Courtesy of Journaldugamer, an "ANONYMOUS" source contacted the site with "information" about the upcoming third installment to Valve's original I.P.
From this "ANONYMOUS" source, he said that unlike the previous games in the Half-Life series, this installment will take place in an open world. He also stated that the real reason why that the development time for the game has been long and hectic, is because that the game originally started as a traditional First-Person Shooter, until later in it's development cycle that the team started to focus more on exploration and puzzles. Apparently this rumor version of the game is the third iteration for this hotly anticipated title.
The game will supposably feature quest-giving NPCs, so with this and the other information detailed this would give the game a drastically different feel for the game.
Again, this is a rumor. So take this with a HUGE grain of salt. Hopefully will get a confirmation or deny sooner to kill off this "rumor."
For all your gaming news and updates in the industry and gaming culture, please stay tuned to the broken infinite.
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Courtesy of kotaku.com (yes, I know. I too can't believe I'm using them as a "news source"), The co-founders of beloved videogame company Bioware, Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk are retiring from the video game industry.
Bioware is a Action/RPG video game developer that is mainly located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are famously known for Dragon Age, Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Star Wars: KOTOR ("Knights of the Old Republic), Jade Empire and most recently (since 2007) Mass Effect, which "finished" it's story earlier this year in March with the release of Mass Effect 3 for Windows PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
While their games have met with critical acclaim, their most recent titles 2011's Dragon Age 2 and most recently, Mass Effect 3 have not only met with controversy but also reviews have ranged from mixed to low scores.
Both Dr. Muzyka and Mr. Zeschuk have left notes on the company's site to thank both their recent and long-time fans and to talk about their post-Bioware careers:
Mr. Zechuk:
"After my departure I'm going to be spending significant time with family and friends, as well as pursing some personal passion-driven projects related to craft beer. The main project I will be working on is a web-based interview show called The Beer Diaries where I interview notable brewers and showcase their beers. If things go well, I'll work on other beer-related shows, apps and projects. If not, I'll have drunk a lot of tasty beers and may be back in games or even something else completely different. Ultimately time will tell."
Dr. Muzyka:
"I've largely personally achieved what I wanted in videogames; I now desire to take on a brand new entrepreneurial challenge. I believe strongly in the power of free enterprise to enable sustainable change, so my next 'chapter' will likely focus on an entirely new industry, something exciting, different and frankly downright scary -- investing in and mentoring new entrepreneurs, and more specifically, the field of social/impact investing. There's a good description of the goals of this form of entrepreneurship here. Impact investment, or social entrepreneurship, can range from simply thinking about social goals along with the usual business profit goals, all the way to a dedicated focus on a social entrepreneurship portfolio with the social impact defined as the primary goal. For me, getting involved in social impact investment stems from the simple hope of helping the world to be a better place. To that end, I'll also be spending time getting involved with more charities in education, health care, and animal rights, areas where my wife and I've typically focused our charitable donations in the past. I am also spending more time learning about the work being done to defend human rights and civil liberty across the world. Net, I am passionate about both entrepreneurship and social liberty, and I want to find a way to pursue both of them."
Like I stated before, both Dragon Age II and Mass Effect 3 were considered by some gamers and reviewers to be a complete letdown in both respective properties. While I'm still fearful with Bioware being a part of EA, myself and the others from the broken infinite wish both Dr. Muzyka and Mr. Zechuk well and successful futures.
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Since my "in the process" Video game review series, Small Type started last sunday, I've decided to re-name my full game review series….. Level Up!.
Tonight's review is on Gearbox Software's/2K games 2009 FPS/RPG "Borderlands", reviewed for the PlayStation 3.
Now before I started the review…….. "This game is the true definition of the genre Shooter/RPG, unlike a certain space opera TPS/RPG done by a Canadian game studio."
Now after that burn to said canadian company, onto the review…..
Systems: Windows PC (Steam/OnLive), Mac, PS3 (review), X360
DLC:Yes! (The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned, Mad Moxxi's Underdome Roit, The Secret Armory of Gen. Knoxx and Claptrap's New Robot Revolution)
History:
In 2007, Borderlands was originally announced in the September issue of Game Informer. The original art design for the characters, monsters and the world of Pandora itself, had a more realistic approach than what we have with the final product. After the surprising art-change in mid-late 2008, the game saw it's release on October 20th, 2009 for PS3/X360, October 26th, 2009 for Windows PC and more recently, December 3rd, 2010 for Mac OS X.
