Trailers for games these days often match, or exceed their Hollywood counterparts. This trailer has been out for a while now, but it’s definitely worth sharing. This is the fifth game in the Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell franchise, starring Sam Fisher (voiced as always by Michael Ironside). Fisher’s on the run but is still able to be the tough guy and look cool at the same time. The much-delayed game gets released early next year.
Marvel At Comic-Con
Marvel have released a slew of great photos from last week’s Comic-Con, including some impressive fan costumes, the cast at the Iron Man 2 panel, and a great shot of the Iron Man Mark IV armour from next year’s sequel. Go here to see all the photos. On a related note, Marvel dropped the bomb at the Con that they now have the rights to the troubled Marvelman character. If that isn’t enough, they also shared that they are working with Sony on their LittleBigPlanet game, with Marvel characters and exclusive content set to appear in the popular interactive title.
Mass Effect Comic
Mass Effect was a pretty good sci-fi game for the XBOX 360. Now fans can celebrate, as both a sequel and a comic is in the works. Press release below.
EA AND DARK HORSE COMICS BLAST OFF WITH MASS EFFECT COMIC SERIES
Sci-Fi Comic Prequel Bridges Heroic conclusion of Mass Effect and Mysterious Beginning of Mass Effect 2
BioWare™, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) and Dark Horse Comics today announced a new comic book series based on Mass Effect™, the blockbuster sci-fi action videogame that IGN.com rated the #1 Xbox 360™ game of all time. In Mass Effect: Redemption, the story takes readers through the treacherous events leading up to Mass Effect 2 which opens with galactic hero Commander Shepard having mysteriously gone missing and left to fight for survival. What unfolds next will expose readers to new locations, aliens and extended storyline in the Mass Effect universe. Mass Effect: Redemption is scheduled to launch in January 6, 2010.
The Mass Effect: Redemption story is written by Lead Writer Mac Walters at BioWare. Walters is the script writer behind Mass Effect 2. He brings unique insight to the Mass Effect comic and nuance of the world within. The comic is scripted by John Jackson Miller (Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, The Invincible Iron Man) and drawn by Omar Francia (Star Wars Legacy). This first four-part series explores the exotic and dangerous future Milky Way of Mass Effect, revealing previously unseen locations, aliens, and enemies of this rich science fiction landscape.
Mac Walters and Omar Francia will be autographing a Comic-con exclusive Mass Effect signing card at the Dark Horse booth (#2615) on July 24th at 4:00pm – 5:00pm at Comic-Con International 2009 in San Diego, CA.
“Fans of Mass Effect are going to be pleasantly shocked by the events in these comics,” says Mac Walters. “We worked very closely with Dark Horse to make sure this story was built in to the Mass Effect 2 arc, right from the ground up. Reading the series won’t just add to your experience of the universe, it will change the way you look at Mass Effect 2… and beyond.”
“Those familiar with Mass Effect are aware that it offers one of the deepest and most compelling universes in the history of space adventure,” says Dark Horse President and Publisher Mike Richardson. “We have a long history of successfully adapting properties such as Aliens, Star Wars, and Serenity into comics, and we feel that Mass Effect has tremendous potential with regard to graphic storytelling.”
The narrative in Mass Effect: Redemption picks up just as Commander Shepard disappears and is left without the support of the crew on the Normandy in the lawless Terminus Systems. Shepard must fight for survival, and will be assisted by close companion, Dr. Liara T’Soni, to come home alive. This story is sure to be a must-read for fans looking to fill the gap between the first and second game.
Mass Effect: Redemption issue 1 hits comic shop shelves in January 6, 2010.
Mass Effect 2 is scheduled for release on Xbox 360 and PC in early 2010. Follow us on Twitter or for more information about BioWare please visit their official site.
