Demon's Souls Out Now (Along With Quite A Few Other Games)
You will die at least 7 times reading this story...
Published: October 7, 2009
The holidays are definitely approaching fast with all the new releases we are seeing. October is just chock full of games, with major titles hitting every week this month, starting with Demon's Souls. Yours truly imported his copy about six months ago, so I can tell you straight up that Demon's Souls will crush you. Again. And again. But you will have no one to blame but yourself, and you will climb back up on that horse (figuratively, there are no horses in the game) and keep plugging away because the game is GOOD. But Demon's Souls is just the tip of the games out this week! (and that doesn't include whatever hits in the PSN update tomorrow...)
[PlayStation 3]
Demon's Souls
What more is there to say about From Software's masterpiece Action-RPG that you haven't heard already? Well let's see what Atlus (publisher) has to say...
"With its bold blend of deep, involved action RPG gameplay, breathtaking visuals, and some of the most innovative online features in years, Demon's Souls for PlayStation 3 system delivers the hardcore gaming experience platform owners have been waiting for since launch," stated Tim Pivnicny, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Atlus. "Developer From Software has crafted a haunting, memorable roleplaying game filled with daring new ideas and multiplayer concepts, which explains why Demon's Souls releases to tremendous critical acclaim and consumer buzz. The Deluxe Edition serves as further proof of this growing demand as it begins to sell out at key retailers."
Go, get yourself to the store and start adventuring! I'll see your bloodstain in 1-1 soon enough...
Afrika
Yet another on the list of games I imported that are on their way over here, Afrika is essentially a wildlife photo simulator that is a bit light on gameplay, but looks pretty damn nice visually (check out the free Afrika dynamic theme on the Japanese PSN... it fools my kids all the time!). Check out what Natsume had to say...
"We are very excited about Afrika's release today. We know many
PLAYSTATION®3 owners out there have been itching to get their hands
on the game," said Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO of Natsume. "It was
a real pleasure to work with Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide
Studios in bringing this title to North America."
In Afrika, players step into the role of a freelance photographer
exploring a brand new African wildlife conservation area. They'll
document the wildlife and photograph incredible sights such as a
titanic clash between hippopotamuses, a pride of lions watching over
its playful cubs, and a cheetah's lightning-fast chase as it runs down
its prey! All of the game's animals and environments are rendered in
photorealistic detail with animals that move, behave, and interact
with each other just like their real-world counterparts. Produced in
cooperation with National Geographic, Afrika features a wealth of
information about each of its animals, including footage and
photographs from the magazine.
The photography in the game is as meticulously modeled as the animals
themselves; players will need to learn from the game's innovative
photo grading system and compose their photographs with the eye of a
professional photographer if they want to earn top dollar. The money
they earn can be used to purchase new licensed lenses, cameras, and
safari equipment. If players are good enough, they just might find
their photograph on the cover of National Geographic!
With more than 70 animals to find, over 100 missions to complete, and
endless replayability, Afrika offers the safari experience of a
lifetime!
NBA 2K10
The latest in the sports game franchise machine is the newest NBA game from 2K sports. I don't know what to say about it, so I'll let Kobe Bryant and some suit speak for me...
"I take great pride in aligning myself with NBA 2K10 as it is simply the most authentic basketball game out there, bar none," said Kobe Bryant, 11-time NBA All-Star. "I was fortunate enough to win a world championship when I was announced to be on the cover. I have learned, in my time working with the 2K Sports team that they, too, strive to be the absolute best."
"NBA 2K10 is the dream package for any diehard basketball fan and will be available on more platforms than ever before," said Greg Thomas, senior vice president of sports development for 2K. "It's the 10th anniversary of the NBA 2K franchise and we're celebrating in a huge way with Kobe Bryant on our cover and the NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition that includes many awesome collectables. NBA 2K10 challenges basketball fans of all ages - How will you take over?"
Go Knicks!
Star Wars : Clone Wars - Republic Heroes
Whoa... they made a game based on the Star Wars franchise? FINALLY! Ok, sorry, that was sarcasm. I should be above that. Hopefully this game is a step up from the likes of Force Unleashed, Pod Racer and Rebellion. I don't know anything abou this game, so let's allow the marketing wags to have their say.
Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes allows players to fight as both Jedi Knights and clone troopers through over 40 unique missions, all created from shared visual assets from the TV series. Featuring a brand-new storyline, players get the chance to take part in the key events that lead directly into the highly anticipated second season of the animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Jedi characters can slice and dice their way through countless enemies, commandeer droids and show off their combat prowess on foot and in a variety of vehicles. Clone troopers fire things up with a heavy weapons armament that includes rocket launchers, thermal detonators and even jet packs in levels built specifically to take run-and-gun gameplay to exciting levels.
