Age of Conan webiste vamped again...

Eidos and Funcom launch new Age of Conan website
– Revamped www.ageofconan.com website launches – Four new videos now available

Durham, USA – January 18, 2008 – Funcom and Eidos are proud to reveal that a new website for Age of Conan has launched. Conveniently located at www.ageofconan.com, the site gives both new and existing fans an exciting look at the fascinating Age of Conan universe. Filled with several new videos, a selection of some of the best screenshots from the game, popular links and much more, the new site is an entertaining and informative experience for both new and existing fans.

Click Here to read more...

I'm underwhelmed...

I reported a little while back that Microsoft was going to offer a free Xbox Live Arcade game in order to assuage the hurt sensitivities of Xbox Live users for the recent woes experienced while using the Xbox Live service. It was my opinion that Microsoft should just give us the points and not a specific title. Well, guess what they did? They decided to give us a specific title. It turns out to be none other than Undertow. An underwhelming game that I suspect might not have lived up to sales expectations. Gee thanks, Microsoft. I played the trial version and wasn't thrilled. Here is the press release:

The free XBOX Live Arcade game promised by Microsoft as compensation for the downtime has been announced. Undertow (normally 800 Microsoft Points) will be available to download from Wednesday 23rd January 2008 till Sunday 28th January 2008 for free.

Developed by Chair Entertainment Group, Undertow is one of the highest-rated and best looking games available on Arcade. Undertow redefines aquatic based shooters through a mix of high-definition graphics, intuitive controls and multiple modes of game play action. The game features a full story driven-single player campaign, on and offline co-op, and multiplayer for 2-16 players over Xbox LIVE for Gold subscribers. Players battle for control of the oceans as one of three selectable races, each with four unique, upgradeable units.

Mythos

I just found something that might bring me back to PC gaming....

Boogie Bunnies

In the latest installment of "I play demos so you don't have to", I would like to take a look at the newly released Xbox Live Arcade game: Boogie Bunnies. One might wonder what would possess me to play a game like this. It's all for YOU dear reader. Plus, there was some morbid fascination when I saw that it was released. Mind you, I played the trial version. I've got your backs, but not that much. Anyway, if you are curious what type of game this is, think of it as a sickly cute version of Astropop. A brace of various color bunnies is arranged on the screen in front of you and your task is to get them off the playing field before they march inexorably forward into a ditch. You do this, but launching a colored bunny so that he ends up next to at least two other same colored bunnies which by some means unexplained, causes them all to be removed from the screen. That sounds pretty much exactly like Astropop except this game has the small twist of allowing the player to launch bunnies from the sides of the screen too. If the bunnies happen to be dancing at the time (hence the name I think) you get bonus points. The whole thing is sickly and cute and is the kind of thing I am sure your girlfriend will love and thus annoy you by taking up valuable Xbox 360 time that could be better spent playing Call of Duty 4. If you like these kinds of games, it is decent but highly unoriginal. Hopefully Sierra Online has better things up their sleeves in the coming months.

Yahtzee on Crysis...

A little help from Crytek

The folks over at Crytek are concerned that not enough of you are playing their new game Crysis. I don't doubt that they are considering how lousy the sales numbers have been. They were kind enough to spec out some upgrade parts that will allow people to play the game decently in High detail. Here they are:

CPU - Intel Core2Duo E6750
GPU - GeForce 8800GT 512MB
Motherboard - NVIDIA nForce 650i Socket 775
PSU - 600W ATX12V
RAM - 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit
HDD - SATA 250GB 7200RPM
DVD - 20x DVD±R Burner
Case - ATX Midi Tower Computer Case
OS - Microsoft Windows XP Home with SP2

They claim these parts can be had for just under $900. I don't doubt that, but I could get an Xbox 360 and a PS3 for that much. The difference in graphics isn't THAT much. Thanks, Crytek, but no thanks.

Sign the Save XP Petition

HELP SAVE XP Petition

Please complete this petition so we can add your name to those who want Microsoft to keep Windows XP available indefinitely, rather than force users to upgrade to Windows Vista. With your support, we can convince Microsoft to spare XP’s fate of being discontinued on June 30, 2008.

I am not deluded enough to think that very many people read this blog, but for the few of you who do, please check out this petition. Microsoft will no longer be selling any new licences for XP in just under 170 days. That means it will be really hard to find any new copies of it anywhere. On a related note, tests were done on Windows XP SP3 and Windows Vista SP1 on the same machine and the machine performed a lot faster with XP.

Click here for the petition.

