There’s a new preview for Gears of War 2 over at 1UP, and it tackles the sequel’s single-player campaign. It’s interesting to see that the next installment presents some new sequences that break up the familiar cover-oriented gameplay the series is known for.

Don’t forget to mark November 7 on your calendars. That’s when Xbox 360 owners are getting Gears of War 2, and it’s arguably the console’s best game for 2008. We can’t wait to play it.

Post from: EveryJoe

GameSpot has a new detailed preview for Resistance 2, and it provides more particulars on the game’s class-based gameplay and competitive multiplayer. Indeed, this year’s holiday season is shaping up to be a tough period for gamers’ wallets because of the sheer number of outstanding games available.

If Resistance 2 were released on any other period of the year, it would surely get a lot of attention because it’s a marquee game. Since Resistance 2 is sandwiched between the release of major titles like Fallout 3, Dead Space, Gears of War 2, Mirror’s Edge, and Far Cry 2, it’s awfully hard to stay focused on just one game.

Watch the Resistance 2 preview after the jump.

Like any class-based multiplayer game, Resistance 2 looks promising because the classes complement and are dependent on each other. Each class’ weapon also seems to be balanced so there won’t be one favorite class for everyone. This bit about randomized missions is rather intriguing but no details were offered.

This journalist’s built-in shit detector was ringing off the hook when the Insomniac Games’ lead co-op designer Jake Biegel started explaining Resistance 2’s “unique” story arc for the co-op mode, then spouted loads of jargon that, when translated into simpler terms, means: our co-op mode’s story complements the single player story.

PR BS aside, Resistance 2 is looking really good, particularly its seemingly-deep multiplayer component that promises almost-unlimited replay value. Last year’s Call of Duty 4 may have pushed the competitive multiplayer envelope, but Resistance 2 might go even further—especially with its promising eight-player cooperative mode. Watch out for Resistance 2 this November.

Image for Resistance 2 is courtesy of Sony Computer Entertainment.

Post from: EveryJoe

I’ve finally downloaded and played the Condemned 2: Bloodshot demo from PSN. I also queued up the Turok demo since I’ve never tried it either. By the time I’ve blown through the Condemned 2 demo, the Turok download was still stuck at 37% and it was already growing dark.

I guess that meant people were starting to wake up on the other side of the world and PSN has just gotten a little more crowded. Well, there’s always continuing it next day.

The Condemned 2 demo is visually sick in a good way. The city is appropriately dark, the environments look decrepit, the framerate is buttery-smooth, and all the trailers that you’ve seen does not give the game any justice. I wasn’t too pleased with some of the other textures used in the trailers, but seeing it all in action is very different.

Black goo is slick
One particular imagery that’s quite prevalent in the level I’ve played is the black goo that covers a large portion of the environment. When you zoom in real close, the black goo’s texture still looks fantastic. If you walk over it, there’s that appropriately thick sound of stepping over something gooey.

For that added freaky factor, humanoid creatures covered in slick gunk crawl out of the black slime. It takes just one blow to dispatch each, but they’re pretty quick so it can be tricky to finish one off without taking damage. Fighting mano-y-mano with the “regular” thugs were more entertaining because you can pull off devastating combos. Executing these moves weren’t as simple, however. Timing had a lot to do with landing more bone-crushing blows so button mashing is definitely out of the question. One can pick up a lot of items strewn about in the environment for that extra edge. However, if you use something too often, it would break soon enough.

Short and sweet
Unfortunately, the Condemned 2 demo was over too soon. The download took longer than the actual playthrough. While the experience was short, one would realize that this first-person game isn’t the typical 10-hour action title. The pacing is very different, there’s a forensics feature that I have yet to try, and a fresh emphasis on melee.

I’m willing to believe that you (yes, you reading this right now) have better internet speeds than I do, so I recommend you give Condemned 2 a spin—it’s quite fun. Just beware of that wanting feeling because the demo is short and sweet. I just hope I can get my hands on a complete version soon.

Image of Condemned 2: Bloodshot is courtesy of Sega, Monolith Productions, and Lunch PR.

Post from: EveryJoe

According to GameTrailer’s preview video, Haze features a cooperative mode that lets gamers play the entire campaign with three more companions—a whopping four players shooting it up together. If that’s not compelling, then I don’t know what is. Army of Two, Kane & Lynch, and Gears of War comes with two-player coop, but I’ve never really experienced a four-way romp through single-player before.