To capture the Jedi Master and Padawan dynamic, as well as the squad camaraderie of everyone’s favorite clone troopers, the game also supports two player local drop-in and drop-out cooperative play on the PLAYSTATION 3. Families have made the television series a cross-generational success and now they can truly experience the most authentic Star Wars: The Clone Wars video game experience together.
Operation Flashpoint : Dragon Rising
Operation Flashpoint continues the recent tradition that IL-2 Sturmovik began of porting highly realistic simulators from the PC to the console. 10 years ago, I trkked through the forests for 30 minutes in Operation Flashpoint, the lieutenant screaming contacts and coordinates in my ear the whole time, trying to get to just the right vantage point, only to be shot in the legs by a sniper half a kilometer away that I couldn't even see, left to bleed out trying to crawl to a medical station. Cue restarting the entire level. Thankfully the consolized sequel has been made a bit more forgiving.
In Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising gamers play the decisive role in defusing a military flashpoint between two global superpowers that threatens the entire world. Players take the role of US Marines and Special Forces operatives dispatched to take back the oil-rich Russian island of Skira from an invading force of Chinese PLA.
The 220km² island becomes the ultimate open-world battlefield as players are empowered to make their own choices, deploy their own tactics and fight war on their own terms. Objectives are set – how they are accomplished is always up to the player who has the full resources of the US Marine Corps at their disposal and the ability to attack from any direction. Intelligent squad and enemy AI, based on authentic military tactics, react in real time to situations as they unfold to ensure that no two games will ever play out the same.
Players will become immersed in a stunningly realistic conflict with unprecedented levels of detail, freedom and authenticity. Every decision counts, every action has a consequence and every bullet can kill as Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising recreates the lethality, tension and adrenaline of real war like never before.
Big Game Hunter 2010
You play as outdoorsman Jack Wilde, who seeks global “Super Hunter” status as he travels across five continents seeking to bag the world’s largest trophies. These prized animals can only be reached by navigating treacherous terrain, including sheer cliffs, raging rivers and countless more perilous situations. Cabela’s Big Game Hunter 2010 duplicates the controlled breathing, steady nerves and patience required for a well-placed shot, while placing hunters in rugged environments where they will face extreme danger. Brand new elements, such as rewards for successfully using cover to progress through missions and a VITALS system which helps players visualize the perfect shot, makes this the most evolved hunting game ever.
Yeah... enough said.
Disney Sing It : Pop Hits
Featuring a variety of ways to play, Disney Sing It: Pop Hits lets players grab the microphone and take center stage in a single player mode, harmonize with friends and family in duet mode to earn higher scores, or compete with them head-to-head in multi-player modes. Players can also get tips in a newly expanded "Sing It Pro" mode led by Tiffany Thornton. Tiffany shows players how professional singers improve their vocals, from breathing and pitch exercises to the techniques involved with harmonizing in a duet and riffing. In addition to the vocal rewards that come with practice, the game also provides players with special pins, background themes and other prizes.
Yeah... seriously... I have nothing to say here...
[PlayStation Portable]
Naruto Shippuden : Legends : Akatsuki Rising
Naruto. Yeah...
The Akatsuki organization has kidnapped Gaara from the Hidden Sand Village. Their mission is to extract Shukaku, a powerful beast that has been sealed within Gaara since his birth. Naruto and the rest of Team Kakashi are on a race against time to uncover the Akatsuki’s hideout and save Gaara before it is too late. Players will also uncover an all-new NARUTO Shippuden storyline as they assume the role of one of four nefarious Akatsuki members.
NARUTO Shippuden: Legends: Akatsuki Rising boasts streamlined controls for the PSP, ensuring exciting, fast-paced tactical battles making best use of each character’s Jutsu. Aim and time powerful Jutsu attacks with simple button commands and devastate the enemies by entering Hypermode. As characters defeat the enemies or take damage, the Hyper Gauge starts to fill. When in Hypermode, character’s stats are increased and new Jutsu attacks may be unlocked. Players will be able to gain advantage in the heat of a battle by selecting two support characters to form a three-man team for each mission. Players can utilize the different skills each character brings and combine their attacks together to discover ultimate combos in defeating enemies.
NARUTO Shippuden: Legends: Akatsuki Rising incorporates multiple modes of play including two-player cooperative or versus play via ad-hoc local wireless network. Original Mode lets players experience the Gaara Retrieval Arc as they battle enemies through lush, 3D anime inspired environments. Scenario Mode introduces all-new side-missions to pick up Skill Scrolls which increase your character’s abilities including attack, defense, health and other numerous indicators reflected through all modes. Akatsuki Mode lets players gain control of members of the Akatsuki organization for the first time in a brand-new storyline, discovering the Akatsuki’s true intentions while Naruto was searching for Gaara. Finally, find out who the best ninja is with Versus Mode by battling against a friend or the computer in one-on-one fights.
