- Follow Pat On Twitter
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Review: Limbo
Xbox360Digest.com
The Digest: After months of interviews, teaser You Tube clips, and all the hype and hoopla you can handle, one of the most anticipated Xbox Live Arcade releases of the summer has finally arrived and will absolutely blow your mind.
RELEASE DATE: July 21, 2010
PUBLISHER: Xbox Live Arcade
DEVELOPER: Playdead
PRICE: 1200 MS Points ($15)
GENRE: Platform, Puzzle, Adventure Game
The Digest: After months of interviews, teaser You Tube clips, and all the hype and hoopla you can handle, one of the most anticipated Xbox Live Arcade releases of the summer has finally arrived and will absolutely blow your mind.THE FACT SHEET
RELEASE DATE: July 21, 2010
PUBLISHER: Xbox Live Arcade
DEVELOPER: Playdead
PRICE: 1200 MS Points ($15)
GENRE: Platform, Puzzle, Adventure Game
Monday, July 12, 2010
Interview: John Nielson of J.Kenworthy Entertainment
For this project I was required to come up with interview questions for our assistant director to ask John Nielson of J.Kenworthy Entertainment.
Q: How much of the successes of your earlier titles went into the making of Ancients of Ooga?
The success of Clyde greatly inspired and affected the development of Ancients of Ooga. Ooga inherits some of Clyde’s same basic game mechanics as well as some game design theories we felt worked well for Clyde.
Q: Along those lines can you walk us through the thought process of how your team doesn’t just sit on your past success and do like so many other companies do and produce a lousy new title? How do you keep your team motivated to reach that ‘next level’?
For me the answer is seeing what we do as not only a business, but an art form to be pursued with passion and enthusiasm. I see so many decisions being made by so many companies based solely on what is the safe bet or what will bring in fast cash. I’m not saying that the desire to be financially successful is not one of our goals, but my theory has always been that if we focus on quality first and on creating the absolute best games we can even when it sometimes requires sacrificing some quick cash opportunities, in the end it will be recognized and create a solid base and a reputation for us as well as keep us in the habit of not taking sloppy shortcuts.
Q: How much of the successes of your earlier titles went into the making of Ancients of Ooga?
The success of Clyde greatly inspired and affected the development of Ancients of Ooga. Ooga inherits some of Clyde’s same basic game mechanics as well as some game design theories we felt worked well for Clyde.
Q: Along those lines can you walk us through the thought process of how your team doesn’t just sit on your past success and do like so many other companies do and produce a lousy new title? How do you keep your team motivated to reach that ‘next level’?
For me the answer is seeing what we do as not only a business, but an art form to be pursued with passion and enthusiasm. I see so many decisions being made by so many companies based solely on what is the safe bet or what will bring in fast cash. I’m not saying that the desire to be financially successful is not one of our goals, but my theory has always been that if we focus on quality first and on creating the absolute best games we can even when it sometimes requires sacrificing some quick cash opportunities, in the end it will be recognized and create a solid base and a reputation for us as well as keep us in the habit of not taking sloppy shortcuts.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Indie Review: Old School Racer
Xbox 360 Digest.com
The Digest: Plain and simple, you will lose sleep over this fun and exciting dirt bike title from Riddlersoft.
RELEASE DATE: June 24, 2010
PUBLISHER: Riddlersoft
DEVELOPER: Riddlersoft
PRICE: 80 MS Points
GENRE: Racing & Flying
The Digest: Plain and simple, you will lose sleep over this fun and exciting dirt bike title from Riddlersoft.THE FACT SHEET
RELEASE DATE: June 24, 2010
PUBLISHER: Riddlersoft
DEVELOPER: Riddlersoft
PRICE: 80 MS Points
GENRE: Racing & Flying
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Microsoft Claims Kinect Manufacturing Costs Around $150
Xbox 360 Digest.com
It seems Microsoft has had a close eye and a closer ear to what the internet community of gamers has been saying about their new motion capture hardware. According to a highly-trusted source that resides within the Microsoft development team; the Kinect's manufacturing costs are said to be close to or at about $150.00. Whether this "trusted source" of information is true or not it seems Microsoft is catching wind of the negative feedback gamers are unleashing on the web about the expensive investment.
It almost seems as if Microsoft is attempting to justify the high price tag by assuring gamers that the company isn't out for a higher markup but rather taking a hit to provide a new experience to its gamers.
It seems Microsoft has had a close eye and a closer ear to what the internet community of gamers has been saying about their new motion capture hardware. According to a highly-trusted source that resides within the Microsoft development team; the Kinect's manufacturing costs are said to be close to or at about $150.00. Whether this "trusted source" of information is true or not it seems Microsoft is catching wind of the negative feedback gamers are unleashing on the web about the expensive investment.
It almost seems as if Microsoft is attempting to justify the high price tag by assuring gamers that the company isn't out for a higher markup but rather taking a hit to provide a new experience to its gamers.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Xbox 360 Digest Indie Review: Urban Space Squirrels
Xbox 360 Digest Indie Review
The Digest: This just might be the coolest bomb carrying, wall climbing, laser dodging squirrel you will ever come across.
