I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, I want this game to come out so badly. I know Team ICO is going to take their time and make sure they’ve got it right, and that’s vitally important, but it doesn’t make the waiting any easier. I’d say great fan art like this does make the wait bearable, but let’s face it, it’s just salt in the wound. It’s not Sue Keruna‘s fault, of course, but dammit, 2012 needs to get here already.
We’re late. Holidays. Does that work?
We wrap up our Seven Sins series this episode, and do a whole lot of talking about Saints Row The Third. Sam’s been playing some Assassin’s Creed Revelations, and thinks it’s suffering from the yearly grind. Jonathan played some Resistance: Fall of Man, in an attempt to catch up on the series, and felt it served as a passable Halo clone, but not much more.
In the topic, Jonathan lays some hate on Do It Again, Stupid mechanics. Sam discusses the angriest Spartan of all. And Alex tells a story that… well, we’re not sure how it fits.
Next week, more Saints Row, and something not related to sins or series.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
I think it’s only fair to mention that this site is really just an elaborate bookmarking system I’ll use once I have time on my hands again (HA!). Games that look like they’ll fit my play style or story interests get a mention, and once I can sit down and focus I can go back and say, “Oh yeah! I did want to check that out!”
This is one of those moments. Thanks to long-time listener, Brad from Australia, for pointing out To the Moon. It’s an indie RPG with a visual style similar to my favorite era of RPGs. The game’s website describes To the Moon as “an indie RPG/adventure game, about two doctors traversing through the memories of a dying man to fulfill his last wish.” The genres listed are sci-fi, psychological, and tragicomedy. All of my geek/gamer/literary genes are screaming at me to play this right now, but did I mention I have no time? There’s an hour-long demo available, so if you have more time on your hands than I do, definitely check it out.
BradyGames was kind enough to send me a review copy of their Batman: Arkham City Signature Series strategy guide. I received it and then promptly set it aside because I didn’t want any spoilers. When I wrapped up the main story, I picked up the book and found it to be well-written, extremely pretty, and almost entirely redundant. Please understand, though, that it’s not BradyGames’ fault that their strategy guide is a bit pointless. They’ve put together a great book here.
The artwork and screenshots are fantastic: big, vibrant, and sharp. The information in the book is well-written and overflowing. Open to any page and you’re greeted with tons of character information, gameplay tips, and art.
By and large, the book is laid out really well; it’s clear and understandable. The sections flow naturally one into the other: gameplay introduction into character introduction, main story missions separate from Catwoman’s missions, side-quests then Riddler challenges. I do have a complaint about the maps section. I wish it had been organized geographically, rather than according when in the story you visit each area, but that’s a really small nitpick overall. I got used to it eventually. I’d also liked to have seen the Riddler challenges organized according to their placement in the Batcomputer, rather than their placement on the maps, but again, that’s a small complaint.
So it’s a great book all around, but unfortunately, that doesn’t make it any less pointless. The trouble is in Rocksteady’s design of Arkham City. All of the information you can get from the book is in the game. All the backstory, all the character information, even all the hints and tricks. When I couldn’t figure out how to fight Mr. Freeze, the game recognized that I wasn’t getting anywhere and had me pull up the Batcomputer, which laid out twelve different strategies where I only needed three or four. Even finding the Riddler trophies is handled in-game.
In the guide’s favor, I will say that a few of the trophies and challenges were a bit too challenging for me. In those instances, I did turn to the book for assistance. The maps were easy to read, and the tips were extremely useful, but I’m not sure I need a full book just for the ten or so riddles (out of 400+) that I had trouble with. BradyGames’ map app for iOS seems like the better choice, and Google is free.
If you want something more robust than a Google search and don’t have an iOS device, or if you’re a major Batman collector, then BradyGames’ strategy guide is for you. Otherwise, the design of Arkham City pretty much negates any need for a guide. On the one hand, you can’t fault Rocksteady for designing a great game. On the other, it’s unfortunate, because BradyGames put together a great book. It’s extremely pretty. It’s extremely thorough. It’s just not all that useful.
Girl with a Heart of released yesterday, and I’ll admit that I’m intrigued. The town of the game’s setting thrives on darkness? Light is somehow a weapon or an enemy? The girl’s heart has been replaced? Despite being a bit difficult to read, that trailer’s pushing quite a few of my gamer buttons in just the right way.
