DeathSpank Review

DeathSpank is not like many other games. It has charm, wit, and a great ability to make you feel like a hero to the downtrodden. It unfortunately also has an ability to make you feel like one of the downtrodden that you are supposed to be downtroddening or something like that.

From the second you start playing it is easy to see where Ron Gilbert's (Monkey Island) influence takes root. The jokes are familiar yet fresh and there is even one in there about Monkey Island. To say that the game is aware of itself would be speaking lightly as you are constantly greeted by jokes about game mechanics and common RPG terms.

The game is an RPG, heart and soul, from the loot to the constant questing. The game is a real time RPG with solid mechanics, good inventory systems (an auto-grinder would have been nice), and a hefty amount of content. It also takes a teeny slice from the adventure game pie but that lies in a few puzzles and the dialogue options.

The dialogue remains fantastic throughout the game but toward the end of the experience it all begins to feel samey, boring, and washed out. Jokes at the end of game would have been funny at the beginning of your experience but when you are nearing the end of a ten hour experience you have - in so many ways - heard it all before.

The same thing happens with the gameplay. It is fun to begin but toward the end it feels like rinse and repeat. Despite the constant loot you will find that you stick with the same weapons throughout the game. You might switch to new weapons 4 or 5 times in the game throughout. The runestones change it up a bit (mostly just for the cool aesthetics) but they are by no means necessary so you might never use them at all. The game may also have plenty of loot but you will rarely find that you are ever maintaining your inventory (though toward the end of the game you will constantly be grinding things that you do not want in order to make room for the things you need).

Despite all of the caveats, I played through the game in two long gameplay sessions and watched time melt away after I did - short, simple and sweet - quest after quest. The game is built for short gameplay bursts and it may have done the game a greater service to play it like this because after the first long gameplay session I felt like I had no reason (other than to finish it off) to go back. The story is okay, and once you have heard some of the jokes none of the others will catch you off guard.

Something that did catch me off guard was that this was also the first game in a long series of games played through where I found the music boring and less inspired than the rest of what the game had to offer.

Everything about the DeathSpank experience (sounds like an exotic ride) screams - from the Enchanted Forest to the Demon Mines - of polish, careful thought and crafty design. I remember several times throughout my playthrough stopping to marvel at just how well everything worked though DeathSpank, the game, is much like Deathspank, the character; he means well but the outcome is not always what was intended. Buy this game if you are a fan of Monkey Island or Diablo as the hype has suggested (or for an easy 200 gamerscore) - the rest may be able to wait for DeathSpank 2.

3.5 out of 5

Review based on the retail XBLA code paid for by the reviewer.

Flailing about at Macy's with Kinect for Xbox 360

The Kinect Booth.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to get some "hands-on" time with Kinect. I dragged my wife to Macy's with the intent to see what all the hype was about and I did just that.

The line was not that long but I felt like this was due to improper advertising (or I was just lucky). I felt like a television or newspaper advertisement could have helped more people get out to play with Kinect.

I got my shot after only waiting for about 15 minutes. The game was Kinect Adventures.

I stepped into Microsoft's version of a living room with a random teenager to race against and immediately started moving around to see how Kinect read my movements. It seemed stuttered and laggy but I was not going to pass judgment that quickly. The on screen prompts told us what to do as the event staff also reiterated those points. Did I mention that before I walked into that room, I had no intention of jumping around like a fool?

The race started and as I had already seen the video demo from E3 I was jumping and dodging and all around acting like the damn fool I swore up and down that I would not be. Before I knew it the race was over and I wanted more. I won (am I going to let some teenage snot beat me?) 120 points to 114.

Quite some time after my demo I was still reeling at how much I loved my experience. If I had not had to be somewhere I would have gotten back in line.

DeathSpank coming to PSN today and XBLA tomorrow!

Though I have previously shown no love or attention for DeathSpank, the game has still been on my mind.

It is a charming little game that has been equated to a cross between Diablo and Monkey Island (that is a sell day one (TODAY!) for most people) and it is only fitting seeing as Ron Gilbert - the co-creator of Monkey Island - is heading the project. If you could not decipher from what the game has been compared to, it is an action RPG.

There are a crazy amount of weapons in the game ranging from Physical to Weapons of Justice. There are also Elemental Weapons and Runestones. I have no idea what this means but have you not seen that trailer above this post, it literally says it all - and more.

It looks like a great buy and I will probably be playing the demo on PSN today and buying the game on XBLA tomorrow. You know, I have an achievement reputation to keep up.