Prototype Gamer
I bought Prototype this week. I rarely play my XBOX, let alone buy new games, yet this drew me in. It’s been much hyped, as has it’s PS3 competitor, inFamous, but deservedly so. Almost as soon as I put the disc in I was right in the thick of action, dispatching well armed military men with my lobster-like mutant claws. It serves splendidly as a tutorial and thankfully it’s pretty simple. The first problem I noticed however, is the rather annoying tendency for modern games to make the instructional text on the screen squint inducing. It’s tiny! Is the games industry trying to sell us all big screens perhaps? The game itself is made up of swift levels, with a lot of replay potential. I’ve only played it for less than an hour so far, and it’s tale of Alex Mercer (mutated man on the run attacking the government and searching for answers) isn’t exactly original, but it makes up for it with grin worthy tactics. Bowling over pedestrians while you run and jump down the city streets is fun. There’s elements of the parkour and freedom of movement found in the few good Spidey games, plus Mirror’s Edge, and the environment smashing/vehicle throwing, etc shenanigans of the excellent Hulk: Ultimate Destruction from a few years ago. Even the NPCs in the bustling metropolis seem unique. I had to run around for a while before I saw any duplicates. As I play more, hopefully I’ll enjoy it more. So far, it appears to be a game tailor made for fanboys.
On that note; Gamer. It’s a September releasing film starring 300’s Gerard Butler. Think Death Race, but with gaming avatars replacing mean machines. The plot seems to take pieces from every action blockbuster from the last 10 years. Trailer below.
Ultimate Star Wars
This is why games are creeping up in Hollywood’s dominance over geeks incomes. Star Wars: The Old Republic is a MMO (Massive Multiplayer On-line) game that allows you to choose the path of the Jedi (yay!) or Sith (boo!). The first two Knights of the Old Republic games were okay, but I prefer my FPSs rather than mid-battle strategizing. BiowWare is releasing the game sometime, and Dark Horse are providing a tie-in web comic called Threat of Peace. The game is only being released on Windows PCs which seems strange, and is set about 3, 700 years before the era depicted in the Star Wars films. Watch the awesome trailer below. Lightsabres and slow-mo – what a great combo.
Another great game, coming to consoles thankfully, is a sequel to 2006’s Ultimate Alliance. That was an action packed nerd fest with Marvel cameos galore, and the cut scenes were drool inducing. Like it’s predecessor, and the Old Republic games, players choices effect the game’s outcome. It follows the recent events in the Marvel comics, particularly Secret War and Civil War. The latter event set the stage for the current state of the Marvel Universe, thanks to the Super Hero Registration Act and players must choose between the Pro-Rego side led by Iron Man, and the Anti-Rego side led by Captain America.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 Cast
Marvel have released, and will be releasing even more, character names from their upcoming sequel to Ultimate Alliance. Based on Marvel’s excellent Civil War mini-series, that set a new stage for the Marvel Universe, the game hits next-gen consoles sometime this year. Some of the more than 2 dozen playable characters confirmed are the obvious one such as Iron Man, Captain America and Spider-Man with fan-fave characters such as Iron Fist and Deadpool. Oh, and that link above? Check it out. It’s perty snazzy.
The Flash In DCU Online
Press release below about Wally West in the upcoming Sony MMORPG, DC Universe Online. The games set for release…sometime. Players can create their own characters to team up with DC’s expanding gallery of spandex wearers and live vicariously in the DC Universe. On a related note, Warner Bros. appear to be buying Midway Games, the holders of the Mortal Kombat franchise. I think that’s a good thing. Maybe.
The Fastest Man Alive, Wally West easily runs at light speed vibrates through objects, create explosions through friction – and, when at agonizing top capacity, can manipulate time and bridge dimensions.
The Flash is a time-honored member of the Justice League. The latest in a long line of Flashes, each with their own unique way of tapping into the primal “Speed Force,” Wally is determined to live up to the noble legacies of speedsters such as Barry Allen, Max Mercury, and Jay Garrick.
Flash’s enemies call themselves the Rogues Gallery. This deadly collection of brutal foes includes Captain Cold, Heatwave, Mirror Master, and the lethal speedster Zoom – villainous threats not just to Keystone City, but the world.
Terminator Game
Press release below for gamers on the go.
In celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of The Terminator, Big Head Games and Dark Horse Comics are proud to release this heart-pounding, shoot-everything homage to the movie that started it all. The Terminator for iPhone and iPod Touch is an explosive, top-down, all-action shooter game with an episodic Story Mode and endless Quick Play Mode.
