February's Game of the Month: Earth Defense Force 2025

  

Yeah, it's not even out until the 18th of the month, but I've owned the Japanese version of the game since it came out last July and it's pretty amazing and VERY replayable, a great thing in this age of games you can blow through in less time that it takes to make a crock pot dish. EDF 2025's four distinct classes, 780 weapons, over 90 levels (with more coming through three DLC expansions) and both couch co-op and multiplayer modes means this one will be in some play stacks for a good long while.

Sure, it's not the "best" looking game and yes, developer Sandlot isn't whipping out visuals that are going to compete with the greatest-looking games of last generation. That said, the scale of the maps plus the level of destruction here is remarkable, and combined with the seemingly simple gameplay that grows deeper as the game gets more challenging, makes this one a keeper even after you've beaten it. Which will take weeks if you're going for every bit of content.

So yeah, BUY THIS GAME. PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 only (Sandlot doesn't make PC Games, sorry!).

Your Pretty Obvious Game of the Month: Grand Theft Auto V

September 17, folks. Yeah, yeah, it's not even out yet, but between all the content descriptions, teasers, trailers and screens it's more than clear that this is Rockstar's biggest game to date and it will be a major distraction for those fans who buy in and tune out the even crazier goings on in the real world. Provided the planet doesn't blow itself up, melt or get invaded by aliens (and variations of two of those three things could happen), it should be a great holiday season for anyone employed at the company when those bonus checks go flying around...

Game of the Month: Dragon's Crown

As in just shut up and buy it already if you own a PS3 or Vita. There are big differences in both versions (so yeah, you want both), that art book is PHENOMENAL (and even more so if you happen to have imported either expensive deluxe Japanese version of the game) and the game itself is an instant classic that's both a throwback to arcade beat 'em ups as well as its own bird.

Take a peek at the video below if you're not convinced yet. If that stunning artwork and outrageously stylized characters don't get your eyes popping and your wallet flying out of your pocket or purse, well... I can't help you in your art appreciation much. Anyway, grab this for home and/or the road and tell a friend if they own a PS3 or Vita to buy this as well. You'll be able to play together... but the game WILL make both of you work like hell for that privilege, as co-op is locked out until you play through the main game once. This won't take too long, mind you and hell, you'll NEED the bonuses earned in order to survive the harder difficulties and alternate paths.

Random Game of the (Upcoming) Week: Remember Me

Despite the heavy focus on multiplayer and "socializing" game experiences to the point of insanity (every game really doesn't need a co-op or online mode!), single player story-based games aren't quite a dying breed, but neither are whiny gamers who demand every game be some sort of open world experiece. Capcom's Remember Me, (out June 4, 2013) is looking like one of those cool new IP that will please fans of games where atmosphere and intriguing characterizations are more important than back of the pack bullet points. I'll have a full review on the NEW DAF site in a few days, so pop on over and check it out...

Review: Resistance 3

Platform: PlayStation 3

Developer: Insomniac Games

Publisher: SCEA

# of Players: 1 - 2 (Online: 1 - 16)

ESRB Rating: M (Mature)

Official Site

Score: A-

It's absolutely been the best year to be a PS3 owner and Resistance 3 continues Sony's streak of solid first-party titles with an exhilarating, action-packed shooter that's an absolute must-buy. Packing in a lengthy single-player campaign (with solid offline or online co-op), satisfying multiplayer and a ridiculous amount of over the top battles, this is one of those games FPS fans will get a ton of mileage out of. Key to the gameplay experience are the incredibly fluid controls whether you're using a Dual Shock 3, PS Move/Navigation controller combo or Sharpshooter peripheral and yes, the game looks fantastic. There area few quirks here and there with the AI on the easier settings and if you want to get the most out of the co-op and multiplayer, the game requires some mandatory patching that fixes a few release bugs. Nevertheless, once that's taken care of, you're in for quite a wild ride.