Club Nintendo Platinum/ Gold Rewards Announced

Your hard work of registering your first party Nintendo games has paid off, the Club Nintendo rewards for this year have been announced:

The elite status (600 coins) reward is a statue that features all of your favorite Mario characters. It 3.9 inches in height and 4.6 inches in diameter. It comes in a decorative packaging.

The gold status (300 coins) is a Club Nintendo calendar for 2011. Big difference.

The new Club Nintendo year begins today so start registering those games and doing those surveys.

Hulu Plus coming to Xbox (2011) and PS3 very soon; Available on iPhone/iPad Now

The news was broke today that Hulu will be releasing their service to both Sony and Microsoft systems, with the emphasis on Sony receiving the service first. With the amount of video watched from various users on both systems through the Netflix and Sony video feeds, this will be a great addition to both platforms.

The feature will be available for $10 a month with ads to users. With the inception of the Hulu platform, the service will reach to areas of programming that Netflix cannot yet touch upon, being mostly the newest of network shows. With various programs affiliated with NBC, ABC, and FOX showcasing on the service, this product will be a thrilling help to those who want the newest and most interesting of programs, broadcasted in 720p.

It will be great to see the various reasons reflected as to why Sony is receiving the service first, and if after the inception of the $10 a month charge added to your already charged Live Accounts, and eventual Sony chargeable accounts, if we see more services charging an additional fee to use their services through the systems. Either way, this product will be one I will be very tempted to use this service when it does hit the Microsoft Xbox system in early 2011.

Playstation Firmware v3.40 Available Now; Playstation Plus Today

I do not get to play as often as I'd like.

I never knew the days of yore when the Playstation Firmware was updated on a, what seemed like, at least bi-weekly basis. Now it seems to happen on a bi-monthly basis and the update process is quicker - no one is complaining.

The main highlights of firmware 3.40 are Playstation Plus, a five-star rating system and a photo and video uploader (to Facebook and YouTube). Other features are a photo gallery where you can look at your Picasa and Facebook photo albums (again you can upload to both of these services as well) and a new power save functionality that sets your consoles default inactivity shut-down at 2 hours.

So yeah, nothing that exciting but coming along with this update is a more robust Playstation Facebook app. It allows you to add friends to your friends list that are on Facebook and vice versa. One step closer to social networking domination.

Crackdown 2 Demo Impressions

Based on the demo alone Crackdown 2 feels a lot like the first iteration - that is, it feels right. It feels good to be cleaning up the streets of Pacific City once again but for some reason, mutants now come out at night. I imagine that the final game will lend us an answer to these mutants but damn if there aren't a lot of them.

The game is almost identical to the first game. The looks are mostly the same and the same thing can be said for the controls. I know that based on these two things alone, I am ready to jump back in.

My first three times through the demo I earned none of the achievements that the game had to offer and I also did not complete the last part of the mission on any of my playthroughs. I might knock the difficulty down to easy just to see what is after the end of the mission. Some of the achievements that they give you to work on seem impossible in the realm of the demo but I am certain that there are those out there who had no problem doing it.

It seems to be the the Cell are the new daytime baddies and the mutants whom only come out at night are better fought with better caliber weapons (or fists).

The bottom line is that if you liked Crackdown you'll love Crackdown 2.

New GoldenEye Revealed; Slated for release this fall

The original Goldeneye was another game that despite not having a Nintendo 64 I was always playing. I never had the opportunity to touch the single player aspect of the initial game and was not half bad at the multiplayer.

I do not know that I am looking forward to the game but I am sure that as long as they include some nostalgia for old fans and do not mess up the old formula this game is likely to be a huge hit.

Instead of Pierce Brosnan as Bond, Daniel Craig will lend his likeness as he is the current Bond.

It comes out this holiday season exclusive to the Wii.

Kirby's Epic Yarn for Wii Revealed; Coming This Fall

Kirby has not seen a major console release since the year 2000 with Kirby 64. Fast-forward ten years and we will be seeing Kirby's Epic Yarn on the Wii this fall.

The game looks fantastically charming and it reminds me a lot of Super Paper Mario in not only aesthetics but in style as well.

Put quite simply Kirby's shape is made of yarn and Kirby can unravel enemies (as they are also made of yarn (and it has me wondering about the backstory)) become a blimp, a tank, etc.

I love Kirby and have not spent any time with him recently so colored yarn me interested.

Playstation Plus coming June 29th

You can stop holding your breath the Playstation Network still holds its roots in the free realm. Playstation Plus is like something that you can stack on top of the Playstation Network to make it the service that it was always meant to be. Again, this is not saying that your PSN experience will not be everything it once was, this is saying that those willing to pay will be greatly rewarded.

