Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen Review:
Clench The Difference [Review]

Getting the most out of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen requires a steady hand, a keen eye, and the ass muscles of an Olympic athlete.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is an action adventure game based on the movie of the same name, telling the story of the return of Megatron and the rise of an even more diabolical enemy from the dawn of time. After a sub-par product from Traveller's Tales for the first film, Activision handed over development duties for the sequel to California-based Luxoflux, the team behind the video game adaptation of Kung Fu Panda. While the new developer brings much to the table, including robust multiplayer on top of the required single player mode, certain aspects of the game are a real pain in the ass.

Let's tense up and roll out!

Loved
Big, Beautiful Bots: No matter what my opinion might be on the Michael Bay-bots versus the more traditional designs, I have to admit that Luxoflux has done an admirable job of recreating the movie machines for the video game adaptation. The developer knows this, kicking off every mission with a crane shot of your character so you can appreciate all the work that went into creating him before the firefight begins.

Heavy Metal Combat: Revenge of the Fallen does an admirable job of depicting giant-robot-on-giant-robot combat. Bullets, missiles, and fists all pack a seriously satisfying punch, and each robot has a different set of ranged weapons and special abilities than makes going back through missions with different characters to try and top your score a worthwhile endeavor. The combat may not be perfect, but it works for me.

Pimping Your Rides: An upgrade system allows you to convert Energon based on how well you complete your mission objectives into power enhancements for your entire team. The selection of upgrade choices is a bit strange ? you can power up your melee damage but not your ranged, for instance ? but the system does allow for the player to tweak their abilities based on how they prefer to play.

Massive and Multiplayer: Many licensed games are developed with single player in mind, tacking on a multiplayer component at the last minute to add to the feature listing on the back of the box. It feels as if Luxoflux reversed that trend, creating an enjoyable multiplayer experience and then adding the story mode as an afterthought. The multiplayer mode contains more characters (with more on the way in the form of DLC) and quite frankly more excitement than the single player experience. Sure, you'll have to deal with listening to a bunch of early teen boys cussing up a storm?I guess that really isn't that much different than any other online console game.

Unlockables: Despite the fact that I already own all of them on DVD, the unlockable episodes of the original television series may have contributed somewhat to the relative lateness of this review. Just saying.

Hated
Triggered Transformation: Luxoflux has managed to take the one aspect of the Transformers that every other Transformers game has gotten right, and do it wrong. Press a button, and you're a car. Easy, right? Instead, the developers map transforming to the right trigger. Squeeze the trigger and you are a vehicle, with the amount of pressure you apply affecting your speed. Release the trigger and you are a robot. It's the mechanical equivalent of clenching your ass cheeks, and while the special moves you can perform when popping out of vehicle mode can make the release somewhat enjoyable, all in all it's just embarrassing.

We'll Call Them Vehicle Physics: Revenge of the Fallen plays fast and loose with its vehicle physics. Ground-based vehicles aren't so bad, with physics akin to your more arcadey racing games. Flying vehicles, on the other hand, are simply sad. Planes bounce off buildings in comical fashion, and maneuverability is quite limited, with even the simplest of aerial maneuvers out of reach thanks to the simplistic controls. Perhaps it is a matter of game play balance, but car should never be able to keep pace with a jet. An airplane moving at 60 miles per hour is an airplane on the ground.

Welcome To Dullsville: I suppose if I our planet actually did have giant robots doing battle in the streets on a regular basis, we'd probably pack up all of our interesting scenery and leave town as well. While the robots in Revenge of the Fallen look spectacular, the environments simply feel like a collection of random structures with different skins on them, which I suppose is what they are. There's just no real character to the setting.

The Story Unfolding: I somehow managed to avoid seeing the film before playing the game, which might be why the story feels like a disjointed series of occurrences rather than a full, compelling narrative. Balancing telling the tale of the game while trying not to delve to deeply into the plot of a film is a tricky maneuver, and one Luxoflux didn't manage to pull off gracefully.

Required Missions: Sam has been whisked away to a far off land where he could be in great danger! We should rescue him, but first, we need to clear the Decepticons out of one particular area, because we haven't unlocked the rescuing Sam mission yet. Unlocking missions in Revenge of the Fallen requires that you complete a certain number of missions previously, which leads to telling your best human buddy to cool his jets while you rescue generic power plant A and B from the enemy.

Of all of the failings of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, the transformation feature is the most damning. It's the main focus of the property, and it deserves to be done correctly. Perhaps my main issue is that you can't simply transform and then pan around the vehicle, admiring the details. Instead, triggering a transformation also triggers movement, so you never get the chance. Instead of alternate modes, they are simply travel forms that disappear when they come to a stop. Call me crazy, but I'd just prefer a Transformers game where I can press a button once and BAM - I'm a Camaro.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is an odd title that manages to succeed in categories that licensed games generally fail, while floundering in areas that should have been easy to get right. It's a movie tie-in that excels at multiplayer yet flails where the actual story is concerned. I'd use the term ass-backwards, but those muscles need a little rest.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen was developed by Luxoflux and published by Activision for the PS3 and Xbox 360 on June 23rd. Different versions from different developers exist for the Nintendo DS, PSP, PS2, Wii, and PC. Retails for $59.99 USD. Reviewed the Xbox 360 version. Played through Autobot and Decepticon story modes to completion, and played multiple multiplayer matches across all game types.

