge one with between 2,500 to 3,500 new ones (including Michael Jordan’s tongue). The improvement in the face graphics is aimed to make the players look real and less cartoony. NBA 2K11 hits stores October 5th.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

View the opening cutscene to recent Borderlands DLC

Vault seekers better be ready for this one. We all know the new Claptrap Robolution DLC released today and like most people I am at working waiting until 5 PM to go home and kill me some Claptraps. If you are like me, then here is the opening cutscene to tide you over.

New SBK X trailer puts adrenaline junkies in a straight jacket

It must be race season for games, as F1 2010 just released, Gran Turismo is coming and for you two wheel enthusiasts, well we get SBK X. For those needing their trailer fix before hopping on fast moto, I have a trailer for you highlighting in game footage, wrecks, and straight jackets. Enjoy.

SouthPeak Games clears up rumors regarding Two World II release


Bad news for those anxiously awaiting the October release of Two Worlds II, that includes me and MANY others. SouthPeak games has announced that this title will no longer be released in October as expected, but will hopefully see store shelves in January. The good news is that they are making sure that the game is not rushed and will be a truly AAA title.

Blood drive trailer reveals contestants and cars of upcoming action driving title in Las Ruletas

In the upcoming title from Activision, Blood Drive is a tournament where a number of contestants compete to mow down, shoot up, and blaze destruction in the desert of the fantasy city of Las Ruletas. Below is the the debut trailer for this action driving mash up.

The Journey Project, brought to you by Ubisoft anf Children of Eden


As many of you may or may not know, Children of Eden is multi sensory shooter putting the player in a kaleidoscopic matrix consisting of synchronized music and visuals with the goal of saving Project Lumi, reproducing a human personality within Eden, an archive of human memories. With the theme of the title being hope and happiness, The Journey Project encourages players to personal photos of happy and positive images to be featured in the final level.

F1 2010 | Review


Synopsis: Codemasters has just released their recent racer, F1 2010, putting us in the cockpit of F1 race cars and working our way through its extensive career mode, so I figured after spending all weekend listening to the sounds of car engines and getting hit with penalties that it was time to put the controller down and complete my review for our devoted viewers before more racing. Along with licensed tracks, cars, and drivers, this release also features an advanced damage model and dynamic weather system. With no further delay, it is time to put on your helmets, make sure your car is tuned, and get ready to work your way through the ranks of the 2010 Formula One World Championship.

Praise: As a fan of the genre and Codemasters’ DiRT and GRiD titles I had nothing but high hopes for their recent addition to the racing genre. My time spent with F1 2010 was with the career mode, which starts with picking a racing team and having your agent walking you through how to make a name for yourself. This title is a LOT more technical than the GRiD and DiRT titles, which is probably the only thing I felt those titles were missing. In terms of being technical, I mean that it is almost imperative that you go through practice mode to see how your car does against the other racers and trying to earn power ups to give you that little edge over the other racers by completing laps within a specific amount of time, then moving on to qualify for a good starting position in the race. The gameplay is incredibly fast and fluid, mix that with detailed damage physics and let’s just say huge wrecks become amazing. The sounds when cranked up sound like a swarm of killer bees mixed with your mechanic in your ear telling you the status of your car and how to work your way up the ranks.

Gripes: Just like in DiRT, you will spend a good amount of time adapting to racing F1 cars from the other racing titles you are used to as these are much faster and handle tighter than the Gran Turismo or Forza races I am used to. There is also a lot of work to be done before getting into a race with the practice and qualifying, though you can skip both, but you will miss out on better starting positions and getting used to your car’s handling in different weather conditions. I am ashamed to admit this but the first few races, brake assist was necessary to get used to the car, other racers, and to see where braking is most beneficial, which almost felt like cheating but proved to be beneficial without taking too much from the gameplay. Lastly, be careful as you get penalized when cutting corners and causing accidents. Don’t get me wrong as I feel more racing titles should do this, but it is way too easy to get penalized, however, I was lucky enough to get by with warnings on occasion.

