Wizardry 8

When you look back at many of the classic moments and structures in gaming, the name Wizardry comes up all the time. It is the basis of all western RPGs from Ultima to Mass Effect, and its impact in Japan was key in the development of the Final Fantasy franchise. In short, all RPG roads lead to Wizardry. Now GoG.com has updated these classics (Wizardry VI came out in 1990, Wizardry VII in 1992, remade for Windows in 1996, and Wizardry 8 arrived in 2001)

Here are some details on Wizardry VI and VII:
- Includes Wizardry 6: Bane of the Cosmic Forge and Wizardry 7: Crusaders of the Dark Savant which also comes as the improved Wizardry Gold on top of the classic DOS version.
- Both Wizardry games offer classic hard-core turn-based role-playing with 14 ranked professions and 11 unique races.
- Tons and tons of treasure to find, elaborate dungeons to explore, tough tactical battles to win, and that’s just the start of the adventure of up to 500 hours of playtime.

These games are some of the most massive, well written, detailed, and HARD games ever created – and much of it stems from legendary game designer D.W. Bradley. Bradley’s masterwork is clearly Wizardry VII, and sadly at this point his legacy rests as much with the awful Dungeon Lords as with these gems.

Here are some details on Wizardry 8:
- Continue the adventure with the group of adventurers that braved through Wizardry 7, or create a new custom party from a plethora of races and classes.
- Choose a custom personality for each character and hear them speak over 100 lines of dialogue. Kindly or chaotic, burly or surly – how your characters act is completely up to you.
- Talk with intelligent characters who react to how you treat them and become your allies or enemies in your quest of 200 hours of gameplay or more.

Wizardry 8 is a sad tale of a game that struggled due to lack of publisher support. It was eventually released on a limited basis and slowly built a following. It is a great and epic conclusion to the franchise (though not a finale) and really didn’t deserve to come out with a whimper. Of this whole set, I would definitely recommend grabbing Wizardry 8 – it is rare, hard to get installed and running correctly (I haven’t played in more than 5 years due to issues getting my copy to either install or run on various laptops) … so now that GoG.com has cleaned up those issues this gem deserves to get even wider recognition!

Head to GoG.com and grab the Wizardry VI and VII bundle for #5.99 and Wizardry 8 for $9.99! You might lose the weekend … but you won’t regret it!

G5 Entertainment Windows Store

G5 Entertainment is one of the premier casual game companies for iOS, and has made quite a splash on Android, Amazon Kindle Fire and Barnes & Noble Nook. Now they have launched two of their popular games – Supermarket Mania® 2 and Stand O’Food® 3 – on the Windows Store. This is just the start for G5, as they hope to expand their reach to what looks to be the ‘third mobile OS’ going forward.

You can download the games from the Windows Store for free, and use an in-app purchase to unlock the full games for Stand O’Food® 3 and $6.99 for Supermarket Mania® 2. As noted, these games are already available on iOS, Mac, Google Play, Kindle Fire and Nook.

Here are the game trailers:
Supermarket Mania® 2 for Windows Store -

Stand O’Food® 3 for Windows Store -

To download the games head to the Windows Store:
Supermarket Mania® 2 for Windows 8 and Windows RT
Stand O’Food® 3 for Windows 8 and Windows RT

Dungeon of Elements

I continue to be amazed at the crazy-cool ideas that indie developers come up with. Years after being declared ‘dead’, PC gaming remains the most innovative source of new gaming styles. Take Dungeon of Elements – this game looks like a dungeon crawler, yet has a 3D Tetris element mixed with things like crafting and so on. Intrigued? I know I was, so I immediately checked out this new Kickstarter!

Project Title: Dungeon of Elements

Status: Active

Closing Date for Funding: Wednesday Jun 19, 10:03am EDT

URL of the Project: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/frogdice/dungeon-of-elements

From the developer: Here are some key features:

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Xbox One – What about Gaming?

Well, THAT didn’t take long! In fewer than a dozen hours the XBOX One reveal went from being exciting … to a disappointment. Over at GameIndustry.biz they are already calling the reveal of the XBOX One an ‘awful start’, and discussing how Microsoft needs to redeem itself at E3. Of course, leave it to Ctrl-Alt-Del to joke about how Sony hasn’t even figured out how to assemble their new console yet!

Rather than pontificate on that sort of stuff, I wanted to address 5 areas of concern to me as a PC gamer: continue reading

Cognition Episode 2 The Wise Monkey

A few months ago I reviewed the iPad version of the first ‘episode’ of Cognition, the adventure game series from legendary developer Jane Jenson and Phoenix Online Studios. Now we have Episode 2 of Cognition, and are on the case of the Wise Monkey. Let’s take a look!