Features:
Bigger and badder weapons, from Gatling guns to bazookas.
Two extreme game modes for a lasting game experience: In Quick Play Mode, rescue fallen soldiers. In Story Mode, play as Kyle Reese taking on challenging missions.
T-800s and Hunter Killer Tanks from the original movie along with an array of new foes.
Multiple control modes and autotargeting options to match game play to every skill level.
Pounding soundtrack and SFX—play this game with headphones for a film-like experience.
Two parts: look out for an imminent update taking you belowground to take on the machines in their home ground.
“From the very beginning, Dark Horse has provided fans with top-notch entertainment experiences, whether in comics, on screen, or, most recently, on the iPhone. We feel our relationship with Big Head Games will do just that for fans of both The Terminator and mobile gaming.”
Big Head’s business director, Dave Vout, states, “We are extremely excited to be bringing one of the world’s top movie and game franchises to the iPhone/iPod Touch. Combining Dark Horse Comics’ extensive catalog of material and our game-development expertise has been a great experience and opportunity that we hope to continue long into the future.”
The Terminator for iPhone and iPod Touch is currently in submission with Apple and on release will be at a sale price of $0.99 for 72 hours.
For even more explosive adventures in the Terminator universe, check out The Terminator: Death Valley, a comic for the iPhone. To celebrate the release of the new game, Dark Horse is making the first issue of Death Valley available for a free download for a limited time. All four issues are available for download now.
Eve Online Stuff
Not that I’m an on-line gamer, but I can certainly see the appeal, and I’ve seen the ads for the Eve MMORPG around the place, so that’s a good enough excuse for a press release for Eve fans, below. You can also get a free trial of the game here.
Dragonfire Laser Craft announced today that they are licensees for the worldwide phenomena MMORPG Eve Online. The first round of products, available for immediate shipping, includes dog tags representing each of the four playable races, flasks and heated coffee mugs. Other products that are ready to go include dog tags with customized logos for corporations. In March, rank insignia pins for the factional warfare will be available.
EVE Online is the critically acclaimed massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) from CCP, headquartered in Reykjavik, Iceland with additional offices in Atlanta and Shanghai. The thriving community of over a quarter of a million subscribers explores and conquers the expanses of space as starship pilots. Forming corporations and alliances is vital to survival in the vibrant, politically-charged landscape of New Eden. These groups enjoy having merchandise that lets them show their pride as fans and players.
“We are amazed at the response,” commented Dragonfire Laser Craft CEO Lucas Amodio. “Sales were brisk at the EVE Fanfest in Iceland last November and they received the products with open arms. We are excited to be able to offer them affordable, high-quality goods that reflect the passion they feel about their favorite game.”
Fans can purchase EVE-related products here.
Retailers should contactlys@sphinxgroup.com for terms on carrying the Dragonfire Laser Craft line of products. To be added to the Dragonfire Laser Craft mailing list email lucas@dragonfirelaser.com. Visit the Dragonfire website at www.dragonfirelaser.com to see the full line of products available for customization.
Free Iron Man Kids Game
Or adults too, really. If you’re bored at work, or home, check out this free Iron Man game based on the new toon from Marvel. Official press release below.
Marvel Entertainment launched a brand new online casual game today based on the upcoming “Iron Man: Armored Adventures” animated series on Nicktoons. The game, named Iron Man Armored Popper, is available to be played now at MarvelKids.com.
Iron Man Armored Popper is a challenging, fun, puzzle type game that uses Iron Man’s repulsor beams to knock down his enemies and clear each stage in this wildly entertaining game. Defeat the likes of Mandarin, Madame Masque, Whiplash, Count Nefaria and more—and gain new powers while doing it!
Iron Man Armored Popper joins a slate of five other online casual games already launched on MarvelKids.com including Wolverine MRD Escape, Iron Man Flight Test, Hulk Central Smashdown, Iron Man Armory Assault and Hulk Bad Altitude. All six casual games are currently available to play free of charge on MarvelKids.com.
“Iron Man: Armored Adventures” is the second all-new animated series produced by Marvel Animation. The series is set to air on Nicktoons on April 24, 2009. It follows the widely successful “Wolverine and the X-Men” series which premiered on the Nicktoons Network in January.