Overall, this is a title the hardcore race fans should have in their library because it is a solid racer with a good amount of depth and because there are very few Formula One titles out there, none the less good ones. Though it does take longer to get into a race than I would like, once you get to the race, with a loud stereo, and first person view is the closest you can get to the real thing without actually being there.

Mashbuttons.com gives F1 2010 an 8 out of 10.

F1 2010 is available now for the Xbox 360, PC, and PlayStation 3.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Zircon’s Gladiator Begins Review


"I AM SPARTACUS!!!" Okay, so I have yet to complete my Cos-play Spartacus Outfit...but, I have the next best thing, Gladiator Begins on the Sony PSP. So if you have ever wondered what it would be like to be a Gladiator Slave working your way up from common labor slave to the pride of the Roman combat arena well, short of a weekend Cos-play Session this is your means to rise up and be called the glory of the coliseum!

Your Career starts with you being a common slave sold to a gladiatorial ludus and after a long series of training exercises you win your chance to fight in the largest venue of Rome, the Coliseum and soon your skills will begin to draw the Eyes of many a Slave owner and Roman dignitary's. As in ancient Rome, You earn a meager salary to pay for many things such as many trips to the area doctor to be sewn up after a bout or to buy and trade weapons and armor upgrades which will help to advance you to the next level of fighting in the blood and sand.

Then as the legend of your name and accomplishments waft into the ears and eyes of the higher elite class of roman citizens you find that many have ulterior motives and use of your skill at the sword and blood letting. In one case the Wife of a Roman Dignitary reveals to you that she has had many a late night encounter with the gladiators that you will be fighting and now they are blackmailing her with the threat of revealing her well, let’s call it indiscretion. So if you kill them in the arena, those tongues will be silenced and your purse will grow accordingly. Debauchery in Ancient Rome...I love it.

The game play is the typical sword swatting, head bashing, and exercise as well as learned defensive posturing. You will quickly learn the moves as well as new ones as the game progresses. My personal favorite is the tried and true sword to head routine but that means nothing if you don't have you defensive moves ready to employ at a moment’s notice.

And there you have it, Gladiator Begins is up to you and your skills to take you to the top and wear the mantle of ultimate fighter glory. Are you up to the challenge? So prepare your battle cry, don your loin cloth, and become the treasure of the Roman battle circuit. Just don't stand on the coffee table while doing so, I have found out the hard way those tables are not that strong.

This is Zircon, no Sparticon!! (Wow, sounds like a Transformer) and I have left the Blog.
_Z_

Zircons Y's 7 PSP Review/Love-fest


Believe it or not but I was in high school at the dawn of video games, Being the only family on the block that had "PONG" had its advantages (Especially with the girls). So I have forgotten more about Gaming than many will come to know. Early on, my heart shifted to the adventure games and subsequently the ever beloved "RPG" and yes I have played them all. My first ever exposure to "Y's" (Pronounced "Ease")was way back on my Sexy 1987 Sega Master System. So I am no stranger to "Adol Christin" our Red headed Hero of "Y's". So we fast forward 23 years to the Seventh Installment in the "Y's" Franchise abruptly named (Wait for it) "Y's 7" Wow. So each of the past six games revolves around our hero either washing up on shore or waking up in the land awaiting deliverance from evil by the hands of our hero, his trusty sword, and band of Friends. Evil doers beware!!

I have to say that from the moment you slide your PSP's On Switch you are going to be drawn into a 25-30 hour Action RPG that has some of the most beautiful graphics I have ever seen on a handheld system, period. That being said lets delve a little deeper into the Lush World of "Y's. As Y's Seven begins, Adol and Dogi (Pronounced Dough-gie) are aboard a Ship destined for the land of Altago and once they talk with the King they are tasked with discovering the mysteries that have taken hold of the land and his faithful subjects. Your party consists of three characters, but you only control one Hero at a time. Swapping them with the push of a button since certain enemies can only be destroyed by certain heroes. The combat is swift and fast paced as you roam the country side to advance the story and your experience and character growth.