Post from: EveryJoe

From what I’ve played so far, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune is more satisfying than the PC version of Gears of War. They may seem like apples and oranges to you, but these two games are more similar than you think.

Of course, there are the obvious differences: Aside from not crashing every so often, Uncharted provides some light puzzle solving, copious platforming, and an Indiana Jones-like treasure hunt.

The dominantly gray and brown visual design of Gears is also not here, and it’s probably the first thing you’ll notice when you run Uncharted. There are just so many greens to see that one can get lost at first glance.

The heart and soul of this game’s action is its refined shooting, and it’s every bit as good as that of Gears. I’ve yet to encounter a major enemy to gun down, but each firefight can potentially be your last if you’re not careful. Your “ordinary” group of thugs are a coordinated lot that’s capable of strafing, flanking, and flushing tactics.

I’m currently halfway through the hard difficulty, and I’ve been impressed so far. I’m expecting to be even more impressed as I reach the climax and ending, so I hope Uncharted delivers.

Post from: EveryJoe

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If the bad news about recent PC ports isn’t enough, then get ready for more. According to 1UP, the PS3 version of Half-Life 2: The Orange Box is having technical problems despite the supposed power that the console has under the hood.

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The most consistent issue seems to be Episode Two’s bad framerate, which bogs down during vehicular sections of the game. On the flipside, the PS3 version of Portal seems to be doing very well.

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Unfortunately, there were no details on Team Fortress 2. 1UP confessed to having server connection issues, so they were unable to spend time with the cartoony multiplayer shooter.

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Interestingly, Valve Software isn’t touching the PS3 version of The Orange Box with a 10-foot pole. Instead, the port was handed off to an internal team at Electronic Arts. It’s not really surprising, since Valve head honcho Gabe Newell thinks the PS3 is “a waste of everybody’s time.”

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Post from: EveryJoe

If you enjoy a shortage of ammunition in your games, then you’ll be surprised to hear that this Silent Hill is chock-full of ammo. Yes, you’re looking at a shooter on rails.

So what is Silent Hill: the Arcade like? For starters, the cabinet is a bit different from the ones I’ve seen. Whoever designed it definitely wanted no onlookers because as Spencer (the blog’s author) described, “You have to step into a mess of hanging streamers” before you can pick up your gun.

Spencer also revealed that the game has some cheap tricks in its sleeve. Apparently, several decoy zombies attract your attention while more dangerous monsters pop-up below the screen. What is it about “horror” games and their monster placement?

If you know your Silent Hill, then you’ll be happy to learn that Pyramid Head is one of the many baddies you get to pump with an obscene amount of lead. However, it’s still unclear though how to beat the iconic fiend.

Aside from Pyramid Head, you’ll also run into some bugs, zombie nurses, and monstrous dogs, among others. Yes, it feels like one big happy reunion.

I seriously doubt the radio with static would be of any use in this game.

Post from: EveryJoe

Pedigree means a lot, even if a developer is rolling out its first game. This is why expectations are high for Hellgate: London. Its creator is Flagship Studios, whose core is composed of ex-Blizzard employees who were responsible for the development of Diablo, Diablo 2, Warcraft, Starcraft, and World of Warcraft.

The game is heralded as the spiritual successor of Diablo and you’ll notice that once you start playing. Specifically, Hellgate feels like Diablo brought into 3D, with a few modifications. Gone is the point-and-click movement scheme, replaced by the familiar WASD prevalent in shooters.

The level design is also very Diablo-like, and you’ll notice that when you switch between the small and large maps while playing. Perspectives may have changed from isometric 2D to behind-the-back (or first-person) 3D, but the overall feel of the levels are reminiscent of Diablo.

You’ll see the difference between Diablo and Hellgate when you try out the Blade Master. Hellgate mixes things up by letting you make different swings as you combine attacks with the directional keys. You can swing your sword repeatedly at an enemy, but if you consider timing and distance, you can be more effective.

Blade Masters can use projectile weapons, but not elaborate rifles like Marksmen. One interesting combo I used with mine was a grappling hook on the left hand and a sword on the right. You can snatch an enemy with the hook and pull it towards you, but as the beast approaches you must start swinging your sword. When timed correctly, the sword strikes your enemy before it can attack you point blank.

Marksmen change the experience entirely because you can play them in first-person and arm yourself with rifles and guns. Unfortunately, the shooter elements of Hellgate feel substandard. While your crosshair widens when you unload bullets, there’s no recoil and reloading. When you jump in first-person view, the gun doesn’t bob like it’s supposed to. If you want to see your avatar and his/her gun bob, you have to zoom out to third-person.