Type of app: Adventure Game

Platform/where to buy: Mac or PC; available in the Phoenix Online Studios Store

Developer: Image-Line

Description:
Here are some of the features:
- Play as Erica Reed, FBI detective
- Solve a deep and intriguing mystery that involves your twin brother
- Investigate crime scenes, interact with other detectives, and hunt for clues
- Use Erica’s special powers to uncover the mystery
- Your choices have consequences!

Major features:

Once again you are playing as Erica Reed, a special agent for the FBI. In the first episode she lost her brother in the prelude, and it haunted her throughout as she sought the Cain killer. Now she is on a new case, and has a new boss in town. But in the opening minutes she faces potential poisoning, meets the new boss who is less than enamored with her performance, and … her friend and sometime love interest is kidnapped right out of the squad room – and his ear is chopped off and left behind. Now Erica takes over his ‘Wise Monkey’ case to find the connection!

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Jagged Alliance Flashback

Anyone with a history in classic PC gaming is familiar with the Jagged Alliance franchise. Going back to the 90s, the tactical strategy games defined the ‘thinking man’ style of gaming for many. Now in the last 36 hours, the Kickstarter campaign is very close to hitting its goal – but needs your help!

Project Title: Jagged Alliance: Flashback

Status: Active

Closing Date for Funding: Thursday May 23, 5:59pm EDT

URL of the Project: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2079547763/jagged-alliance-flashback

From the developer: Here are some key features:

Jagged Alliance: Flashback is our vision of returning a once critically acclaimed franchise back to its roots, it’s not a reboot, it’s a reset!

Our main goal is to bring back the tactical turn-based action that the original Jagged Alliance games are known for – the game was a thinking man’s game, a thinking man with lots of guns!

Why I think you should back this effort:

Jagged Alliance is a true classic franchise and the efforts of this team look to bring the classic game to the modern era without so many of the compromises we see in many ‘modernization’ efforts.

Here is an updated look at the game:

For more info and to keep up-to-date on progress:
‘Jagged Alliance: Flashback ‘ main site

And of course head to the Kickstarter page to get more information about how you can support the game!

The popcorn keeps expanding at the Popcornflix movie streaming service, as Unicorn Media, a leading Internet video solutions provider, announced partnerships with Cypress and Screen Media Ventures, LLC for expanding the free Popcornflix app on Xbox LIVE (gold subscribers).  Popcornflix also owns and distributes its own content via iOS and Android apps, Roku, connected TVs and online for free.

Screen Media Ventures, LLC developed and owns Popcornflix. Cypress, in conjunction with Screen Media Ventures, developed the Popcornflix Xbox LIVE app using CypressX, Cypress is a digital agency that creates apps that provide interactive experiences across mobile platforms and gaming consoles.

Unicorn Media enables Screen Media to ingest one video file, one time and deliver that content to the Xbox 360 via a single URL- with no SDK or plug-in required via its patented Unicorn Once™ technology. Unicorn Once™ optimizes a single mezzanine file, detects network conditions and re-packages the file on-the-fly to deliver the most efficient format for delivery to Xbox360.

Users can use the Popcornflix app to view and pick new arrivals, the most popular selection or browse all movies. Users can also use the app to search movies by genre, title, actor or director.

Xbox 360 users can navigate and interact in the Popcornflix app using their voice or a hand wave using the unique, hands-free Kinect controller.

Popcornflix, a free ad-supported free Movie App, is the only independent film distributor with long-form feature-length videos. I recently interviewed Gary Delfiner, President, Screen Media Digital and creator of Popcornflix, who said he relates to my personal Gear Diary mantra of ‘complex items in simple terms’. “We provide a simple streaming video solution,” says Gary.

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“The beginning of truly intelligent TV”…

“A huge day for all entertainment”…

These are some of the memorable quotes from today’s Microsoft Xbox announcement presentation, which included two female media executives sharing the stage, military dogs in the next Call of Duty game, Steven Spielberg, exclusive sport partnerships, and, mostly importantly, the “All in One” Xbox One system – technology that will step behind the curtain and let you take center stage.

I felt this presentation was about smart media integration and expanding consumer offerings more than actual information beyond improved computer power/processing. The big hardware setup innovation was having HDMI cables from the TV to the Xbox One (releasing “later this year”) and the cable box to the Xbox One, which will eliminate the manual switching and hardware headaches. Other hardware specs included USB 3.0, 8-core processors, WiFi Direct and 8 gigabytes of RAM.

