So as we alluded to on the show… one game that I can’t wait to hear more about, is Heavy Rain – another PS3 exclusive.

We’re aiming to get someone from the game on the show to speak of the intricacies, once E3 festivities settle down and the hangover dissipates.

But in the meantime… here’s a few screenshots and a clip that I think paints the picture as to how the game is played.

…my main question is regarding involvement… how much you get to PLAY, as opposed to WATCH.

Either way… on we go…

We know that this character (one of the 4 that you will play as) has a drug addiction.  Apparently here are his choices for action.

Combing for evidence which modern television would lead me to believe is DNA.

What would you do???

…and alas… the video:

…again, we’ll be discussing this game shortly.  There’s your taste.

We all want more.

Ladies and Gentlemen… A new standard has been set in third-person shooting.

There’s no need to beat around the bush – that would only keep me away from my PS3 longer than necessary.

InFAMOUS is a fantastic game with a deep story and an incredibly addictive combat system.

We’ve seen the formula before in open-world combat games. Beat the crap out of people, use super-powers, unlock more superpowers (with which you can beat the crap out of people with even more sophistication), and find out more about the protagonist while doing so.

You start off with basically nothing… except electric hands.

Yes, very cool.

You quickly find out you’re a courier named Cole who was carrying a package/bomb that ended up a leveling the city – Empire City. You’ve got a buddy named Zeke (with a pretty dope setup on a roof), who will keep you in touch with how the world feels about you.  Not too long after testing the basic functions of your capabilities you get a call from a government woman named Moya – who, without spoiling the story, acts as your guide for what has to be done.

There are your main objectives (highlighted with a blue exclamation point on your map) and your side missions (which are of the yellow variety, and upon completion, create a small protection zone in the city) – some are good and some are… you guessed it… bad.

Completing a good mission will block out a bad one, reclaim a section of the city, and boost your karma towards becoming a “hero” – whereas, if you go the route of the red lightning, you are drifting towards becoming “infamous.”

The city starts to heal or decay based on your actions. The citizens will also act differently based on your choices (people used to curse me – now they take my picture). And your unlockable powers will be reflective of your decisions.

The powers themselves not only look cool… but they’re also very functional and fun to use.  When you combine them (to make for “stunts”) you get extra experience points which obviously allows you to unlock bigger, better, and flashier superpowers quicker.

In all, it’s tough to really describe exactly what makes InFAMOUS so much fun and addictive.

Cole is incredibly powerful, but certainly not invulnerable.  There’s a great sense of freedom – with every building being completely scalable – and it simply feels good, to me at least, to actually see the reward of doing good.

SuckerPunch has done a phenomenal job of grasping the importance of the environment and applying it to Empire City.

 ==

GRAPHICS: 8.5/10

The character models are solid. The cut-scenes are in classic graphic-novel fashion and really play off the whole comic book storyline.  The lightning effects are crisp and clean. The only drawback is that sometimes you will get lost in a camera angle.

SOUND: 9/10

From the pitter patter of your footsteps on a rooftop, to your voice picking up an echo in a tunnel, to the soft buzzing of the electric current running through your hands, the sound effects are done very well. The music plays a solid role in building up tension as the threat of enemies increases. 

GAMEPLAY: 9.5/10

The freedom feels similar to “Ultimate Spiderman.” There are no buildings that can’t be climbed. You can’t fly, but eventually you can float.  And the superpowers are extremely rewarding when you can unlock them.

OVERALL (not an average): 9.3/10

I think I’ve developed an addiction.  Seriously.  I’ve played for hours on end, promising myself that I’d stop after 2 missions – only to end up playing 12.  I’ve been at this game at a near-constant rate since it came in my possession, and I figure I’m only about halfway through (there’s still a third island to unlock (with a third gang) – and a few more secret powers that have yet to be unveiled.

…then I need to play it all again as evil Cole.

The main question I have is whether this game is simply an early rendition of Prototype (which will be out on June 9^th), or whether it will stand superior to what appears to be a very similar game.

