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Darth Revan Confirmed For Star Wars: The Old Republic

Sat, 4 Sep 2010 19:53:00 -0700

At Pax 2010 this evening, Bioware and Lucasarts revealed that Darth Revan will appear in .upcoming MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic. When last we left Revan, he was hurtling outside of known space, so hopefully, we'll learn more about the epic journey he/you began in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. What has gone on in the intervening years is anyone's guess.

While there weren't any other super-major revelations at the Pax panel, the gathered thousands (seriously!) of gamers did learn some other interesting things about The Old Republic. First off, Alderon will be featured as a the backdrop for some serious Imperial vs. Republic PvP.

The game will also feature "traditional" MMO elements like crafting, guilds, and raids.

Speaking of MMO traditions, the classes you know and love from other MMOs will have their equivalents in TOR. For example, the Trooper: Commando class is essentially a tank, and the Jedi: Wizard is a healer.

The deviation from "standard" MMO's involves choice and story. The game will feature countless choices that have actual effect in the game world. The consequences for choices will be represented in gameplay.

The example Bioware gave at the presentation was fascinating.One of the early quests for Sith involves spending a long time harvesting crystals in a dungeon run. When you exit, a fellow novice asks you to give up your crystals so he may pass the test. You have the option of sacrificing to help him.. which gives you "Light Side" points. So it's possible to be a Light Side Sith or a Dark Side Jedi... the downside? It's very, very hard: Should you give up your crystals, you'll need to complete the same arduous collection quest you just finished, so choices have real consequences in game.

Another interesting aspect of the game: When you're partied up, and presented with a dark side/light side decision, majority rules. So if you're the odd man out, your game will be affected by the choices your party-mates make. Bioware explained it by essentially saying that when you interact with other people, it sometimes gets a bit... messy.

This is a minor point, but perhaps an important one: The game's previously announced space combat will be "on rails." The official explanation hearkens back to the Star Wars films. Bioware basically explained that never in the Star Wars films do you see Han Solo and Chewie deciding to "just dick around over there for awhile." Essentially, the space battles are meant to be exciting story elements as opposed to opportunities to explore the boundless reaches of space.

Hail to the King! More Duke Nukem Forever Screenshots

Sat, 4 Sep 2010 12:21:00 -0700

While we still may a bit in shock from our recent hands-on experience with Duke Nukem Forever, that hasn't stopped our team at PAX 2010 from getting some more screenshots and photos from the game, including, gasp, people actually playing it. To check them out yourself, just click the image above or this link for Duke Nukem Forever screenshots. Come and get some, baby!

Feel free to follow me on Twitter or if you have something you'd like to share, get in touch via E-mail.

Monster Hunter Tri Soundtrack Review

Sat, 4 Sep 2010 12:15:00 -0700

To say the Monster Hunter series is pretty big in Japan would be like saying you get wet when you jump in the ocean. The latest release, Monster Hunter 3(Tri), sold exceedingly well in Japan and garnered great reviews here. Fans of the Nintendo Wii title and of video game music in general should be celebrating the fact that Capcom saw fit to release the game’s soundtrack album in North America. Grab your provisions and join the Feed as we go hunting for some Monster Hunter 3(Tri) sounds for your ears to feast on.

If there were no further competition coming out this year, Monster Hunter 3(Tri) would win game soundtrack album of the year in this reviewer’s opinion. 52 pieces of music from the game span the two-CD set from Capcom and Sumthing Else Music Works. Featuring just about everything you would want to hear from the game, from themes to battle music, this is the kind of high quality album release game music aficionados outside of Japan dream about.

The real delight here is the music itself, composed by Capcom’s Yukko Miyama (Mega Man X 7 and Mega Man X 8) and Tadayo Shinmakin (Monster Hunter Freedom Unite). Monster Hunter 3(Tri) is a bit of a breed apart from other game titles and so is its music (there have been orchestral concerts performances of it in Japan so that should tell you something right there). Listeners can expect genre-bending style shifts throughout the album, going from a classic RPG motif one minute to a whirling dervish dance the next. Even the intentionally silly sounding jack-in-the-box music you hear while cooking meat in the game is included.

The opening theme to Monster Hunter 3(Tri) is one of those pieces that stick with you from first listen and its recognizable elements reappear throughout the album like a Great Jaggi stalking your character.

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Sweeping, majestic orchestral themes are expected in RPG’s, but some of the real gems here are the more tribal-based pieces, which, while they have a Japanese flavor at their core, are arranged and performed in such a way that they feel like music that is truly organic to the game world for which they were composed. A great example of this can be heard in “The Ship has Arrived” with its competing layered blend of Asian, Middle Eastern and island-influenced instrumentation.