There is so much to love about this game. From the fast paced combat to the story line. This is truly the one of the best Action "RPG's" around and it just keeps delivering to keep you vested. Playing "Y's" you will have to decipher the main boss’ patterns to succeed. (True RPG Brilliance… Delicious). To tell you much more would rob you of the experience of this fantastic title.

Once you finish the adventure you will want more and more to come. The distributor of this excellent title, Xseed, is bringing the other Y's titles to your PSP. Look for the remakes of Y's Books 1 & 2 and Wanderers of Y's later this year and into next. 2010 has been the year of the RPG on the PSP, first we saw the remake of Lunar: Silver star Story, The Chronicles of Mimana, Hexys Force,The Crimson Gem Saga, and now Y's 7; in a word these are all simply "FANTASTIC". Seek them out for your collection
before they are gone.

Till Next Time Grind Mashers...Zircon has left the Blog.
_Z_...Out... (So Cliche).

Friday, September 24, 2010

Blade Kitten available now for download

I know I am a day late to the party but better late than never, amIright? Blade Kitten is available now on PSN, XBLA, and PC which features a cute but not so cuddle protagonist, Kit Ballard and her sidekick Skiffy on her quest to track down the scum of Hollow Wish.

Those pesky rabbids are up to no good again in new travel in time trailer

Nothing like starting the weekend with some mischief, well with that I give you the new Raving Rabbids: Travel in Time trailer that shows you how exactly Billy the Kid was arrested. The upcoming Wii party game is expected to hit store shelves on November 9th.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Bioshock screens and gameplay trailer, nuff said


Irrational Games has gotten me to announce today, September 21st, 2010 as Bioshock Infinite Day. Why is today BID? I am glad you ask, as the fine folk at Irrational Games has provided me with screenshots and a gameplay video of their not so soon to be released Bioshock Infinite. Without giving away any of the visual goodness, all I will say is watch the ten minute video, thank me later.

Ken Block brings Gymkhana to YouTube and DiRT 3

Rally fans and viral video scourers alike hear the name Ken Block and the first thing that comes to mind is his Gymkhana video in his Subaru on a peir. This time around in Gym 3 he is in the Ford Fiesta in France and you can see what over seven million have seen in just under a week. The reason for this post? Well that would be because Gymkhana will get a game mode in DiRT 3.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Vampire Saga: Pandora's Box | iOS review

So we recently got our hands on another game, this time of the hand-held variety.  Developed by Alaware Entertainment and available for pretty much ALL iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, etc), Vampire Saga: Pandora's Box is part 'point 'n click', part hidden object game, and all mystery!

Upon starting the game up for the first time, (after my phone was replaced), I couldn't help but think of some old-school PC games (turns out, this WAS released on the PC about a year ago), that rely on a single frame of art, with interactive "hot-spots" that you find to progress the story along.  Of course there's really nothing wrong with that.  I have said before, and I still maintain, the iPhone is really a great platform for many games, and slow titles that are easy to pick up and play, without requiring some major thumb dexterity is my cup of tea on the small screen.

The story begins as you get a phone call from your grandfather who explains, quite abruptly, that he has just shot someone.  Of course you rush right over to help him out...thus beginning a series of hidden object games, that upon completing, you're rewarded an object you can later use.  Continue this series of events, and get all the objects that you logically need to move along.

After the first act, you're transported to a cargo ship, as your Grandfather begins to tell his tale, you take on the role of a stowaway on board the ship.  Again, play a few hidden object puzzles, find all the objects, interact in just the right way, and soon enough, you'll uncover the rest of the story.  One full of secrets, and mysteries 'round ever turn!

All in all, the title didn't blow me away, but it did prove to be an excellent time-waster, and one where you could play a little at a time.  No need to go through a fancy save system, you just pick up right where you last played, which was welcome relief and actually served as a catalyst to play more.  I can't say you should run out and get this title right now, but if you're looking for this type of game, or if hidden object puzzles are your bag, then I highly recommend it.

Mashbuttons gives Vampire Saga: Pandora's Box a 7 out of 10. 

