Friday, March 25, 2011

Star Wars: The Old Republic's Space Combat Is Lacking Big Time

Today i got into a very good discussion on the Champions of the Force forums about the extremely lacking and pathetic space combat in star wars the old republic.


Yesterday 12:42 PM
Xorix Kerax
Senior Officer

Originally Posted by ragrose
I know that they have already said there wont be space PvP but i really wanna do a guild capital ship vs. a guild capital ship with all the player ships swarming around blasting at eachother.
With the current TOR space system (I like to call it Galaga on steroids) space is not a sanbox enviroment. In fact I would rather that they didn't even have it at this point. With the current system we have the worst enemy fighters in the galaxy attacking us.. All of them seem to over shoot us then sit there with their aft exposed for a hot minute just begging to be shot. You cant stop your ship, loop, or do anything other than fly straight, with the occasional banking from side to side and going where the game takes you.. "What if I don't feel like attacking the star destroyer.. Tough Shit youre going in"... If I sound biased its because I was apart of the top space squadron in Galaxies and I likes my space to be realistic.
Right now this mess reminds me a lot of the old NES Top Gun game with upgraded graphics.
As for the space combat, it really is like Starfox. Very linear, and not exactly what most of us probably hoped for. On the other hand, I thought Starfox was a fun as hell game, and I'm sure space combat will be fun in SWTOR, and a nice little break from the typical mmo gameplay.
This is where I read it first also. A couple darth hater interviews during PAX hinted at it. Guild capital ships will be exciting though I don't think PvP combat is necessary at this point. If the overall space system is eventually changed to a sandbox style flight sim, then maybe. With the way things are now though I think the capital will have the same purpose as personal ships: replacing player housing.
And as far as the rail shooter space game goes...I'm actually really excited. Rare is the occasion I like any of the side activities (I actually can't think of one right now) but I do think I'll enjoy a small distraction from the daily MMO grind.
I have a strong feeling that space will be an expansion pack. The amount of time needed to create a galaxy of different objects and planets and then on top of that be better than SWG space combat is quite a daunting task. Right now i think the developers will focus on the ground and then move to space and finish it off with another expansion if the fan-base remains solid. I enjoy SWG space combat in fact i still play it.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Monday, March 21, 2011

Gears of War 3 and Mortal Kombat Are Most Interesting Upcoming Releases

A study coming from Ipsos OTX MediaCT shows that video games like Gears of War 3 from Epic Games, Mortal Kombat from NetheRealms Studio and Uncharted 3 from Naughty Dog are the ones that gamers in the United States and the United Kingdom are most interested in buying once they are launched.

Gears of War 3 has been the most interesting video game for some time, showing how powerful the brand created by Epic Games is, but the other two games have gone to the top of the interest chart in the last few weeks, probably a testament to how important good marketing and communication is in the video game world.

Nick Williams, who is the director of Gaming Insights at Ipsos OTX MediaCT, stated, “Mortal Kombat continues to impress in the U.S. market. Despite the strong purchase intent for Mortal Kombat, it ranks a bit lower in the 'Recession Proof Index' which is based on gamers 'top three choice.'”

He added, “One of the more interesting developments in the March tracking charts is the standout performance of Diablo III in the U.S.. Despite an unknown release date, it ranks fifth in the U.S. in the 'Purchase Intent' index and first in the Recession Proof Index.”

Gamers in the United States are also very much interested in the next Legend of Zelda video game, called Skyward Sword, but the same games is only marginally attractive to those who own a Nintendo device in the United Kingdom.

Other titles mentioned in the buying intentions of players include The Old Republic, Forza Motorsport 4, Max Payne 3, Mass Effect 3, Resistance 3, Batman: Arkham City, SOCOM 4 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

The fact that a gamer plans on buying a title now does not automatically translate into a purchase when the game actually launched, but Epic and Microsoft are probably already pretty much assured of market dominance when Gears of War 3 launched in late September.http://www.chronicgaming.org

PlayStation Move and 3D Will Be Included in Battlefield 3





from softpedia.com

Ready to Move
Enlarge picture
Battlefield 3 is still about six months away from a launch date, but the developers at DICE have to answer some pretty specific questions about their upcoming first-person shooter, which managed to impress a lot of people via its first through trailers.


Speaking to the Official PlayStation Magazine, Magnus Troedsson, who is the general manager at developer DICE, has been asked about how the team is approaching the inclusion of such technology as PlayStation Move and three-dimensional gaming.


He said, “We are thinking about it, yes, definitely,” which can be seen as neither as a commitment to the Move and 3D nor as a rejection of the two techs.


Gustav Tilleby, who is the art director, added, “Of course we look at what the others are doing. At the same time, we’re looking at what we can improve. I think the technology we have is a step beyond what the others have.”