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Combing layers of percussive elements with dual female vocal chants give this next piece about one of the game’s elder-dragons an appropriately epic level of dramatic effect.

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So while the soundtrack album for Monster Hunter 3(Tri) is an amazing listen, who is it really for? If you are outside of Japan and a fan of the game and haven’t bought it yet, really, what is wrong with you?? You are who this release was made for! While actually having play time with the game will make this a more enjoyable listen, game music fans (and soundtrack listeners in general) who haven’t journeyed into the world of Monster Hunter 3(Tri) should also enjoy this album for all of its fantastic qualities. Monster Hunter 3(Tri) is available now from Sumthing Else Music Works in both physical release and digital download formats.

Links Of TheFeed: Between Two Zerg

Sat, 4 Sep 2010 04:40:00 -0700

In this week's links, CollegeHumor combines two things synonymous with the freshman year of any gamer born in the early 1980's into one video: Starcraft and awkward roommate combinations. Check it out, along with another delightful episode of Between Two Ferns and more.

Peruse a list of the 30 funniest names in college football history, many of which have probably been used at one point or another by Bart Simpson. [Manofest]

Watch the latest episode of Between Two Ferns With Zach Galifianakis featuring Sean Penn. [FilmDrunk]

Having a roommate in college can be tough, especially when you're a Protoss and he's a Zerg. [CollegeHumor]

Enjoy a gallery of Pokemon… as people. [UnrealityMag]

Check out a very positive review of Machete. If you've seen the movie, do you agree? [Heavy]

Fresh Ink Online: Stump Town, Battlefields, and Sgt. Rock

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 20:00:00 -0700

Fresh Ink Online host Blair Butler hands you some educated information about the latest issues of Stump Town, Battlefields, and Sgt. Rock. But who will nab Pick of the Week? Tune in and find out...

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Talkabouts: Duke Nukem Forever

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 17:14:00 -0700

Our own Abbie Heppe and Kevin Kelly teamed up on the show floor at PAX Prime 2010 to discuss Gearbox Software’s newly announced Duke Nukem Forever, the game that refused to die and is now headed to consoles and PC next year. Both of them had a chance to go hands-on with the next-gen Duke, and here's what they had to say about reuniting with one of gaming's most iconic characters:

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PAX Prime 2010: Portal 2 Co-Op Hands-On Impressions

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 16:29:00 -0700

As if you needed yet another reason to hate Stephen Johnson, here he comes with his hands-on impressions of the co-op portion of Valve’s uber anticipated follow up to one of the most beloved titles ever, Portal 2, straight from the show floor at PAX Prime 2010. Just so you know I’m not lying, here’s a little tease:

"The demo at PAX showed off the beginning of the game's two-player track. It's totally separate from single-player, and Valve says it's about twice as long as the entirety of Portal. A key difference from the first game are the characters. Chell is saved for the single-player experience. In co-op, players take the role of either a skinny, orange robot or a fat, blue one. Each has a portal gun, and the two work together to solve challenges presented by GLADos."

Read the rest of the Steve's Portal 2 co-op hands-on impressions piece here.

PAX Prime 2010: Portal 2 Co-Op Screens Delight

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 15:38:00 -0700

Valve is currently letting attendees at PAX Prime 2010 go hands-on with the co-op portion of its eagerly awaited head-scratching sequel Portal 2. For those of us without the good fortune to be in Seattle at the moment, Valve has seen fit to send along a few new co-op screens to really make us hate the fact that we aren’t at PAX.

Check out the full set in our new photo gallery. Trust me. You want to see these.

Capcom Having Huge Hardware Sale For Dead Rising 2

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 14:14:00 -0700

Are you at PAX and in need of some proper hardware best suited for killing zombies? Then you'll want to check out the sale over at Greene's Hardware Sale. They've got everything you need at rock-bottom prices. I mean, $56.50 for a swordfish? That's a bargain at any price. The first 50 people to show up for the sale will take home a freebie, so line up and stare through the window at the things you absolutely need to have in your arsenal when blasting zombies.

What: Greene’s Hardware Super Sale (Dead Rising 2 Community Event)
Where: 909 Western Ave. Seattle, WA 98104
When: 8PM – 12 Midnight

Want to know more? You can keep reading for more images from the sales circular, and to find out that they're already extending this kill-tastic sale to Los Angeles on September 10. Info below!