Head over to MarvelKids.com and help Iron Man defend the world from evil!
Watchmen On Your iPhone
No, not the movie, but a game which serves as a prequel. Press release below.
“WATCHMEN: JUSTICE IS COMING” ONLINE MULTIPLAYER GAME
TO LAUNCH ON THE iPHONE AND iPOD TOUCH
Warner Bros. Digital Distribution today announced Watchmen: Justice is Coming, an online multiplayer game for the iPhone and iPod Touch based on the upcoming film Watchmen, from Warner Bros. Pictures and Paramount Pictures, in association with Legendary Pictures. Available from the iTunes App Store this March, Watchmen: Justice is Coming will take iPhone gaming to a new level allowing players to battle in realistic 3D environments and visualize changes to the world in real time.
Watchmen: Justice is Coming is a multiplayer online adventure fighting game developed by Last Legion Games exclusively for the iPhone and iPod Touch. The game will use “cloudMMO,” Last Legion’s patent pending cloud based multiplayer technology that leverages Amazon.com Web Services allowing players to adventure through the incredible world of Watchmen. Players will experience an ever-changing gaming environment, chat with other players and participate in street battles.
In Watchmen: Justice is Coming, players bring their own unique form of justice to New York City in the 1970s before the film’s central story unfolds. Masked adventuring has been outlawed. During this critical time period, crime is rampant and average citizens must take matters into their own hands to survive. Players create their personal avatar and enter the rain-soaked city of Manhattan. The dark metropolitan world is a vast network of interlocking and overlapping spaces that include: the seedy and saturated neon Red Light District; a run down Financial District and its dark waterfront; the downtown back-alleys of Lower Manhattan; a wide open City Park; and more.
An original story inspired by director Zack Snyder’s big screen version of Watchmen, which is based on the graphic novel illustrated and co-created by Dave Gibbons, Watchmen: Justice is Coming leads players on an immersive adventure inside the depths of the Watchmen universe. Average citizens evolve into fully equipped costumed avengers by completing unique challenges, exploring the universe and battling enemies.
Watchmen fans can visit www.watchmenjusticeiscoming.com for updates on the game and to read Last Legion’s blog.
Resident Evil: Degeneration Review
Well, not so much a review as just a general thumbs up really. I can’t say that I’m familiar with the Resident Evil video games, being an XBOX gamer. However, the film trilogy is a pleasant enough distraction. I am a fan of CGI films though. Final Fantasy Advent Children, Appleseed, etc. They don’t always make sense to me as someone mildly aware of Japanese pop culture creations, but they sure know how to produce quality CGI films that make your jaw drop.
Apparently Degenration is set between games 4 and 5 of the RE game series and stars familiar characters Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it, but I certainly did. Like one long cut scene from an awesome next-gen game the films is essentially Die Hard with zombies.
The first half is like Die Hard 2, with it’s airport setting, while the second half is like the original, set in a massive luxury building. There’s minor scenes focused on the military intervention and government cover ups that seem to be mandatory in films of the undead, but the impressive action takes up the majority of the 96 minute running time. If you like beautiful people, aswell as ghoulish creatures, with lots of shooting and running – grab it. Preview below.
Civil War: The Game
Well, not quite, but they might as well have called it that. The trailer for the next-gen console game Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 has just been released -and it’s a doozy. It doesn’t look graphically superior to the previous installment, but I’ll definitely get it. Based on Marvel’s Civil War series (one of the best things they’ve done in the last few years) the game looks like it has Captain America and his team and Iron Man and his team facing each other in battle over the idea of superhero registration.
Like the first one, it will be filled with fanboy friendly moments and appearances from every character you can think of. I’m so there.
Batman: Arkham Asylum Trailer
In our first issue of Extra Sequential, we had some great pics of the upcoming Batman: Arkham Asylum game for next-gen consoles. Coming this year from Rocksteady Studios and Eidos Intercative, the game set in Gotham’s best (or worst) asylum looks fantastic, and should be a relief for DC fans who are still waiting for a good game starring their favourite characters. The new trailer is out now, and gives the impression of a blockbuster film. Can’t wait.
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