The PlayStation Move is the Sony-made motion-tracking solution, launched in the fall of last year and competing directly with the Kinect from Microsoft.


The device has done well at retail, but it needs to be used by more video games coming from a variety of developers in order to become a mainstream control option.


Sony has also included it in exclusive games like Killzone 3 and SOCOM 4, but outside developers have been slower in embracing it.


Sony is also keen to push three-dimensional gaming, using Bravia television sets made by Sony as much as possible, because it is one of the features that the PS3 has and the rival Xbox 360 lacks at the moment.


Battlefield 3 is prepared for a late 2010 launch on the PlayStation 3, the Xbox 360 and the PC and publisher Electronic Arts has already announced pre-order incentives for gamers who plan to get the game early.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

F.E.A.R. 3 Has A Zombies Type Multiplayer Mode

Hey guys, I've been extensively covering PAX 2011 since it began and I just stumble across this little nugget of information. F.E.A.R. scared the hell out of me back in the day. Alma is just way too creepy. FEAR 3 releases for all platforms in May of this year. A new 'zombie' type mode in FEAR 3's multiplayer closely resembles COD: Black Ops Zombie mode. Im glad to see someone finally build on Zombies. Anyway im looking forward to this game mostly for the multiplayer. I wonder if they will let you packapunch! Just kidding. Read below for more information straight from g4tv.com.

By Nikole Zivalich - Posted Mar 11, 2011
F.E.A.R. 3 Multiplayer
F.E.A.R 3 is an upcoming horror first-person shooter that will be released across the major platforms this May. The single-player plot focuses on the Point Man and Alma Wade. Alma is now pregnant, and her offspring could cause the destruction of the planet. The franchise's story is complex, and doesn't always add up, but the third installment hopes to make up for it with its continuation of the story. That being said, the game's multiplayer doesn't have a plot. Your objective: run.

The only multiplayer mode I got to check out was appropriately called F**KING RUN! Go ahead, and guess what the objective is. Give up? You run, fast. The mode is for up to four players to play cooperatively as a FEAR squad. Players start out in a room with weapons and a control panel. The control panel opens the door, and once the door is gone, you best start running.
F.E.A.R. 3 Multiplayer
The second you step out of your safe room, enemies begin shooting. At the first check point, baddies are standard, armed only with a machine gun. As you progress through the area, enemies become more aggressive and better armed, eventually with riot gear. You'll quickly learn the enemies in front of you aren't the greatest threat. That title belongs to the wall of death behind you. Did I not mention the wall of death? The moment you set out a tidal wave of smoke and debris reaching to the sky begins crashing towards you; the wave doesn't stop, so keep running.
Your teammates are responsible for mowing down enemies and keeping each other alive. You lose as soon as a member of your team dies. When health runs out, a player will fall to the ground but will still be able to shoot with a handgun. Your teammates will have a limited amount of time to save you while you're down. If they don't reach you in time, game over.

The controls were easy to get the hang of as they follow your standard shooter scheme. Melee is also a handy attack. Just push down on the R3 (the right joystick) and clock someone's face. Since you're on the go the entire map, there isn't much time to duck and aim, so a good punch to the face definitely comes in handy.
F.E.A.R. 3 Multiplayer
F.E.A.R 3
will have several multiplayer modes unique to the game. The developers, Day 1 Studios, wanted to make sure that even in multiplayer, which has no direct relationship to the story, you still felt like you were playing F.E.A.R.
As of now, F**KING RUN is the only mode that's been confirmed for multiplayer, although I was promised that other modes will be announced soon, so expect some competitive as well as co-op multiplayer coop in the finished game.
F.E.A.R. 3 drops this May for the PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.

Star Trek MMO Redone and Browser Based? ZOMG

Star Trek Infinite Space
Source: www.g4tv.com
Web-based video game, check. Star Trek content, check. mmorpg, check. badass space combat, check. Free-to-Play, check. Wait what the hell? Did i just say free-to-play. Yes, that's right. This game is free. Star Trek fans! Remember that crappy mmo that came out awhile ago and was supposed to be 'badass' but really just made you want to take a shit on the dvd and the shoot it with an assault rifle? Well Star Trek: Infinite Space should entertain Star Trek nerds for awhile until something good comes out. Check the review I found on g4tv.com earlier this morning.

Star Trek: Infinite Space is an upcoming MMORPG based on the Star Trek universe. Gameplay focuses heavily on space combat, and players can choose between two factions, the Federation or the Klingons, each of which has their own ships and backstory. Once your affiliation has been chosen, you'll be able to pick from a wide selection of races from the series, several of which have yet to be confirmed. Some of the announced races are human, Andorian, Klingon, and Bajoran.