The presentation began on the Xbox One home screen including trending, games TV/movies, music. Users could access all areas and “switch like a TV flip” on the system. All presenters were able to change inputs to watch live TV and instantly switch among different areas using voice commands beginning with “watch”, and “show”. Universal gestures like grab & pan and swipe up were also used. Multi-taskers were treated with the Snap mode (multiple windows), Skype group video call options, and interactive TV options for award shows, political debates and more.

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EA Sports, Amazon, and DirecTV have released details on great deals included in the upcoming limited-edition version of the Madden NFL 25 Anniversary Edition video game for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

These deals equal more than $400 at a $99.99 Madden NFL 25 Anniversary Edition game price, which is now available for pre-order exclusively on Amazon (quantities are limited).

This “Ultimate NFL Experience”  includes the game, a Madden Ultimate Team subscription, and various offers from DirecTV/NFL Sunday Ticket.

The Madden Ultimate Team subscription includes one pack every week (starting Week 1 and ending on Week 17).  The Anniversary Edition packs feature two rare players, four silver players and four bronze players.

Users can enjoy DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket services whether or not they are a subscriber when purchasing this special anniversary game edition.

• Free access code (computer, tablets, and mobile devices) for DirecTV’s NFL Sunday Ticket for 2013 NFL regular season (17 weeks) including DirecTV Red Zone Channel access (user who do not receive DirecTV service)
• $10 off per month for 1st year of DirecTV service + NFL Sunday Ticket MAX free (users who receive DirecTV service but are not currently subscribers)
• Free NFL Sunday Ticket access on computer and mobile devices (current DirecTV and NFL Sunday Ticket MAX subscribers using current username/password)

Madden NFL 25 Anniversary Edition features Barry Sanders on the cover and will officially release on August 27, 2013. Madden NFL 25 Anniversary Edition will feature 30 new moves with various combinations plus the all-new precision modifier.

Google Games Center

At Google I/O last week we got to see a number of new things, including the music service we already reported on as well as the ‘-1′ to Google’s myriad chat options with ‘Hangouts’ combining chat and talk. But as a gamer who has enjoyed more and more games coming to Google Play in a reasonable time, I was interested in Google Play Game Services, the awkwardly named game center for Android games. After playing around with a couple of games that utilize the service, I was underwhelmed with what is essentially a mashup of Open Feint and Game Center that seems to offer much more to Google than to gamers — with one key exception.

Since I am certain to get some ‘Apple fanboy’ emails, let me step back. All roads in gaming lead back more than 30 years to either the PC or arcade. Early consoles were an unsatisfying attempt to bring the arcade into the home, and for many, many years pretty much any non-arcade effort on a console needed the caveat ‘for a console’ attached. GoldenEye was a pretty good shooter … for a console. XBOX Live was a decent service … for a console. And so on. They needed those caveats, because each was barely on par with what was available on the PC for several years.

So when Apple introduced Game Center, there were few who would have called the service ‘innovative’ in any way – it simply brought matchmaking and achievements and friends lists, all staples of PC and console multiplayer, to the iOS universe. It wasn’t even the first; Open Feint had already done a decent job of bringing some of these to the platform, but required the developer to code the interface to the platform into their game.

So now Google has Google Play Game Services. YAWN.

What is it? Basically, it’s an Open Feint clone that also includes several ideas from Game Center and also provides yet another non-optional way for Google to stuff their abysmal Google+ ‘social’ service down our throats.

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Recently released exclusive Nintendo 3DS games generating some heat include LEGO City Undercover: The Chase Begins, Rayman Origins, Heroes of Ruin, Angry Birds Trilogy and Art Academy: Lessons for Everyone!

Keep connectivity in mind when playing great mainstays like Mario Kart 7, New Super Mario Bros. 2, and Skylanders. More recommendations include Super Mario 3D Land, Paper Mario Sticker Star, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate and Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon – an action-adventure game was developed by Next Level Games and the sequel to the 2001 GameCube game Luigi’s Mansion.

Older player recommendations include Kingdom Hearts 3D Dream Drop Distance, Professor Layton and The Miracle Mask and Resident Evil: Revelations, which was such a big hit on the 3DS that it’s releasing to consoles now.

Nintendo has a triple threat for 3DS players this summer with Animal Crossing: New Leaf (June 9), Mario Golf: World Tour, and Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D (May 24). AC: New Leaf will also be included with a special 3DS XL bundle while MG: World Tour will offer a community play option as well as worldwide, competitive, real-time multiplayer matches. DK Country Returns 3D, originally released on the Wii, comes to the 3DS handheld system with upgraded 3-D effects and extra advantages.

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Gangster Rio

If you ask most ‘core’ gamers about the products Gameloft produces, chances are the words ‘shameless ripoffs’ will be uttered fairly quickly. But most of those same folks who like to game on iOS and Android devices (such as myself) will also admit that most of their games are polished, well-produced … and fun. This weekend you can get two of their more recent releases – Gangstar Rio: City of Saints and N.O.V.A. 3 – for free!