What: Greene’s Hardware Super Sale (Dead Rising 2 Community Event)
Where: 2147 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90026
When: 8PM – 12 Midnight

Tech Review: Canon PowerShot S95 Digital Camera

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 13:53:00 -0700

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With Canon's HS system, 10 megapixel sensor and DIGIC 4 image processor, the PowerShot S95 digital camera promises astounding photo quality, HD video recording and more. Kevin Pereira and Carrie Keagan review this $400 camera for its array of features.

Find the full review from Gadget Pron on Attack of the Show after the cut.

What You Need To Know

This is one of the sleekest digital compact cameras we've seen.
It feels really light in your hand and is barely over an inch thick.
It easily slides in your pocket since the only thing that protrudes is the lens.
It's easy to use as any other digital camera.
If you're familiar with Canon cameras, you'll be able to use this one with no problem.
All the buttons are self explanatory and the rotational pad is nice.
One thing they added is the control ring, which you can assign different functions to, like focus, exposure, zoom, white balance, etc.
It's useful but might be a bit small to get your fingers around.
This also features new image stabilization technology, HD video recording and a bunch of cool photo effects.
All these features work pretty well for the most part.
The hybrid image stabilization uses both an accelerometer and angular sensor to eliminate blur.
HD video is a nice addition, especially because it looks really good.
In low light, it doesn't have much grain and in normal light, the photos look incredibly sharp.
Photo effects like fish-eye, miniature, and old-timey are fun to use.
We know this kind of stuff is easily done in Photoshop, but it's nice to see how it looks on the camera.
You can almost always rely on Canon to have great photo quality, and this one is pretty good.
Normal light photos look fantastic and these are some of the most vibrant colors we've seen from a compact camera.
Normal problems like soft focus and blur is very rare.
Low light photos are only okay; with the flash, colors can look almost too saturated and pictures have some digital noise.
The quality may improve slightly if you use the dedicated light more.

Price

$400

Rating

4 Seals of Approval out of 5 (How do we rate gadgets?)

Want something reviewed on Gadget Pr0n? Email us your suggestions to gadgetpron@g4tv.com.

Ridley Scott Dishes On His Two Alien Prequels

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 13:42:00 -0700

In an interview with UK paper The Independent, 72 year-old director Ridley Scott discusses his career retrospectively and uses the opportunity to emphasize that he's far from being done working. Case in point, the two prequels to the Alien franchise that he has lined-up. Director of the original 1979 film, he would have to sit back and watch James Cameron's groundbreaking 1986 sequel, David Fincher's gritty head-scratching third film, a fourth film with Ripley's "clone," as well as the entries in the Alien vs. Predator franchise. Getting the series back to its roots (and beyond,) the franchise's original helmsman seems to have major plans for the revival and wants to go real deep into the mythology of the Alien universe. The question is, will fans be excited enough after the franchise has been essentially watered-down over the years? Scott tends to think so, and he's got no shortage of tricks up his sleeve.

In its apex in popularity with Cameron's film, the Alien franchise was untouchable. Yet, we're now in the ironic position where committing to not one, but two prequels to this still-beloved mega franchise has proven a huge risk. Scott, nevertheless, seems more than aware of that factor and still remains committed to the big revival of our favorite gut-busting, acid-bleeding baddies. However, with the two features set for a 3D release (who'd have thunk it?) and Lost mastermind Damon Lindelof leaving the Island to get on board as chief scribe, its chances may not be that bad.

According to Scott:

"The film will be really tough, really nasty. It's the dark side of the moon. We are talking about gods and engineers. Engineers of space. And were the aliens designed as a form of biological warfare? Or biology that would go in and clean up a planet?"

Based on these hints, it seems that we're looking at an explanation for the Aliens which defies natural evolution. Could we be getting yet another tale about how humanity is so screwed-up that it uses all its resources to enable its own destruction? (Although that tale is more than a bit tired, now.) Or could the comment about "gods and engineers" imply that this may be more of a mythological tale of other-worldly titans, whose powers ultimate bring about a horrible byproduct? (In which case, Sam Worthington will somehow end up in it.) Either way, it's intriguing. What is certain of the storyline, is that the film will be set to take place thirty years before the events of the first film in which Ripley and the crew of the commercial space freighter Nostromo get stuck with the worst...stowaway...ever.

It's also clear from Scott's demeanor, that his plans are quite ambitious. In a sense, losing out on the opportunity to direct the now-legendary 1986 sequel to James Cameron still manages to get his competitive juices flowing. (Especially since Cameron's name is now attached to one of the biggest box-office monsters of all time in the 3D movie with the blue people.) Scott comments on Cameron:

"Jim's raised the bar and I've got to jump to it," he says, in a friendly jibe at Cameron. "He's not going to get away with it."