Idea for NHL 08

I enjoyed both NHL 08 and NHL 2K8 this year. I think NHL 08 made a lot of strides, but it is most fun while playing as the goalie. So much fun in fact, that I think I am going to play an entire season as a goalie. As in real hockey there are times when a goalie is extremely busy and focused and other times when the puck is at the other end of the rink. During these times it would be nice to get a better view of the action. While it is realistic to see from the perspective of what a real NHL goalie sees, it is a bit boring at times. This is a video game after all, not the real thing. I am proposing that the developers add a button that lets the user switch quickly to the action by following the puck or a particular player. They could map it to the right bumper button and allow you to switch back and forth between the goalie and this view. It sure would be nice to see what is going on in the other end of the rink more clearly. EA if you are listening, this is a freebie.

NFL Tour

This is the time of year that games get released which weren't quite good enough to make the holiday season lineup. NFL Tour is one of these games. The concept is a good one, but as usual EA Sports has tainted the solid game play idea underlying the game. The idea of having a 7 on 7 pickup game played by NFL stars is a great one. There are an endless combination of strategies for plays. I initially downloaded the demo on the PS3 last week because I usually check out anything that involves the NFL. My first play experience was less than satisfying and I knew right then there was no way I was going to pay sixty bucks for this game. Last night, I was messing around with my PS3 because Xbox Live is STILL acting up (seriously, Micro$oft what gives?). I went into the menu system and found out you can turn off a lot of the crap that I didn't like about the game like: Slow Motion, Big Hit Meter and a few other things. These "enhancements" to the game inserted by EA to appeal to hyperactive teens (in EAs mind I guess) only served to muddle up a fairly decent game. With those settings turned off, I had an enjoyable experience. It wasn't enough to make me want to go out and pay sixty bucks for it, but if the game comes down to 20 bucks some day then I might pick it up.

2007 a great year for new Video Game IPs

Here are some of the best:

Mass Effect - Xbox 360

One of the most engaging Sci-Fi RPGs to come out in a long time. Mass Effect, by Bioware is perhaps the best selling of the new IPs and for good reason. An epic story line combined with visceral combat and an engaging chat system make this game hard to put down. Some deficiencies have been noted like a spotty frame rate at times, a confusing inventory management system and long elevator rides, but those are minor issues compared to the game as a whole. I would look for at least two more games in this series and I am hoping these minor issues will be addressed.

Uncharted: Drakes Fortune - PS3

This game is stunning in almost every way that one can measure in a Video Game. Stellar graphics with zero slowdowns, fun intuitive gun fights and Tomb Raider-esque puzzles make for an experience no gamer should miss. This game took me totally by surprise. I got a PS3 for Christmas and having been mostly an Xbox 360 guy, I hadn't kept up on the PS3 exclusive games very much. I have been playing this game for the last week and I don't want it to end. One great thing I like about it is the fact that if you make a mistake and fall to your death on a climbing puzzle, you don't have to go back and redo a half hour or more of the game you just went through. The cut scenes are gorgeous and the gun battles are very fun albeit there are a lot of them. PS3 owners finally have something to crow about and show their Xbox 360 buddies a reason to upgrade their old PS2s.

Assasin's Creed - Multi-platform

This one might have gotten a tiny bit of a pass since the producer, Jade Raymond is such a hottie. However, there is a solid game here with the addition of a much needed control scheme to do the kinds of things the main character, Altair can do. The controls are extremely tight and I found myself doing some free running through medieval cities like Jerusalem and Damascus with ease. Ubisoft should be commended for doing such an excellent job on the control scheme. Overall I think the game is fun with a few minor annoyances. For instance, it is way too easy to hide right after you have killed someone. I could brutally murder a guard with another guard standing within six feet and as long as I held down the "blend" button, the other guard would leave me alone. Also, guards seem to hate horses being ridden too fast. I guess there is some sort of Crusades Era speed limit I never read about. With that being said, this IP has a lot of potential and since it sold so many copies I think there is no doubt that we will see more.

PORTAL - Multi-Platform

I guess you could call this one a new IP although it is set in the Half Life Universe. This game is too good and too much fun to go without mention though. You will need to play it for yourself to see why. I would expect to see more from this IP in the future as well as being integrated in the upcoming Half Life games. Best computer voice in any game ever.


Bioshock - Xbox 360

Seriously, if you haven't played this game. Go out and buy it now and play the damn thing! This was my vote for game of the year. It has incredible graphics, an engaging storyline and tight game play. When you fight your first Big Daddy, be prepared to change your underwear. The sense of weight and power that they have is amazing. Once you kill your first Big Daddy, you will take a deep breath and gleefully plan your next assault. This game has some very interesting moral choices (I saved all the Little Sisters), a great soundtrack, excellent dialog and a lot of variety. Bioshock 2 has already been announced although without Ken Levine unfortunately. If the sequel is half as good as the original, gamers are in for a treat.

I can't remember a better year for new IPs or for gaming for that matter. It is gonna be hard for 2008 to compete with 2007. I think it is a bit telling that there were no Wii games on my list. Don't get me wrong, I love my Wii, but at this point it is distancing itself from mainstream gaming which can seen as either good or bad.