The Lair of the Monkey

Kotaku had this to report on the sci-fi horror shooter with weird symbotic monsters:

“Well this is a pleasant change from how things normally go down. EA’s survival horror space shooter Dead Space, once slated for the October 31st release date coveted by scary games everywhere, has been pushed forward. See? It doesn’t seem natural, does it? EA released a statement in Europe earlier today stating that the console versions of the game would be hitting store shelves on October 24th, a full week earlier than originally announced.”

You can find out more over at Kotaku.

The game will be available on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

Developed by Black Rock Studio, Disney Interactive Studios’ award-winning development studio in Brighton, England, Pure takes off-road action sports to a new level. Featuring vertigo-inducing massive aerial jumps and spectacular airborne tricks in photo-realistic real-world locations all over the globe, Pure delivers heart-pounding experiences unique to the genre.

“We expect Pure to set a new standard for off-road action sports that delivers adrenaline-inducing vertical experiences with spectacular aerial tricks and intense wheel-to-wheel racing,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “Pure will appeal to a wide audience based on the game’s jaw-dropping aerial tricks, breakneck racing and vast environments.”

Players start by choosing among a variety of male and female character riders. They can then either race against deft A.I. opponents or online players (up to 16-player multiplayer) in frenetic races and freestyle competitions all over the world.

“Black Rock Studio has established itself as a leading developer of racing video games and we expect to continue that heritage with the creation of Pure, our first game since becoming part of Disney Interactive Studios,” said Jason Avent, game director at Black Rock Studio. “Pure combines the best features of both extreme sports and racing to produce an extraordinary and unique experience.”

The studio continues to be advised throughout development by Wes Miller, pro rider and the founder of H-Bomb Films, known for showcasing his team’s incredible stunts. Miller has been involved with development to assure the game adheres to the sport’s culture and authenticity but still allows creative liberties.

Black Rock Studio, formerly Climax Racing, is known as a leading developer of racing games, including its critically acclaimed work on the best-selling franchises Moto GP and ATV Offroad® Fury. The studio and its products have won or been nominated for dozens of awards, including winning four IGN “Best of Show” awards at E3 2006. For more information, log on to www.purevideogame.com.

Formats: PS3, Xbox 360, PC
Thrill seekers will be launching off massive peaks while racing against skilled rivals and performing gravity-defying aerial tricks in Pure, an all new extreme sports and off-road, quad racing video game.  Developed by Black Rock Studio, Disney Interactive Studios‘ award-winning development studio in Brighton, England, Pure takes quad racing to a new level, featuring massive jumps and spectacular airborne tricks in memorable, photo-realistic settings all over the globe.

Featuring never-before-seen, vertigo-inducing massive aerial jumps in real-world quad locations, Pure delivers heart-pounding off-road racing unique to the genre.  Players start by choosing among a variety of male and female character riders. They can then either race against deft A.I. opponents or online players (up to 16-player multiplayer) in frenetic races and freestyle competitions all over the world.

First impressions:

• Fast action
• High frame rate
• Great looking, motion captured stunts
• Rider/quad combinations

So what does it look most similar to so far?  Well, I would say from my personal experience that it looks quite a lot like Motocross Madness - which was a fantastic game.  I have high hopes for Pure - I just hope that they get the real world physics vs arcade simulator action balance correct - as that is what this sort of game (pardon the pun) rides on.  You can see a video of the action here.  I’ll be featuring more of the game when I get a review copy - so look out for that in the near future.

Yes, this is none other than the now old (in game terms) Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.  She’s been raiding those tombs all the way back into my gaming history, as far back in fact as the days of my 486 PC - which is certainly saying something.  I’ve never been a fan of either the character nor the 3d person platforming genre too much, but apparently many of you have, which is why Lara Croft is firmly embedded in our gaming culture.  Enjoy.

