Dead Space

Dead Space is a FPS, sci-fi survival horror from EA games. But wait, another one? Before you judge this one prematurely, let me tell you about Strategic Dismemberment. There we go, that got your attention.

First off, some back story: Dead Space takes place 500 years into the future. The lead character, Isaac Clarke, and his crew land on a ship, the USG Ishimura, stranded in space. This is no ordinary ship either, this ship is the size of a small city! The ship has had a total communications blackout. Isaac and his crew are ordered to investigate the lost signal and repair all necessary equipment in order to restore communications to the ship. And little does he and his crew know that this ship is completely overrun by necromorphs! Demons, monsters, aliens- whatever you want to call them. They are freaking everywhere!

It doesn't take long to get split up from your allies. Left alone and scared Isaac searches for survivors and clues as to what is going on. You'll find individuals still on the ship. Some dead, some alive and some insane. Also, to add an interesting twist, the player will also gather credits and purchase weapon upgrades, ammo and body armor. You're in this fight for the long run so the upgrades are vital to survival.

Finally, Dead Space will also feature Strategic Dismemberment! This isn't your standard shooter. No run and gun with occasional head shot here. Isaac will have to take down his enemies piece by piece, brick by brick. Shooting some necromorphs in the head will just enrage them further, sending them into a blind fury attacking faster and harder than ever before. Sometimes other necromorphs might explode or split into two if shot in the stomach. Not only will you need to shoot your opponents in specific locations to kill them, you will also have to use other guns and tools to slow them down. In certain situations Isaac may need to use a Stasis weapon to hold the beast from attacking.

E3 Interview

Strategic Dismemberment


Release date: Halloween 2008

Rise of the Argonauts - Gods and Deeds

A further explanation into Rise of the Argonauts God and Deed system.

Part 1

Part2




Additional information can be found in my previous post- Rise of Argonauts Trailer

Pure

Pure is an offroad quad-bike trick racing game. An action sports arcade game that is all about getting speed, huge air and constantly going forward. Pure features an exaggerated reality where the player can jump higher and ride faster than a normal quad-bike. Pure is unmatched with the new "boost/trick" system. As you do more tricks, you fill the bar unlocking the ability to do more tricks. Falling will reduce the bar until it is empty- a maximum of 3 falls. First the A button is unlocked, then B and finally Y. A full trick bar will unlock a list of special moves. Each character will contain 8 unique specials to choose from as you progress through the game.

Pure features single player and multiplayer racing. Both modes are found in 7 locations and 32 epic tracks across the globe including New Mexico, Thailand, and New Zealand. Multiplayer on Xbox LIVE will consist of 16 players online! To avoid congestion, each track may have 3 routes to race where each has a different purpose. For example, a track may have one route which is longer but has more jumps to fill your boost/trick meter and it may have one short route but covered in mud that you must boost through in order to make it a true shortcut.

Pure also has a quad bike customization feature. Each custom piece has a unique look and stat to improve the bike. Parts are unlocked in the single player "Pure World Tour" mode. The player gains new and better parts the further and higher they travel on tour. Pure also allows preset freestyle and race mode builds for players that do not wish to customize their rides. The bikes have over 60,000 combinations of parts! Ensuring that no two quads will ever look the same!




Release date: September 2008

Prototype

Prototype, an open world, apocalyptic, action thriller, takes place present day in the vast New York City. You play as a Alex Mercer, a man with amnesia and a shape-shifter with the power to alter his genetic structure. Whether it's forming blades from his arms or completely taking over a persons body and brain, Alex gains vital information to unlock his dark and puzzling past.

Watch as a deadly infection spirals out of control and the government seizes the media to stop the spread of information. Experience New York under quarantine as martial law is instated; igniting a firestorm of combat, carnage and death.

Face an ever-growing army of infected — creatures warped and changed by the virus. As it spreads, more and more of New York falls under its control. The virus overwrites a creature's existing genetics; warping and changing their form into something else, something planned. As the virus gathers its army, rush to discover the secret behind it all; the one thing that can stop it all before the city falls into ruin.