Note to Flagship: Letting players wield dual pistols do not give Hellgate any semblance to a real shooter, especially with the flaws I’ve mentioned above.

Between the two classes, playing a Marksman was a cakewalk. You can obliterate enemies even before accumulating aggro. If these two were to duel in PvP, the Blade Master could be at a disadvantage—unless the two are fighting in a box. A Blade Master may have better damage, but the shooting mechanics feel a bit overpowered (i.e. no recoil and reloading).

The missions provided by NPCs feel a bit too MMO-like. Kill X number of enemies; gather X number of items. Even the names floating above NPC heads are too WoW-like, especially with the question marks and exclamation points. Sure, these guys may have played a part in making World of Warcraft, but can’t they differentiate themselves from their former employers?

Hellgate is scheduled for release on October 31, but the 1.39GB demo still looks far from completion. Collision detection problems abound—your character passes through other NPCs, parts of dead enemies stick through solid objects, and corpses float in midair. Aside from the technical problems, the game doesn’t look too pretty either. The textures scream 2004 and even earlier.

You’ll be seeing references to Blizzard games like the familiar Warcraft peasant’s voice, Wirt’s leg, the deep Diablo skill tree, spherical health and mana indicators, and such. Despite the nostalgia, one can’t help but be displeased with the unfinished state of the demo, especially when we’re this close to launch day.

Fine, one may reason that the demo was created long ago and that the game is actually in a much better state. On the other hand, demos are supposed to drum up interest for an upcoming game. If Flagship is banking too much on pedigree and nostalgia, then I’m afraid they could be setting themselves up for a huge fall. If there’s one legacy that Blizzard is known for, it’s polish—and polished, Hellgate isn’t.

Mr. Roper, the ball is in your court.

Post from: EveryJoe

If I’m not sucking blood in nightclubs and shooting zombies on the head, I’m spending quality time with the Unreal Tournament 3 demo, which is now available for download. I chose to prioritize it over the Call of Duty 4 demo (which is also available) because of one very important reason: size.

Size alone is a sufficient come-hither because the UT3 demo is good for a mere 777MB.

It gets even better when you run the game. Not only are you treated to the best performance of the Unreal 3 engine so far, but you’ll also be treated to a surprisingly wide range of features that’ll keep you busy for a while.

What are the requirements, you ask? Here’s your minimum:

Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista
2.0+ GHZ single core processor
512MB of system RAM
NVIDIA 6200+ or ATI Radeon 9600+ video card
8GB of free hard drive space

The installation took some time, but for an unreleased game sporting top-notch visuals, performance is pretty good compared to other recent games (*cough* Stranglehold *cough*). Don’t let that 8GB of free space fool you—the demo eats up 991MB when installed.

I’ve been putting in the hours at Vehicle Capture the Flag. You can also spend time in Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and Duel. There are three maps available: HeatRay, ShangriLa, and Suspense. As far as the demo is concerned, Suspense is exclusive to Vehicle CTF.

The levels are reasonably-sized and easy to remember—particularly Suspense, which is just a long bridge with two bases on each end. The weapons are familiar. These include the old Impact Hammer, the Bio-Rifle (aka snot gun), Minigun, Flak Cannon, Redeemer, and my personal favorite, the Rocket Launcher.

The UT3 demo is a fantastic download. It’s small, it’s fun, and you can squeeze out a considerable amount of time. I won’t be surprised if you play this game until Gears of War and/or the complete UT3 comes out.

Post from: EveryJoe

You have to deal with not-so-responsive controls and not-so-satisfying action. I should have taken the choppy sounds in the menu as a warning. Indeed, Metroid Prime Hunters is a tough act to follow.

Imagine my surprise when Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare was announced for the diminutive Nintendo handheld. My kneejerk reaction was “this game is going to suck eggs.”

When I read Joystiq’s hands-on preview, my preconceived notions are in danger of being challenged. According to Zack Stern (the lucky journo who played the game):

“The DS version feels full of care and craft, from thought put into controls, to the segmented sessions that play well on a handheld.”

Well, Zack thinks the controls are good. Is this good enough for me? Perhaps not. Nothing personal Zack, I just want to try it myself before I do put my stamp of approval. However, I take this as a sign of hope that the game would not be as bad as Brothers in Arms DS. The question now is: would the difference between these two games be significant enough to change my mind?

Here are a couple of videos to show us how it looks, but not how it really plays.

Post from: EveryJoe