Top 10 Reason why Starcraft 2 is going to suck.

I know I know, before you start flaming or hating. I have my reasons, Starcraft 2 may be a good game but every good game has a bad game. Every 10 has a 1. Here's why:

1. Its Starcraft.

If you asked me, the lore is kinda similar to Warhammer 40,000. Protoss? Eldar. Zerg? Tyrannid. Terran? Space Marines. I'm stuck between deciding which one is better.

2. Same unit sounds? C'mon!

Recently i went poking around in the Android Marketplace, found soundboards for both Starcraft 1 and 2. Most of it were strangely similar.

3. Overhype

Happens with most games, they build up so much hype and in the end, it just sucked. I hate that.

4. Region Pricing

This won't apply to you if you're from the states. But in our region, a copy is freaking 109. One Hundred and Nine dollars! I mean, WHY?

5. Koreans

They will most likely be dominating this game again. Have you seen their APM videos?

6. It feels very...Starcraft

Yep, it feels like a Starcraft with new 3D engine. Other than that I don't see any difference.

7. Kerrigan

OMFG I want to kill this bitch so bad I'm in love with her. JUST DESTROY/CONSUME/WHATEVER the galaxy already!

8. Expansions

Man, I can't fully play the whole game and have to wait? Why? WHY?

9. Like every other game, kids who can't deal with losing.

I hate this, not saying every kid isn't a good gamer, just saying, you're not gonna be winning all the time.

10. A Possible Dota? Yes.

I've seen the custom maps, they are good. Too good to be exact. I actually wanted to purchase this game just to play custom maps. But if another Dota craze hits our shores, I am gonna be sad. Really Sad.

AIR C-C-C-COMBO!

If you didn't came in buckets, I don't know what you should call yourself, because I Did. After a decade the good guys at Capcom and Marvel finally unleashed their new awaited title: Marvel Vs Capcom 3.

This video was a short gameplay from E3 and I must say, it was splendid. Also, Chris Redfield's RPG. BEST. FINISHER. EVER!

Portal 2. GlaDOS is back!

As seen from the video, we can expect two things: GlaDOS and Cake. Although I hope there will be real cake this time round! Portal 2 is due for release in 2011 on both PC and MAC!

Review: Alpha Protocol

Introduction

Hey, pandar3n here hitting you up with another review. This time its Alpha Protocol from SEGA and Obsidian Studios. I've had mixed feelings while playing this one. It felt like a poor copy of Mass Effect 2. Alpha Protocol is a Espionage Action RPG game similar to Mass Effect 2. Alpha Protocol is actually a secret agency that trains special agents sent around to world for missions. You happen to be kidnapped, drugged into the facility; all that for initiation.

Gameplay

I didn't really liked the controls very much. Like Mass Effect and Elder Scrolls IV. It had similar lockpicking play styles to unlock information, disable alarms and read other people's email, sounds pretty useful. Movement was rather sluggish, I would say that it isn't really polished. You start the game off by selecting your specialization, I picked Agent as I liked to do it from the back. *wink* Even though the controls were bad, I liked how your choices affect the story which during the game you can choose, you can either be Aggressive, Neutral or Lawful.

Graphics

Despite the gameplay, I applaud the game for it's graphic though not as good as others, it has at least some standards. The game uses Unreal 3 engine automatically making the graphics smooth. I've had no problems playing on my 9500GT.

Conclusion

I think that if Obsidian and SEGA had more time on their hands, this game would be golden. It's just not as polished as other titles but its worth a shot if you're into Espionage games.

Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands Launch Event!

I was invited to a recent Prince of Persia launch event which showcases the game itself and some of the action in game which can be related to real life, like rock-climbing. The event was held at Orchad Central, near the rock-climbing area, we were treated to a live display of a real Prince of Persia where he demonstrated what its like to fall from great heights...without dieing. It was a real treat, but I didn't get a chance to eat the muffins from Gelare though :(.

Here are some pictures from the event itself!

Snapping Necks. Dead to Rights.