RELEASE DATE: June 8, 2010
PUBLISHER: Duct Tape Anonymous Entertainment
DEVELOPER: University of Utah Entertainment Arts and Engineering program
PRICE: 80 MS Points
GENRE: Puzzle & Platform
PRODUCT OVERVIEW:
Your mission is to lead this James Bondesque looking squirrel to safety while using your smarts to navigate through new stages and avoiding death at all costs.
2
You become transformed into a bomb totting squirrel with an attitude that extends far beyond his desire to escape the death trap that is Urban Space Squirrels. Packed with four main levels and twenty stages, this game will have you addicted from the time you pick up the controller to the time you pass out from lack of sleep as a result.
The game starts off a little slow with the first few puzzles being fairly easy to complete to advance you to the next stage. Once you get a feel for the game the engine kicks in full gear and the stages becoming increasingly more difficult to surpass. Your mind and reaction time will be put to the ultimate test in order to avoid those annoying lasers and the fast moving land mines. As you find your self knocking down stages like a house of cards you will be rewarded with much needed upgrades. Some of these upgrades include extra bombs or even a nice claw to climb the walls faster than jumping around them. This is where the game starts to become very addictive and you won’t be able to put the controller down until you pass that next stage or achieve that next upgrade.
Now I have been a big fan of the platform games in the past but the one problem I have with all of them is I could never seem get over the hump of the death-by-poor-camera-coverage. Games like Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Mario 64, Earthworm Jim, or even the original NES Super Mario were all plagued by slow moving camera coverage. I can honestly say this is the first platform game that I have never had an issue with my character flying off screen and falling into a pit of death. The camera moves fluidly no matter how fast your new squirrel friend runs, falls, or jumps. He won’t ever be lost in your field of vision.
Can’t seem to figure out how to run, jump, or even use the bombs that magically fly out of the squirrel’s body? No worries, the game comes with a fun and interactive tutorial to show you how to handle your impressive new friend. No longer will you have to read long and boring scripts on how to move you character, rather the tutorials put you right into the feel of the game before actually starting your quest for escape.
That quest for freedom will have you stumbling across one of the many hilarious death sequences that are featured throughout the game. Whether it be death by strategically placed lasers or falling into a pit of mines, this is one of those added quirks that will have you deep in thought one minute to laughing hysterically the next. If you don't get anything out of this game in terms or enjoyment, remind your self that laughter is the best medicine and throw your little squirrel friend into on of those shiny lasers. It will be worth your time and effort!
Conclusion: You can really tell a lot of thought went into this game from the impressive Photoshop/Illustrator work to the fluid game engine throughout. As I have said before this is truly one of those titles that the Indie Game genre is all about. You will love to hate this game simple because it will push your mind and reaction time to the absolute edge. It’s safe to say this is one of those titles that is definitely worth your full download.
Special thanks to Duct Tape Anonymous Entertainment for providing us with a copy of the game for review.
The Digest: This just might be the coolest bomb carrying, wall climbing, laser dodging squirrel you will ever come across.
THE FACT SHEET
RELEASE DATE: June 8, 2010
PUBLISHER: Duct Tape Anonymous Entertainment
DEVELOPER: University of Utah Entertainment Arts and Engineering program
PRICE: 80 MS Points
GENRE: Puzzle & Platform
PRODUCT OVERVIEW:
Your mission is to lead this James Bondesque looking squirrel to safety while using your smarts to navigate through new stages and avoiding death at all costs.
2
You become transformed into a bomb totting squirrel with an attitude that extends far beyond his desire to escape the death trap that is Urban Space Squirrels. Packed with four main levels and twenty stages, this game will have you addicted from the time you pick up the controller to the time you pass out from lack of sleep as a result.
The game starts off a little slow with the first few puzzles being fairly easy to complete to advance you to the next stage. Once you get a feel for the game the engine kicks in full gear and the stages becoming increasingly more difficult to surpass. Your mind and reaction time will be put to the ultimate test in order to avoid those annoying lasers and the fast moving land mines. As you find your self knocking down stages like a house of cards you will be rewarded with much needed upgrades. Some of these upgrades include extra bombs or even a nice claw to climb the walls faster than jumping around them. This is where the game starts to become very addictive and you won’t be able to put the controller down until you pass that next stage or achieve that next upgrade.
Now I have been a big fan of the platform games in the past but the one problem I have with all of them is I could never seem get over the hump of the death-by-poor-camera-coverage. Games like Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Mario 64, Earthworm Jim, or even the original NES Super Mario were all plagued by slow moving camera coverage. I can honestly say this is the first platform game that I have never had an issue with my character flying off screen and falling into a pit of death. The camera moves fluidly no matter how fast your new squirrel friend runs, falls, or jumps. He won’t ever be lost in your field of vision.