This endless repetition which we call "Life" is grueling. It depresses me to think that I will live under the almighty dollar until the day I perish. The system of rules, regulation, and religion are created to keep us happy and under control. This system is doing its job. That is what makes the escape so sweet. Dreaming of an apocalypse to reset and renew this world excites and interests me. When it comes to any video game about world-altering events such as zombie outbreaks, nuclear war or even alien invasion, I am immediately drawl to the title.

Gametrailers.com brings you an exclusive 4 part series taking you behind the scenes of Prototype.

Discover what lies beyond the edge of evolution.

Interview Part 1: Powers, Weapons and Combat


Interview Part 2: Artistic Vision


Interview Part 3: Environmental Interaction


Interview Part 4: The Story of Alex Mercer



Smells like: Hulk, GTA, Dead Rising
Release date: September 18 2008

Price Check, Isle 3

Brethren! The time is upon us! Gather your men an assemble at once! Microsoft is reducing the price of The Xbox 360! You might ask "JSB, how much will it be lowered? I demand to know the answer!" Well let me tell you that it will be...


...lowered by 50 dollars! The new price is $299.99

Now, this isn't an exclusive price cut. This is nationwide. About a week ago K-Mart accidentally released their sales magazine with the new price tag. Needless to say that it didn't go unnoticed. This week Circuit City has also listed their Xbox 360s at a "New Low Price" thus confirming our speculation.

OK, so this is the part where some of you have already lost interest. Probably because you already have your Xbox. Or, you wanted to hear about a price cut in the Xbox 360 Elite. Well my friends- It didn't happen. Sorry, maybe next year.

I invite anyone who does not have an Xbox 360 to pick one up. I doubt their will be another price cut before 2010.

...So this is completely off topic but am I the only one who thought 2010 would be " The Future?" Ya know, robots, electric cars, some of that cool shit from 1984? Not Futurama or space aliens. But I guess I expected more than video games and the internet... and porn. Lots and lots of porn.

Too Human

Step into the world of Too Human, the third-person epic action game from renowned Canadian developer Silicon Knights. As the cybernetic god Baldur, players are thrust into the midst of an ongoing battle that threatens the existence of mankind. An ancient machine presence has forced the hand of the gods, and now Baldur is charged with defending humanity from an onslaught of monstrous war machines bent on the eradication of human life.

Experience a nonstop barrage of action powered by the seamless integration of melee and firearms combat, plus deep role-playing game elements fueled by breathtaking visuals. Battles unfold in awesome scale as players engage with vast numbers of enemies. Gamers can also take it to the next level by playing the entire game individually or cooperatively via Xbox LIVE®.

*Thrilling action/RPG gameplay: The excitement of an action game is combined with the creative economy features and social experiences of a typical RPG. With a wide array of weapons, armors, cybernetic implants, and skills, players have an unprecedented level of customization with their characters.
*Explosive melee and firearms combat: It takes more than raw strength to supplant the machine hordes. Using a sophisticated blend of seamless melee and high-tech weapons combat, players have the power to vanquish foes near and far. Witness the fluid grace of heroes and enemies in battle as enacted by the acclaimed motion-capture group Full Action Stunt Team (FAST).
*Advanced cinematic presentation: Characters and environments come to life with amazing visual fidelity. Experience the full excitement of combat through a dynamically driven presentation system that portrays the combat with cinematic quality. Survive pulse-pounding battles against hordes of on-screen enemies. A sweeping orchestral score sets the mood for heartbreak, anger, and bloodlust as each tune encapsulates the gamer within the immersive gaming environment.
*Intuitive combat: Perform Baldur's elaborate and complex combat maneuvers, and chain together rapid-fire attacks and combos with ease. Through the use of an intuitive combat system, Too Human delivers gameplay that is easy to learn and rewarding to master.
*Shared experience: Conquer the world alone or with friends in advanced, online two-player co-op gameplay through the Xbox LIVE service. Online co-op play requires Xbox LIVE Gold Membership.
*Modern take on classical Norse mythology: In a world ruined by centuries of war, Too Human chronicles the epic story of Baldur, favored son of Odin and one of a group of humanity's protector, the Aesir. As Baldur, you must destroy the ancient war machines that threaten the world, but to do so you must balance your sense of duty and honor against your lust for revenge—perhaps even sacrificing your humanity in the process.

