Final Fantasy XIII video interview
Check out this in-depth video interview on Final Fantasy XIII that took place at the GamesCom 2009 Conference.
In the interview the developers discuss a whole range of topics regarding FFXIII. In addition to being able to hear the English voice overs, they discuss:
* The city of Cocoon.
* What part Crystals play in Final Fantasy XIII.
* The Paradigm Shift and Roles System. Which is kind of like the “Jobs” of Final Fantasy game’s past, but allow you to switch “roles”/classes within the span of a single battle.
* The False Seed and the “Chosen Ones”.
* The Mission System and how they are received as Visions.
* The Final Fantasy 13 character Serah . . . FFXIII’s answer to the “cute” Yuffie, Selphie, Eiko and Rikku-style characters of past games (from left, Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VIII, Final Fantasy IX and Final Fantasy X).
* How the Battle Ranking System and TP (Tactical Points) work
* How you use TP to call upon Summons . . .
* Why there won’t be a Japanese voice over option in America.
* And the possibility of a FFXIII downloadable demo.
And much, much more. The interview is in two parts, watch it below.
You can watch the entire game on video in our Final Fantasy XIII walkthrough.
No comments »Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles – Resident Evil 2 & Code Veronica location gameplay
If you’ve been following Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles for Wii, then you know that the game is a re-imagining of the RE series as an on-rails shooter set within the worlds of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil: Code Veronica.
Not only are the Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles characters the ones you’d expect (and know and love), like Leon, Claire, Steve & Ada, but the game also perfectly lifts out the locations from those games but gives it it’s own unique spin.
What’s really cool about this game is the pacing. The game really makes you feel like you ARE the character in the particular situation. And as you can see from this gameplay video below of the Resident Evil 2 Police Station, everything is exactly as you remember. The attention to detail and fan service from this title is really amazing. Check it out in this gameplay video straight from PAX 09.
And likewise with Resident Evil: Code Veronica. As you can see in this second gameplay video below. I personally can’t wait for this game!
Bonk: Brink of Destruction revival coming to Xbox Live, WiiWare & PlayStation Network
![New Bonk: Brink of Destruction screenshot (Xbox Live Arcade, WiiWare, PlayStation Network)](http://www.videogamesblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/bonk-brink-of-destruction-xbox-live-arcade-wiiware-playstation-network-screenshot.jpg" "New Bonk: Brink of Destruction screenshot (Xbox Live Arcade, WiiWare, PlayStation Network). Click for big pic")
Hudson has announced that they are reviving their classic caveman hero Bonk, with an all-new multiplatform downloadable game entitled “Bonk: Brink of Destruction” for WiiWare, Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network. For release in early 2010.
The game brings the classic platforming series to the modern age wth all-new contemporary graphics while maintaining the side-scrolling gameplay that the series is known for.
In addition to new food and items, Bonk will also have no less than 8 different forms he can morph into as he embarks to save the world from an impending comet; In a quest that will take him to the center of the planet.
The game will also include both online cooperative play as well as Downloadable Content.
If you don’t know of Bonk (who started out as a mascot of sorts for NEC/Hudson’s TurboGrafx-16 system), you can catch yourself up to the series with the Wii Virtual Console where Bonk’s Adventure, Bonk’s Revenge, Bonk 3: Bonk’s Big Adventure are available for downloadable purchase. As well as the spin-off titles Air Zonk and Super Air Zonk: Rockabilly-Paradise.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 “Fusion” developer diary
As the September 15th release of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 edges closer, the developers at Vicarious Visions have been putting the final polishing touches on this highly anticipated action RPG; And sequel to the first Marvel Ultimate Alliance game.
In this developer diary, they people behind the game discuss the Fusion system and how it allows you to mix and match the powers of all the Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 character’s superpowers to create a unique spell effect . . . such as a Grenado . . . Grenade Tornado!
I must say that the graphics are quite amazing. Way better than I remember.
Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising co-op gameplay and story trailers
Codemasters has released two new trailers for their upcoming Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising shooter, which has a release date of October 6, 2009 on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.