Infinite Space is free-to-play but will have micro-transactions. It was important to the GameForge developers to not have anything in the game that could only be bought. Anything you can buy through micro-transactions you can earn in-game as well. Another neat feature is you can play from virtually any computer with an internet connection. All you need is your password and login info.
Basic PC game controls are used to navigate -- arrow keys to move and the mouse to interact. Infinite Space also uses Unity3D technology, so it's going to look better than other browser based games no matter what type of PC you have. You will need to download the Unity3D plug-in, but that’s all.

Gamers will start out as a level one captain, as your gain XP you'll gain access to better ships and loot. You'll also be able to upgrade weapons, improving your critical hit ratio.  Based on the quest system, players can explore space while completing missions and finding sub-quests. Leveling up your team of party members is just as important as leveling up yourself. Party members' skills are tied to ship attributes. If you level up your medic, your medical bay will also be upgraded. This will then allow you to heal if the option comes up in a mission. Doing this will then open more quest options. Infinite Space supports up to five players in co-op mode; competitive multiplayer mode hosts 50 players.

Probing planets, an activity Mass Effect 2 fans are all too familiar with, will garner results in real time. To get information on a probed planet, gamers will have to wait 10-12 hours, actual earth hours. The reason they opted for real-time results was to reward and encourage gamers to come back.

If you're worried about the authenticity of the game, Lee Sheldon, the screenwriter of Star Trek: The Next Generation penned the game’s story. Plus, Star Trek experts Michael and Denise Okuda are assisting as well. Fans of the series will easily get lost in the world GameForge has created. Players who are new to the Star Trek series have also been catered too. LCRAS is the game's encyclopedia that teaches you about the universe, your stats, and the characters.

Star Trek: Infinite Space will launch its beta this spring. It is expected to be release shortly after in the summer.
Source: www.g4tv.com

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Video Game Problems: Why Aren't These Things Fixed Yet?!

By Timothy J. Seppala 

Video Game Problems: Why Aren't These Things Fixed Yet?!
In the last four years, the current consoles have changed substantially since they launched. Thanks to downloadable software updates, our consoles have transformed so much you’d barely recognize them compared to when we first brought them home. The 360 now has motion gesture support, the PS3 can upconvert DVDs to 1080p resolution, and the Wii…well, the Wii has an Internet browser.
But, not everything's changed and we’ve been scratching our heads as to just why there hasn’t been a quick fix yet for many issues that've existed since launch day. On their own own they're minor, but added up they're much bigger annoyances. Why haven't they been fixed yet? Read on for our featured list of gripes that need fixed.
Video Game Problems: Why Aren't These Things Fixed Yet?!
HOW SLOW CAN YOU GO?
PlayStation 3

Yeah, the PS3 is a technological beast, but it takes forever to do just about anything on it. Whether it’s downloading any of its seemingly weekly -- but actually monthly -- firmware updates or downloading something from the PSN Store, it feels like we’ve spent more time watching our PS3 update than we have playing games. What’s worse is you can’t do anything else while this stuff downloads – even watching a Blu-ray pauses a file transfer. Identical game patches take 30 seconds max on the Xbox 360, and even the biggest system updates take 15 minutes at the most. That Sony offers scheduled updates via its for-pay PSN + service feels like a smack in the face.
How many of you skipped out on buying Mass Effect 2 off the PSN Store because it was faster to drive to the nearest games store and buy a physical copy? We still don’t have the option to put our PS3s on standby  and download items while the console itself is in a low power consumption state, either – a feature many Xbox 360 users use religiously. We always feel guilty about leaving our PS3 running so we can download the Prince of Persia Classic Trilogy or pull a movie from the PSN Store while we’re at work. We’re trying to go green Sony, give us a break! At the least we'd like the option to queue up downloads from a mobile app or a website and just have them ready to go when we get home. 

ALL THE WRONG PARTS OF A COMPUTER
PlayStation 3

Sony started calling their consoles “computer entertainment systems” with the PS2, but that verbiage wasn't entirely fitting until now. The PS3 brought stuff we hate about our computers to the forefront – namely, having to install everything. You grabbed the demo for MLB 11 The Show? Well, if you background downloaded it, in addition to it taking forever to transfer from the PSN Store to your console, you also need to install it – adding at least five minutes to the amount of time between picking up your DualShock 3 and when you actually get to play a few innings.
Even worse are mandatory installs of retail games. Sure, there are benefits to installing it, such as faster load speeds and a quieter-running system, but after waiting almost six years to play Gran Turismo 5, the extra two hours it took to download a patch, then install it and the game was just pouring salt in the wound.
Again, the 360 doesn’t have this problem – as soon as a demo finishes downloading there’s no more waiting, just find it in your library and press the A button. Installing retail games? Only if you want to, and unless you have one of the sexy Slim 360’s you’ll definitely want to given how loud those older consoles can run.
Video Game Problems: Why Aren't These Things Fixed Yet?!
GUIDE MY WAY
Xbox 360