Ohhhh, IT'S ON!!! Ridley Scott forgives, but don't forget!

How's it looking to you? Can Ridley Scott successfully reinvigorate the franchise he started over 30 years ago? Do the Aliens have enough life left in them to send those Na'vi running for the hills?

Source: The Independent (via MovieWeb)

PAX 2010: Warren Spector's Keynote Address

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 13:20:00 -0700

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I genuinely wish you, and every gamer alive, could have attended Warren Spector's keynote speech at PAX 2010. Spector, the creator of Deus Ex, Thief and now Disney Epic Mickey, kicked off the con with a very inspirational speech that gave a thumbnail sketch of geek history, moved on to the current "Golden Age" of gaming, and gave a look at the future of games as an art form.

"Games are an art form," Spector reminded the crowd. "I'm no longer going to worry about that, or what society thinks of it. We're unique; we're an art form, and we're here to stay."

Spector showed off some photos that clearly established his last-gen geek cred, begining with an infant Spector in Mickey Mouse ears. He grew up on Ray Harryhausen epics, comic books, and sci-fi films. Then moved on to table top gaming (D&D in the 1970s FTW!), and his introduction to video games' possibility in the form of the Atari game Space Raiders. He worked at Steve Jackson Games then moved on to Lord British's Origin System, and then to Deus Ex and Thief.

More than just an establishment of his bonafides, Spector's presentation highlighted something important: When all of the art forms he loves were "young," they threatened older people. People in power blamed comics, TV, movies and Dungeons and Dragons for poisoning young minds -- a lot like people now think of games.

Spector pointed out that Shakespeare' Globe theater was regarded as encouraging criminals and louts to hang around, and the novel was regarded as sucking people's lives away when it first became popular.

The place of games as a "legitimate" form of expression is soon to be decided by the Supreme Court. November 2 marks the beginning of the case that could decide whether games are protected by the First Amendment.

Spector went on to remind us how the "mainstream" was becoming interested in our little hobby, and reminded gamers that we should welcome, as opposed to shunning, the newcomers.

"We spent 20 years trying to convince the public how amazing games are, and we've won," Spector said."Revel in your specialness, but we have to get past not wanting to let more people in the club."

I couldn't possibly have said it better myself.

Spector ended his presentation with a look at Disney Epic Mickey... I'm gonna use one word: Amazing.

Epic Mickey Hands-On Preview

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 12:26:00 -0700

From Steamboat Willie to Kingdom Hearts, the progression of Disney properties into the gamerverse is becoming ever more popular. And if anybody, anywhere, could make a Mickey Mouse videogame property legit, it's Warren Spector. This isn't the first time we've seen Disney Epic Mickey in action, but every time we do, it continues to impress.

"The gameplay in Disney Epic Mickey is fairly simple: lots of running, jumping, and deciding whether to thin or paint things in the world, and when you get to those film-based levels, it's just platorming: jumping and avoiding damage. Mickey has a nifty little spin move by shaking the Wiimote when you're in 2D, but the controls are still (thankfully) very easy."

Pick up your paint thinner and add some color to our full-on preview of Disney Epic Mickey.

Duke Nukem Forever Hands-On Preview (Yes, Really!)

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 12:19:00 -0700

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It finally happened. Don’t ask us what demonic forces had to be appeased to bring it about, but we just finished up a hands-on session with Gearbox Software’s newly revealed, and long, long, long awaited balls out shooter Duke Nukem Forever. Kevin Kelly sent back his impressions from the show floor at PAX Prime 2010. Here’s a taste:

"After they finish their attack plan "Which is basically, 'go get him'", you're able to run into the corridor outside, or do a little exploring. I found that you could actually go to the whiteboard and pick up different colored markers to design your own piece of art. Who figured there would be an artistic section to the game? When I finally backed away from the board, one of the soldiers in the room appraised my battle schematic and said 'If we had done that, that guy would still have his arm. And at least one of his balls.' Nice."

Check out Kevin's full Duke Nukem Forever hands-on impressions here.

Four New Fable 3 Screens Bring the Swashbuckling And…Map Pointing

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 11:42:00 -0700

Lionhead Studios has released a handful of shiny new screens from Peter Molyneux and company’s latest installment in their acclaimed adventure RPG series, Fable III. The level of detail in the shots is particularly striking, especially in the above image. Am I crazy or is that a medieval version of Stephen Johnson in the background?

Click through for three more screens.

Should the need arise, feel free to E-Mail me your tips, suggestions, and/or personal philosophies, or follow me on Twitter.