Gangstar Rio: City of Saints is a combined ‘Saints Row’ and ‘Grand Theft Auto’ clone set in … Rio de Janeiro. Like those games, you take on missions in a semi-free-roaming world, and essentially gain more and more strength and reputation through committing criminal acts and not getting caught. I honestly thought this one was better than the original ‘Saints Row’ (which itself was a shameless GTA clone). Loads of fun.

N.O.V.A. 3 – Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance – Gameloft is Gameloft’s take on Halo. It is a space-based shooter with expansive multiplayer options and plenty of missions. The shooting elements remain some of the best on a smartphone, and everything flows well.

So head to the iTunes App Store and grab Gangstar Rio: City of Saints and N.O.V.A. 3 for free!

The Hype

The glamour. The exhilaration. The intensity. The speed. With drivers cruising a smooth 200 mph — minimum — and cutthroat teams carving out dynasties of speed, Formula One is the most elite racing circle in the world and the most thrilling motorsport tearing up the tracks. Every curve of the track, every control on the dashboard and every strategy in the pit lane is of utmost importance in this intensified world — and it’s all re-created in stunning detail. Let breakneck speeds and ultra responsive cars transport you to the glamorous world of Formula One as you race toward the finish line.

Get behind the wheel and experience the new Circuit of the Americas before its real-life debut with this breathtaking game. This dramatic new track features 20-turn circuits that take inspiration from some of the world’s most difficult corners, including Silverstone’s Becketts and Istanbul Park’s Turn 8, and boasts elevation changes of up to 133 feet. An advanced weather system produces localized weather that can leave sections of the track wet while others stay dry for a dramatic and unpredictable race experience.

Take part in training tutorials, such as the all-new Young Driver’s Test at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina, to become familiar with the nuances of F1 racing and learn how to get the most speed out of your car. The new Lap Tutorials feature can help you perfect your car’s performance, as F1 test driver Anthony Davis walks you through a lap of each of the 20 circuits, offering expert advice. Do you have what it takes to handle the world’s toughest race circuits and steer your car to victory?

The Reality

In F1 2012, racing fans get an in-depth Formula One racing experience with refined game modes and numerous experiences for new players. This racing game has recovered well after noticeable glitches after the initial release, the fourth installment in this game series from Codemasters.

F1 2012 lets players experience the 2012 season that involves 12 teams and 24 drivers. Customization options are extensive and include mid-season changes. Races include 20 circuits and Grand Prix including the circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

The young drivers test provides a great tutorial for novice players and greatly reduces the learning curve that intimidates many players in F1 games. Here players can immediately learn, get on team or drive in a non-pressure environment.

Once the skills are set, then starts earning medal and championship points or try the proving grounds. The time trial lets players race against friends, ghost cars or selected rivals created by the best players in the world. The time attack offers various scenarios where players conquer three different challenges to earn a medal.

Constant adjustment and button pushing is the name of the game here, so memorize the control scheme as soon as possible. The custom race options are a great feature allowing for players to choose race location and length.

The dynamic weather condition scenarios and graphics are impressive while the convenient  flashback option help players avoid restarts when they make mistakes. Use the flashbacks wisely because they are in limited supply.

F1 2012 still has strong challenges, but the various driving assistance options really help novice players ease their way into a great experience as they learn what they might have been missing (myself included).

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Isla Dorada

Having just come off of the euphoria that was Special Enquiry Detail 2, I was ready for my next hidden object puzzle adventure. It comes in the form of an island-based game called Isla Dorada – Episode 1: The Sands of Ephranis HD, which has you taking on the role of Jessica Pandora, an archeologist drawn to a hidden site sought by many treasure hunters. What happens to her once she arrives, and is this a good game? Let’s take a look and see!
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Special Enquiry Detail 2

It has been nearly two years since I reviewed the iPad version of Special Enquiry Detail: The Hand that Feeds, and I absolutely loved it. The sequel came out for PC a while back, but has just now arrived for iPhone . Let’s dig in and see if this story and character driven hidden object puzzle adventure can live up to the original!

Type of app: Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure (HOPA) game

Platform/where to buy: iPad (iPhone version is here.; available in the Mac App Store

Developer: Floodlight Games / G5 Entertainment

Description:
Special Enquiry Detail 2 has loads of content, including:
Six highly intriguing chapters
44 locations to examine
22 mini-game puzzles to solve
A challenging case with multiple suspects

Major features:

The reasons I loved the original Special Enquiry Detail are many: great characters, interesting story, good sense of mystery and intrigue, and solid puzzles and hidden object gameplay. Ultimately there was nothing for me to critique, but I mentioned the British linguistics, as they caused me to need hints more than I would have otherwise.