OK, that's it for today... but much more to come!
[PlayStation 3]
Demon's Souls
What more is there to say about From Software's masterpiece Action-RPG that you haven't heard already? Well let's see what Atlus (publisher) has to say...
"With its bold blend of deep, involved action RPG gameplay, breathtaking visuals, and some of the most innovative online features in years, Demon's Souls for PlayStation 3 system delivers the hardcore gaming experience platform owners have been waiting for since launch," stated Tim Pivnicny, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Atlus. "Developer From Software has crafted a haunting, memorable roleplaying game filled with daring new ideas and multiplayer concepts, which explains why Demon's Souls releases to tremendous critical acclaim and consumer buzz. The Deluxe Edition serves as further proof of this growing demand as it begins to sell out at key retailers."
Go, get yourself to the store and start adventuring! I'll see your bloodstain in 1-1 soon enough...
Afrika
Yet another on the list of games I imported that are on their way over here, Afrika is essentially a wildlife photo simulator that is a bit light on gameplay, but looks pretty damn nice visually (check out the free Afrika dynamic theme on the Japanese PSN... it fools my kids all the time!). Check out what Natsume had to say...
"We are very excited about Afrika's release today. We know many
PLAYSTATION®3 owners out there have been itching to get their hands
on the game," said Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO of Natsume. "It was
a real pleasure to work with Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide
Studios in bringing this title to North America."
In Afrika, players step into the role of a freelance photographer
exploring a brand new African wildlife conservation area. They'll
document the wildlife and photograph incredible sights such as a
titanic clash between hippopotamuses, a pride of lions watching over
its playful cubs, and a cheetah's lightning-fast chase as it runs down
its prey! All of the game's animals and environments are rendered in
photorealistic detail with animals that move, behave, and interact
with each other just like their real-world counterparts. Produced in
cooperation with National Geographic, Afrika features a wealth of
information about each of its animals, including footage and
photographs from the magazine.
The photography in the game is as meticulously modeled as the animals
themselves; players will need to learn from the game's innovative
photo grading system and compose their photographs with the eye of a
professional photographer if they want to earn top dollar. The money
they earn can be used to purchase new licensed lenses, cameras, and
safari equipment. If players are good enough, they just might find
their photograph on the cover of National Geographic!
With more than 70 animals to find, over 100 missions to complete, and
endless replayability, Afrika offers the safari experience of a
lifetime!
NBA 2K10
The latest in the sports game franchise machine is the newest NBA game from 2K sports. I don't know what to say about it, so I'll let Kobe Bryant and some suit speak for me...
"I take great pride in aligning myself with NBA 2K10 as it is simply the most authentic basketball game out there, bar none," said Kobe Bryant, 11-time NBA All-Star. "I was fortunate enough to win a world championship when I was announced to be on the cover. I have learned, in my time working with the 2K Sports team that they, too, strive to be the absolute best."
"NBA 2K10 is the dream package for any diehard basketball fan and will be available on more platforms than ever before," said Greg Thomas, senior vice president of sports development for 2K. "It's the 10th anniversary of the NBA 2K franchise and we're celebrating in a huge way with Kobe Bryant on our cover and the NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition that includes many awesome collectables. NBA 2K10 challenges basketball fans of all ages - How will you take over?"
Go Knicks!
Star Wars : Clone Wars - Republic Heroes
Whoa... they made a game based on the Star Wars franchise? FINALLY! Ok, sorry, that was sarcasm. I should be above that. Hopefully this game is a step up from the likes of Force Unleashed, Pod Racer and Rebellion. I don't know anything abou this game, so let's allow the marketing wags to have their say.
Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes allows players to fight as both Jedi Knights and clone troopers through over 40 unique missions, all created from shared visual assets from the TV series. Featuring a brand-new storyline, players get the chance to take part in the key events that lead directly into the highly anticipated second season of the animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Jedi characters can slice and dice their way through countless enemies, commandeer droids and show off their combat prowess on foot and in a variety of vehicles. Clone troopers fire things up with a heavy weapons armament that includes rocket launchers, thermal detonators and even jet packs in levels built specifically to take run-and-gun gameplay to exciting levels.
To capture the Jedi Master and Padawan dynamic, as well as the squad camaraderie of everyone’s favorite clone troopers, the game also supports two player local drop-in and drop-out cooperative play on the PLAYSTATION 3. Families have made the television series a cross-generational success and now they can truly experience the most authentic Star Wars: The Clone Wars video game experience together.