TGS 2011: Ni No Kuni Coming To PS3 In North America Next Year

Fantastic. Level-5 and Studio Ghibli's gorgeous single-player RPG Ni no Kuni: Shiroki Seihai no Joō has been one of the most desired for localization imports of the last few years. The game revolves around a young boy who enters an alternate world using a magical book in order to try and resurrect his late mother. The Nintendo DS version, Ni no Kuni: Shikkoku no Madōshi was released last year to rave reviews in Japan and excellent sales, so it's pretty much guaranteed that the November 2011 Japanese release for the PS3 will be equally successful. As soon as we find out who's localizing and publishing the US version, that news will become available.

While no word of an English localization of the DS version has been announced, I'd imagine Nintendo (and Nintendo of America) wouldn't let Sony steal all the glory by getting the only version of this eagerly awaited game to gamers outside of Japan. That and the Japanese version of the DS game came in a really cool over-sized box thanks to the game manual designed to look like the magic book the main character carries and yes, it would indeed be great to see a similar package hit US as well as UK and European retailers.

Sony Announces PS3 Price Cuts Now, Nintendo To Release Lower Priced Wii This Xmas

Yup, the ongoing economy issues worldwide have made these price cuts necessary, but it's also the beginning of the build up to new consoles (which should more than likely be announced at next year's E3 for a 2013-2014 launch by my calculations). At its Gamescom 2011 press conference, Sony announced that effective immediately, the core 160GB PlayStation 3 model will now retail at $249.00 and the core 320GB console for $299 in the US.

Sony also announced a new value model PSP without Wi-Fi support at the event, but as far as I can tell, this model is only set for an European release at a price point of 99 Euros. I'd hope that this model makes it to US shores, as there are literally TONS of UMD games out there that will sell if bundled with the new lower-priced unit.

White Knight Chronicles II: New, Improved & You Get The First Game Free

With so many big-name RPG's rolling out this fall from a few big name publishers, it's easy to overlook some genre gems coming from unexpected places. D3Publisher of America is also branching into console RPG territory with the upcoming release of White Knight Chronicles II, exclusively for the PS3. The Level 5-developed JRPG features a huge amount of improvements over the original, which has itself been enhanced and added to the package as a ridiculously awesome bonus.

ICO/Shadow of the Colossus Classics Trailer

Nostalgia usually means your head is about to be kicked in the ass by wistful memories of something that wasn't so great, but in this case, it's absolutely fantastic to see these two gems coming back for a new generation of gamers (including too many that never actually owned either game). The HD and optional 3D are fantastic, the soundtracks are perfection and that mix of hand-animation and superb gameplay will keep these in your collection for quite some time. Hell, I still own both originals and definitely plan to snap up this collection once it's out at retail.

Win Free Stuff! Anyone Want a Killzone 3 Moleskine Lined Journal?

I have ONE of these to give away, US residents ONLY (sorry you folks from up north and across the pond!). All you need to to is post a comment below and you're in the drawing. feel free to get someone to sign up and post here if you're not a Killzone fan. As long as they live in the U.S. of A., I'm not picky!

Of course, the winner needs to cough up an actual mailing address so they can get their prize. DON'T put your personal info in your post, of course! This is a pretty slick leather-bound journal with lined pages and a band to keep it shut. I think it's 100 pages, but I didn't crack it open to count them. Quite a cool item you won't find in stores, so good luck!

Official-sounding rules below.

CONTEST RULES: OPEN TO US RESIDENTS ONLY! To enter: post ONE random comment here - that's it. Winner will be chosen at random on Monday, March 7, 2011. Winner will be contacted via email or through the DAF site in order to get your correct US mailing address. Item will be shipped out within 48 hours after winner has been chosen. Cash value of cool prize: zero (unless you decide to sell it on ebay and make a profit).

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Review: Trinity: Souls of Zill O'll

Platform: PlayStation 3

Developer: Omega Force

Publisher: Tecmo Koei

# of Players: 1

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Official Site

Score: B+

If you're a big fan of hack & slash action RPGs and happen to own a PlayStation 3, Trinity: Souls of Zill O'll is going to be right up your alley. Omega Force's latest is a solid dungeon hack with a few splashes of familiar genre influences (both Eastern and Western) from Diablo to Demon's Souls. If that puts a grin on your face, you're all set for many hours of quality monster slaying, loot grabbing and quests galore. The game's non-linear structure allows for enough freedom that the main plot of a half-elf's revenge against the evil overlord that killed his family almost takes second place to the sheer amount of rescue/escort missions, fetch quests, arena challenges and other RPG staples. I say almost because while the story does pick up as the game goes on, the simple, yet challenging gameplay is the star when it needs to be. While it isn't perfect, Omega Force deserves a ton of credit for making such a fun to play experience that's guaranteed to steal many hours from those players that fall under its spell.