With a pay service comes a hefty amount of exclusive offers and features. Here is what Playstation Plus has to offer:

• discounts on randomly selected DLC (much like Microsoft's Deal of the Week)
• free DLC (that cost's money for non-subscribers)
• exclusive early access to demos and betas
• the digital Qore magazine - free
• free full game trials for any game up to one hour before you have to make a purchasing decision
• auto downloading (which downloads patches, select demos and game videos, etc. all without ever having to think about it

To me it seems as though Playstation's service is worth the asking price because it brings a lot of the oft requested features (that Xbox already has). Perhaps cross game invites and party chat will become Playstation Plus features, should they ever come down the pipe.

Playstation Plus is 50 dollars a year and if you purchase a subscription at the outset you get 15 months for the same price. Seperate three month packs are available for 18 dollars.

Portal studio is still alive in 2011

The work of Gabe Newell is precise, well thought out, and yet always somewhat of a surprise. From the creation of two multiplayer giants in the Left 4 Dead series, and the inception of Gordon Freeman into almost every videogame player's vernacular, we have the little video game engine that could in Portal. In a game that was undershadowed originally in the Half-Life 2/Team Fortress/Portal boxset of games, the crew at Valve will be bringing back the Companion Cube and GLaDOS back for more puzzles and mind numbing fun as you attempt to help navigate through another assuredly short and sweet game from the Valve team.

What gives fans such a huge attachment to Portal was the futuristic and yet heartfelt attachment to various characters, and Chelle and GLaDOS will both be back for a featured game that will be showcased on PC,Xbox 360, and PS3. The game will launch at some point in 2011, and should help to bring puzzle gaming back to a heightened level of enjoyment. Although no gameplay was shown for the Portal 2 story, we do know the game will take itself on as a story hundreds of years after the original.

Metroid: The Other M premiere at E3

After three years of no sunlight for the Metroid series, and on a day when various games like Kid Icarus and Donkey Kong found their way back into our minds, Samus and her untitled ship will travel back into our hearts. The Other M, showcased with great graphics and a knack for edge of your seat Sci-Fi battles, will be launched into our hands on August 31st of this year.

What once again will amaze all of those in love with the Metroid style of gaming is how Nintendo continues to impress with the fresh and crisp graphical style that they continue to employ, working well with the systems graphical restrictions. The gameplay trailer even consists of some points of sidescrolling gaming that almost look as of those from the original Nintendo console.

The Space Pirates will continue to create a dutiful mission for Samus, as those who have been firmly linked to the game, such as Producer Yoshio Sakamoto have stated that although the game has been taking longer than originally expected to come out, that the crowd will be very pleased in what he been formed. From the trailer that was shown at E3 earlier today, it is going to be hard to deny that statement.

Zelda Skyward Sword Revealed; Coming in 2011

Miyamoto says that this game will be the turning point in Zelda's history and though I don't know about that, what he had to show was definitely attention grabbing.

You use the Wiimote as your sword and the nun-chuck as your shield. You hold the sword straight up to charge and slash to fire sword beams. Miyamoto wanted to make the game as simple and natural as possible.

To aim your slingshot and bow you just move the Wiimote around - no need to point it at the screen. To fire the bow you just pull back the nun-chuck and release to fire.

You can throw and roll bombs with the Wiimote with a overhand swipe and and underhand roll respectively.

There is more expansive scenery and it looks great.

The new beetle flies around using your remote to guide it. It picks up items and can also be used to place bombs where Link can't get.

The last new item is the whip and can be used to cut grass and grab items with the flick of your wrist. It always works exceptionally well at taking out a lot of bats at once.

It looks fantastic but we have to wait until 2011 to see just how good it will be.

Update: Trailer!

Nintendo 3DS Revealed Along with Kid Icarus Uprising (IN 3D!)

The top screen is a 3.5 inch widescreen display and the bottom screen is the standard touch-screen. The hardware is better: there is a new slide pad (similar to a joystick) as well as a motion and gyro sensor.

There will be 3D movies and though no specific on those were given Nintendo stated that they would be showing trailers (in 3D) on the show floor.

It also comes with a camera that can take 3D pictures. Now that is special.

But like they said, "What you care about is the games," and what they had to show was a trailer for Kid Icarus Uprising. My prowess does not include the wonders of Kid Icarus but I know that this excites me.

Disney Epic Mickey

Disney Epic Mickey

Warren Spector is excited for Disney Epic Mickey and he wants you to be excited as well. He is doing a good job.