…stay tuned… but in the meantime… enjoy the crap out of InFAMOUS

(and don’t neglect your loved ones, like I have)

By Momin Qureshi

When I first heard that Nintendo was putting out a new version of the classic game “Punch Out” I was stoked.  For you see, I spent a great deal of time back in the late 80’s and early 90’s as Little Mac trying to make my way to the title bout against Mike Tyson. 

Now granted Tyson is not a part of the new game, but all your old favorites like Glass Joe, King Hippo and Don Flamenco and others are back, along with the new face of Kid Disco.  Playing this game will give rise to nostalgic moments of your childhood from when you played the game on the NES and SNES. But it also has enough for those who were too young at the time, or never played the game (shame on you for that) to enjoy the new version.   

The game gives the player the choice to use either the Wii mote and nun chucks or revert to classic Nintendo game pad controls.  If you choose to play with the motion controls, it’s similar to that of Wii Boxing, giving the player the choice to throw upper cuts or jabs, dodge left and right as well as block punches, and of course what would a game of punch out be without the star punch? Not much of a game, that’s what. So they brought that back as well.   

Now I’ve played the game a fair bit over the past few days and I can say this, if you loved the old game, you will probably love the new one.  But that may have more to do with nostalgia than actual game play. Not to say this game isn’t good or fun, because it’s definitely both, but in true Wii fashion, it’s fairly basic and simple.

The game play itself can get simple and repetitive, but I had a chance to speak to Matt Ryan of Nintendo who put it best: this game is more of a puzzle than a boxing game.  Each fighter has a different sequence of punches and dodges that will allow you to beat him.  So if you treat this game more as a puzzle and less as a fighting game, like say fight night round 4, than you may enjoy it more. 

The career mode of the game is straight forward.  You have to fight and beat 4 people to win a belt, with each guy you fight becoming progressively difficult.  After you beat those four, you move up a level and take on the next four guys. I’ve been able to move up a couple levels, and the puzzle does become a little more complex with each fighter.  

 
As with many Wii games, if you play this one for a while you will work up a sweat, so be aware of that. A neat feature this game offers is the ability to play with the Wii balance board, which is most commonly seen in conjunction with the Wii Fit.  I have not had an opportunity to incorporate the board into the game, but would love to try that at some point.

Over all I’d say this is a good game, packed full of nostalgia and throw backs that will make you feel like you are a little kid again, but with enough updates to make it 2009 appropriate.  I just wish it had a little more in terms of new features and add ons. I give this game a 7/10 over all, but if you loved the old one and are up for some nostalgic throw backs, I bump it up to an 8/10.

This post is going to be jammed packed full of information, so let’s get right to it. To start us off, we have once again jumped on the web to bring you the one things that validates the internet’s existance. The Got Game show for Saturday, May 23, 2009. 

[audio:http://qml.quiettouch.com/files/radio/fan590/hotaudio/got game may 23.mp3]

Got Game has always been your place for gaming news, but this week we pulled no punches as Momin and I went one on one on one with Nintendo’s Matt Ryan to talk about Punch Out. Now if you’re thinking to yourself, “Punch Out? I’ve played that already,” then check out the trailer below; because, you haven’t played Punch Out like this before.

Cooper and I also talked with Sony’s Kyle Moffat about this summer’s blockbuster title: inFAMOUS. This is a game that is so good that it’s the reason Cooper bought a PS3 in the first place… traitor. In all seriousness though this game is off the hook. Cooper has the right idea; if you’ve been on the fence regarding a PS3 purchase, this is a perfect reason to pick up that system. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, then check out this trailer to see what video games are truly capable of.

And finally EA’s Travis Sailer took Cooper and Ken on a green to green tour of the upcoming Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10.  Unfortunately, so much that has gone into this game that Travis couldn’t fit everything into our show, but do not worry. Travis is a super nice guy, and has agreed to give everyone a tour of what you can expect in Tiger’s next title. You can watch that tour right now, right here. 