According to Codemasters, Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising is the complete antithesis of the on-rails, run-and-gun shooter. Players are empowered with the freedom to handle military crisis situations on their own initiative, deploying the weaponry, vehicles and equipment of a contemporary fighting force.
In Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising gamers play the decisive role in defusing a military flashpoint between two global superpowers that threatens the entire world. Players take the role of US Marines and Special Forces operatives dispatched to take back the oil-rich Russian island of Skira from an invading force of Chinese PLA.
The 220km² island becomes the ultimate open-world battlefield as players are empowered to make their own choices, deploy their own tactics and fight war on their own terms. Objectives are set – how they are accomplished is always up to the player who has the full resources of the US Marine Corps at their disposal and the ability to attack from any direction. Intelligent squad and enemy AI, based on authentic military tactics, react in real-time to situations as they unfold to ensure that no two games will ever play out the same.
As you can see in this story trailer which explains the alternative-history reality that the game is set in.
Players will become immersed in a stunningly realistic conflict with unprecedented levels of detail, freedom and authenticity. Every decision counts, every action has a consequence and every bullet can kill as Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising recreates the lethality, tension and adrenaline of real war like never before.
Players will also be able to play co-op, as you can see in this new trailer.
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time pre-order bonuses announced
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack In Time releases exclusively for PS3 on October 27th from Insomniac Games.
Pre-ordering the game will get you some goodies as well. Although it’s not determined yet what packages correspond to which retailers.
Here is the details on each pre-order bonus:
1. ‘Discovery Package’ – Explore the Insomniac Moon with a special level that resembles the layout of Insomniac Games’ studio offices. A fan favorite, the Moon is filled with content that didn’t quite make the final game, sort of like deleted scenes on DVDs. You can earn this unlockable on your own, but Insomniac certainly won’t make it easy for ya!
‘Power Package’ – Up your arsenal with an exclusive weapon skin for one of Ratchet’s weapons along with extra hit points and Ratchet’s brand new Cryo Mine Glove.
‘Bolt Package’ – Bolster your bolt count with 5,000 free bolts care of Ratchet’s most bolt-centric power-ups, the Bolt Magnetizer and Box Basher.
‘Space Package’ – Drift off into space with an exclusive hot rod skin for Ratchet’s ship, the Aphelion, along with 5,000 free bolts and an exclusive Ratchet & Clank PlayStation Home Avatar skin.
Seems a little weak to me . . . what happened to art books and tin casings? Soundtrack CDs? I’ve yet to pre-order a game that got me an in-game bonus. Although I did come close with Batman: Arkham Asylum.
Here is the latest trailer for the game . . . starring Clank!
Lost Odyssey 2 not Hironobu Sakaguchi’s next project?
Originally Lost Odyssey was meant to be a series. Developed by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy and made for a “competing platform” . . . it was to be Microsoft’s answer to Final Fantasy. Created by a company called Mistwalker that Sakaguchi founded.
This at a time when Final Fantasy was an exclusive asset to the PlayStation platforms. With spin-offs landing on Nintendo platforms but not the 360. This was key in Sakaguchi’s decision to release his RPGs for Microsoft’s console in order to fill that gap with some next-gen RPG goodness.
To quote the H&E Head of Microsoft,
“As you know, I was very complimentary of the game last week, and now some are speculating (or is it more like vain hoping) that LO could perhaps become the 360’s Final Fantasy. Lost Odyssey is very much a throw back to games like FF VII and X, which is why it was a hit with many gamers, but also took some heat from others. It’s a strong title, and I’m very interested in seeing a sequel, either in the Final Fantasy mold or as a direct follow up to the original, but the series would need a few more successful iterations under its belt to begin to touch the legacy that is embodied in the Square-Enix series. ”
However, Final Fantasy XIII has now gone multiplatform and is in development for both the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3. So where does that leave Lost Odyssey 2?
