Friday.May.16.2008

The Illusion of Choice in GTAIV

By Tristan Cooper

*SPOILER ALERT*

If you haven't beaten the story missions in GTAIV, you probably don't want to read any further. If you have: come in, let's have a chat. 

Another review of GTAIV is pretty irrelevant at this point. If you're reading this, it probably means you already own the game and have spent several hours engaged in Liberty City. A thousand words detailing that this game is pretty good and a recommendable purchase would be a waste of everyone's time. You've probably already seen the game's mind-boggling critical acclaim.

There simply isn't much left to say regarding the actual gameplay itself. Countless reviewers have gone over the mildly improved combat and driving, the busywork of in-game relationships, and the polarizing multiplayer. Everyone seems to agree that the lesser gameplay elements become more enjoyable because they take place in such a compelling world, like a dime-store model airplane held together by some NASA-approved adhesive. Guiding you through that world is more or less a pretty typical revenge/gangster story. Or rather, it would be if it weren't a video game.

Niko is introduced as a war-rattled immigrant unsure of the future and haunted by the past. We feel sympathy for him as the game starts out, but it's not long before his undeniable nature reveals itself. He (and you) execute Vlad, a former employer, for sleeping around with Roman's main squeeze. Sure, Vlad was kind of a dick, but did what he did to Niko's cousin warrant a death sentence? As the game progresses, Niko always finds a reason to bite many of the new hands feeding him (though he can be found going out for drinks with the ones he doesn't kill). The only constant in his life is loyalty to family and a few select friends. That, and money.

As you're introduced to more mobs and gangs that need a faceless thug for dirty work, you're occasionally presented with choices. One mission has you chasing a gang leader to the top of a building in the projects; when you corner him, he promises to repent and disappear if you spare his life. Sure, you annihilated forty guys in your pursuit up the stairs, but if perhaps this guy appealed to your better nature, you have the choice to let him go. 

Another rather simple mission gives you a secluded spot, a sniper rifle, and the lives of two brothers in your hands. Who do you kill? Will it be the scummy drug addict who only fools himself with the possibility of rehabilitation? Or is it the corrupt cop who turned his back on his family? Each of these guys have asked you to kill the other, which means whoever lives is essentially a murderer. It comes down to personal preference; who do you like better? Or if you've read ahead in FAQs, which in-game perk do you want more? Either way, you're breaking up an already unsteady family.

After a couple dozen hours of gameplay, you finally meet the man Niko is after. Darko Brevic betrayed Niko and killed his brethren during the war, and Niko has been after answers ever since. But there isn't any elaborate chase or final showdown -- Darko is thrown at your feet already defeated by years of drug addiction. It turns out that the only reason he turned on the men he grew up with was the same reason Niko's already assassinated half of Liberty City: money. We see that Darko is just a weaker version of Niko -- just as Florian (er, Bernie) sits at the opposite side of the spectrum, doing his best to forget the past and make a life for himself.

This would have been a great point to end the game, but Niko has accumulated a few too many loose ends. Eventually you're given one last choice: continue the cycle of violence by killing another former employer (Dmitri), or attempting to put the past behind you by making one last deal with someone who has betrayed you before (again Dmitri). Roman urges you to stop the bloodshed, get this deal over with and make a clean break. Kate -- your sort-of girlfriend at this point -- warns you that Dmitri isn't to be trusted (and should probably be dealt with). Whomever you decide to listen to is the one who ends up being sacrificed. It's a cheap way of manipulating the audience; figuring out which they care about most, and taking that away. It's a bit of an insult to those of us who have spent thirty or forty hours to get to this point (and motivates the player to rush to that elaborate chase and final showdown), but it's not without reason.

Up until this part in the game, you are intended to have the impression that you have some control over Niko's character via choices you made about whether certain people should live or die. Despite these occasional choices, Niko has still been a murdering psychopath throughout. No matter what you did along the way, Niko's life is destroyed and the game ends with revenge. Just because Niko had a change of heart or two on his months-long killing spree doesn't change the fact that he's a miserable, despicable, deplorable excuse for a human being who has done more harm than he could ever make up for. He's a monster. You, the player who ended lives for money and personal gain, are a monster. You don't deserve a happy ending. The game doesn't offer one.

Read more about: Games, PS3, Xbox360, Grand Theft Auto IV, GTAIV

Thursday.May.15.2008

Where Do You Go From 'There Will Be Blood'? NOT 'Metal Gear Solid'

By Arya Ponto

UPDATE: Collider contacted producer Mike De Luca, who says that PTA doing MGS is “completely false and ridiculous.” De Luca was a producer on Boogie Nights and a friend of PTA's, so I guess he would know (aside from being the one producing the movie).