When you’re done that check out the extended version of our interview with Travis. Do that and you will know all there is to know about the upcoming Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10.

[audio:http://qml.quiettouch.com/files/radio/fan590/hotaudio/web tiger woods.mp3]

Finally, just a reminder that tonight is the last night for the 1 vs 100 beta. Tonight’s game is also 100% free for anyone who has an Xbox360. All you need is a 360 and a broadband internet connection to join and you are in. That means you have no excuse so I shall see you all there. This final 1 vs 100 show kicks off tonight at 7 pm EST. See you then.

Microsoft gets a Mii-mote?

 In 2007, Microsoft filed an application for a motion controller patent that they were at the time calling the “Magic Wand.” Rumors strongly suggest that a Microsoft motion controller named  “Darwin” is almost ready for public release, and that it will probably be announced at E3 this year (which is officially happening on June 2nd – 4th). 

According to a BBC article that was written earlier in the week this new Xbox controller could include: ” ‘biometric sensors’ that would examine ‘fingerprint, hand geometry, hand vein pattern, palm pattern, and grip configuration’ along with ‘facial thermogram, a facial feature, a retinal feature, or an iris feature’ ” (at least all of that was mentioned in the patent application originally filed in 2007).

The announcement of this new motion controller is expected (but not confirmed) to be among the major announcements during the E3 Microsoft conference on Monday, June 1st at 10:30 am pacific time.

Also, earlier today we found this concept image on TechDigest.tv, and while Microsoft is still refusing to comment on their possible new controller, it does give a good idea of what a “Darwin” could look like.

Image courtesy of www.techdigest.tv.

1 vs 100 Beta Ends Tomorrow.

Also, just a reminder that on Saturday evening, Xbox Canada’s exclusive 1 vs 100 beta will end. Xbox has decided to send the beta out in style by inviting Xbox Canada’s own JadeLive to join the 1 vs. 100 host, Chris Cashman, on our final voyage with the good ship 1… vs 100.  JadeLive has also agreed to answer questions (in real time) that you send their way, but Chris Cashman can tell you more about that when you show up.

On top of this, the final night of 1 vs 100 will be open to Canadian Xbox LIVE Silver members also. This means all you need to play that night is xbox and a internet connection; nothing more. You got that and you’re in. So what’s your excuse not to play?

The final Canadian beta show of 1 vs 100 will kick off this Saturday, May 23rd at 7:00 p.m. EST. I will be there as my alter-ego WENDIG0. I hope to see you there too.

First of all… do you have it yet??

…wanna get ruined?

Didn’t think so to that second part… but if you do, and you’ve got a PS3, hit me up:  ZCooperstown

I’m not saying I’m the best… but I bet I’m better than you.

===

Alright, so I’m not just here to chirp… I’m hear to share with you, or mostly tease, that we’ll be reviewing UFC 2009: Undisputed on this SATURDAY’s show (yes, it’s a day early… and early it is, 11am boys and girls).

It’s gonna be fun.

Maybe not that kinda fun…

Seriously, though… if you haven’t played this game yet, you’re missing out.  That’s all I’m gonna say.  Until Saturday.

Until then… here’s another taste:

So you might have heard on Sunday’s show (or on the podcast) that I just picked up a PS3… and Little Big Planet (and Killzone 2, mind you)…

Well, over the last few days I’ve been playing my arse off… exploring, collecting, experiencing… and I am in LOVE with this LBP phenomenon.  The fact that the lady likes playing/watching as well doesn’t hurt… but if you’re like me… and you’re down with this game… you’re  going to love this news:

First off… on Friday, “The Patch” gets launched.  MediaMolecule – the glorious humans that made this game happen – describe it as a “hotspot destination” which will essentially (from what I gather) showcase the best levels designed by players – SO many get lost in the LBP universe, so this I assume becomes a greatest hits of sorts.

Also… if you’re a fan of new costumes for your sack person… you might like THIS:

Below you can find this week’s feast for your ears… the Got Game Radio Show for May 17th, 2009.

