Ben-DutkaAll kinds of cool stuff to talk about this week, so let's get right to it.
Does everyone realize just how BIG that Killzone PS3 beta will be?
No, seriously. Over the past year or so, it seemed like the Killzone PS3 project was on everyone's lips. Some think it's just more smoke and mirrors, others say it's gonna be the next revolutionary game of the generation. So how come it seems like everyone is ignoring the confirmation of the Killzone PS3 beta , especially now that we know it's going to be public . Shouldn't gamers be clamoring to get into this already? To see if the team is prepared to deliver on all the hype? It almost seems like everyone wants to talk about it, but they're almost afraid to actually try it. And that's weird.
Personally, I haven't the slightest idea how the game will turn out, which is why I want to try the beta. I know games like GTA IV and Halo 3 will be great, and I know I have no interest in a game like Warhawk . But Killzone intrigues me. I love FPSs, and the sheer amount of mystery surrounding this particular title is very, very interesting. And that's why I figured everyone else would be interested and intrigued about this beta, but I just don't see that right now.
Chronicles of Riddick Remake = Good Idea?
When I heard about the rumor , I couldn't decide if I was happy or disheartened. On the one hand, I really like the idea of CoR being remade with current-gen graphics with the added benefit of another chapter to play. But on the other hand, I've been hoping for a sequel to this amazing title ever since it came out back in 2004. Honestly, if it weren't for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas coming out later that same year, CoR would've been my pick for the Game of the Year, hands down. I think too many people dismissed it, mis-labeling it as just another mediocre game based on a movie. But it so wasn't. A new generation could really benefit from a remake…even though I still wanted that sequel.
And speaking of Riddick , those same developers are about ready to deliver another potential gem in The Darkness later on next month. Starbreeze has proven themselves already, but can they do it again? I damn well hope so; I've got a close eye on that game.
And while we're on the subject of rumors…
…let's not forget about that rumor regarding Team ICO's two new PS3 projects . Yeah, two. Any team that can create the likes of ICO and Shadow of the Colossus is bound to create something simply awesome, correct? The latter will forever rank as one of my most memorable gaming experiences ever, so I think gamers should definitely pay attention to this rumor. If it's true, it could very well mean something similar is on the way to the PS3; something just as original and magical. I just wish they would release the tiniest shred of info for these games. We know for a fact that at least one of them exists, so how's about giving us a little tease? Please?
Now, this is a game that holds some promise
After doing my preview for TimeShift , I realized I was looking at details for what could be a wonderfully accomplished game. They're taking one major concept – time altering – and infusing that into an FPS. It's like adopting the "bullet time" element; only enhancing it to a grand scale and allowing it to permeate every last facet of the presentation. Everything you see and do could feasibly be manipulated by that sweet S.A.M. suit, and that is a truly inspired theory. It's not completely new, but the implementation of the idea is completely fresh and original. Initially, it wasn't scheduled for the PS3 at all, but they announced it would arrive on that platform at Sony's Gamers Day.
And I say, keep checking up on the progress of TimeShift . It really could be pretty amazing.
Personal Gaming Update
So I'm smack dab in the middle of Kingdom Hearts II at the moment, and I'm having plenty of fun with it. I do wish they had tried to institute some original storylines into the different worlds – Pirates of the Caribbean was identical to the movie, for example – but other than that, it's still very entertaining. One of my personal favorites is the 100 Acre Wood, simply because Pooh was a favorite of mine as a child. Talk about nostalgia! 🙂
And next week, I've decided I'll be picking up Odin Sphere , the latest Atlus RPG that looks extremely promising. It has already received a perfect score from Play Magazine (the reviewer said it was the "best game he'd ever played"), and while it's not a major source, it's a good sign. The only other review I've seen – from Game Almighty – is also stellar. It's like a 2D side-scrolling beat-'em-up fused with a deep RPG. Doesn't that sound awesome? It's also supposed to have some of the finest hand-drawn artistry ever, and I'm a huge fan of that. I played Legend of Mana to completion almost entirely because it was one of the prettiest games I'd ever seen. And I hear Odin Sphere is just like that. Can't wait!