Original Article:

Right now, how many gamers are having their head blown over the following supposition:

Paul Thomas Anderson directing a Metal Gear Solid movie.

This supposition might come true, provided that Konami's Aki Saito didn't have his directors confused. Kotaku reports from a Metal Gear Solid 4 junket, where Brian Ashcraft spoke to Saito. Saito is handling the film negotiations, and says that "Paul Thomas Anderson is interested." Could he possibly mean Paul W.S. Anderson, the video game rapist? Apparently Saito specifically said Paul Thomas Anderson, but it's still possible that he confused the two Andersons. It's not hard to imagine that Paul W.S. Anderson would be really interested in molesting making Metal Gear Solid. In fact, I'm willing to bet that this is a misunderstanding, but hey, stranger pairings have happened.

Back in March, it was reported that producer Michael De Luca (21) and Columbia Pictures are making the movie, and was in talks with Equillibrium director Kurt Wimmer for him to write the screenplay. Saito, however, mentioned that Konami wants MGS creator Hideo Kojima to be a hands-on producer on the film, and that they're still picking the right Hollywood studio that will give include them in the process as such. So is the deal with Columbia fell apart? Is Kurt Wimmer not writing it? It sounds more likely that if PTA is directing, he'll be writing as well.

Most importantly, if this ends up being the real deal... Daniel Day-Lewis as Solid Snake?

Read more about: Movies, Games, Metal Gear Solid 4, Metal Gear Solid, Paul Thomas Anderson, Paul W.S. Anderson

Wednesday.May.14.2008

New 'TimeShift' Map Pack

By Lex Walker

Sierra has released the new "Futures-Past Multiplayer Map Pack" for the Xbox 360 version of Timeshift. "Futures-Past" includes five new maps completely compatible with the existing multiplayer gameplay modes including the Timeshift exclusive modes "King of Time" and "Meltdown Madness".

The pack can be downloaded at the Xbox Live Marketplace.

Read more about: TimeShift, JPP News, Xbox 360, Games, Microsoft

Wednesday.May.14.2008

'World in Conflict' Mapmaking Contest

By Lex Walker

Heads up all ye aspiring would-be programmers, modders and such. Sierra Entertainment has issued a challenge to be heralded across the land.

In a combined effort with NVIDIA, Sierra Entertainment has started a contest looking for new and original multiplayer maps for World in Conflict. Prizes include cash, merchandise and of course making your map an "Official" map to be included in future World in Conflict products.

World in Conflict, which was developed by Sierra’s-own Massive Entertainment, is the groundbreaking action-strategy game released in October 2007 and was the overwhelming choice of global media as the 2007 Strategy Game of the Year.

Using the publicly released World in Conflict Map Editor, PC users can create their own battlegrounds and challenges and then submit them into the competition. Each level submission will be reviewed and evaluated by the professional designers at Massive Entertainment, creators of World in Conflict. Top entries will be posted on www.worldinconflict.com. Winning maps will appear in future release of an official World in Conflict product.

In addition to the opportunity to “Go Pro,” the Grand Prize for the contest will also include $1,000 cash and an NVIDIA Video Card to help the winning amateur level designer continue their quest to become a professional game developer.

Read more about: World in Conflict, JPP News, PC, Games

Wednesday.May.14.2008

A New Challenger!!!

By Lex Walker

Move over Wii Sports, Mario Kart and various other sport-oriented Wii games. Deca Sports has entered the ring, and just like those old Street Fighter games the words "New Challenger!!!" are flashing in our skulls.

Deca Sports seems to take the most popular video game sports and combines them into one huge package. Volleyball, snowboard cross, badminton,basketball, curling, figure skating, archery, supercross, soccer and
kart racing join together into one oversized Captain Planet-esque team. The Power is Yours!

Curling. Really? Yeah, Wii Curling. Hell yes. Sure, give the Canadians all the crap you want for celebrating this super slow version of shufflepuck, but I think it could be a really awesome party game - and now you don't need a really long strip of ice.

Okay, so Deca Sports may be dreaming when it thinks it can take the Kart Racing crown from Mario Kart but it still sounds like a pretty damned solid compilation of sports. Will it be as classic as Nintendo Olympics or as beloved as Mario Kart Racing? We'll find out.

Deca Sports was released by Hudson Entertainment May 13, 2008.