NHL 11 | Review

EA sent us a double-whammy of hockey this weekend, 2/3rds of a Hat Trick to be precise.  The latest for the Wii (NHL Slapshot), and then the more "grown-up" version for the Xbox 360 (also available on PS3).

It's been a few "seasons" since I've hit the ice, but it's just as I remember it.  The feel of the arena's captured by EA give me that familiar feeling of what it was like when the Phoenix Coyotes were a decent team.  Yes, we actually have a hockey team in the scorching desert I call home, and I've been to many-a-game, heck, I even took my wife to a game for our first "official" date, nigh on 7 years ago...ah yes.  Hockey memories.

This marks EA's 20th year lacing up the skates, and they aren't skimping with all the new features and game modes to sink your teeth into.  In fact, the pure overload of game modes has me (normally not a huge sports fan), a bit overwhelmed.  There's a new real-time physics engine which has been touted to enhance the way you play like "never before", apparently this also causes broken sticks.  Which of the half-season as the Vancouver Canucks, I've not had one broken stick...(many broken bones from fighting however).

Gameplay is almost 100% controlled by the two analog sticks.  At first I was not sure how much I'd want to rely on my own fingers to aim the puck...however after a few games, I had a decent rhythm down, and it only got better the more games I played.  Even the faceoffs and hip checks are all pulled off with the analog sticks.

Also new this year (the list is pretty substantial); is the all new Hockey Ultimate Team, where you can take your dream of building your own Hockey franchise from the ground-up picking from the top CHL and AHL talent and forming a winning squad.  This feature incorporates well if you know alot of people who play online, as there's a regular season and monthly playoffs online.  I can't say I get into that, though I understand the draw there.  My guess if you heat-mapped this feature, the northeast and Canada would be a hot-spot of gamers who are playing this feature.

The continuing "Be A Pro" mode is even further enhanced, cause you'll be able to begin your career starting at the very lowly bottom, playing for the Canadian Hockey League, the "minors" if you will.  Then, you can earn your way to the NHL, and then hopefully onto a good team.

Graphics are always getting better, as I always go back and compare to NHL 98 for the original PlayStation, that I spent an entire summer playing as I was just getting into the sport.  The animations of the players are sharp and unique, and the overall presentation, with the announcers offering up a true commentary of not only the immediate action, but overall team performance as the season progresses.

Again, I'm not a huge sports fan, nor am I an ultimate hockey fan, however, that being said, I can safely say that those of you who are, will find a lot to love in EA's latest.  I know I do.

Mashbuttons.com gives NHL 11 a 9 out of 10.

Ubisoft shows off the many challenges of Shaun White Skateboarding

We have seen the screens and videos of Shaun White Skateboarding and the new adapting environment in which you inhabit. Well now, we have a video showing off the available challenges within the game.

EDF shows off spiders with friggin laser beams

Last week we showed off a couple screens for Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon.Well, D3 has provided us with the launch trailer, full of screams and giant spider. Being arachnaphobic as it is, I want to arm myself and put those eight legged freaks down!

Friday, September 17, 2010

Hands on: Beyblade and Lost in Shadows

So I go home yesterday and find a package from Hudson, not sure what to expect I tear it open and find the demo disks to both Beyblade Metal Fusion Battle Fortress and Lost in Shadow. As some of you may be aware of, we have been covering Lost in Shadows for the last couple months, so here are my impressions of time spent with both demos.

I will start with Beyblade, a game where you play as a “blader” fighting in the World Beyblading Championships based on the TV series. The demo consists of a tutorial and two gameplay modes allowing me to choose from a number of available players. After a brief tutorial I start blading like an animal, flicking my wrist to throw my blade into the arena trying to knock out my opponents. The way you shove the computer is by shaking the remote in the direction of the opponent for that extra oomph. From the looks of the demo, you are able to play a type of survivor mode to see how man Beyblades you can knock out in one turn and a mode where you play in the tournament either against friends or the computer. I felt this title was pretty simple, with a lot of remote shaking, but like other games based on TV series’ there will probably be mass amounts of tweens lining for this release.