Introduction

Though not as gory as other violent games, Dead to Rights has caught my attention, that snapping necks, breaking legs, kicking your enemies in the face takes it to a whole new level, and a dog that kills on command? Hell Yeah. I wished they gave me more kung fu skills and notably, Bullets. Because I prefer to shoot people in the face than punch them. Not saying punching isn't good just that shooting has a better effect.

The game itself isn't as polished as many other games but in a weird way it does provide some sort of fun.

Gameplay
While it lacks action from other games, fights were smooth in the sense of combos. Fighting with your fist while hearing that punch land on your opponent's face, that kinda brightens my day.

Takedowns were a crucial part in the game, they charge your focus bar and allows you to twist your enemies' neck one full round and kick them away. Disarming your foes allows you to slow everything down and take that headshot. It was bloody. Very Bloody.

Graphics

For a PS3 game I don't really see any difference compared to the Xbox or PC, the game itself has a flashy takedown scence where it colors your screen red, a slo-mo mode when disarming your enemies before shooting them in the face. Comic style introduction to enemies and places. Gore Graphic wise, 3/10. Not saying that it should be of GoW3 standard but even a little bit of head snapping would be nice....right?

Conclusion

Price wise, I wouldn't really complain but if you played the past Dead to Rights, you should prolly get this one, I liked the story for instance, a cop that ignores rules and gets the job done, with his father waaaaay up in the police department, he seems to be able to get away with bad things while doing good things, so its kinda confusing at a point of time. But I'd give it to him. Hes one badass.

Crossbows? IN MY BLACK OPS?

When i first heard of Call of Duty Black Ops, my first thoughts were oh, are we gonna be going into another airport killing random civilians? I. Was. Wrong.

Crossbows. Yea.

Starcraft 2 Pricing! **UPDATE**!!

It is confirmed by Blizzard that the Singapore copy of Starcraft 2 will cost S$109. Better start saving up! By paying that amount, you'll be able to have unlimited access to the online features of the game.(duh) However Blizzard has plans for "alternate pricing" for future expansions, cheaper maybe? We can only hope. Taken from their press release in California:

"One of our design goals for StarCraft II was to make it accessible to a wide range of players, from beginners to veterans," said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. "The same is true with regard to our pricing options -- we want to make sure players have the flexibility to experience the game according to their own preferences and play style."

However no news about collector's edition though! When will they acknowledge us to be loyal customers too? :(

**UPDATE**
Rumors are flying around that the game itself will not only be region locked, the local copy is also unable to play with players from other countries.

**UPDATE**

Based on the recent interview with Blizzard's Gobal Manager for Community Development. It is confirmed that the game will be region locked. Reason being they want to build up the community in SEA. However if you wish to play with US players, you can purchase a copy from amazon, have a separate BNET account. So if you're a kiasu type then probably purchase one in Singapore and one in US. Even though I'm sure the US version will still be cheaper.

This fantasy is far from final!

Source: kotaku.com

Need i say more?

SC2 Galaxy Editor takes custom maps to a whole new level

Thanks to a fellow gamer, djskye.

We've all seen how custom maps changes how games operate out of normal parameters. We've also see how DOTA has taken the world by storm. Thanks to the geniuses at Blizzard, Starcraft 2 is redefining how custom maps work.

Touhou Project is a popular game in Japan which basically pushes the boundaries of arcade-styled shooters to a whole new level. Dodging bullets has never been so intense and fun. And boy it is fun. I'm looking for another reason to pre-order SC2 now, besides the main reason of finding out what Kerrigan or The Queen Of Blades is up to.

Starcraft II lands this July

Hell it's about time, says the Marine, and damn right it is. After all the teasers that Blizzard has thrown at our faces for awhile now, Starcraft II is dated to due this July 27th! It's predecessor and expansion left us with tons of unanswered questions and hints of a cross-racial zerg-protoss breeding in the shadows. Here's to hoping that all those questions be answered come this July. Are you excited?