Can’t seem to figure out how to run, jump, or even use the bombs that magically fly out of the squirrel’s body? No worries, the game comes with a fun and interactive tutorial to show you how to handle your impressive new friend. No longer will you have to read long and boring scripts on how to move you character, rather the tutorials put you right into the feel of the game before actually starting your quest for escape.
That quest for freedom will have you stumbling across one of the many hilarious death sequences that are featured throughout the game. Whether it be death by strategically placed lasers or falling into a pit of mines, this is one of those added quirks that will have you deep in thought one minute to laughing hysterically the next. If you don't get anything out of this game in terms or enjoyment, remind your self that laughter is the best medicine and throw your little squirrel friend into on of those shiny lasers. It will be worth your time and effort!
Conclusion: You can really tell a lot of thought went into this game from the impressive Photoshop/Illustrator work to the fluid game engine throughout. As I have said before this is truly one of those titles that the Indie Game genre is all about. You will love to hate this game simple because it will push your mind and reaction time to the absolute edge. It’s safe to say this is one of those titles that is definitely worth your full download.
| PROS | CONS |
| - Highly Addictive - Very Professional Looking - Awesome Replay Value | - What are the Red Cards for? - Difficulty Spikes |
Single Player: 5/5 | Multi-Player: N/A
Special thanks to Duct Tape Anonymous Entertainment for providing us with a copy of the game for review.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Hawks Jonathan Toews to Grace Cover of NHL11
Xbox 360 Digest New Release
The Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews added to his list of accomplishments this summer by being selected to appear on the cover of EA Sports NHL 11. Just one week removed from winning the Conn Smythe Trophy and bringing the Stanley Cup back home to Chicago, Toews becomes the new poster boy for the highly anticipated game that will hit shelves September 14, 2010.
EA Sports usually waits until mid July to announce who will appear on the games cover but with E3 being bigger than ever this year and the Hawks winning the Cup, its only fitting to release the news early.
Toews becomes the second Chicago Blackhawk in a row to be featured on the games cover. Patrick Kane was selected for last years NHL 10.
The Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews added to his list of accomplishments this summer by being selected to appear on the cover of EA Sports NHL 11. Just one week removed from winning the Conn Smythe Trophy and bringing the Stanley Cup back home to Chicago, Toews becomes the new poster boy for the highly anticipated game that will hit shelves September 14, 2010.
EA Sports usually waits until mid July to announce who will appear on the games cover but with E3 being bigger than ever this year and the Hawks winning the Cup, its only fitting to release the news early.
Toews becomes the second Chicago Blackhawk in a row to be featured on the games cover. Patrick Kane was selected for last years NHL 10.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Activision Adds Grammy-Award Winning Heavyweights
Xbox 360 Digest New Announcement:
Activision kicked off E3 by announcing the addition of some well know and well respected recording artists to it's highly anticipated titles; Call of Duty: Black Ops, DJ Hero 2, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, and True Crime: Hong Kong.
Included in this list of popular musicians is multi-platinum R&B artists Usher, Rap superstar Eminem, recently reunited Soundgarden, N.E.R.D singer and producer Pharrell Williams, and David Guetta to name a few.
CEO of Activision Blizzard, Bobby Kotick, stated the reasoning behind the companies new additions. "Activision's fall titles are set to give gamers an unparalleled musical experience. We have assembled an exceptionally talented roster of artists, many of whom have created exclusive or originally recorded tracks for our games. We are sure our titles will offer a variety of tracks that will appeal to our wide consumer base and delight the most passionate music and gaming fans."
Activision kicked off E3 by announcing the addition of some well know and well respected recording artists to it's highly anticipated titles; Call of Duty: Black Ops, DJ Hero 2, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, and True Crime: Hong Kong.
Included in this list of popular musicians is multi-platinum R&B artists Usher, Rap superstar Eminem, recently reunited Soundgarden, N.E.R.D singer and producer Pharrell Williams, and David Guetta to name a few.
CEO of Activision Blizzard, Bobby Kotick, stated the reasoning behind the companies new additions. "Activision's fall titles are set to give gamers an unparalleled musical experience. We have assembled an exceptionally talented roster of artists, many of whom have created exclusive or originally recorded tracks for our games. We are sure our titles will offer a variety of tracks that will appeal to our wide consumer base and delight the most passionate music and gaming fans."
Friday, June 11, 2010
Indie Review: Aah Little Atlantis
Xbox 360 Digest Review
The Digest: Finally a retro style Indie game that breaks the mold to follow its own path rather than walk in the shadow of our old friend Mario.
PUBLISHER: Aah Games
DEVELOPER: Robert Swan
PRICE: 80 MS Points
GENRE: Puzzle & Strategy
The Digest: Finally a retro style Indie game that breaks the mold to follow its own path rather than walk in the shadow of our old friend Mario.THE FACT SHEET
RELEASE DATE: April 6, 2010PUBLISHER: Aah Games
DEVELOPER: Robert Swan
PRICE: 80 MS Points
GENRE: Puzzle & Strategy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)