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Dead Space: Extraction requires a controller to
play

Breaking: Dead Space: Extraction will require the use of a controller.

Earlier this afternoon we were shocked by a trailer Electronic Arts sent around to the media. The scandalous trailer (available below the fold) clearly shows two Visceral Games employees using the Wii remote and nunchuck attachment to solve puzzles cooperatively and dismember anorexic aliens in the Wii-exclusive title. The two staffers even go so far as to explain how to play the game. Whoa.

We haven’t contacted Electronic Arts about the content in the video and certainly have not asked what the publisher was thinking when choosing to add controller support. To be frank, we’re just kidding about controller thing and asking about it jokingly be a really easy way to make EA and Visceral Games think we’re retards.

[Update: Talk about clumsy. Wii remote, confirmed.]

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Join the Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 VIP video
games community - Exclusive offer

Activision is calling on gamers to join the VIP community for Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the No1 best-selling Super-Hero action-RPG. Starting today, players can log on to www.MarvelUltimateAlliance.com and become VIP members earning exclusive and early access to insider content such as classified game information and character reveals, Ask-a-Developer sessions, VIP-only screenshots and videos, and community prizes.

Also just launched on www.MarvelUltimateAlliance.com is a casual online web game that puts players in the heart of the Marvel Civil War. Fans get to choose their side among Pro-Registration and Anti-Registration forces and face off in real-time battles to help their side emerge victorious. Fans can join the Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 Civil War online game and be eligible for weekly giveaways and prizes, including Xbox 360 Elite consoles, signed memorabilia from Stan Lee, a grand prize of a 42? 1080p flat screen TV and more.

The company also announced in conjunction with GameStop, gamers that pre-order a copy of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 for the PS3 or Xbox 360 from a GameStop store or online at www.GameStop.com will receive an exclusive playable character ? Juggernaut.

Incorporating elements of the acclaimed Marvel Civil War storyline, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 allows players to choose their side and team up revered heroes and villains from the largest army of Super Heroes ever, including Spider-Man, Wolverine, Hulk, Iron Man, Deadpool, Venom, Green Goblin and Captain America. Players can combine characters? powers and unleash astonishing new fusion attacks.

The game is being developed by Vicarious Visions for the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2 system, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system and Nintendo DS and is not yet rated by the ESRB.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision Publishing maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Russia, Japan, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan.ca-pub-5833246175841206

Read The Full Article:
http://gamezplay.org/2009/07/join-marvel-ultimate-alliance-2-vip.html

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Ninja Gaiden 2 Sigma Premium Box Pack Premium
Price [Tecmo]

Ninja Gaiden Σ 2 has been dated for Japan. Here are details about the ¥9,980 (US$104) Premium Box.

It includes a soundtrack CD, an original accessory set and a special sleeve. Those who pre-order can get a "Starter Set" that includes a Ninja Gaiden guide book.

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First real-time multi-player Powerboat Challenge
video game on iPhone and iPod Touch

The first intercontinental multi-player Powerboat Challenge race over two Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks at the recent IEEE International Conference on Communications (ICC) 2009 conference in Dresden. The demonstration illustrates the capabilities possible on LTE next generation wireless broadband networks as envisioned by the ng Connect Program. For the first time, gamers played this award-winning high speed racing game in real time between Dresden and Ottawa over next generation LTE.

?The demo at the IEEE ICC Conference will translate into a whole new revenue stream for wireless operators in that they can capture the imagination of both the game developer community and avid multi-player gamers everywhere,? stated Derek Kuhn, Vice President, Emerging Technology and Media Group, Alcatel-Lucent. ?Since the start of the ng Connect Program a few short months ago, members have been working hard together to create exciting applications for next generation networks. FISHLABS and Alcatel-Lucent collaborated to create a much more compelling multi-player gaming experience taking users far beyond downloading a simple mobile game and playing alone.?

ng Connect Program member Alcatel-Lucent supplied its industry-leading solution for end-to-end LTE network, integrating Converged Radio Access Network (RAN) and Evolved Packet Core (EPC), and delivering super fast download speeds with reduced latency, to prototype LTE terminals. This showcases again how Alcatel-Lucent leverages wireless innovations and IP market leadership to deliver unprecedented scalability, quality of experience to LTE end-users, while enabling new service and business models for wireless operators.