This holiday we will be visiting the Wasteland in three different kinds of areas:

1. Ventureland is a quest zone where you solve puzzles, buy tools and supplies, and use the paint and paint thinner mechanic. You have to dynamically change the world here to save it. Everyone will have a different experience and what you choose to do with this world will have various different rewards and consequences. To me, this sounds different for a Wii game.
2. Action Zones were not gone into a lot but it seems that, and this is just going by the name, this is where you (Mickey!!!!) will fight the majority of your enemies.
3. The travel zones are where you travel to a classic Mickey cartoon. The game becomes a 2-D side-scroller here.

Just going on what was shown at the Nintendo briefing this game looks fantastic. Disney is bringing the games this year. With Split/Second already doing well on the market Disney Epic Mickey looks to continue its stride of great games.

New Donkey Kong Country Returns Revealed and coming Winter 2010

I can remember a time where all I cared about was playing Donkey Kong Country on the Nintendo 64. As I did not have a 64 myself I was always at a different friend's house at various different stages of the game. I'm not even sure I ever completed the game.

I remember working my way through the jungle, through rickey mine shafts and exploding Donkey Kong from barrel to barrel always looking for all of the secrets in a level.

Now that you are there with me: Donkey Kong Country Returns this holiday.

Is your sense tingling? New looks at a Spider-Man game

Within the E3 2010 breakdown, there was more light shed upon one of the games that has intrigued me for a few months coming, and that was the work being done by Activision and developed by Beenox to create a Spider-Man game that combined 4 Spidey worlds in Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions. Within this Spidey game, the Tablet of Chaos needs to be retrieved in various pieces from the bosses throughout the game.

Throughout the game, there are varieties of boss battles that will challenge your webbed fellow, but some of the boss battles will actually fulfill the role of a first person contact, where you can get up close and personal and defend yourself. This is a huge twist to a popular beat em up superhero game, and could be very welcome in what some consider a tried and not always true genre.

To see "Amazing Spider-Man"is something to be expected, but one of the first tidbits of info we did receive with video information is the arrival of the world of 2099 Spidey, War, and also an Unknown World yet to be released. The gameplay style of 2099 adds basejumping and very high flying building maneuvers while chasing Hobgoblin. The coolest inception could be a new vision mode, allowing various looks to gain advantage in various boss chases. The look of 2099 is incredibly futuristic and puts Spidey in a dark red and black based suit.

This game has been one with little fanfare and masked in intrigue for awhile, so here is to hoping we get more out of Activision on this game soon. If you'd like to watch the video for this game in action, check out the link.

Alive and Kickin': A Michael Jackson game!

I will be the first to admit as a small child, I unabashedly loved everything that Michael Jackson had created. The dance moves that he could do left me in wonder, and when Michael Jackson passed away as of last year, the nation mourned the performer. From various articles posted, we have learned today at E3, that Michael Jackson's likeness will be added to a game shortly for all platforms in a "karaoke" style video game, where you gain points by choreographing his dance moves.

Within the game, there is hinting of dance as well as singing portions of the game, allowing you to put on your shiniest white shoes and gloves and mimic the great pop legend, either with family or friends, or all by your guilty lonesome. For a conference centered this year on mostly action games and long awaited sequels, this game could be a very heartwarming and new experience.

Ubisoft hopes to strike big and I believe that this is one game that will sell almost as well as a Guitar Hero type installment. The game is scheduled for a holiday release as of this year, that could possibly coincide with an album of unreleased Michael Jackson work.

Medal Of Honor

The game takes place in War-Torn Afghanistan.
EA did a LIVE 24-player software demo of a mode called Team Assault where you fight to reach points on maps based on real locales.

The gameplay feels like BFBC2 but the points and rewards are a little more in your face ala Modern Warfare 2.

The sound, look and general feel of the game all scream DICE and some of the sounds even sound like they were pulled directly from Bad Company 2.

One word: FANTASTIC.

The beta goes live June 21st and goes live even earlier for Gun Club members on June 17th.

There will be no question of my love for this game, how about you?

Expect me to be there with on October 12 2010. Expect to see me online this Thursday June 17th.

Here is the multiplayer trailer:

BulletStorm Releases 2.22.2010

There are arcade style points while playing. They are rewarded for doing anything with style or doing pretty much anything at all. A lot of the points come along with descriptions that are often descriptive, snarky, or both.

You get points for kicking guys off cliffs, for whipping guys into the air (and exploding barrels next to them), and for finding out the way to kill difficult enemies.

There are very cheesy lines and slow motion kills but it all adds to the aesthetic which simply just seems to be, to have fun.


Look for more on BulletStorm later on.