Taken from Xbox.com


Release date: August 19 2008

Fallout 3

Description:
Vault-Tec engineers have worked around the clock on an interactive reproduction of Wasteland life for you to enjoy from the comfort of your own vault. Included in Fallout® 3 is an expansive world, unique combat, shockingly realistic visuals, tons of player choice, and an incredible cast of dynamic characters. Every minute is a fight for survival against the terrors of the outside world—radiation, super mutants, and hostile mutated creatures. Remember, it's from:
Vault-Tec®, America's First Choice in Post-Apocalyptic Simulation™

Story:
Vault 101 – Jewel of the Wastes. For 200 years, Vault 101 has faithfully served the surviving residents of Washington DC and its environs, now known as the Capital Wasteland. Though the global atomic war of 2077 left the US all but destroyed, the residents of Vault 101 enjoy a life free from the constant stress of the outside world. Giant Insects, Raiders, Slavers, and yes, even Super Mutants are all no match for superior Vault-Tec engineering. Yet one fateful morning, you awake to find that your father has defied the Overseer and left the comfort and security afforded by Vault 101 for reasons unknown. Leaving the only home you’ve ever known, you emerge from the Vault into the harsh Wasteland sun to search for your father, and the truth.

Key Features:
* Limitless freedom: Take in the sights and sounds of the vast Capital Wasteland! See the great monuments of the United States lying in post-apocalyptic ruin! Make the choices that define you and change the world. Just keep an eye on your Rad Meter.
* Experience S.P.E.C.I.A.L.: Vault-Tec engineers bring you the latest in human ability simulation—the SPECIAL Character System. Utilizing new breakthroughs in points-based ability representation, SPECIAL affords unlimited customization of your character. Also included are dozens of unique skills and perks to choose from, each with a dazzling variety of effects.
* Fantastic new views: The wizards at Vault-Tec have done it again. No longer constrained to just one view, experience the world from 1st or 3rd person perspective. Customize your view with the touch of a button.
* The power of choice: Feeling like a dastardly villain today, or a Good Samaritan? Pick a side or walk the line, as every situation can be dealt with in many different ways. Talk out your problems in a civilized fashion, or just flash your Plasma Rifle.
* V.A.T.S. assisted targeting system: Even the odds in combat with the Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System for your Pip-Boy Model 3000. V.A.T.S. allows you to pause time in combat, target specific body parts on your target, queue up attacks, and let Vault-Tec take out your aggression for you. Rain death and destruction in an all-new cinematic presentation featuring gory dismemberments and spectacular explosions.
* Mind-blowing artificial intelligence:Vault-Tec realizes that the key to reviving civilization after a global nuclear war is people. Now you can experience Radiant A.I., America's First Choice in Human Interaction Simulation™. Facial expressions, gestures, unique dialog, and lifelike behavior are brought together with stunning results by the latest in Vault-Tec technology.
* Eye-popping prettiness: Witness the harsh realities of nuclear fallout rendered like never before in modern super-deluxe HD graphics (protective eyewear encouraged). From the barren Wasteland, to the danger-filled offices and metro tunnels of DC, to the hideous rotten flesh of a mutant's face, you'll see it all close-up and high-def.

Screenshot Galllery:
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22

Taken from fallout.bethsoft.com


Release date: September 2008

Unreal Tournament 3 on Xbox 360

What do you get when you combine an award-winning game engine with an award-winning company? From Epic Games, creator of Gears of War, comes the third installment of The Unreal Tournament.

Fresh from the killing fields, UT3 is sure to keep you indoors for the long and hot summer months. UT3 ships with more than 9 unique characters, 10 amazing arenas, a vast arsenal of over 12 weapons and more than 15 vehicles including the all-new Hoverboard! Whether you're playing the new story-based single player mode or going head-to-head online, Unreal Tournament 3 holds up in the genre of First-Person Shooter. UT3 also includes the Unreal Toolset which allows the player create their own weapons and arenas! UT3 on Xbox 360 will include a 2-player split screen mode, 2 exclusive characters, 5 additional maps and never before seen Gears of War 2 footage!