Read more about: JPP News, Games, Wii, Deca Sports

Wednesday.May.14.2008

Go Mono-e-Mummy in the 'Tomb of the Dragon Emperor'

By Lex Walker

While The Mummy: The Tomb of the Dragon Emperor may be hitting the silver screen later this summer, the video game will be available on July 22, 2008 for the Wii, Nintendo DS and PS2.

Considering the intended platforms aren't nextgen systems that means the developers didn't have to spend countless hours on the graphics and sound programming meaning this could actually have a cogent plot and cool gameplay. The premise of the game and what must be interesting gameplay may help to redeem this new gaming franchise.

After all, the Mummy films are at the very least entertaining, so hopefully the games will be able to live up to that much.

For some screenshots head on over here.

Read more about: JPP News, Games, Nintendo DS, PS2, Wii

Wednesday.May.14.2008

New Screenshots from Sudden Strike 3: Ardennes Offensive Add-on

By Lex Walker

Fireglow Games has made several screenshots from the upcoming Ardennes Offensive, an add-on to their hit game Sudden Strike 3.

The screenshots, which can be seen here, illustrate the updated features for armored units transporting infantry. The add-on was created to increase the already impressive realism found in the gameplay.

Sudden Strike 3: Arms for Victory is the latest installment in the award-winning, critically acclaimed and hugely popular Sudden Strike series. It features historically authentic models built to scale, fully interactive giant maps and full 3-D state-of-the-art graphics in the popular Sudden Strike style. Only Sudden Strike plays like the 'real thing'. WW2 gaming at its best: on land, at sea and in the air!

Read more about: JPP News, Games, Sudden Strike 3, PC

Wednesday.May.14.2008

Darts for Nintendo DS

By Lex Walker

Agetec, Inc. has found a way to tie in the ultimate bar game into the loveable handheld device. That's right good sirs: Darts.

 The name of the game: Touch Darts.

 Integrating the unique flick function of the stylus, Touch Darts will allow players to simulate very realistic dart throwing action that will satisfy "even the most hardcore dart fanatic" according to Agetec Producer Mark Johnson. Who are these dart playing gamers...and why are they fanatics?

 Anyways. Touch Dart offers four types of gameplay including tournament, challenge, quickplay, and multiplayer. Quickplay and multiplayer will allow up to four people to play darts on the same little console while Tournament mode will allow dartmasters to test their skill on three levels of difficulty.

“This game will make you feel as if you were really in your living room, at your friend’s house, in the pub, or in a tournament tossing darts,” continues Mark Johnson. I know he means  it'll make you feel this way as you're riding the bus...but it almost seems like the ultimate attempt at reducing the need to ever move again. But then again, it is darts. That's pretty much fun no matter what state of mind you're in - though I feel as if it'll still feel really hard when drunk.

Huzzah! 

Read more about: JPP News, Games, Touch Darts, Nintendo DS

Wednesday.May.14.2008

LEGO Indy Action Earlier Than Expected

By Lex Walker

For all you LEGO gaming fans out there, get ready for a nice little Demo of the forthcoming LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures courtesy of Games for Windows   

Obviously this is a PC Exclusive demo so all you console-ites will have to wait just a little bit longer to get your LEGO block-whippin' groove on.  Sure LucasArts put out a few cool Indy games way back when, but never before in LEGO form.

 If the Star Wars LEGO series is any indication, Indiana Jones will be a hoot.

 A hoot I tell you.

Read more about: LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures, JPP News, Games, PC, Windows

Tuesday.May.13.2008

'Too Human' Set for August 19 Release

By Jason Perry

Silicon Knight's cyber epic Too Human will be in gamers' hands on August 19 says Microsoft in an official press sheet released today.

In other Too Human news, the modern take on Norse mythology received a downgrade in the co-op department when Microsoft announced that 4-player co-op has been reduced to two players.

Drag.

Read more about: Games, Too Human

Tuesday.May.13.2008

'Ninja Gaiden II' Goodies Galore on Xbox LIVE

By Jason Perry

In anticipation for Ninja Gaiden II's release on Xbox 360, Team Ninja and MS released a trio of ninja goodness in the form of a launch trailer, picture pack and theme.

Official Xbox LIVE descriptions are as follows: 

Content: Ninja Gaiden II: Hayabusa Clan Theme
Price: 150 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Germany
Dash Text: Ryu Hayabusa is joined by his father Joe, trusted shopkeeper Muramasa, and beautiful CIA agent Sonia in this exclusive Ninja Gaiden II theme pack.