PS: If you're wondering what's in the collector's edition, look no further, click here.

BioWare: SWTOR Combat promises to be a Heroic Experience

In the latest SWTOR video documentary, we're given a closer look at how we will be killing our foes come early spring 2011! Fights will make us feel heroic, and as promised be developers, all the gadgets and skills we have seen throughout the whole epic space opera franchise will be available to wreak mayhem. Don't take my word for it though, see it for yourself!

WHO IS THE TANK?!?!?!?!?

You might be thinking WHY IS THIS HERE! IT'S SO OLD!!!!! Okay okay.. relax.. take a chill pill. I'm doing this for those who're missing out on this golden video! I've been back in WoW rolling on a new character, and was surprised to find out there are still people who're missing out on this! For those of you who don't know what the jibbers I'm saying, watch the vid! You'll like it. :)

First Impressions - Splinter Cell: Conviction PC

Hey there, panda here. Sneaking up on ya. I've been playing Splinter Cell: Conviction(SCC) on the PC for a short while now and I've got a few things to note. For starters, finally there's a game that lets you be a brawling and angry secret agent!

Marvel vs Capcom 3

Here you go, after such a long time, Capcom and Marvel finally released a trailer for their upcoming game. Yes i just got a gaming hardon.

WoW's answer to the Pegasus: The Celestial Steed mount

If I might say so myself, I like this steed. Its blue, its shiny, and its the closest you can get to a unicorn! Unless you think unicorns do not have an extra horn on its head, then hey! It's a unicorn mount!

Gears of War 3 Official Trailer release and some more

They're adding 4 player co-op this time into the story mode, and the game will take place 18 months after the events of Gears of War 2. If you've played the first two games, and are wondering where the hell did the Locust Horde vanish to? April 2011 will be the month for those questions to be answered. Keep on reading for more details and a video treat.

April Releases

April is here, a month without much to go about. Save your wallets for Starcraft 2 Collector's edition!

Dante's Inferno DLC

GTA IV DLC

Sam & Max Season 3

Super Street Fighter IV

After Burner Climax

I'm looking forward to After Burner Climax next month, wouldn't want to spend money in the arcade for that! Even though theres that pilot turning like seat with a joystick and throttle control which only makes you go extremely fast or slow down a lil.

Her name is Bolo Santosi.

Just Cause 2 in very summarized terms is pretty much GTA beautified with exploding buildings, gas tanks, helicopters and of course Bolo Santosi. Bolo is a faction leader you meet in the game, offering you missions and weird lines that you might think she is trying to get you to bed but at the same time, something is wrong. What is wrong? This is wrong.

Review: Razor DeathAdder Left Hand Edition

This review was made possible by Tiffany, a left-handed gamer, and friend of Michael, who took her time, to serve us up with a look at Razor's new product for lefties.

It is about time someone stepped up and made toys for left-handed gamers! Razor did, with the new launch of their DeathAdder Left Hand Edition. The days of forcing yourself to play with your right hand are finally over. 

The stuff of StarCraft II Collector's

We've been anticipating StarCraft II for a long time now, and I'll bet the dry season we're having right now isn't helping our anxiety. Nontheless, if you're wondering whether Blizzard will give us a Collector's Edition worthy of our cash, keep on reading for juicy details.

Review - Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom

This latest series in the long-running Settlers franchise brings with it the same charm and enjoyment as with all of its predecessors. You get little workers that follow your orders to the letter, and boy are they a tireless lot. They’ll be mining for minerals, shearing sheep, chopping up wood and even smelting iron for peanuts! Give them no job, and they cry out for work. Fancy that!

Review - Heavy Rain

Heavy Rain is an "interactive drama" that focuses on four protagonists, as they fight to track down and capture a serial murderer known as the Origami Killer. The game's emotionally driven premise encourages its players to empathize with its characters. In doing so, it allows one to experience a more satisfying and genuine role-playing game, which we call an RPG. Though it is an adult story with a mature rating, the game has been tastefully done and does not talk down to its audience.