Lost Odyssey was originally going to be just one of three Xbox 360-exclusive RPGs from Mistwalker. One of those games, Cry-On, was cancelled. The first game of the trio was Blue Dragon. That game was the only one to really make a name for itself, as the game spawned not only an anime but also a DS sequel.
Sadly though, Lost Odyssey wasn’t necessarily a financial success. It did do reasonably well though, selling over 100,000 copies in Japan and debuting with 203,000 copies during the first month in the U.S.
Sakaguchi didn’t forget about the game either, as fans got two Lost Odyssey downloadable content packs that added some extra purchasable content to the game.
However in May of 2009, Sakaguchi updated his Mistwalker blog page saying he was pondering his next project. But nothing really hinted at Lost Odyssey.
The last hint we got of this new project was just that . . . it is an ALL-NEW game and not related to any of his previous works. So it looks like we’ll have quite a bit more waiting to do before we hear from Lost Odyssey again. For shame!
Dragon Ball Revenge of King Piccolo characters list (Wii)
Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo has a character cast of at least 30, although you will play as Goku.
Unlike a lot of games based on anime, this Wii-exclusive title is a side-scrolling action adventure game that follows the story of the original Dragon Ball. Beginning from the start of Goku’s adventures up until the defeat of King Piccolo.
Here is a list of characters that will appear in the game:
1. Android 8
2. Arale
3. Bandages the Mummy
4. Bear Thief
5. Bora
6. Bulma
7. Chiaotzu
8. Drum
9. Emperor Pilaf
10. General Blue
11. Goku
12. General Blue
13. Grandpa Gohan
14. Jackie Chun
15. Krillin
16. King Piccolo (Young and Old versions)
17. Mai
18. Major Metallitron
19. Master Roshi
20. Mercenary Tao
21. Ninja Murasaki
22. Oolong
23. Red Ribbon Army Soldiers
24. Shu
25. Spike the Devil Man
26. Tambourine
27. Tien
28. Upa
29. World Martial Arts Tournament Announce
30. Yamcha
If you know of others, please leave a comment and a link to a picture of said character (or e-mail us) and I’ll add them to the list.
Here is a gameplay video of The Revenge of King Piccolo in action.
Batman Arkham Asylum wallpaper
Welcome to the Batman: Arkham Asylum wallpapers page! For the hit superhero game that has received very high marks across the industry for remaining so true to the roots of Batman’s character.
Here we will post images that you can use as desktop wallpapers, both official and otherwise. We will add to this list as we find cool new wallpapers for the game.
To download to your PC computer: Right click on the Image. Select “Set as Background Image.”
To download to your Mac computer: Click Image to Download to Desktop. Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences. Click Desktop & Screen Saver. Click “Choose Folder…”.
Below you can find the rest of the Batman: Arkham Asylum wallpapers.
Click on each thumbnail for the wallpaper size image to pop up.
And don’t forget to check out our official Batman: Arkham Asylum characters list as well.
OnLive starts closed beta
OnLive has entered closed beta.
If you haven’t tried to get in on the technological action, then you still have time! As OnLive closed beta signups are still available.
This is a major step for what could be the next revolution in home videogame console/computer gaming.
If you haven’t heard of it before, OnLive is a videogame platform announced at GDC 2009 that uses cloud computing (high end computers synchronized, rendered and stored on a remote server and delivered to you, the end user, online) to allow anyone on any computer or on a TV (using a small OnLive “MicroConsole” which simply plugs into your TV and an Ethernet Cable) to play games as if they were running a high-end computer! All you have to do is pay a subscription fee.
It will be compatible with Windows XP, Vista and any Intel-based Mac running OSX and you can even play these high-end games on a low-end machine! Thus this is a very interesting experiment and could pose a legitamate challenge to the other consoles on the market.
It’ll most likely launch next year and OnLive already has the support of Electronic Arts, Take-Two, Ubisoft, Epic Games, Atari, Codemasters, THQ, Warner Bros., 2D Boy and Eidos Interactive, who will be releasing all their biggest games for the platform.
If you are one of those lucky few who is chosen for the closed beta, be sure to post your thoughts and opinions on the service in the comment box below.