Brilliantly, Microsoft have managed to get my Xbox 360 back to me - in only about 2 weeks!  This is a pretty quick turn around time and I’m really happy with the customer service I’ve received from them.  Granted, you could say that it shouldn’t have broken in the first place, which is a fair point, but then they don’t seem to make these new gaming systems to last these days now do they?  Still, I would have had to pay for the repair if it wasn’t for Microsoft increasing the warranty to 3 years.

Nontheless, I find that I’m woefully stuck on the boss of Ninja Gaiden 2.  If anyone has any tips on beating the Archfiend then please let me know.  On the whole, I have thoroughly enjoyed playing this third person-slashing-combo spectacular of a game and I can heartily recommend it.

Due to an innundation by spammers, I’ve changed the comments policy.  It’s nothing major and real commenters shouldn’t have a problem.  Simply log in and you can comment at this here gaming blog!

With the souls in blade, the Ultimate battle unfolds… Engrave your name in history.

The latest series of the pinnacle of 3D weapon fighting Soul Calibur arrives on Xbox 360 and PS3. Two swords at their ultimate form of evolution during the reincarnation of the Soul Calibur and Soul Edge, something else has awakened as the battle between the two swords comes to the final phase, with the resurrection of whom created those swords. Nightmare in its ultimate form awaits Siegfried for the final battle. What lies ahead for the characters twisted by its destiny?

Welll, what can you say about a game that’s seen rather a few incarnations like this?  Well, you can that it’s good - which it is.  However, you can also say that it is absolutely nothing revolutionary.  Nope, instead it’s more of an evolution.  Soul Calibur 4 is a fantastic beat-em-up, just don’t be disappointed if it’s rather similar to previous versions.

• Online VS for the first time in Soul Calibur series
• VS Classic - Battle one on one in this classic match
• VS Ultimate - Play online with your customised Soul Calibur character
• Critical Strike for each character
• New Active Matching Battle game system
• New interactive environments
• 720p HD resolution graphics
• Enhanced Character Creation mode - Players can customise their character to look and perform to their desire
• Special Characters: Lord Vader’s Secret Apprentice from “The Force Unleashed” and Xbox 360 exclusive Yoda

So there you go, some rather good features.  Go check it out, it is probably the best beat-em-up on the latest consoles, the Xbox 360 and the PS3.  After all, what other choice have you got in terms of 3D fighting games?

If you’re a fan of The Legend of Zelda, then you might just want to go and see this.  A comedy take on a much loved videogaming series, it looks to be fun indeed.  Here’s what the play has to say for itself:

Liink and Zellda do what they always do to obtain the Tryforce. She gets into trouble and loses it. And he saves her and gets it back. But, after Liink and Zellda come to blows, they part ways to decide what’s best for them – can they survive alone?  Don’t miss this exhilarating sword fighting adventure with two of your favourite game characters who encounter Gannon for the umpteenth time! Join Liink, Zellda, Marioh, Peech (and more!) on this delightful adventure. 

The Play Liink and Zellda: The Misadventure is showing at the following times/locations:

PERFORMANCE DATES (LONDON):

At the Cockpit Theatre
Gateforth St (off Church St),
London, NW8 8EH
www.cockpittheatre.org.uk

Friday 8th August 2008 at 8:00pm
Saturday 9th August 2008 at 8:00pm
Sunday 10th August 2008 at 2:30pm (swear-free matinee for kids)
Sunday 10th August 2008 at 8:00pm
Monday 11th August 2008 at 8:00pm

PERFORMANCE DATES (EDMONTON FRINGE FESTIVAL, CANADA):

VENUE #11
King Edward School, 8530-101 St.
The Edmonton International Fringe Festival is located in and around the TransAlta Arts Barns beween 103 Street (Gateway Boulevard) and 104 Street (Calgary Trail) and between 82nd Avenue (Whyte Avenue) and 86th Avenue

16th August 2008 at 7:00pm
17th August 2008 at 2:15pm
20th August 2008 at 11:30pm
21st August 2008 at 2:30pm
22nd August 2008 at 9:00pm
23rd August 2008 at 12:30pm
If you want to know more about the production company Foolhardy then click here.