Wired: Why the Halo Movie Failed to Launch [via destructoid]
An interesting read on why there hasn’t been a Halo film (mostly due to Microsoft’s unwillingness to compromise).
Above I’ve attached the first live-action Halo 3 game promo by Neill Blomkamp (known for District 9) that was also a proof of concept for a feature film. There have also been live-action promos for all the Halo games since: Halo ODST, Halo Reach: Birth of a Spartian, Deliver Hope, and Remember Reach.
Source: Wired
iOS game Kickstarter Republique by Camouflaj + Logan.
I might back this one, it just looks so cool.
Source: kickstarter.com
“Kara” short film (game engine tech demo)
A good idea of what to expect from characters in video games in the coming years. Games are quickly catching-up with film CGI. Also checkout the behind the scenes video.
Source: youtube.com
FEZ looks like a really cool 2D platforming game with a 3D twist. Checkout the new gameplay video too: vimeo.com/38466193
Source: vimeo.com
My ‘Mass Effect’ Link & Info Dump
Today is Mass Effect 3 Launch day and I’ve gotten myself all hyped-up for it by re-playing the Mass Effect 2 suicide mission (everyone survived this time) and the “Arrival” DLC that I hear is a key plot point you shouldn’t miss before starting 3.
If you haven’t played Mass Effect 1 and/or 2 and like any space science fiction, well you really should play these games. Read this first link, you’ll be hard pressed not to run out and grab a copy of Mass Effect.
You can potentially skip Mass Effect 1 if you really want… If you play the PS3 version of 2 or download the “Genesis” DLC for the Xbox 360 you can play an interactive graphic novel that fills you in and lets you make key plot choices before starting Mass Effect 2.
Personally I think you’d be missing-out by skipping 1. Sorry PS3 fans, it is exclusive to Xbox 360 and PC though as it was published by Microsoft before EA bought the developer BioWare.
Pro-Tip for playing Mass Effect 1: you might want to skip a lot of the side missions and planet exploration as it was unfortunately mostly filler consisting of driving a space-buggy around boring planets with poor controls and low gravity. Filler content aside, Mass Effect 1 is a great first game in the trilogy.
- Mass Effect 1 (360, PC)
- Mass Effect 2 (360, PS3, PC)
- Mass Effect 3 (360, PS3, PC)
- Mass Effect 2: Genesis (Xbox 360)
Only if you skip the first game. - Mass Effect 2: Lair of the Shadow Broker (Xbox 360)
The best add-on and one of the best missions in Mass Effect 2. - Mass Effect 2: Arrival (Xbox 360)
Needed for plot leading into Mass Effect 2. - Mass Effect: Infiltrator (iOS: iPhone & iPad)
A side story that ties into Mass Effect 3. I hear an Android version is in the works too.
I haven’t actually done any Mass Effect 3 review reading so I go into the game without any expectations beyond my own. I’ve even avoided watching any game trailers since the first announcement. The scores look good, so I doubt I’ll be disappointed.
- Mass Effect 3 Review - VOX Games (10/10)
- Mass Effect 3 Review - IGN (9.5/10)
- Mass Effect 3 Review - Joystiq (4.5/5)
- Mass Effect 3 Reviews - GiantBomb (4/5)
- Review: Mass Effect 3 - Destructoid (8.5/10)
- Mass Effect 3 Review - Ars Technica
- Mass Effect 3 Video Review - 1up
I put 52 hours into my latest Mass Effect 2 save:
“Your First Glimpse of Halo 4”
The first Halo game not made by Bungie, this time developed by the new Microsoft owned Halo exclusive studio “343 Industries”.
There are already a lot of haters, but I’ve got an open mind and will judge the game when it’s out… From what they’ve shown it seems like a Halo game made by Halo fans, people who care about the sci-fi setting and story as much as the gameplay. I’ve got my fingers crossed 4 will be good.
Source: youtube.com
‘Borderlands 2’ launch date announcement trailer. The first game was great fun, this looks twice as good. Also co-op is the only right way to play.
Source: youtube.com
Idle Thumbs Podcast - KickStarter
One of my favorite podcasts that has been off the air for a while now is trying to make a come-back with the help of a KickStarter.
They had some of the most intelligent yet fun and rambling podcasts I have ever listened to. This is one of the podcasts that inspired myself and a few friends to try recording a show ourselves a few years ago called “Untitled Games Podcast”.
They have an archive of all their past episodes here: http://www.idlethumbs.net/archive Still totally worth listening to even if the games they are discussing aren’t recent.
Source: kickstarter.com
Reminder: Rayman Origins is awesome!
It’s an easy game to overlook thanks to the glut of great games that came out at the end of 2011, but you’ll be doing yourself a disfavor by not playing this game.
I too nearly overlooked it because of limited money in the holiday shopping season. I finally ordered a copy for 360 last week when it went on sale for $20 from ToysRus.com for a limited time. If you missed that sale, it is totally worth the $30 you can now find it for from most stores like Amazon (it sold for the full $60 price when it came-out Nov 15).
My girlfriend and I have started playing co-op together and really had a blast so far.
BioShock 2 - Big Sister & Little Sister Figure photos.
Shot with Camera+ on my iPhone 4S. My girlfriend got me this as one of my Xmas gifts. I shot some similar photos of my other BioShock figure a few months ago.
Source: campl.us
Cave Story+ PC/Mac Trailer.
This is a little game that I’ve fallen in love with after buying it as part of the Humble Indie Bundle #4 (also available via Steam & Mac AppStore for $10 or under). It’s like a mash-up of great classic 8 and 16-bit games like Metroid, Castlevania, and MegaMan. Aside from solid classic style platforming/shooting gameplay it has a lot of charm.
The “Plus” version of the game is a remaster of the original freeware game developed by Daisuke Amaya over 5 years in his free time (more info). The freeware version of the game can be downloaded here: CaveStory.org
Source: youtube.com
Too cool! HTML5 Google Chrome port of the critically acclaimed Xbox 360, PS3, and PC indie game Bastion. No Flash used! It looks and plays just like the original version. Mac users can also play (there is no Mac specific version).
The demo is free to play and you can unlock the full game for $14.99
Source: supergiantgames.com
Rocking-out to the Bastion Original Soundtrack by Darren Korb. I got it with the game on Steam yesterday while on sale. Beautiful game and soundtrack! Bastion is also available on ‘Xbox Live Arcade’ and ‘Playstation Network’.