Borderlands Debut Trailer (Spike VGA '07):
Plot:
On the planet of Pandora, they're a tale spoken of… "The Vault". This vault supposably contains mass amounts of riches of unspeakable proportions. Majority of the inhabiters of Pandora have search for this vault, none return…. You play as one of the 4 playable characters in Borderlands: Brick "Himself", Lilith "The Siren", Mordecai "The Hunter" and Roland "The Soldier". The Question remains: Do you feel Lucky surviving the Borderlands? Only time will tell….
Presentation:
When Gearbox changed the art-style of Borderlands from a realistic, serious tone to that of a comic-book, cel shaded, comedic tone. I still say to this day Randy Pitchford and his creative Plano, TX studio made the right call.
While the voices in Borderlands get it's job done. There is an exception. One Word: Claptrap.
The written dialogue done by Mikey Neumann is hilarious, something that's been missing in recent First Person Shooters. The best example I can give with the handling of the dialogue, the first boss of the game: 9-Toes (Also, he has 3 balls).
The Music of Borderlands was done by Sascha Dikiciyan, Cris Velasco, Jesper Kyd and Raison Varner. The Score does have a dark action vibe to it, while having a calm, western vibe to it as well.
Gameplay:
Unlike other shooter hybrids in the same genre, Borderlands in my eyes is the de-facto definition of Shooter/RPG.
The Classes in this game are...
- "Brick" Beserker, a tank-like characters that specializes in melee. His special ability is of him entering a temporarily rage mode that in this mode, he uses his fists to rapidly pound enemies to death, and regenerative health. His weapon of choice are heavy weapons (Rocket Launchers, Explosives).
- "Lilith" Siren, a frouge class that has superhuman abilities. Her special ability is Phasewalk, which allows her to enter another dimension temporarily, is invincible to enemies, faster and invulnerable to enemy damage while in this mode. Her weapon of choices are guns that use the following ammo types: fire, acid, electrical and explosive.
- "Mordecai" Hunter, a assassin like class in the game. His special ability is his pet Bloodwing, an alien creature that resembles a hawk. This ability can be used as an assistance in his long-range attacks and can also locate and scavenge for loot. His weapon of choice are sniper rifles and revolvers.
- "Roland" Soldier, The warrior class in this game "Normal mode". His special ability is an automated gun turret, when activated it could also be used a shield with it's electric blue plasma sides. This ability when active could also be used for additional cover for your team in online/offline co-op. His weapon of choice: Shotguns, combat rifles (every gun).
As I briefly mentioned in the last character class, this game can be played solo, 2 player offline co-op (consoles), 4 player online co-op play (Windows PC, Mac) or over over LAN on both Windows PC and Mac. While this game is fun alone, the true fun and experience is felt with a friend or with a 4 people group.
Bottom Line:
Like I said, this game's mechanics and structure is and should be the future blueprint for future shooter/RPG in the future. While the only two things I can say about this game is the repetitive class of enemies and once in a great while dumb AI, this is a great game that everyone should own in their gaming collection.
This is why I love Gearbox Software, they are a FPS game developer that make fun, hectic shooters that follows the trends in time but also have a feel of the classic 90's FPS' that we grew up with in that era. Bring on the sequel, Gearbox. (Already Pre-ordered)
"*At the moment sadly, both the original PC copy of the game and the GOTY edition on Steam are Windows PC capable Only! I'll update if and/or when the Mac version of either will show up in the store."
What are your thoughts? Do you agree? Disagree? Leave you comments below in the comment box. Also, please leave some creative criticism below in the comment box as well. It will help me get better and improve in future articles, editorials and reviews.
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Welcome to a new review section I'm doing called "Small Type". With most modern gams being full of time consumption, I though it would be best with some to start doing smaller, scaled down reviews for specific games.
The lucky two to be the Starters for this will be THQ's DarkSiders II and Square-Enix's Sleeping Dogs, reviewed for the PlayStation 3.
DarkSiders II
Developer: Vigil games
Publisher: THQ
Release Date: 08-14-12
Systems: Windows PC (OnLive/Stream), PlayStation 3 (Review), X360 & WiiU "Late '12"
After the success of 2010's Darksiders, publisher THQ commissioned series developer Vigil Games to start working on a sequel. Two years later and their published almost 6 ft. under, Darksiders II was released to the gaming public on August 14th (a day earlier for steam users).
Plot:
Though this is a sequel, the game's plot flows parallel to the original. You play as Death (voiced by Michael Wincott) and your on a quest to prove War's innocence with the 100-year imprisonment of the Horseman War and the extinction of the Human race.
Presentation:
Unlike the original's look having the same "nothing but BROWN" feeling when it comes to the post-apocalypse, this game's universe and look has color.
The Voices that bring these characters to life has been one of the most impressive voice casts I've seen this year.. so far.
Michael Wincott's portrayal of the Pale rider makes him feel a complete opposite to War. Where as War was a noble horseman, Death is the one that's in "The Gray".
This cast also includes James Cosmo of "Game of Thrones" fame and he voices Maker Elder Eideard, Death's guide.
The music done by Jesper Kyd of Assassin's Creed, Hitman and Borderlands fame, is an amazing score. I know ALOT of people know and use this word to often, but this soundtrack is the perfect definition of the word Epic!
Gameplay:
The Combat in the sequel is fast and fluid. With this series being a action-adventure/RPG, it improves it more with that ideal. The loot that you pick up and acquire from your fallen enemies is easier, the menus are cleaner, the weapons/armor that you pick up or buy throughout the game shows the stats and the pros/cons of it.
Bottom Line:
Not only this is an improvement to the 2010 original, but it's an improvement to the action/RPG genre that it should become the new standard. In other words, Like how developer Vigil Games were inspired by the legendary Nintendo series, "The Legend of Zelda", Nintendo should and hopefully would be inspired from DS II's gameplay and presentation for the little elfin boy's next adventure.
DarkSiders II gets an almost perfect 9 out of 10.
Sleeping Dogs
Developer: United Front Games (additional work done by Square-Enix London)
Publisher: Square-Enix
Release Date: 08-14-12
Systems: Windows PC (OnLive/Steam), PlayStation 3 (Review) and X360
Plot:
You play as Hong-Kong officer, Wei Shen. Your undercover to infiltrate a locally feared Triad gang, The Sun On Yee or "Water Street Gang". Will you survive the ordeal? Will you discover who's more corrupt or Loyal? You'll have to stay alive to find out...
Presentation:
The recreation of Hong-Kong is Amazing. Though this game's mission structure is a Linear one, the city itself feels like a character of it's own.
With this being United Front's first big title, the talent they acquired for the voice cast is highly impressive and showing that finally, Voice-overs are becoming a more recognized/accepted gig in Hollywood. From Hollywood actors/actress such as: Tom Wilkinson, Emma Stone, Lucy Liu and Kelly Hu to recognizable actors as Robin Shou of Mortal Kombat fame, this cast is both respectively diverse and great.
The music for Sleeping Dogs was done by composer Jeff Tymoschuk (007 Nightfire and Everything or Nothing). While it's the same flair in regards to previous action scores in the the industry, it gets it's job done. If theirs one thing that does differ itself with others is that it acknowledges it's background and culture beautifully.
Gameplay:
With Sleeping Dogs, developer United Front has made a perfectly crafted game when it comes to it's combat…. almost. The melee combat in SD does take a page from Rockseady's "Freeflow" combat from their Batman: Arkham games, but has made it more fluid and assessable. The shooting mechanic however felt in some places, sluggish.
Sleeping Dogs has done one thing that Rockstar's own Grand Theft Auto series STILL can't get right and that's the driving mechanics. While the driving physics and control in GTA IV were hair-pulling annoying, in Dogs it's more refined. In other words, the driving in Sleeping Dogs feels more realistic than in GTA IV.
Bottom Line:
While I dislike their games in resent years, I have to applaud Square-Enix for picking both this IP and the developer up after Activision cancelled it. From the plot to it's gameplay mechanics, this is another game (like the previously mentioned Darksiders 2) that could be a dark-horse for Best Action Game of 2012. Besides the mentioned linear mission structure, this should and must become the industry standard for future Sand box games.
What are your thoughts? Do you agree? Disagree? Leave you comments below in the comment box. Also, please leave some creative criticism below in the comment box as well. It will help me get better and improve in future articles, editorials and reviews.
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