F.E.A.R. 3 Preview

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 11:39:00 -0700

While F.E.A.R 3 is hardly the third title in the F.E.A.R. franchise, its impending release marks the continuation of the bloodsoaked opus of Alma, the creepy, long-haired girl who refuses to stay dead. While we like to think of it as an unofficial sequel to The Ring, here's a small slice from our latest preview.

"Senior producer on the project Dan Hay said that they really sat down and tried to decide how to evolve the game. How do you make it scary? They decided to go back to the brothers' roots by having Fettel return as a ghost, while Point Man is back in the familiar role of a run and gunner. They loathe each other, but that have to work together because Alma, the supernatural psychic, is massively pregnant (the game is set nine months after F.E.A.R. 2, do the math), and her metaphysical contractions are tearing apart the world around them."

You don't have to be a disembodied spirit to check out our complete preview of F.E.A.R. 3.

Around the Net 9.03.10

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 11:30:00 -0700

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If you want to witness all of the weirdness that our big, blue marble has to offer then don't miss today's ATN. It features a creepy, overly enthusiastic, singing mannequin, a deer that loves to drink beer! Bizarre.

Find the direct video links from Around the Net on Attack of the Show after the jump.

Killzone 3 Gets Official Release Date

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 11:12:00 -0700

Sony announced today that Guerilla Games’ upcoming shooter threequel Killzone 3 now has an official release date: February 22, 2011.

I spent some hands-on time with the new and improved multiplayer mode during Gamescom, and really liked what I saw. The game is on the show floor at PAX Prime this weekend, so if you’re in the area, stop by and check it out.

Source: PlayStation Blog

Should the need arise, feel free to E-Mail me your tips, suggestions, and/or personal philosophies, or follow me on Twitter.

Ubisoft Announces Outland For PSN And XBLA

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 10:51:00 -0700

Ubisoft today revealed the first details about Outland, a new stylish adventure-platformer from Super Stardust HD developer Housemarque coming to PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade in early 2011.

Here’s the official description:

“Outland puts players in the middle of a world of balance and chaos where their efforts allow them to bridge the ancient divide, or doom the world to destruction. Each player's adventure will take them between light and darkness and force them to adapt to an ever-changing world. This light versus dark core gameplay is inspired by the arcade classic Ikaruga.”

Players can expect to run, jump, climb and swordfight their way through this eye-catching world on the brink of destruction next year. Or, if you happen to be at PAX Prime this weekend, you’ll be able to see the game in action for yourself at Ubisoft’s booth.

Check out some more vibrant in-game shots in our photo gallery.

Should the need arise, feel free to E-Mail me your tips, suggestions, and/or personal philosophies, or follow me on Twitter.

Hot Trailer: Hobo With A Shotgun Will Demand Your Change

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 10:44:00 -0700

Just as the unapologetic ultra-violence of Machete hits theaters this weekend, it seems we are being treated to our first look at another veteran of the Grindhouse family of fake trailers in Hobo with a Shotgun. What started as a contest-winning entry by Canadian filmmaker Jason Eisener, would then join the Canadian screenings of the 2007 Grindhouse double feature (although it did not appear in the US screenings) as one of the hilariously awesome fake trailers. Much like its currently-spotlighted brethren in Machete, it gained steam online and has been reinvented as a full-length feature. Replacing David Brunt as the original trailer's "Hobo" will be the legendary Rutger Hauer, who is seen in this trailer doing a phenomenal job kicking all kinds of ass. Think of the character as Travis Bickle except with a change cup and a way bigger chip on his shoulder.

Click here to watch the trailer, which we are not embedding since it's extremely NSFW.

It seems that we are in a period of re-awakening with films that indulge in pure unadulterated violence. Quite frankly, it's about time. At this point, after a generation of flashy, overdone action films which have indulged in both over-the-top GCI and the illusion of social poignancy, people have had enough. Perhaps buttressed on a level of irony, I think moviegoers are getting back to their roots at enjoying the unpretentious, almost guilty-pleasure qualities that these kind of films have to offer. In spite of their deceptively superficial nature, the exploitation films of the 70's and 80's were able to speak more about a culture than one would think. -- You just have look deep enough.

And just to reiterate the praise, Rutger Hauer is absolutely amazing in this trailer. If you have managed to check out the original trailer (which is not very hard to find,) you can fully appreciate how he managed to add this extra layer of cantankerousness to the Hobo character that really makes him believable, in spite of the film's ludicrous setup. Do check it out. You'll be in awe while laughing your ass off. (In a good way.)