As you begin the game, a murder of a woman in a wedding dress takes place, and next thing you know Turino and Lamonte are on the scene hunting for clues. They were not the detectives in charge of the Engagement Killer’s case – there have already been multiple killings – but they quickly take over based on a special request. From there they need to revisit the old crimes and try to piece together new and existing evidence to find connections and clues to solve the crimes before the killer claims another victim!

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This third person action-shooter game takes place after the high quality 2009 Star Trek film and before this year’s sequel Star Trek Into Darkness. Single player and cooperative/multiplayer (online and offline in split screen) modes are available.

The Hype

The award-winning Star Trek game casts players for the first time ever as Kirk and Spock in a totally original co-op experience worthy of gamers and fans. Set in the new canon of director and producer J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek (2009) reboot, players will be immersed in the game’s rich story and action-packed combat.

Developed by acclaimed Ontario-based developers Digital Extremes (Bioshock 2, Dark Sector, The Darkness 2), Star Trek features an original story by BAFTA award winner and God of War writer, Marianne Krawczyk, in collaboration with the writer/producers of the new Star Trek films, Bob Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof. Production was overseen by Paramount Creative Executive Brian Miller.

The Reality

Captain James T. Kirk and Spock must work together in the co-op mode against the antagonistic and reptilian Gorn, who are trying to disrupt the New Vulcan colony.

Spock and Kirk on Star Trek: The Video Game

In Stark Trek: The Video Game, players can play this third person action-shooter sci-fi game with Captain James T. Kirk or the formidable Vulcan named Spock. Both get basic weapons like phasers and communication tricoders – both are upgradeable. Kirk’s phaser is a bit more powerful…and louder, while Spock’s weapons can freeze plus he uses the famous nerve pinch and mind meld powers. Kirk can also order airstrikes from their home ship The Enterprise.

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The Artec Eva 3D scanner was used to create the official commercial for the Bioshock Infinite video game, a popular action/first person shooter (FPS) from  Irrational Games / 2K Games  available on PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and coming this summer on Mac. Bioshock Infinite breaks new ground with unique gear, power and weapons amid amazing environments amid the immense floating city of Columbia. Set in 1912, this third installment in the Bioshock game series enthralls with amazing gameplay elements involving various gear, weapons, and powers.

Bioshock Infinite features former Pinkerton agent Booker DeWitt, voiced by Troy Baker, must rescue the imprisoned Elizabeth, voiced by Courtnee Draper. Elizabeth can definitely hold her own in combat and pick locks while tossing Booker found supplies. Her biggest power is opening tears, which are inter-dimensional rifts in time and space.

The Artec Eva 3D scanner was used to create and to successfully bring to life Elizabeth, one of the main characters in Bioshock Infinite, for its internationally run television commercial. I recently discussed this project and other related works at Artec with Anna Zevelyov, the director of business development at Artec.

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mickeywars

Taking top prize of a consumer poll two years in a row is something most companies would dream of … unless you are EA, and the poll is ‘Worst Company in America’. That’s right, EA made history by capturing the title an unprecedented two years in a row. How? Trashing beloved franchises, over-enthusiastic nickel-and-diming via DLC, and psychologist and analyst enhanced extortion through freemium games (yes, they actually have behavior-analyst teams designing games to get you to spend $100 over time on something you wouldn’t pay $5 for upfront!). So imagine the excitement of the gaming community when the most hated game company got exclusive rights to one of the most beloved franchises – Star Wars. Yeah, yippee.

Here is the overview:

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Plants vs. Zombies 2

It has been more than 3 years since I posted my review of the iPhone version of Plants vs. Zombies, and four years to the day since the original game launched (I did a review of the game elsewhere in May 2009) … and now we get word that the sequel to one of the hottest tower-defense games ever made is coming in July!

There isn’t much info yet other than a Tweet saying “Yay! I can finally say it! PvZ 2: It’s About Time is coming in July! #GetReady”. Also, there is a teaser trailer:

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Electronic Arts and Maxis today revealed that The Sims 4 is coming to the PC and Mac in 2014 … the specific date in 2014 is still unknown. EA held a special VIP briefing this morning where the world’s top Sims fans got to hear the new first from the creative team. This fan group will also get future access and alerts from the development team. No mention of console and/or handheld versions yet.

The Sims 3 is definitely finishing with a bang this year with the new and well-time The Sims 3 Island Paradise expansion pack on June 25, the new The Sims 3 Movie Stuff pack, and all-new Dragon Valley world available in The Sims 3 Store.  The Sims 3 Showtime expansion pack just released this past March. The Sims 3 has released over 12 expansion packs since the initial 2009 release.

