This Week in Games - 8/24

It is Transformers week, people. Fall of Cybertron dropped on Tuesday, and I have been all over it like an Allicon on energon goodies. As you may recall, I loved the first game, got pretty excited about the demo for this game, and have a general obsession with all things Cybertronian. I have been steeping myself in all things Transformers for weeks now-- reading the classic comics, grabbing the new FoC toys, and watching the surprisingly good Transformers: Prime. Point is, I finally get to play as Grimlock. My life is complete.

Video games in ukiyo-e style!

It's always interesting to watch big companies grapple with new business models. It's also frustrating to hear their constant complaints about piracy.

Please enjoy this blast of pure '90s.

This Week in Games - 8/17

I'm going to try something new. Clearly, I have trouble committing to anything like a regular schedule, probably because I can't resist making my posts into Tolstoy novels. But I should at least be able to post some links to articles that other, more talented, more organized people have written. Each Friday I will (try to) post a few of the most interesting articles I read that week.

Darksiders II (above) released this week. I played the first game not too long ago, and this sequel is one of the few new games I'm excited about this year.

Inside pictures of a GameStop refurbishment center. See inside the belly of the Beast!

I wasn't even aware of Sleeping Dogs until its release this week, and now suddenly, it dominates my waking thoughts. I did a study abroad in Hong Kong, and I still think of it as "my 'hood." While the game isn't exacly GPS-accurate, the idea if a meaty-but-focused open-world Hong Kong crime drama is pretty damn appealing. The money quote: "This is what Grand Theft Auto might feel like with a good editor."

EA is exploring a sale. That seems weird to me. Like saying the state of Delaware is for sale.

Do you know Extra Creditz? You should. The last two episodes were stellar.

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron Early Demo Impressions

I hadn't intended on pre-ordering Fall of Cybertron, even though it's one of the few games this year I'm really excited for. As you may recall, I enjoyed the first game quite a bit, but right now I am literally up to my ass in new games to play so I was intending to save this one for later in the year. But GameStop suckered me in with their Generation 1 Retro Pack preorder bonus. Just look at Optimus up there, in all his original cab-over glory! GameStop, you know far too well what brings me to the yard.

So I skipped into town yesterday to trade some stuff in for the preorder, and included with it was early access to the FoC demo. I had no idea about this until the clerk told me, but it was a pleasant surprise. Of course, the demo is live today for everyone, but that shall not dull my triumph! With the benefit of an entire half day of extra time with the demo, I have some early (and generally favorable) impressions to share. Hit the jump for more.

Arcade Shooters: Bulletstorm and Vanquish

Two more great shooters from the bargain bin, Bulletstorm and Vanquish offer an entertaining change of pace from your typical AAA fare. I call these "arcade shooters" because the focus is on fast, chaotic action and rewarding the player for creative and skillful kills. Indeed, each level wraps up with a score breakdown and provides leaderboards to compete with people on your friends list.

BioShock 2 is a bargain-bin gem

Hipster instinct would tell you that there is no way this game could possibly be any good. BioShock was a masterpiece, elevating the art of storytelling in games and becoming an instant classic. It did not beg for the franchise treatment. This, annecessary sequel, developed by a completely different studio without the involvement of Ken Levine or any of the original team, seems like a cynical cash-in on a beloved work of art. It’s The Phantom Menace. It’s those new Dune books. A wretched creature, shriveled and crying out for a merciful death.

But strip away all of those expectations, forget for a moment that this game is in any way connected to its beloved forerunner, and what you will find is an very competent shooter with its own voice and a fun bag of tricks.

Voiding Warranties: Modding the Tekken 6 Fightstick, Part 2

Ohhh what have I done...

Replacing the buttons was a wee bit trickier, as it involved a lot of circuit boards, solder, burnt flesh, and a minor demonic summoning.

Voiding Warranties: Modding the Tekken 6 Fightstick, Part 1

I picked up Super Street Fighter IV on sale at Kmart for $20. I was curious about the title, since it had ushered in something of a renaissance for the fighting game genre. Marvel vs. Capcom 3, a revamped Mortal Kombat, and SoulCalibur V all followed within a couple years, not to mention a slew 2D fighters both new and old. They're even making two separate Street Fighter/Tekken crossover games, just because they can.

Truth be told, I'm not much of a "fighting game guy." The last one I played with any regularity was Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance during my college days (on the GameCube, of all things), and before that it was Tekken 3 on the original PlayStation. This lack of practice was immediately apparent as soon as the disk hit the tray, as I proceeded to get my ass handed to me ten ways from Sunday. And I don't even mean by the 10-year-olds I usually face in Halo; I expect them to destroy me. No, here was the computer was kicking my ass. Even on normal difficulty, I couldn't even get past the third fight.