[audio:http://qml.quiettouch.com/files/radio/fan590/hotaudio/gg-zc-20090517.mp3]

However, as always our 1 hour is never enough time to cover everything. Once again we did not get to a few stories because we ran out of time, so we would like to take a second and mention them here.

1. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 is on the iPhone. However, it is not available to the public. Apparently a studio called Lti Gray Matter put Pro Skater 2 on the iPhone as a test of phone’s capabilities. Lti Gray Matter stated that they did this with no intention of doing anything more than testing the phone. However, they did send a message to Activison saying that the game is available for mass release on the phone if Activison ever wants to do that.

2. Blizzard has  announced that a brand new MMOG is in the works. Right now there are no details to mention because the game is more idea than actual content. However, on the WOW website and forums a number of jobs have been posted to find people to work on this new project.

3. Finally rumors are spreading about what Microsoft will announce during their press conference at this year’s E3. Currently, the rumors that are most expected to come true are:

• Metal Gear Solid 4 will be ported to the Xbox360
• Konami will announce an exclusive game they are working on for Microsoft
• The next GTA 4 downloadable content will be a lot like the Lost and Damned expansion, and will be titled “Blood and a Four Leaf Clover.”
• Forza Motorsports 3 will be officially announced

We also got some mail from Activison during the last week. It was a package filled with a number of things including these form claws that I think Cooper is enjoying a little to much.

However, I personally want to thank Activison for sending along this awesome video that really makes me want to finish the last 4 or so levels of Wolverine’s game… I will get to it someday, but there are just so many games and so little time right now. If you’re time is free, you may want to check this video and that game out.

We also love getting mail of any kind so please post here on the blog or email us at gotgame@fan590.com with any questions or comments you may have. On top of that we would love to talk classic games a little more. During this week’s show we talked about some old games that we would like to have remade for the current generation just like they are doing with Bionic Commando. We’ve mentioned our picks in the show, so now we want to know what you think about our choices and what games you would want to have remade if you could choose.

On the last show I said that I was playing Velvet Assassin, and that I felt like it was not worth anyone’s time. Well I am here to say that I was wrong… to a point. You see people can enjoy this game provided that they’ve never played a stealth action game before.

This is a game that is not worth my time because I’ve already played every Splinter Cell game ever created, and so therefore I have already played Velvet Assassin. If you’ve also played those Splinter Cell games, then I would not suggest you not play this either.

The best way to describe Velvet Assassin is to call it a very basic version of those Splinter Cell games. For starters this game does not have much in the way of a story to it. It tries but fails to be a bit of a mystery; mostly because it greedily holds onto story points for to long at times, and therefore the whole story seems pointless and stalled.

The game mechanics have been significantly decreased when compared to other stealth action games. Over the years Sam Fisher has developed a large number of skills, but even in his first game he was able to do more then run, jump, and climb. Add knifing people in the back to that list and you have the full list of what this Velvet Assassin can do.

Level design can also feel like early Splinter Cell at times. You will spend most of your time crossing dark buildings and outdoor locations at night. As you can imagine I found these to be boring choices considering the fact that we boldly go to these places about once a year.

Now believe it or not I am not trying to say that this is not a good game. I am just trying to say that this is not a good game for me, or anyone with stealth action experience under their belts.

This game does have a target audience that is a good fit for it; but that audience would most likely start and end with people new to stealth actions games. That is also not a bad thing. I don’t feel like this game does much, but it would certainly allow people to practice the basics of stealth action before moving onto something more challenging.

As for me I have already returned it to the store. However, I don’t feel bad for not finishing it. Like I already said, I’ve already played this before.

Our next show goes on Sunday May 17th.

This is my birthday.

…to treat myself, I just picked up a PS3 to compliment my 360.

It appears that the shift of excellent exclusive games has shifted in Sony’s direction… so I wanted to hop on board.

Add me on PSN:  ZCooperstown  (same tag on 360, as well)