The Sims 4 will encourage players to “personalize their world with new and intuitive tools while offering them the ability to effortlessly share their creativity with friends and fans.”

TheSims is definitely he world’s most successful simulation game as well as favorite overall game with more than 150 million copies worldwide sold since the first series released in 2000 (sans “Woo Hoo”). EA tried The Sims Social on Facebook, but that game will shut down on June 14, 2013.

Dark Avenger for iOS

In the action-RPG genre, 1996′s Diablo is the one that brought mass-popularity, and therefore subsequent action-RPGs were called ‘Diablo clones’ for years regardless of what else they brought to the table. On smartphones and tablets, the Dungeon Hunter games have defined the standard for action-RPG gameplay but have angered gamers with agressively pushing in-app purchases. Now we have Dark Avenger, a new entry to the genre. How does it compare? Let’s take a look!

Type of app: Action Role-Playing (aRPG or Action RPG) game

Platform/where to buy: iPhone/iPad; available in the Mac App Store

Developer: Gamevil

Description:

Dark Avenger has loads of content, including:
> FREE TO PLAY
> Dark Action RPG
> Smooth, Intuitive Controls
> Real-time Global PvP
> 3 Heroic Classes: Templar, Archer, or Mage
> Legendary Sets and Equipment
> Infinite Dungeon

Major features:

The basic story of Dark Avenger is … well, I really didn’t have any clue without looking at the iTunes description – and I have played for several hours! Evil has risen … blah, blah, blah. Basically bad things are happening, there are undead, and you have to kill them. Got it? Good.

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Neverwinter Quest

The realms of Neverwinter and the Sword Coast are beloved by all fantasy RPG gamers, and they have been featured since the very earliest days of Dungeons & Dragons. Some of the most famous games set in this universe are Baldur’s Gate 1 & 2, Icewind Dale 1 & 2, and Neverwinter Nights 1 & 2. Though its main campaign was criticized by some in 2002 as lacking depth and excitement compared to the Baldur’s Gates games, multiplayer and player-created content have kept Neverwinter Nights and its sequel popular for more than a decade. So when Cryptic Entertainment and Perfect Worlds announced a MMORPG called ‘Neverwinter’, it was met with a combination of excitement and trepidation. The game is now in ‘open beta’, so let me give some impressions after putting some hours into playing!

Background:
The story of the development of Neverwinter is so full of plot twists and intrigue to make it seem like a Lifetime movie! Announced by Atari in 2010, Neverwinter was in development at Cryptic Studios (which Atari bought in 2009); it was to be a co-operative multiplayer story-based fantasy RPG with seamless online and offline modes, and it was slated for a late 2011 release. In mid-2011 Atari sold Cryptic to Perfect World, and Neverwinter was delayed into 2012. Also in 2011 there was a load of drama around the Dungeons & Dragons licensing lawsuit between Atari and Wizards of the Coast, captured here. Perfect World secured publishing rights to the game license from Atari as well.

In early 2012, Perfect World announced (not surprisingly) that Neverwinter would transition to a full MMORPG … and that would delay the game until the end of 2012. They also announced that it would adopt the ‘free to play’ model rather than a full paid subscription. As the end of the year approached, Cryptic delayed Neverwinter into 2013 to polish the game. 2013 has seen a gradual increase in ‘private beta’ periods where more and more people help test the gameplay and the server load capabilities.

Character Creation:

Neverwinter is based on the 4th edition Dungeon & Dragons rules … and I have already split the audience just by saying that. D&D 4E – as it is called – made some sweeping changes in order to help the rules make more sense to players, to adapt to more modern game types, and to make the early levels less like a ‘quest to stay alive’. For some those things were welcome, but for most veteran gamers they were an awful direction for the property. The reason I mention the rules, is that they have an impact on how the character creation system works. For more details, head here or here.

Dungeons & Dragons also features a variety of races such as Human, Elf, Dwarf, and so on. Each one has strengths and weaknesses, and therefore making the best overall character selection involves understanding the racial characteristics as well as the class characteristics.

For my character I chose to play a female human Control Wizard. As a human I am not the most powerful arcane master, but I gain health points compared to weaker Elves. The control wizard is a fairly typical arcane spellmaster, skilled at ranged attacks that can target multiple enemies at once. At higher levels this class becomes a walking missile platform. As for why I chose a female character? In many games it makes no difference, but I have always found that most developers write assuming that male players will choose male characters for most of their own testing playthroughs, so any problems are more likely to occur with a female character.