Lost in Shadow surprised me with a demo lasting significantly longer than Beyblade taking about a half an hour to complete. In the demo, the story starts with your character suspended in some sort of trance when the big baddy comes out strikes you, releasing your shadow from your body. From there I was walked through a tutorial by accessing memories to help me gain mass and get me to the tower to ascend and seek vengeance. Using a “Spangle”, which appears to be a type of fairy you use to find moving part in the tower make your way to the goal. The use of shadows and ability of fight shadows along with manipulate light make this a platformer puzzler that I am definitely looking forward to as plays just as good as it looks.

D3 to release insect arcade shooter in spring


Picture a playable non movie game of Starship Troopers, you know that movie you hated to love. Well D3 has announce Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, which will include nonstop bug stomping with over 150 weapons and four armor sets. Check out the screenshots.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Sordahon just can't get a break

Sortahung, I mean Sordahon has been appearing over the interwebs lately, showing of the struggles of what it is like to be an epic medieval baddy. From the looks of it, he needs Johnny Cochran to get his balls out of SouthPeak's vice. I mean come on, who loses their woman to a human with a little knife? Check out this humorous video of the Two Worlds II negotiations between SouthPeak Games and Sordahon.

Epic Mickey journey trailer shows off the power of the brush

With all the news coming out regarding the release of Epic Mickey, we have not had much in the form of videos showing what we can expect. Well wait no longer as the below trailer shows of the worlds, characters, and the oh so important paintbrush, enjoy!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

NHL Slapshot | Review


Synopsis: Wii gamers and hockey fans alike, this review is for you. EA Sports has provided us with a review copy of the NHL Slapshot Bundle, which includes a hockey stick peripheral to shoot, pass, and check from the comfort of your living room, but without the missing teeth. Multiple game modes are available depending on what type of gamer you are with three different options available and a handful of mini games. The main gameplay modes available if you are looking for depth are season and Peewee to the Pros, season allows you to play through the hockey season as your favorite team where Peewee to the Pros allows you to create your own players and start in a neighborhood ice rink playing 3-on-3 and work your way up to the pros playing 5-on-5. This is EA’s first NHL release for the Wii console, so let’s take a look at how they did.

Praise: To preface, I am not one that big into sports games and definitely not into counting down the days for release, but there is one sport that each year I look forward to picking up and playing but somehow gets forgotten amidst the review rush and that is hockey. Well this year we have the opportunity to review, and though I am not a huge fan of gaming on the Wii, I was strangely surprised as to how engaging NHL Slapshot is once you start playing. Playing both game modes, I was more a fan of the normal season mode as I was able to change the player to move as opposed to only controlling the created hockey kid. The main feature from Peewee to the Pros that kept me coming back for more is building up your player as you see fit, and then being able to equip earned power ups to give yourself that edge over others on the ice. Graphics are a lot more than I had expected to be for a Wii title and the control with the hockey stick accessory are surprisingly forgiving and makes gameplay more fun than just playing with the remote and nunchuk.

Gripes: Where the game succeeds, it definitely has its downfalls, especially with the hockey stick peripheral. Though I did say it was forgiving and actually pretty fun to use, you pretty much have to use it standing in front of the TV, whereas playing with just the remote and nunchuk can still be done from the couch. Don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with having to play standing in front of the TV, but I am the type of game that likes to play for about two or three hours at a time and when standing in one place for the time, it makes it hard to play for long periods of time. This is a realistic hockey game, which means realistic penalties, and with the amount of “M” rated games I play, let’s just say I spent a lot of time in the penalty box giving the opposing team power plays, lots of power plays, until I turned off the penalties before starting the next game.

Overall, NHL Slapshot is a lot of fun to play through whether you are playing Peewee to the Pros, the season play, or the mini games with a friend. Though when trying to take advantage of the full experience with the additional hockey stick controller, it may get tiresome after a couple of games, but it is extremely engaging, and easy to catch yourself doing slapshots and checks a lot harder than necessary just because of a little plastic controller in your hands and the big smile from ear to ear every time I laid someone out on the ice. As someone that is not a big sports gaming fan and still being able to appreciate playing this title, shows that EA Sports is trying to reach outside of the hardcore sports demographic and it looks like it worked, as it is as fun and it is strategic.

