7/10 – A unique blend of platforming, timing, exploration, and beautiful visuals.
Flow of movement is paramount to this game, and that is when Prince of Persia is at its best: you feel like an agile bad-ass, wall-running, swinging on rings like a monkey, flying through the air, running up walls, and generally gliding effortlessly over the landscape and obstacles. Some timing is required for the correct buttons but it’s fairly forgiving, it’s almost like a platforming rhythm game with some adventure thrown in. It’s quite unique, and when things are going well, it’s very satisfying.
I finally got around to playing the Mass Effect 3 Extended Cut DLC. I was quite happy with the open-ended original ending, but many people were not. This 2GB free download will provide more closure to you if you fall into that category. Spoiler Alert: If you haven’t finished Mass Effect 3 yet, stop reading now. 🙂
That is a fact. The Humble Indie Bundle V is an amazing package. For a minimum of about $8, you get these games:
Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP (Soundtrack included) Metascore 85
Retro-looking forward-thinking point-and-click. It appears to be a very digestible length (few hours?), has great audio, ensures the impatient won’t get frustrated, and may even bring a smile to your face. 🙂
LIMBO (Soundtrack included) Metascore 88
You are a rather helpless young boy who can jump and grab things. Dark atmospheric puzzler. Very dark. Death is the discovery mechanic.
Nintendo’s conference wasn’t horrible, but it wasn’t amazing, either. And I was really wanting it to be amazing. It was dedicated almost entirely to Wii U, with 3DS receiving an honorable mention. A full 3DS software showcase is planned for the the following day (today, actually). More videos and information can be found at e3.nintendo.com.
Highlights
Pikmin 3
Will be launch title. Can target different parts of enemies for deeper strategy. Olimar is pointedly missing but 4 other “leaders” are present, allowing you to control 4 different groups.
Sony’s show had definite high points, but the Wonderbook demo lasted way too long and they didn’t have the volume of titles they usually have. It was also the source of the loudest applause all day following the announcement that everyone attending would receive a year of PlaystationPlus. Not bad.
Beyond: Two Souls
Quantic Dream’s new game, makers of Heavy Rain. Ellen Page playing the lead. Didn’t really see gameplay, just (in-game) movie, but it was an intriguing in-game movie that looked beautiful. See for yourself:
Ubisoft had a great show. Minus an awkward duo of hosts, and a drawn out Shootmania demonstration, everything they showed had impact. Definitely my overall show of the day.
FarCry 3
Started really intensely with rituals, tribal paint, and nipples. Looks awesome. NSFW.
Glossing over the sports games (because I don’t have much interest in them), EA’s conference was pretty solid.
Dead Space 3
Drop-in/out 2-player co-op, coming Feb 2013. Like RE6, looking more action-heavy than survival-horror. Got some Army of Two bro-action in there too. Might as well go all the way and add chest bumps. Okay, maybe they’re not that friendly, but should be good times. Write-up and gameplay on IGN. Trailer:
E3 is early! Nintendo’s press conference isn’t until June 5th, but they published a video today which provided some details on their upcoming Wii U.The full 30 minute video presentation can be seen here. This is a summary: