Monday, September 27, 2010

Dig, Explore, Create... Survive [Minecraft]

I've hit this kick with discovering indie games lately.  One that has rocked the independent community as of late, and one that has caused bags under my eyes already, is called Minecraft.

The game is currently still under heavy development but you can purchase it now for a discounted price (9.99 euros to be exact... don't know how to make a euro symbol) and you get a lifetime of free updates and access to the most interesting "Alpha" mode.  The premise of the alpha game is literally this: you spawn in a random place, ready go.  With no tutorial or warning the day/night cycle begins immediately and you are free to do as you wish.  You can explore the world, begin harvesting materials, climb some mountains, whatever you want.  However, once the sun sets on the first day you suddenly realize that this adorable, blocky, pixelated world is downright deadly.  Zombies, skeletons, spiders, and creepers will begin hunting you as soon as the sun fades away.  Hopefully by now you've at least discovered how to craft a pick-axe and a sword otherwise you'll be holding the "W" for a full night of running away.

Minecraft is one of those rarities that still give me hope for eventually having a high-production, truly sandbox experience.  This game blew up once it was released and made its developer quite happy with the revenue it generated so hopefully this idea will catch on.

Pictures and video of my own experience with the game to follow.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Final Fantasy Dissidia 012: Duodecim

Warm up those gamer muscles because Dissidia's big brother is coming down the pipe.  Check out the trailer from Gamesradar.com!  Why did they name it in order to give us a counting lesson, what does dudecim mean... I don't know, ask Microsoft how the hell they name their products and you'll probably find the answer.  Looks like "assist" attacks can happen in this game, a la Marvel vs. Capcom.  Prepare for epicness...


The challenge of being a fit gamer

This article is meant to motivate you a little bit.  Here are some work-out ideas for gamers who may not know where/how to get started for healthier living while still playing their favorite titles.

The source of this information I'm using for this entry I'm mainly pulling off of this Marine Corps Times article but also from my experience from various PE classes, nutritionalists, and guys who know a lot more about fitness than I do.  Definitely give the article a read through.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Vindictus Preview

Thanks to the charitable nature of Youtube user MySuckyLife (a pleathora of thanks be shone apon you), I was able to obtain an early access beta key for Nexon's new submission in North America's free-to-play realm... Vindictus.  Known in other parts of the world as Mabinogi: Heroes, this game takes place in the Mabinogi universe although it is a prequil to the original Mabinogi game.

Now typically when you hear "free to play" or "Nexon" or "Aunt Gertrude is only staying for a little while," you think "....meh."  However, I'm here to say, I was absolutely blown away by the game's introduction and... wait for it... graphics!  Being a free to play game, you aren't expecting great production values but Vindictus is different.  It is driven by the Steam engine and easily played on low spec systems but it is absolutely gorgeous on higher spec rigs.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

New DMC by Ninja Theory

So you remember when Dante was a quip-spurting badass with an attitude, a monstruous sword, and grey hair?  Me too, but aparently Ninja Theory (makers of Heavenly Sword and the upcoming Enslaved) have put a new spin on the demonic anti-hero.  They are attempting to "westernize" the series for us over here in the states... resulting in a Dante that looks like an insane methhead version of Hayden Christensen from Life as a House (good film, check it out).

I'm not an aggressor towards change, in fact I feel that change is the only thing keeping the human race alive... and video games interesting.  However, that doesn't mean that you should take a formula that works and "westernize" it.  In the meantime, go check out the trailer and see what I mean for yourself.

The new title will simply be deemed DMC *crosses fingers and hopes it's not as bad as DMC:2*