Mashbuttons.com gives NHL Slapshot an 9 out of 10.

NHL Slapshot is available now for the Nintendo Wii.

Monday, September 13, 2010

iPad App Splashtop lets you play flash games | App Review ***Update***




***UPDATE*** For a limited time, this app is only $.99; well what are you waiting for, GO GET IT!!!

So you have an iPad, and you have ran out of things to do?  Impossible, I say!  But lets say you just want to add some functionality, well how about controlling your very own Windows desktop!

Splashtop brings Windows to the iPad via remote desktop access.  The irony here, is that Splashtop's new app only works on Windows, and not on Mac.  Being that I just upgraded from PC to Mac, I can no longer enjoy that benefit.  However, those of you in PC-land, fret not, fire up this app, and you can remotely connect to your desktop, bringing with it all the benefits of a fully functioning computer, in a smaller package.

Want to play some flash-based games?  Check

Want to watch flash-based movie content (hulu, etc)?  Check

Want to do all of these without the security of having your desktop locked while you're away?  Check.

That's really the only draw-back here, (oh, and if you're running XP, you won't get audio, only the video) but if you lock your pc, and you connect to it, you can unlock, but anyone that's around the pc you're controlling will see everything you do.  Wait, there may be a neat parlor trick in here to freak people out, excellent!

Splashtop sent us a preview of the app to test it out for gaming, this is after all, a gaming site.  So putting it up to tasks on flash-heavy sites like Newgrounds.com, or Homestarrunner.com proved to be a fairly competent affair.  Provided you have a decent enough connection, you should be fine here.  The lack of a physical mouse/keyboard will limit what types of games you play, but for the click-based, you should be okay.

All in all - it's a neat application that extends past our gaming review, in fact, it likely has more use with its other functions than to game alone, but it IS the first remote client that transmits sound, so we actually recommend.  Now, if they can get a version to work on the Mac...

Splashtop is available now from the App Store for $6.99

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Robot hugs and high fives for all!

Yes, there really isn't much more to be said about this trailer. It shows of the coop gameplay of Portal 2, and let's just say that this title will have a lot to offer aside from the single player campaign, such as two cute Bert and Ernie looking Aperture Science robots.

Metroid: Other M | Review


Synopsis: The day is finally upon us that Metroid for the Nintendo Wii is out. Many thanks to Nintendo for providing us with a review copy to get our hand on time with their latest version of one of Nintendo’s most popular franchises. Samus is back, but in Other M, fans will finally get an inside look behind her past that led her to become a bounty hunter, through her failings, flaws, and motivations. One of the most exciting features to this resurrection is the gameplay as it uses just the Wii remote held sideways to play in a form of the classic Metroid I’m used to but point the remote at the screen and see the orientation go to first person to search for hints and kill some baddies. Without further ado, let’s see what happens when Team Ninja, developer of Ninja Gaiden, collaborates with Nintendo, in Metroid: Other M.

Praise: My background with the Metroid titles was mostly with Super Metroid, Fusion, and Zero Mission. This isn’t a 2d side scroller like Metroids past, but more of a 3d environment, which does a great job making the levels feel much bigger. The controls and gameplay are definitely reminiscent to their Ninja Gaiden titles, with fast fluid action, button mashing, last minute dodging, and frequent deaths at times. Voice acting does a great job at placing emphasis and emotion into the deep story of Other M, while the weapons, enemies, and sounds make if feel genuine to its roots. One thing I feel that needs a shout out is the use of just the remote, as not having to plug in a nunchuk or classic controller is rather convenient, and personally I like the feel of playing games with the remote held sideways.

Gripes: Being someone that was not terribly fond of the Prime titles, I was rather skeptical of the use of the first person point of view. The first person view is mostly used in empty rooms when trying to find secret power ups, doors, and hatches to move forward in the game, but in my opinion it was still used too much and takes away from the fast gameplay action of when the controller is held sideways. You can definitely tell Team Ninja had their hands on the gameplay aspect of this Metroid as I have never died so many times in a Metroid title. Lastly, at times it can be
difficult and borderline frustrating trying to find out where you need to go next.