When the 360 transformed with the New Xbox Experience dashboard in 2008, the only reminder we have left of the old blade dashboard is when we press the Guide button on our controller. Of course, we like the subtle reminder of what the dash used to look like with a different tab for each group of functions , but it runs and looks like crap. It doesn’t sound like much, but the ten seconds it takes to go from a game to inviting a buddy to play Battlefield: Bad Company 2 with us feels like forever. Moving between the panes to access achievement info and our music collection is clunky, and we’d like to be able to adjust our system settings without exiting whatever game we’re playing, too.
LET'S GO SHOPPING ... OR NOT
Xbox 360, Wii

Not only is the Wii Shop channel laid out terribly, but you have to reenter credit card info for each transaction. And like the 360, you have to buy points in predetermined blocks which means you'll invariably have some left over just sitting there doing nothing after a purchase. You know what else is terrible? Entering our credit card or Wii Points card info with the Wii-mote --it’s just too shaky and slow. Excessive load times between menus don't help matters, either.
YOUR POPULARITY PRECEDES YOU
PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

We’re pretty social and have tons of friends we love playing Firefight with in Halo: Reach. The only problem is, when it comes to adding more friends to our roster, we always have to delete someone. We hit our friends list cap of 100 a long time ago, so whenever we meet someone new we have to make Sophie’s Choice and determine who’s the least worthy on our list, or find those we don’t play with anymore. Microsoft said the reason the friends list caps out at 100 was due to legacy support for Halo 2. That’s been offline for quite a while now and we still don’t have additional room for our fave fraggers. Hopefully we’ll see this is the next update. The PS3 had no such precedent and it's also limited to this arbitray number. Why? We suspect Sony just followed Microsoft's lead, here.
RUNNING OFF AT THE MOUTH
PlayStation 3

Why doesn’t the PS3 support cross-game chat? Sure, we might be playing Uncharted 2, but if a pal jumps online and he’s slaughtering Helghast in Killzone 3, we’d like to be able to catch up with ‘em. This is still one of the biggest reasons why we like playing online on 360 better, it doesn’t matter what any of our friends are playing, we can talk to them all regardless.
PARTY UP
Xbox 360

Playing with your friends all night is great. It provides a great bonding experience. What’s even better than jumping on Netflix Instant with your crew to unwind with Zombieland or The Big Lebowski? But like we said above, we’re pretty social people and having only eight of our closest friends with us online isn’t nearly enough. We’d love to fill that Bad Company 2 match with a full 16-player match with our friends exclusively, but with how the party system is currently setup, we can’t always guarantee that’ll happen.
Video Game Problems: Why Aren't These Things Fixed Yet?!

LET'S JUST BE FRIENDS
Wii

You’d think by launching a year after the 360, Nintendo would've taken a look at how best to implement Microsoft’s tried-and-true, ever-growing online functionality to their Little White Box That Could. Instead of easy-to-remember online aliases, we’re forced to recite 16-digit friend codes whenever we want to play Mario Kart – it’s like redeeming a download code for on your PlayStation, except rather than scoring a sweet new game you wind up with a person you’ll rarely interact with online. We realize scrapping this system now would end up making a total mess for the few who bother to play with the slew of people they’ve added, but we have all we can do to remember the PIN for our ATM card, let alone a number four times as long. Perhaps a new system can be introduced alongside what’s already in place allowing for migration of the code to something a little less forgettable.  It might end up a  wasted effort though, because there aren't enough games to play online worth our time.
IN THE ZONE
Xbox 360

The first time we set up our profile on the 360 we had to pick a “gamer zone” in addition to our Gamertag and default game preferences. We didn’t know how our zone choice would affect us back in November of 2005. Honestly, we still don’t. Regardless of setting it to “Underground,” “Recreation,” or “Pro” we come up with people telling us how great our mom was in bed the night before or why their race is better than ours. What could have been a great way to separate the idiots form the rest of us ends up being an inconsequential choice. It’d be great to see Microsoft embrace this system for matchmaking in our favorite games, but we doubt it’ll ever happen.
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
Xbox 360

The 360’s voice chat quality flat-out sucks, even after the new update boosted its quality. We’ve heard calls from phone booths in the middle of a hail storm that sound better. Listen, we aren’t asking for Skype quality voice chat (although it’d be nice), but anything is better than whatever codec Microsoft is using now. The crackling and static-y audio fidelity hurts our ears and only gets worse the more players join the party.
Those are just some of the things that we wish the console makers would address. What bothers you about your game system that you want someone to take a wrench to? Let us know in the comments below.