Videogames have invaded the mainstream, and while the games themselves might have evolved, there has always been a percentage of players that dedicate themselves to the hobby completely, the “hardcore”. And while games have grown in ways that were expected, the term hardcore has become something no one can even describe. Read more… »

Ensemble Studios (the Age of Empires series) has completed Halo Wars and has sent it to be manufactured, and I ask, who, outside of the Halo fanboydom, honestly cares? Halo as a series has perpetually gone downhill; with Halo: Combat Evolved breaking onto the scene way back in 2001, gamers and media outlets across the world ranted and raved how it revolutionized console first-person-shooters through its sleek control scheme, engrossing story, balanced weaponry and superb AI. It was completely deserving of all the praise. With each new release, focus shifted from story to multiplayer, which I’m usually not one to complain about, however, with a story so enthralling introduced in the first installment, I couldn’t help but find myself wanting more at the end of the series. I know Bungie has it tucked away, waiting to let the beast out on the world.

Read more… »

When it was first announced, Infinite Undiscovery was one slick looking game. On the surface, it looked fantastic: developed the Tri-Ace, the team behind the relatively popular Star Ocean and Valkyrie Profile games, replete with a stunningly creative premise, an entirely new gameplay engine, and stunning next-generation graphics. The central concept of the story—that of giant chains reaching up into the sky and wrapping around the moon is intriguing both thematically and aesthetically, seemed like an excellent premise for a new RPG franchise that might one day rival the behemoth Final Fantasies and Dragon Quests of the world. Read more… »

If you like JRPGS, you might want to check out this free soundtrack to a non-existent game called Ebben Flow. The composer has been playing games since he was 4, and wanted to give a just tribute to his favorite JRPGS. Despite what some may think, this isn’t parody against “generic RPGS”, it’s a acknowledgement of how JRPGS have influenced the industry. Download it if you love brooding flamboyant heroes, rediculous fusion-weapons, and cryptic villains (note that description was pure FFVIII).

Source: Kotaku

Just in case you missed all the hubbub about it, a Halo themed wedding was just celebrated. MTV has been avidly covering the couple’s story since the planning of the event. While quite a few sites were mocking the ceremony, I didn’t think there was anything wrong with it. The two obviously love each other. Hit the jump for the video. Read more… »

For a long while, finding a decent adventure game was an adventure within itself. With Halo becoming the world’s most popular game, the demand for titles in which the players is tasked with investigating an area with a fine toothed comb while slogging through a books worth of text had simply diminished. You would have been hard pressed to find a customer for a game where the action could only be found in words. The release of Capcom’s first US entry into the Phoenix Wright series was the first step in changing all of that. Phoenix Wright is an Ace Attorney, it says so in the title of his game, and he’s on a crusade for justice.

Read more… »

The Grand Theft Auto series has satisfied many a gaming fan. The series has sold over 70 million copies worldwide, and new installments to the franchise always get massive hype. Grand Theft Auto IV is no exception, and is one of the most hyped up games in gaming history. It’s finally here. Read more… »

Gundam Battle Universe is the fourth iteration in the Gundam Battle series of games for the Playstation Portable, and easily surpasses the previous three in terms of content, depth and fun. Gundam Battle Universe is a stunningly addictive action-combat game that can be played in either a third person or first-person perspective, where players assume control of giant humanoid mechs, called mobile suits, in battle after gut-wrenching battle. It is also the single best game to land on the Playstation Portable. Read more… »

And what better thing to do with a horde of zombies than to set them on fire and hit them with a baseball bat?  With Pinnacle Entertainments new “Burn Zombie Burn,” the goal is immolation and extermination.  The Playstation Network original features frenzied combat and deft maneuvering of wave upon wave of undead.

Read more… »

Well, we have quite a nice little week coming up, whether you’re a Microsoft supporter or a Sony supporter. Or if you’re a lucky bastard like me, you own both. But either way, big releases are getting extra content and being offered for a relatively small amount of money, or in other cases, completely free.

If you like you’re first person post-nuclear epics, you’re tactical espionage action, or simply like to decimate zombies brains against the wall with you’re trusty ol’ twelve-gauge, then get ready for one superior week for both the PS3’s and Xbox 360’s DLC.

Read more… »

These days it is rare to find coverage of the gaming industry that does not highlight its alleged pitfalls.  That is why this recent article from the Chicago Tribune stands out as a booster of video games as relevant media.

Read more… »

In a continuing reversal of the former policy of consolidating game development, Microsoft has announced the closure of ACES Studio, the folks behind community favorite Flight Simulator. The most recent version, Flight Simulator X was released in 2006, with an expansion hitting the market in 2007. A Microsoft spokesmen confirmed the closure, saying that the decision was made “to align our people against our highest priorities.” Read more… »