Find everything you need at unrealtournament3.com


Release date: July 7 2008

Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway

Trailer:


BIA: HH will feature destructible cover via Unreal 3 physics engine.



Release date: August 2008

GoW2 - Behind the Scenes Multiplayer Video

No explanation needed! This is a new video from Gametrailers.com explaining all of the new multiplayer game types, maps, weapons and finishing moves! Enjoy!




Release date : November 2008

Rise of the Argonauts Trailer

The ancient Greek RPG, Rise of the Argonauts, follows Jason, King of Iolcos, and his tale of vengeance. As you sail on the Argo searching for the Golden Fleece, you meet up with and assemble many of the famous Argonauts including Achilles, Hercules, Atalanta and more. Each member has their own unique fighting style and can be controlled by Jason by some degree. Hercules, for example, is a gargantuan man and incredibly strong. He can wrestle and hold bosses as well as pickup lesser foes for your disposal. Atalanta, on the other hand, is a bow-wielding woman who stays at range from her enemy.

In true RPG fashion, RotA is designed with free roaming ability to sail where you please. Fight foes, save allies and please the gods. However, RotA does not have the inventory and experience of a traditional role-playing game. Instead, you only gain items that are very useful in certain situations.

RotA also has a choice system in dialog. Instead of the traditional Good vs. Evil responses, RotA gives you four choices. Each choice is attached to your guardian deities. Ares, Apollo, Athena and Hermes. Each answer gains favor with one god and loses with another. Each god is also aligned to a weapon.

-Ares, God of War, is aligned to the mace. The mace is slow and strong, it can be used to break shields. Without concern of personal welfare, you wade into combat with no remorse. Kill or be killed.
-Apollo, God of the Sun, is aligned to the shield. Defensive as well as offensive, the shield allows the player to charge, block and also to decapitate your foes while using the spear.
-Athena, God of Strategy, is aligned to the spear. A very slow weapon used to control your enemy, impale them into a wall or throw them over your shoulder. Control their movements or halt them completely.
-Hermes, God of Swiftness, is aligned to the sword. Very Fast and Lethal, this weapon can easily decapitate your foes with a single swing or cut them in half.




Smells like: God of War, Zelda, KotoR
Release: Fall 2008

Gears of War 2 - Multiplayer

Multiplayer includes 4 game styles located on 12 multiplayer maps.

War Zone is the classic "Kill or be killed" team deathmatch. It's a 5v5 team this go around so it should be interesting to see.

Meat Flag is twist on the traditional Capture The Flag. Where the 'flag' is a living person. Like a hostage who doesn't want to be captured, he'll struggle, kick and trash talk you till you score, or until you're forced to drop him.

Wingman is another new game. Consisting of five teams of two, you have to balance the aggressiveness of going after the other teams, while protecting your partner. If you go down, he can revive you. If he dies, you're on your own and you've let your man down. It forces you to work as a team and coordinate a combination of attack and defense.

Guardian is another five-on-five match, only one player is the Guardian. As long as he's alive, you can respawn. Once he dies, you're on your last life. The key here is for the Guardian to keep back in the more protected rear, but as the Guardian is the best player from the last round, you may need him for the front lines.





Release date: November 2008

Fable 2

Much like the first Fable, you start as a young boy and gradually grow older and pick either an Evil or Good story line. That was the limitation of the first game but this time around it will have the Good vs. Evil story but it will also be affected by the things you do or enjoy. For example, maybe you're generally good but you are a drunk gambling archer. Or maybe you're an evil, dog-owning mage. Anyway, the game does look to be almost a remake of the first but this time around they just added lots and extra junk to keep you busy. Pet dogs, pregnant girlfriends, houses and more.




Release date: Q4 2008

Alone in the Dark

The original survival horror is back! Looks like easy puzzles and cheesy B movie story line and acting. This won't be one I am rushing out to play anytime soon.

Grid Review

I recently rented this game and I've gotta tell you that rocks. Created by the same team who brought us DiRT. Codemasters has taken the same full damage to vehicles and applied it to street and track racing. Start by racing for other teams to get some cash then create your own team and earn reputation! Win races to earn money and buy new cars! Overall great graphics and game design. 8/10

Grid Trailer