Content: Ninja Gaiden II: Hayabusa Clan Gamer Pics
Price: 100 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Germany
Dash Text: Ryu Hayabusa is joined by his father Joe, trusted shopkeeper Muramasa, and beautiful CIA agent Sonia in this exclusive set of Ninja Gaiden II gamer pics.

Content: Ninja Gaiden II Launch Trailer HD
Price: Free
Availability: Canada and United States
Size: 55.31 MB
Dash Text: [ESRB: M (Mature) BLOOD AND GORE,INTENSE VIOLENCE,PARTIAL NUDITY,SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Experience exhilarating ninja combat as Ryu Hayabusa returns to avenge his clan in the true sequel to Ninja Gaiden. Explore in-game cinematics and beautifully gory, high intensity gameplay.

If you're stuck at work or school and are dying to see the trailer, you can view a streaming version at this location. 

[Credit to Xbox LIVE member Ve3tro] 

Read more about: Games, Ninja Gaiden II

Monday.May.12.2008

REVIEW: Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (PS3)

By Marcus Beasley

One of the first games that I actually reviewed was Gran Turismo 4. I don’t know if it was because the game was so awe inspiring that I was at a lost for words or if it was just the fact that it was literally the very first review that I actually did, but I only managed to etch out about 400 words for the review. Well that was many years ago and I’m now a different more experienced reviewer.

Gran Turismo is now considered the definition of mainstream racing simulation and Kazunori Yamauchi can be considered the father of the genre. Many companies are vying to steal the crown away from Sony’s flagship title, with the closest competitor being Microsoft’s own Forza Motorsport franchise. Forza is actually a great title and does many things that Gran Turismo is just getting around to like vehicle damage (not in Prologue but will be in the full version). // Read the rest

Read more about: Games, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue

Monday.May.12.2008

Melodrama Theatre on Lady Liberty in 'Ninja Gaiden II'

By Jason Perry

I'm not going to hide my excitement: I can't friggin' wait for Ninja Gaiden II.

Seriously, what other game makes a dapper demon spouting off a melodramatic monologue directed at a ninja on top of the Statue of Liberty seem completely normal?

See for yourself.

GameTrailers has a grab bag full of new Ninja Gaiden II boss battle cutscenes for your viewing pleasure. Be advised: most clips contain story (Hah!) spoilers. Check 'em out here.

Read more about: Games, Ninja Gaiden II

Monday.May.12.2008

'Crystal Chronicles' Co-Creator: "I'd like to make an 'ActRaiser' Sequel"

By Jason Perry

In a chat with Gamasutra, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King co-creators Fumiaki Shiraishi and Toshihiro Tsuchida discussed the advantages of WiiWare, the Virtual Console, and challenges regarding Wii's memory limitations. I encourage all of you to check out the full interview here.

One tasty tidbit that'll undoubtedly cause a few gamers to salivate is the possibility of action/sim classic ActRaiser rising from the dead for a new generation of gaming goodness.

"I'd like to make an ActRaiser sequel. That would be kind of fun."Shiriashi commented.

Square Enix does own the rights to ActRaiser, which first appeared on the SNES back in 1990. If a next-gen ActRaiser does come to fruition, Square Enix better find a way for Yuzo Koshiro to get in on the project ASAP.

Read more about: Games, ActRaiser

Saturday.May.10.2008

Mortal Kombat vs DC: Scorpion In-Game Render

By Jason Perry

Chalk up another modified version of Scorpion's classic yellow/black ninja outfit.

Game with a Brain revealed a supposed in-game render of Scorpion from the upcoming match made in WTF: Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. The shot appears legit, although Game with a Brain doesn't cite any sources.

Hope Scorpion's packing a kryptonite spear.

Read more about: Games, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe

Saturday.May.10.2008

Cliffy B Introduces First 'Gears of War 2' Gameplay Footage

By Jason Perry

Bigger. Louder. Badder. That's what Cliffy B promised for Gears of War 2, and judging by this new gameplay footage, Cliify's a man of his word.

GameVideos is hosting the new clip featuring an intro/outro from the Gears mastermind himself. Check it out below.

Read more about: Games, Gears of War 2

Saturday.May.10.2008

'The Dark Knight', 'Medal of Homer' and 'Tropic Thunder' Win Golden Trailer Awards

By Arya Ponto

Winners for the Golden Trailer Awards was posted online on their website yesterday. The event was held Thursday night at Orpheum theater, hosted by comedian Sinbad, and it will air on MyNetworkTV on May 26.