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Steve Jackson’s Sorcery! for iPad

Imagine a game that combines a classic fantasy story, told as a ‘create your own adventure’, loaded up with fantasy RPG gameplay, and with a unique and engaging visual style. Intrigued? You should be! Steve Jackson’s Sorcery! is the video game realization of the classic early 80′s book series. Can it actually deliver on expectations set across the decades? Let’s take a look and see! continue reading

Red Crow Mysteries Legion for iOS

G5 Entertainment works with a number of developers as well as doing in-house work. Recently they have partnered with Cateia Games for some cool games, including Where Angels Cry and Fate of the Pharoah. Each of these were compelling games that I very much enjoyed, so when I heard that they were behind Red Crow Mysteries: Legion, I was already intrigued to check out the latest hidden object game from G5 Entertainment! continue reading

Injustice: Gods Among Us presents the long-standing DC Comics franchise in a high quality fighting action game in the familiar arena format.

The Hype

Injustice: Gods Among Us is a fighting game that blends classic Arcade style gameplay mechanics with an intriguing storyline that pits classic DC Comics characters against each other in unique combinations (hero vs. hero, villain vs. villain, etc.). The game is developed by NetherRealm Studios, and Ed Boon, of Mortal Kombat fame. Players can expect over-the-top action that is suitable for players of most ages, and a single-player storyline that provides the background for the unique character match-ups possible. Addition features include: more than 20 DC Comics heroes and villains, a variety of different attack levels, unique attacks for each character, multiplayer support, and more.

The Reality

“What if our greatest heroes became our greatest threat?”

Injustice: Gods Among Us feature the famous DC Comic characters, polished visuals, and online/multiplayer modes create an amazing action experience. There really is no “us” as bystanders do not really factor into the gameplay as individual elements, but only collectively the title distinguishes the extraordinary powers and lives these varied heroes and villains lead.

The 24 core characters include Aquaman, Bane, Batman, Black Adam, Catwoman, Cyborg, Deathstroke, Doomsday, Flash, Green Arrow, Green Lantern, Harley Quinn, The Joker, Lex Luthor, Nightwing, Raven, Solomon Grundy, Superman, and Wonder Woman. The mix of villains and heroes reflects the storyline, by comic book writers Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti, where special circumstances/events blur the line between good and evil among several famous settings.

Each character has their own set of special moves and match up abilities against every other character. Matchups can always be exploited while the base characters can expand in the future in various ways. Players get a constant sense of discovery and competition. Players also get reveals and refreshers about the characters themselves

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I recently saw an article from USA Today on a new “Create Your Pizza App” Xbox 360 app that lets users order food from Pizza Hut right from this game console. This free app includes the full Pizza Hut menu.

The app caught my interest while the justification for the app was laughable to me. A different way of doing the same thing.

Each app element was socially constructed based on our experience…how we relate to the elements individually or collectively.

There are many social factors working here. Overall, pizza delivery is something many people use it and I don’t it is going away any time soon.

“The very last thing a kid wants to do is look for a phone to order a pizza,” says John Engates, chief technology officer at Rackspace, a cloud technology provider in a recent USA Today article on this app.

The last thing a kid wants to do is look for a phone? …Really? Most “kids” I know have a mobile device close by and on their body even while playing their Xbox 360.

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The Wii U Virtual Console service allows Nintendo Wii U owners to download games from the classic Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) consoles. Virtual Console appears after updating the WiiU system.

New releases will arrive constantly plus future game additions will include popular titles from the Nintendo 64 console and handheld Game Boy Advance. Players can play Virtual Console games on the Wii U GamePad controller when someone else is watching TV. Each game has/will have an official community in Miiverse, customizable controller schemes, and special save files called restore points.

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Fieldrunners 2 Android

When it comes to casual mobile games I love, Fieldrunners ranks at the top along with others such as Plants vs. Zombies and Civilization Revolution. All of those games allowed me to get an ‘on the go’ experience that still scratched my hardcore gamer itch. So I was wary when Fieldrunners 2 came to iOS devices last September – but as noted in my review of the iPad version, I was thrilled with the results. This week the game (finally) landed on Android devices and I took some time to check it out!

Type of app: ‘Tower Defense’ game

Platform/where to buy: Android smartphones & tablets; available in the Google Play Store

Developer: Subatomic Studios

Description:
Features include:
• Pint sized invaders seeking revenge!
• A tower that launches bee hives!
• Tons of levels in a 20+ hour campaign!
• Revolutionary AI – each enemy creates a dynamic, realistic path through the battlefield!
• Gorgeous, hand painted, 2D graphics by award-winning artists!
• 20 unique, upgradeable weapons!
• Custom load-outs let you pick the perfect weapons for each battle!
• Air strikes, mines and powerful items so you can strike with the precision of a surgeon!
• Time Trial, Sudden Death and Puzzle maps bring all new challenges to tower defense!
• Trenches, bridges and tunnels add new dimensions to gameplay!
• Collect all the Elite enemies to become the ultimate tower defense champion!
• A tower that turns enemies into barnyard animals!