Overall, Other M is a lot of fun and provides a good story into the history of Samus. From the gameplay, to the old Metroid feel we have grown to love over the last couple decades, it is definitely worth the time spent playing through. Though, there wasn’t too much in the way of replay value for Metroid fans, but Team Ninja fans will most likely go back to playthrough on the harder difficulties.

Mashbuttons.com gives Metroid: Other M a 7 out of 10.

Metroid: Other M is available now for the Nintendo Wii

Friday, September 3, 2010

Full Track List Revealed for Power Gig: Rise Of The Six String


Seven45 Studios has released the track list for their upcoming Power Gig, the first music game to use a real guitar as the controller. Though I know many are sceptic, but we shall see how it does very soon, next month to be exact.

· Eric Clapton - Layla
· Eric Clapton - Lay Down Sally
· Eric Clapton - Let It Rain
· Dave Matthews Band - Funny The Way It Is
· Dave Matthews Band - Tripping Billies
· Dave Matthews Band - Why I Am
· Kid Rock - All Summer Long
· Kid Rock - Rock 'N' Roll Jesus
· Kid Rock - Son of Detroit
· John Mayer - No Such Thing
· Jane’s Addiction - Been Caught Stealing
· No Doubt - Platinum Blonde Life
· Ozzy Osbourne - A.V.H.
· Queens of the Stone Age - You Think I Ain't Worth a Dollar, But I Feel Like a Millionaire
· Smashing Pumpkins - Cherub Rock
· Disturbed - The Night
· Rage Against the Machine - Bombtrack
· Stevie Ray Vaughan - Couldn't Stand The Weather
· Black Sabbath - The Devil Cried
· Stone Temple Pilots - Plush
· Living Colour - Cult of Personality
· John Mayer - Who Do You Think I Was
· Snow Patrol - Hands Open
· Three Days Grace - Break
· Paramore - Ignorance
· Silversun Pickups - Substitution
· The Offspring - You’re Gonna Go Far Kid
· The Black Label Society - Retribution
· Breaking Benjamin - Breath
· The Tragically Hip - New Orleans Is Sinking
· The Used - Blood on My Hands
· Mastodon - Crack the Skye
· A Perfect Circle - The Hollow
· Buckcherry - Tired of You
· Firewind - Head Up High
· The Black Keys - Strange Times
· Flyleaf - Again
· Godsmack - Awake
· Incubus - Wish You Were Here
· Jet - She's A Genius
· The Hives - Tick Tick Boom
· John Mayer - Crossroads
· Bad Religion - I Want to Conquer the World
· Korn - Hold On
· The Academy Is... - His Girl Friday
· Lacuna Coil - Spellbound
· MuteMath - Chaos
· New Found Glory - Listen to Your Friends
· P.O.D. - Alive
· Puddle of Mudd - Blurry
· Rise Against - Paper Wings
· Sick Puppies - You're Going Down
· The Donnas - Fall Behind Me
· The Get Up Kids - Martyr Me
· Idlewild - Reader and Writers
· Surfer Blood - Swim
· Channels - Chivaree
· Superdrag - Aspartame
· Envy on the Coast - Headfirst in the River
· Damiera - Silvertongue
· A Cursive Memory - Everything
· The Hounds Below - She's Alchemy
· A Love Like PI - Innocent Man
· The Willowz - I Know
· I See Stars - Comfortably Confused
· The Paris Riots - Hotel of Infidels
· School Boy Humor - Camera Shy
· So Many Dynamos - Artifacts of Sound
· Taxpayer - When You When Young
· The Fatal Flaw - Don't Start Believing

Bizarro day continues with a Bloody Good Time


Just when you thought this day could'nt get stranger, Gearbox, the devs behind Borderlands is completing Duke Nukem Forever, while Ubisoft uses Valve's Source Engine to make a fighter that only pictures can describe, titled Bloogy Good Time.