Deus Ex: Human Revolution Trailer

At first, I was a bit skeptical about Deus Ex: Human Revolution because I heard the second game, Deus Ex: Invisible war, was mediocre; especially when compared to the first game, Deus Ex. The first title is awesome and a high point in gaming. This trailer shows that this game addresses the Deus Ex world in a different way and expands on many of the ideas and themes established in the first one. It is a prequel and therefore occurs earlier in Deus Ex's history, and closer to our reality. In the short time since its release, it's interesting to see how much closer we've come to the predicitons of the original Deus Ex's in the short time since its release in 2000. Technology in prosthetics are really on the cusp of human-cybernetic integration. Perhaps games like Human Revolution may help us to deal with the philosophical questions that are posed to us as our technological ability increases.

Also, my aunt Petra plays the rebel leader in this trailer, which is pretty cool! BRRAP! BRRRAP!!

Todd Kuiken: A prosthetic arm that "feels"



This is an interesting video which shows what's possible now with this technology.

Gamespot - FPS Genre Fatigue

Interesting piece by Gamespot UK. I agree with a lot of the suggestions. The thing that`s become annoying to me about Call of Duty style campaigns is that they are generally just glorified shooting galleries. As they mentioned, games with dynamic AI that are actually reacting to your strategies are much more entertaining to me.

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas 2

I recently completed the single player campaign to Tom Clancy`s Rainbow Six: Vegas 2, developed by Ubisoft Montreal, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I played it for Xbox 360 and I think its controls are superb, it has probably one of the best setups for an FPS. I personally enjoy tactical shooters, and R6V2 fulfilled this niche while adding an interesting story.

Now one thing that`s cool, due to how the whole narrative between Vegas 1 and 2 interrelates, is that both games deal with the same time period. So no, 2 isn`t just another attack on Las Vegas following the first, but just the same attack from a different point of view. At least that`s how I understand it. So each game is a layer on the overall story.

The story itself disassociates itself from the first game bringing in new characters and a new team, which I thought was a good idea. It made it different and it was realistic that there would be more story to tell through other members of Rainbow during this event. The protagonist Bishop, while having an established story, has qualities that are character controlled; when coupled with his (or her) past as an instructor, this adds an interesting personalising dynamic.



Not only does this sequel allow the player to customize their appearance, but armour and weapon load-out that effect the character’s attributes. There’s an interesting single player merit system that allows for unlocks. It is somewhat similar to how the COD online model works, but it is integrated well into the single player character customization.

Vegas as a locale works well. It`s interesting because while New York and Los Angeles have games based in and off them, Vegas is somewhat distinctive in gaming (Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Fallout: New Vegas). Perhaps it is because it is naturally playful and offers a unique atmosphere that immediately changes the dynamics of any IP. Anyways, I thought I`d be weary of LV by the second title, but it was still fun. Ubisoft Montreal was able to keep it fresh and varied.

The game gives the player tight control, which allows him or her to maneuver during very tenuous situations. I think the cover system fits well and is effective. I also liked how the developers added sprint. Unfortunately I found out about the ability to control teammates with voice after I beat campaign, so I’ll have to try that out the next time I play it through. When I do eventually get Xbox Live up and running, I look forward to playing this online. Due to the tight, intuitive controls and interface, I think it would allow for an immersive, realistic online experience and that’s what I’m looking for. Altogether Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 is one of my favourite first person shooters so far on Xbox 360.

Tomb Raider Trailer

I've been playing Tomb Raider Legend from the HD Collection and am enjoying it, so I'm lookin forward to this. The premise reminds me of Farcry, but I could see it fitting Tomb Raider games and the development of Lara Croft's character.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Trailer

Looks like this will be good...

Grand Theft Auto V Trailer

Awesome. It looks like it will be the greater Los Santos (LA) rather than San Andreas (San Fierro, Las Venturas). I personally don't mind, I just want a corresponding L.A. experience to the N.Y. one. I'm sure it'll be that and more. I see people want customizable options like San Andreas, and I don't think that would be a bad thing. I'd personally like to see real estate (from SA and Vice City) come back. To me, the protagonist sounds a lot like Ray Liotta which isn't bad. I'd probably be a bit disappointed if it was Ray Liotta as someone other than Tommy Vercetti. But if it is Tommy Vercetti (granted, I don't really even know if it is Ray Liotta) that would be pretty cool.

I should say his monologue reminded me somewhat of Breaking Bad, only based on the similar innocent motivations of legally wanting to provide the best lives for their families, but finding themselves forced to into shadiness. It is also interesting that it seems the protagonist will have a family near-by.

The protagonist is attracted by the Hollywood glitz as many people seem to be. He says he wants to retire from "that". So I guess it could be assumed he wants to retire from crime to be with his family, a la A History of Violence. Other things: For sale sign going up on a house (real estate), puttin the top up on a droptop. Someone being kicked out of a club (reminds me of Ballad of Gay Tony's club shit), a ghetto bird chasin a brother, and the trailer ends with a plane... Looks intriguing so far.