Best Action Trailer:

Best Comedy Trailer:

Best Video Game Trailer:

More winners here.

Read more about: Movies, Trailer, Games, The Dark Knight, Tropic Thunder, The Simpsons

Friday.May.09.2008

'Bioshock' Movie Moves Along with Writer and Director

By Arya Ponto

Pirates of the Caribbean director Gore Verbinsky is the man to adapt the critically-acclaimed video game Bioshock into a movie, Variety says. The trade reports that Universal has signed a deal with Take-Two Interactive to develop the film, with Verbinsky also acting on a producer capacity as well as directing. John Logan (Gladiator, The Last Samurai) is in talks to write the script. 

Verbinsky said that seeing the game's art direction as he played the game was what inspired him to want to see the game as a film. "I think the whole utopia-gone-wrong story that's cleverly unveiled to players is just brimming with cinematic potential," said Verbinski. "Of all the games I've played, this is one that I felt has a really strong narrative."

Take-Two is getting a multimillion dollar advance against the film's gross with the deal. The reason they did this is to ensure that the film absolutely gets made and not end up in limbo like the Halo movie did. They also took it upon themselves to broke the deal directly with Universal rather than option it through a producer. They're determined to get this made, and we can all expect to see Bioshock: The Movie in the next few years.

Read more about: Movies, Games, Gore Verbinsky, BioShock

Thursday.May.08.2008

The Ridiculously Long Lasting Gum Hates Uwe Boll Too

By Arya Ponto

This is one of the weirdest press releases to have hit my inbox. The makers of Stride (you know, the gum that just keeps on going) today issued a press release announcing their support of that online petition to get Uwe Boll to quit. If you remember, Boll made the mistake of publicly saying that he will retire once a million people sign a petition for him to quit making movies.

Right now at StopUweBoll.org, there are less than 260,000 signatures, so gamers have a long way to go if they truly want to stop the Doktor. For some reason, Stride Gum looked at this and said "Schnell!" Because they're giving away free gum to speed up the process.

In an effort to help boost signings, the makers of Stride have put out a special bounty. If the petition reaches the required 1 million signatures by May 14 at 5pm EDT, each signer will receive a digital coupon* for a pack of gum, downloadable on May 23, 2008, a day that could really use some long-lasting refreshment, particularly as it will see the debut of his latest videogame-based film.

So basically they're prepared to give away one million pack of gums for this stunt. I guess those commercials showing their factories shutting down because no one's buying are true? No, of course not. So why are they doing this? What is the motivation of this bizarre involvement?

"Since gamers are one of our most supportive groups, we have been looking for ways to return the favor," said Gary Osifchin, Stride North American Marketing Director. "And what better way is there to get gamers' backs than by helping them rescue their cherished videogames from the clutches of Uwe Boll?"

Questions: are gamers really into Stride? This is something entirely new to me. Is it because gamers always have their hands busy, so they ain't got time to unwrap a new piece of gum, therefore requiring them to rely on a ridiculously long lasting gum to keep their mouth minty fresh?

Joking aside, this is kind of shameless. How many people are going to do this just to get a free pack of gum, regardless of their opinion towards Uwe Boll? Trashing a man's career (regardless of how shitty a career it is) all in the name of promoting a product just doesn't sit right with me. If I was Uwe, I'd find this more insulting than the people who made the petition. But no hard feelings, the gum-makers insist.

"Look, it's nothing personal against the guy. Maybe his non videogame-based films are unbelievable! But we have seen such intense passion for this cause that we couldn't help but get involved," said Osifchin. "Let the signing continue."

Read more about: Movies, Games, Uwe Boll

Thursday.May.08.2008

Nintendo's Ex-Chairman Labeled Japan's Richest Man

By Jason Perry

Former Nintendo president and chairman, Hiroshi Yamauchi, has a lot of cheese. How much? Well, enough for Forbes to name him Japan's richest man.

Yamauchi’s net worth is estimated at $7.8 billion. His fortune rose by $3 billion alone last year, triple that of 2006 thanks to Nintendo share value wildly increasing each day.

"Mama, Mia" indeed. 

According to Forbes, Japan’s forty wealthiest businesspeople are worth a combined $8.9 billion, up by $10.7 billion on the previous year – in part due to the yen’s strength against the dollar. The second richest man is property developer Akira Mori, whose net wealth increased by $2.2 billion this year to $7.7 billion. 

Read more about: Games, Nintendo