Touted as an interactive narrative (presumably similar to something like Heavy Rain, if only more indie), Girl with a Heart of’s press release claims “unique, conversation-based gameplay,” “a thought-provoking storyline and multiple endings determined by decisions the player makes.” You can pick up Girl with a Heart of on PC or Mac for $5.99 or on iOS or Android for $2.99.
I’ve gotten my hands on a review copy of the game, and while I can’t promise a text review anytime soon (stinking school), I’ll definitely be talking about it on an upcoming episode of The Way of the Game.
We’re back! We’re on time! And we’re edited! Booyah!
Business: We’re going to give the Way of the Game Day another shot. Lots of options exist: AssBro, AssRev, Saints Row 2 or 3, Space Marine, etc. Basically, hit up StingRay02, Mollarom, or Neosect on Xbox Live on Sunday, 11/27, and we’ll add you to the party and play something.
In other news, we’re also looking for audio clips with your thoughts about Skyrim. None of the hosts will be playing anytime soon, so if you are, we want to know what you think. Call us at (203) 794-4263 (or use the “Call Me” button on the sidebar to avoid long distance charges), or send an MP3 to feedback@thewayofthegame.net.
In the games banter, Jonathan talks about why he sent back Driver San Francisco and why NHL 12 has gotten its hooks into him. Alex gives some initial impressions of watching other people play Modern Warfare 3 and talks up the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection. Sam’s also giving the HD remakes some love in both MGS form and Resident Evil 4.
In the topic, we’re down to two deadly sins, and this week we talk about lust in gaming. It’s really a walk of shame as Leisure Suit Larry, Custer’s Revenge, and GameCrush get paraded out from the dregs of gaming’s gutters.
Finally, we wrap up with a quick game of Babelfish, against Alex’s protestations.
Next week, the Seven Sins series wraps up! Hooray!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Did I mention last week how it’s crunch time for me at school? Two massive projects constituting 80% of my grade in the two (theoretically) most important classes of my college career are coming to head over the next couple weeks. I guess it’s only fitting, then, that I have two games pre-ordered this week.
Yup. Assassin’s Creed Revelations and Saint’s Row: The Third. There’s just no way I could have not purchased these two games. I mean, one is the culmination of a brilliant character and a compelling story tying together the loose ends of a conspiracy that spans centuries, and the other lets you use explosive shotgun rounds to juggle an energy drink mascot in the air. How can you go wrong?!
I guess there’s other stuff coming out this week, too. Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7, Need for Speed: The Run, Kinect Disney Land (that one’s for you, Alex!), Dynasty Warriors 7 Xtreme Legends, Jurassic Park, Rayman Origins, Super Mario 3D Land…. Can you tell Christmas is a month away?
So, the goodies, they are plentiful. I have no idea how I’ll find time to play my pre-orders this week, but thankfully next week is Thanksgiving Break (or whatever they call it), and I can guarantee I’ll be immersed in hidden blades and dildo bats the entire week. How about you?
Jamie Tyndall, a hobbyist comic artist, created this piece for his wife. Assassin’s Creed is her favorite video game, and if Sisterhood Rising were real I would play it in a heartbeat. He takes some comic book liberties with the styling (the ladies in Brotherhood didn’t feel the need to show off their goods), but I like it all the same. If you’d like a copy for yourself (and I’m seriously tempted), you can grab a print for $15 at Jamie’s shop, and be sure to check out his deviantART page for more comic book art (and Bayonetta for the video game inclined).
First: Sorry this episode is late. Sam’s week got insane, and then my week got insane too, then Alex got sick.
Second: Sorry for the state of this episode. Thanks to all the insanity and sickness, there’s no way we can get an edited episode out this week. If it’s really bad, we’ll see about editing it when things calm down.
In the actual episode, we get Luke on to talk about the games we’re not playing. If you love Gears 3, League of Legends, or Rocksmith, this is the episode for you. We also spend WAY too much time talking about the GTA trailer, Human Revolution, and the new Space Marine multiplayer mode Exterminatus.
Next week, we should be back to our usual level of mediocrity. Thanks for tolerating our issues this week.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