Major features: I was amazed when I heard from the Subatomic Studios Twitter feed that they released the Android version of Fieldrunners 2. What amazed me was that it had taken more than seven months for the port to happen! The good news is that the port is every bit as satisfying as the original version I played on the iPad and more recently on the iPhone.

As noted before, gameplay is similar to the original Fieldrunners where you place a variety of offensive towers (machine guns, slowing glue, rockets, etc) on the field in places designed to maximize the likelihood of stopping the marauding clones trying to get from left to right on the screen. Each clone that you destroy adds to your available cash, which you can use to buy more towers or upgrade the ones you have. Upgrades increase power and range, and are very effective. You have a health bar that is reduced by each enemy that passes your defenses, with the game ending when your base is destroyed.

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When Youda Survivor hit the iPad back in late 2011, it was amongst a stream of PC ports that all played extremely well on the tablet such as Civilization Revolution, Jack of All Tribes and Tiny Token Empires. Since then bigger games such as Grand Theft Auto III, Max Payne and Baldur’s Gate have impressed on the tablet. So how does the sequel to Youda Survivor fit in? Let’s take a look!

Type of app: Time Management Strategy Adventure game

Platform/where to buy: iPhone/iPad (iPhone version here); available in the iTunes App Store

Developer: Youdagames / G5 Entertainment

Description:
Youda Survivor 2 has loads of content, including:
● Over 100 incredible levels in nine absorbing chapters
● 10 extra powers to master and capitalize on
● Two modes of play: story mode and siege mode
● Two playable characters, each with distinct capabilities
● Upgrades, bonuses and awards

Major features: Youda Survivor is the sequel to a survival based game, and finds our hero in a cozy residential home with a spouse (you choose gender for your hero) and a new baby. As flaming rocks fall from the sky you are visited by your old tribe in a vision, and transported back to the island to fight off a new evil threat!

Similar to the original game, you will find yourself rushing around trying to meet the requirements of each area as quickly as possible. Some of the things you will do initially are digging new watering holes, gathering eggs and milk, and making simple water and health potions.

But soon you will need to more than collect things – you will need to process them into other items. For example, you need eggs to make fried eggs, milk to make cheese, and so on.

How do you process items? First you need to buy things such as an egg cooker, which will transform an egg after a short time; but you can also upgrade your processing tools to make them more efficient – fry two eggs at once, for example.

As you proceed through level after level, you eliminate enemies, gain acclaim and get harder and harder tasks. Very quickly you realize that if any of your resources isn’t being used, chances are you wasting precious time and might fail the mission.

Ease of use/Overall performance: Sounds great, right? Well, not so fast! Every time you dig a hole, or mix a potion or perform just about any task you use up some of your health. It doesn’t replenish by itself, so you need to create potions or destroy enemies who threaten the beach to gain more health. Certain items combine to form more powerful potions – but naturally they also take longer to make.

And since there is a time management element involved, you are constantly battling the clock trying for that Gold level! But even after a few levels that starts to get challenging – you will be struggling to balance your health against the objectives and the time, so you will often require a few tries to reach the gold medal.

But along the way you will have a load of frantic fun. You complete tasks and use energy to gain tokens, which you can in turn use to advance levels and buy new powers and machinery to allow you to more easily complete your tasks.

After a long play session I found that some of the tasks and levels felt repetitive, but in the more common short sessions of a couple of levels I was always entertained and challenged. I spent about a dozen hours playing through the 80 challenging levels in order to my quest for Gold times, and thoroughly enjoyed Youda Survivor throughout. If you are a fan of fast-paced time management games, definitely give this one a shot!

Would use again/recommend?: Definitely! I loved the fast-paced and engaging gameplay; fun challenges; loads of stuff to do!

Suggested changes/wish list for updates: Levels can get repetitive after playing for a while

Source: Publisher provided review code

Price: Free download with $4.99 in-app purchase – (sale price until April 13th, then the price returns to $6.99. iPhone version on sale for $2.99, regularly $4.99)

Here is the trailer:

“A New Generation Revealed. Be part of this historic online event, featuring a live stream, video, images, updates and more.”

Microsoft released this accompanying statement today as they announced the time for the reveal on the next generation Xbox console. The announcement date is May 21, 2013 at 10 a.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST). That would be 1 p.m. EST. Spike TV will televise the announcement at this time while it also streams live on Xbox Live and Xbox.com.

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