XCOM Gameplay Video: Why 2K Games Deserves More Respect...

There's SO much hate for this game from people who haven't even played it yet or worse, have such a death grip on their beloved (and indeed, absolutely classic) PC game that they're unwilling to let the dev team make the game they're trying to make. I say let 2K Marin and 2K China do their job and enjoy their take on XCOM on its own merits. The team has already bowed to an incredible amount of pressure from some of the more vocal "fans" out there, making tweaks to the gameplay to add more 'tactical' elements. But I think that's all that needs to be done to appease some that still don't seem to understand that every story needs a beginning. Hell, something as huge as the X-Com organization you know and love didn't come from a vacuum. I see the new game as laying the groundwork for a more complex future that includes all the other turn and action-based games in the series. Bending over backward and taking do or die orders from a mostly mean-spirited bunch that's not even interested in touching the new game will only strip away what the developers are trying to create.

Binary Domain Story Trailer: Nothing "New", But That's Just Fine...

Holy cats, it's summer already. Here's a look at a story trailer from Sega's upcoming sci-fi shooter. Sure, it's a bit generic, but at the end of the day, it's all about the game, the gameplay and whether both are fun to dive into. Speaking of, yes, the Duke review is late - I'm just about to complete the game for the third time just to prove a point. It's a lot better than the reviews say, but it seems not a lot of today's gamers (and sadly, some critics) have bothered to go back and play Duke Nukem 3D so they could see what was intended. Don't worry Duke, I'm coming to save your ass!

E3 2011: Mass Effect 3 Is One Of My Games of the Show (Or, Yup, It's All That)

As solid as the previous installments were, it looks as if Bioware is pulling out all the stops even further for the third installment. Refined, faster combat and a slicker visual upgrade should give the game even more appeal to the action gamer crowd and of course, that character interaction Bioware is famous for is in full effect. While ME3 was one of the games of the show for me (sequel division) I'm hoping the strangely addictive mining mini-game makes a return (with a few tweaks to make it easier to hop into for newbies) and we get more side missions that add depth to the overall plot. The fight to (hopefully) save Earth begins on the PC. PS3 and Xbox 360 March 6, 2012.

E3 2011: Deep Black Trailer

I'd been looking at a few screens from this underwater action game for a while and this cool video is making me want tho start taking swimming lessons. I'm hoping the game manages to do something different other than just be a great-looking twist on the usual run 'n gun game. So far, I'm definitely not complaining at all...

Nintendo @E3 2011: Day 2 and 3 Wrap-Ups

Bang and POW! Here are Nintendo's own E3 videos featuring a ton of cool games and info. I'll also be posting all of the 3DS and Wii trailers starting next week in case you missed them. Wii U videos as as well are coming. As for the stock drop as a result of the Wii U announcement... Hell, am I the ONLY one who got that darn presentation? Analysts are dopes ESPECIALLY if they're not game developers or gamers. All I'll say is this sort of inane speculation that drives stock prices down is ridiculous.

E3 2011: Capcom Booth Tour

Always a hit with gamers and journalist-types, Capcom's E3 booth was PACKED with great upcoming titles this year. Check out the amazing amount of fun stuff coming your way games (and see some of the people who make them possible). BTW, Asura's Wrath, Dragon's Dogma and Street Fighter X Tekken are my three most-wanted games, but I'll gladly take them all. No Monster Hunter in sight in this video, but give it time, folks. I'm sure Capcom hasn't forgotten you loyal guys and gals...

E3 2011: Dark Souls Producer Interview

OK, I lied (well, not really) - I'm actually waiting for a call before my travel plans, so I figured I'd post a few more things I liked. Here's a peek at Dark Souls, thanks to Namco Bandai's crack interview team. This one is going to be big, that's for sure and finally, Xbox 360 owners can see what PS3 users who snapped up Demon's Souls have been raving about.

Back In a Bit... Post-E3 Version

Yes, I'm exhausted and taking the weekend off - I'll be compiling a ton of notes on the way back and will be running updates and trailers all next week along with a few reviews I started before the show. Expect some game of the show picks (Arkham City, Skyrim, Wii U, some indie stuff, Vita, blah, blah blah...)

E3 2011: Afterfall InSanity Trailer - Horror Express, Indeed!

Yikes. Polish developer Nicholas Entertainment Group has a superbly scary treat for PC gamers who like things nice and freaky. Turn out the lights and pull up a chair, but point it toward a door, because you'll be running for the hills in a few seconds. Looks great and yes, I want to see this get moved to a console at some point so MORE people can play it.

