Video games are thrilling to me because of their diversity as a medium – beyond being simply a game, they can function as a toy (Electroplankton), a competitive sport (Street Fighter), an interactive story (Ico), or even a piece of literature (RPGs). I doubt many gamers will disagree with me on these points; however, our enjoyment of a game as literature is stilted, and the problem may be in part due to us gamers. The problem? Gamers are far too spoiler-phobic, and it prevents gamers – and even game critics – from ever talking about a story in depth.

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Not two weeks gone I had occasion to lament the Zone of the Enders series’ conspicuous absence on the gaming scene, and were I of a mind to flatter myself immensely I’d suggest that Hideo Kojima himself must have heard me.  It would be as blatant a lie as they come, of course, but it sure would make me feel important, if nothing else.

But whether Mr. Kojima actually hears my prayers or not, it would seem that he’s begun testing the waters for a long overdue sequel to The 2nd Runner.

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In what many call the first cinematic video game experience, Metal Gear Solid truly sets the mold for immersive gaming experiences to come.  Combining an involved plot with white knuckles stealth action, you were truly made to feel like a pawn amongst the powerful.  This peon like role was only exaggerated by the dire mission, in which you were surrounded by trained killers.  One slip up and you were spotted, and that could mean certain death.  That is, until one particular item turned the rules of engagement inside out. Read more… »

Last week the founders of Pirate Bay were sentenced to one year in prison on charges that violated copyright law.  Shortly thereafter, the lawyers of the defendants appealed for a retrial claiming that the presiding judge of the original court case, Judge Tomas Norstrom, had a conflict of interest.

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Codemasters today released gameplay footage of their upcoming off-road racer FUEL. Differing form games of its type – Motorstorm and PURE, for instance – FUEL is packed full of the kind of weather conditions that you wouldn’t consider leaving your house in, let alone flying around on a quad bike in.

What’s more, it’s all presented in a giant sandbox. Sometimes literally. Hit the jump to check it out!

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Crispy Gamer sat down with Haden Blackman, a developer for the hit Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.  The interview unleashed some interesting commentary from the developers perspective on negative criticism.

Hit the jump to see what he had to say. Read more… »

Now that their aquisition of Eidos is complete, Square Enix has released the lifetime sales of all of “their” major franchises, and the information is quite telling for those of us (like me) who enjoy statistics.

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The downloadable 24-person battlefield experience from DICE is going to be shipping out for duty in June, although no specific date has been announced. Battlefield 1943 is set to use the same engine from Bad Company, and take you back to the earlier days of war.

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Call Of Duty 4. Famous for its still extremely popular multiplayer and short but action packed story line was a game which set the bar for console shooters in terms of multiplayer ranking and set pieces in single player.  Amongst the high praise for the multiplayer the main let down of Call Of Duty 4was that the single player was a short lived experience.  And it was… but on Veteran, Call Of Duty 4 made Oblivion look short.

May be some spoilers after the jump. Read more… »

In December 2008, following a year abundant with 3D-available movie releases, UK-based games developer Blitz unveiled plans to make use of the PS3 and 360′s existing technology to develop 3D (or “stereoscopic”) games. In a bold move that mirrors the growing number of cinemas capable of displaying stereoscopic movies, the games will require a special television set (Hyundai currently has early 3D sets on the market) and a pair of 3D glasses. Read more… »

THQ’s Red Faction: Guerrilla is set on Mars. Does this story really need any follow-up or addtional content of any kind following that statement? OK, well seeing as you’re still reading, you should know that the demo for this open-world, third-person adventure is now available to all PlayStation Network and Xbox LIVE users.

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Publisher D3 has released the debut trailer for Dream C Club. If you never heard about the game before, let me give you a quick rundown. The game is set in a hostess bar. You work during the day in order to make money and spend it at various hostess bars. While at the bar, you try to get the hostess drunk and seduce her. She’ll eventually reveal some secrets or insecurities. Somewhere around there, she’ll get up on stage and sing karaoke.

The debut trailer ignores the gameplay features and focuses on the hostesses singing karaoke. Hit the jump to watch Dream C Club’s debut trailer.

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