MLB 11: The Show "In a Jam" Trailer

Can you believe it's almost baseball season? Man, time just flies, we're in for a BIG snowstorm and hell, the Super Bowl hasn't even taken place yet! Anyway, here's a look at Sony's baseball game in this new trailer. Now I want a hot dog, a cold beer and a bag of peanuts...

MotorStorm Apocalypse 3D Trailer (Now, In Stunning 2D!)

Even without the insane 3D effect making your eyes pop out of your head saying "oooooooh", this trailer for Evolution Studios' upcoming PS3 exclusive racer is just plain spectacular, over the top insanity. Keep this one on your radars, folks - the game is really turning out to be a total blast. Now if only Sony would revive and give Evolution the Rally Cross license and let them have at it, I'd be an even happier gamer!

Trinity: Souls of Zill O'll Epic Trailer

Here's a peek at the final English-language trailer for Koei Tecmo's single player fantasy Action/RPG, set to hit US stores on February 8, 2011 (and UK outlets on February 11) exclusively for the PS3. Omega Force's super-stylized visuals are pretty neat overall. If the story is decent, this might be a bit of a sleeper in a VERY busy month full of games (in an even crazier year stuffed with more!). 2011 is turning into the turduckhen of game years, it seems...

Ar tonelico Qoga Official Website/ Premium Box Set Revealed

UPDATE! Pre-ordering has been activated at the NISA Online Store and yes, 1000 lucky folks who boogie on over to order the even more limited edition will get a neat bonus Cosmosphere Calendar (in the right image) featuring the ladies from the game!

As you can see, this installment gets a Mature rating, so cute anime characters and colorful art aside, just like the previous two installments, the innuendo and such DEFINITELY aren't for the kids. Trust me. If you've never played an Ar tonelico game before, you'll be shocked (shocked, i say!) at the content. Well, probably not... but better safe than sorry, given some of the more humorous dialog and er, saucy images from the other games. Check out the Official Site and/or those store links above for more details!

MotorStorm Apocalypse Festival Mode Developer Diary

Yet one more of the upcoming PS3 games that will make you want a shiny new 3DTV, but also looks spectacular and speedy on anything. Take a look at this dev diary and see how it's all coming together. Batteries not included, some assembly required. Warning: small parts - not for children under 3 years.

LBP2 Guinness World Record Event Videos ( A Whole Bunch of Them, At That)

Heck, I should get a Guinness record for running all these LBP2 videos! Enjoy them all (a whopping EIGHT more this time!), and go buy a copy of the game already. Of course, if you're already playing the game, you're too busy to be here, right? Oh, in case you ask, I refuse to post the Jersey Shore video interview, as I don't want your intelligence points to drop (sorry, Snooki, I need my readers smart!)...

New Killzone 3 Teaser

2.22.2011 is the release date and as I've been saying, this is truly the year the PS3 comes into play as a powerhouse console with first and third-party titles that will boost even the most jaded gamers off their couches. I can't wait...

LBP2 "Controlinator" Tutorial

The Guinness World Record event was pretty cool - I'll run a few pics later today. Here's a fun LBP2 tutorial video shot during the event. More videos to come!

Hyperdimension Neptunia Premium Package Pre-order Goodies Update - It's In the Cards...

So, you want MORE Hyperdimension Neptunia (aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!) goodness? OK - NIS America has revealed an upcoming pre-order program for the PS3 exclusive that will net the first 1000 folks who sign up for a copy of the game through their online store a set of limited edition playing cards. This "Limited Edition Gamindustri Premium Pack" include the Premium Edition of Hyperdimension Neptunia and that fully customized deck of playing cards. Expect to see the game's super cute CPU Goddesses for all the face cards and with a customized Neptunia card back and perhaps a few special Jokers in the deck. This one keeps getting better and better...