Operation Flashpoint : Dragon Rising
Operation Flashpoint continues the recent tradition that IL-2 Sturmovik began of porting highly realistic simulators from the PC to the console. 10 years ago, I trkked through the forests for 30 minutes in Operation Flashpoint, the lieutenant screaming contacts and coordinates in my ear the whole time, trying to get to just the right vantage point, only to be shot in the legs by a sniper half a kilometer away that I couldn't even see, left to bleed out trying to crawl to a medical station. Cue restarting the entire level. Thankfully the consolized sequel has been made a bit more forgiving.
In Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising gamers play the decisive role in defusing a military flashpoint between two global superpowers that threatens the entire world. Players take the role of US Marines and Special Forces operatives dispatched to take back the oil-rich Russian island of Skira from an invading force of Chinese PLA.
The 220km² island becomes the ultimate open-world battlefield as players are empowered to make their own choices, deploy their own tactics and fight war on their own terms. Objectives are set – how they are accomplished is always up to the player who has the full resources of the US Marine Corps at their disposal and the ability to attack from any direction. Intelligent squad and enemy AI, based on authentic military tactics, react in real time to situations as they unfold to ensure that no two games will ever play out the same.
Players will become immersed in a stunningly realistic conflict with unprecedented levels of detail, freedom and authenticity. Every decision counts, every action has a consequence and every bullet can kill as Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising recreates the lethality, tension and adrenaline of real war like never before.
Big Game Hunter 2010
You play as outdoorsman Jack Wilde, who seeks global “Super Hunter” status as he travels across five continents seeking to bag the world’s largest trophies. These prized animals can only be reached by navigating treacherous terrain, including sheer cliffs, raging rivers and countless more perilous situations. Cabela’s Big Game Hunter 2010 duplicates the controlled breathing, steady nerves and patience required for a well-placed shot, while placing hunters in rugged environments where they will face extreme danger. Brand new elements, such as rewards for successfully using cover to progress through missions and a VITALS system which helps players visualize the perfect shot, makes this the most evolved hunting game ever.
Yeah... enough said.
Disney Sing It : Pop Hits
Featuring a variety of ways to play, Disney Sing It: Pop Hits lets players grab the microphone and take center stage in a single player mode, harmonize with friends and family in duet mode to earn higher scores, or compete with them head-to-head in multi-player modes. Players can also get tips in a newly expanded "Sing It Pro" mode led by Tiffany Thornton. Tiffany shows players how professional singers improve their vocals, from breathing and pitch exercises to the techniques involved with harmonizing in a duet and riffing. In addition to the vocal rewards that come with practice, the game also provides players with special pins, background themes and other prizes.
Yeah... seriously... I have nothing to say here...
[PlayStation Portable]
Naruto Shippuden : Legends : Akatsuki Rising
Naruto. Yeah...
The Akatsuki organization has kidnapped Gaara from the Hidden Sand Village. Their mission is to extract Shukaku, a powerful beast that has been sealed within Gaara since his birth. Naruto and the rest of Team Kakashi are on a race against time to uncover the Akatsuki’s hideout and save Gaara before it is too late. Players will also uncover an all-new NARUTO Shippuden storyline as they assume the role of one of four nefarious Akatsuki members.
NARUTO Shippuden: Legends: Akatsuki Rising boasts streamlined controls for the PSP, ensuring exciting, fast-paced tactical battles making best use of each character’s Jutsu. Aim and time powerful Jutsu attacks with simple button commands and devastate the enemies by entering Hypermode. As characters defeat the enemies or take damage, the Hyper Gauge starts to fill. When in Hypermode, character’s stats are increased and new Jutsu attacks may be unlocked. Players will be able to gain advantage in the heat of a battle by selecting two support characters to form a three-man team for each mission. Players can utilize the different skills each character brings and combine their attacks together to discover ultimate combos in defeating enemies.
NARUTO Shippuden: Legends: Akatsuki Rising incorporates multiple modes of play including two-player cooperative or versus play via ad-hoc local wireless network. Original Mode lets players experience the Gaara Retrieval Arc as they battle enemies through lush, 3D anime inspired environments. Scenario Mode introduces all-new side-missions to pick up Skill Scrolls which increase your character’s abilities including attack, defense, health and other numerous indicators reflected through all modes. Akatsuki Mode lets players gain control of members of the Akatsuki organization for the first time in a brand-new storyline, discovering the Akatsuki’s true intentions while Naruto was searching for Gaara. Finally, find out who the best ninja is with Versus Mode by battling against a friend or the computer in one-on-one fights.
OK, that's it for today... but much more to come!