The Powerboat Challenge? game delivers a real-world racing experience as players demonstrate their skills by maneuvering around buoys and each other at high speeds. An ultra-fast LTE network environment is needed to support the real-time transmission of the competitors? position data and the much more data-intensive physical values making the game feel more realistic.ca-pub-5833246175841206

Read The Full Article:
http://gamezplay.org/2009/07/first-real-time-multi-player-powerboat.html

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Guilty Gear 2 Overture reborn exclusively on Xbox
360 this September

505 Games has announced the release of Guilty Gear 2: Overture exclusively for Xbox 360. The latest in the popular series launches on 4th September 2009 and will take fans in a bold new direction, borrowing elements from genres outside of the traditional one-on-one fighting action for which Guilty Gear has become famed.

Guilty Gear 2: Overture developer Arc System Works has blended action and real time strategy for their latest instalment, and for the first time have introduced 3D graphics to its most popular and enduring series. As well as taking control of their chosen character, players will command legions of loyal followers to crush all in their path. Battles are won and lost by destruction of opponents? strongholds, known as ?Masterghosts? and by successfully defending one?s own from enemy attack. Effective and tactical use of support troops, or ?servants?, to achieve these aims as well as sharp fighting technique are the keys to victory.



Offering a full single player campaign, four way multiplayer over Xbox LIVE! or two player local multiplayer, Guilty Gear 2: Overture will also feature 50 unique units designed by famed series artist Daisuke Ishiwatari. Many familiar characters return to the game, including Sol Badguy, Ky Kiske and the mysterious That Man, all of whom have their signature special attacks recreated for the first time in glorious 3D.

Guilty Gear 2: Overture will be published exclusively for Xbox 360 on 4th September 2009 by 505 Games.ca-pub-5833246175841206

Read The Full Article:
http://gamezplay.org/2009/07/guilty-gear-2-overture-reborn.html

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Guitar Hero: World Tour gets punk rock DLC
injection

Break out those tattered jeans and torn up flannel, because Guitar Hero: World Tour is getting a new DLC pack for the punk in all of us. Dubbed the Epitaph Punk-O-Rama Track Pack, the download features three tunes from three separate well-known Epitaph artists. It may be a bit more on the mainstream side of punk, but they're good tracks nonetheless.

Here's what you'll get (440 XBL / $5.49 PSN):

• "21st Century Digital Boy" by Bad Religion ($1.99 PSN / 200 Wii Points)
  
• "Linoleum" by NOFX ($1.99 PSN / 200 Wii Points)
• "Ruby Soho" by Rancid ($1.99 PSN / 200 Wii Points)

Guitar Hero: World Tour gets punk rock DLC injection originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ashes Cricket 2009 on Nintendo Wii - Bat and Bowl
in this Ashes Cricket 2009 video game the first cricket game on Nintendo Wii

Drive, Cut, Slog And Nurdle For Real As Codemasters Reveals Details Of The First Cricket Video Game For Nintendo Wii.

Gamers will be able to use their Nintendo Wii Remote to bat and bowl their country to success when Ashes Cricket 2009 is released for Nintendo Wii this August; the integration of the Wii controls is set to take players closer to the action than ever before. To be published by Codemasters, the home of video game cricket, Ashes Cricket 2009 will feature fully licensed players, kit and stadia from the upcoming npower Ashes Series between England and Australia offering a completely authentic experience.


The Wii edition of Ashes Cricket 2009 will enable up to four players to take to the field in a variety of game modes including the iconic Ashes Series, Test Matches and limited over games including 20 overs. Batsmen will use the Wii Remote to drive, cut, slog and nurdle their way through an innings. When fielding, players will use the Wii Remote to polish the ball, set their field and bowl accurately applying swing/turn to their deliveries in order to take those all important wickets.

Ashes Cricket 2009 will also feature a Scenario mode that will pit players against more than 50 match defining moments, such as scoring vital match-winning runs, taking dramatic last-gasp wickets and seeing off the oppositions? danger men to succeed.

As well as featuring the fully licensed teams from England and Australia, Ashes Cricket 2009 will feature six other Test playing nations as well as ten of the world?s most recognisable stadia, including the five featuring in this summer?s npower Ashes Series. The authenticity of the experience extends to the game?s commentary, which is provided by cricketing favourites Jonathan Agnew, Shane Warne, Ian Botham, Ian Bishop and Tony Greig.ca-pub-5833246175841206

Read The Full Article:
http://gamezplay.org/2009/07/ashes-cricket-2009-on-nintendo-wii-bat.html

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How Dead Space Extraction Controls On Wii, With
Side-Shooting Twist [Clips]

The Wii's September 29 prequel to last year's Dead Space has a control scheme EA's Visceral Games couldn't put on an Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3. A new EA trailer shows how it works.

Dead Space Extraction will be out September 29. As you watch, remember, EA calls this a "guided first-person experience." Different platform. Different style of game. Do you like what you see?

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Experienced Points: Fitness Gaming

Instead of incorporating games into exercise, how about incorporating exercise into games?

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