E3 2011: The Lord of the Rings: War In the North Trailer: Massively Impressive Mullitplayer

Like a lot of you out there, I'm a HUGE admirer of Snowblind Studios' gorgeous work, so every bit of info on this one has been swallowed whole and digested so it's absolutely on my most wanted list. This tiny teaser of things to come shows promise and I can't wait to dive into the more brutal (and accurate) version of Middle-Earth the team has crafted. Let's hope there's at least ONE portable version in the works (Vita, Vita, Vita!). Even if I don't magically get a review copy, I'm buying this outright, day one.

E3 2011: Bastion and Crimson Alliance: Beautiful, Brillaint (And They Should Be In Boxes!)

Games like these deserve more than just a mere XBLA or PC download. Stick a few copies on disc and get it out to retail so you get more people picking it up. Hell, it'll be a great "impulse" buy either direct from the developer's site, an online retailer that does both packaged and download content. Indie developers SuperGiant Games and Certain Affinity have winners here and I want to see as many people as possible grooving on their work who don't have a Xbox 360 in the house (not everyone does) or access to a high-speed connection.

E3 2011: Hawken: Mech -Stomping Indie Powerhouse

WOW is pretty much my tired-ass response to seeing this phenomenal game in action. Armored Core meets Phantom Crash meets Mechwarrior = all kinds of spectacular. Yeah, yeah, it's OLD footage, but heck, the game is being made by under ten people (six), so I'm cutting these chaps some slack for the moment. PC-only, but according to that G4 interview, console deals are indeed a possibility. Right now, the game is multiplayer only, but I'd love to see a well-done single player campaign added just so this awesome game engine isn't wasted on the "pew-pew" drool cup crowd who just wants to clank around and shoot each other in the head while bragging about their tricked out PC configurations. You don't need any psychic powers to predict Adhesive Games is going to be one of those developers on everyone's lips once their "little" game is completed. WOW.

Sly Cooper: Thieves In Time Trailer

For the first PS3 Sly adventure, Sucker Punch hands off the development chores to the more than capable team at Sanzaru and based on this sneak peek, die-hard Sly fans have nothing to fret about. Go pick up that cool Sly Collection if you haven't, by the way. I'm gathering we'll be getting a longer adventure this time out and perhaps some sort of multiplayer or perhaps other online content, but I personally prefer a straight up single-player focused story-driven game. Oh, and some sort of Vita functionality (or a standalone portable version). We'll see how it goes...

inFamous 2 Launch Trailer/TV Ad: Kevin Butler Still Has A Job!

While it might seem like an odd strategy to release such a huge game during E3, Sony's doing all it can to get PS3 owners glued and wired back into a more normal gaming life. Go Sony! The rather funny Kevin Butler TV ad for the game is below. I guess Sony had to keep the man busy even with their more serious tone at this year's press conference. Now I just need to make time to play this somewhere in all this updating and running around. That mission editor deal sounds pretty spectacular, that's for sure...

E3 2011: Earth Defense Force Insect Armageddon Trailer (UK)

Yes, it's the UK version (Namco Bandai is publishing the game there), but sonce D3 hasn't posted this yet, I'm running this version here (which is the same save for an ESRB descriptor at the beginning and D3Publisher's logo at the end) just to keep you EDFIA fans happy and ready for July 5, 2011. EDF! EDF!

E3 2011: Armored Core V Trailer

Or: More stuff I like a LOT, Vol. Whatever (I've lost count thanks to too many games in previous volumes)- One of the best mech series on a console is back in action in this new CG trailer. FromSoftware is pretty much at the top of their game, I'd say... now where are the Wii U and PS Vita versions? Give it time, I say...

E3 2011: Check Out The Atlus Booth!

So, what's going on with one of my favorite publishers? Take a super-quick tour of their E3 booth and find out, that's what! Now, if only I could get them to fly to NYC one day with all their wonderful games...

E3 2011: Captain America Prologue

Can Cap rescue Sega from the not quite stellar superhero game doldrums? Well, I think it can, but I guess it's up to you guys and gals with the wallets to decide. Here's a look at a cool CG movie from the upcoming game. Remember kids, "When he's led to a fight and a duel is due, then the red and the white and the blue will come through..."

E3 2011: Nintendo Has Its Day In the Sun (Indoors)

Here's Nintendo's always sunny take on its E3 press conference. I'm still surprised as hell SO many so-called professionals were "confused" by the Wii U unveiling. Reggie? Call me - I got it. Boy did I get it... Now I hope to hell all the developers that get cooking making games for the new console get it as well...

E3 2011: Killer Freaks Trailer

As I'm always on the hunt for oddball games, here's one of those "What the..." peeks for another upcoming UbiSoft title. This one looks pretty interesting, but I'd gather some hands-on time will tell all...