Splinter Cell: Blacklist (Preview)

Spring 2013
Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, Windows

Developed by Ubisoft Toronto
Published by Ubisoft

Join Sam Fisher again as you protect the country from terrorist scum in Splinter Cell: Blacklist

The Splinter Cell series has been one of my favorite game series for awhile now.  I love being stealthy, even in games that don't focus on stealth, and Splinter Cell has always done a great job with stealth gameplay.  The most recent entry into the series, Conviction, focused more on mobility and stealth rather than the pure stealth of earlier games, and this new entry into the series is continuing that theme.

This latest foray into the Splinter Cell universe has the previous covert organization that Sam Fisher, the protagonist, worked for dissolved only to have a new organization created with Sam as the boss.  A new terrorist threat called the Blacklist has emerged in which twelve terrorists have created a deadly countdown of escalating terrorist attacks, and the President has given Sam and his team full freedom to stop this threat using any means necessary.  I've loved all the other Splinter Cell main plots and this one sounds very promising too. 

If you'd just told me where the bathroom was, we wouldn't be in this mess. Splinter Cell: Blacklist (2013)

Watching any preview for this game, players of any previous Splinter Cell games will notice an immediate difference, namely that Sam Fisher has a new voice actor.  The previous voice actor, Michael Ironside, decided he should "pass the torch" onto a new actor with Ubisoft choosing Eric Johnson to reprise the role.  Now, I am saddened that Mr. Ironside will no longer be voicing Sam and I will forever feel that he is Sam's "real" voice, but I understand that these things happen and Eric Johnson does a good job, at least in the material I have seen.

The gameplay footage above shows a very mobile, combat-heavy run through of a demo level.  A lot of fans have been up in arms about this because it seems like stealth has been sacrificed for action (which many fans also complained about in Conviction but still enjoyed it anyway).  While the game can be played this way in many instances, this is not a valid criticism of the game as demonstrated in the video below.

The developers decided to give the player a lot of choice in how to play the game.  You can either be very stealthy and slip by without disrupting anyone, or you can go in guns blazing and leave corpses as your call sign.  It's your choice and I'm glad the developers gave players that option.  Now whether there are any benefits or bonuses to being stealthy we will have to wait and see, but I wouldn't be surprised if they included some just to encourage people to play more stealthily than they otherwise would.

I'm looking forward to this game and am definitely putting it on my watch list. We still have several months before the game comes out so expect more videos, news, and screenshots to be released.  I hope they show off improvements to the NPC's AI and whether the player makes any story choices like in Double Agent, but so far it looks fun and it will be great to take control of Sam Fisher again.

Words by Josh Matern

Grand Theft Auto V (Preview II)

Spring 2013
PS3, Xbox 360

Developed by Rockstar North
Published by Rockstar Games

Grand Theft Auto V is the best way to end a console generation.

An entire year has passed since the first trailer for Grand Theft Auto V. Today we got the second. I have watched it several times including the shot-by-shot study session with the analytic folks responsible for IGN's Rewind Theater and I am immensely and thoroughly impressed. The presentation is pristine, the writing on par with Rockstar products of late (Red Dead Redemption and Max Payne 3 for example), and most importantly, it looks like it is going to be a blast!

December cover for GameInformer, first look at the three protagonists.

There has been so much news for GTA V as of late that even attempting a preview at this point is overwhelming. With the GameInformer cover story (art above), word that it would be the first in the series with a full orchestrated score (of course this is addition to the  music on the radio), and explanations as to why they did not hold it over for next gen. Gamers, expect the industry's spotlight to remain focused on this game for the next several months until its colossal release.

Jets are back baby! Grand Theft Auto V (2012)

We are returning to Los Santos this time around (the city we start out in in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas) but will also have access to the surrounding countryside. In fact, Rockstar announced that the world in Grand Theft Auto V is bigger than those of GTA IV, Red Dead , and GTA: San Andreas combined. Combined! Some are concerned that it is going to be too big for it's own good. Such a thought never enters my thinking, but it is a point worth bringing up. Dan Houser (co-founder of Rockstar) revealed plain and simple that the map was this big to better support the flying the player would inevitable be doing. And how about that scene in the new trailer where Trevor, it looks like, takes a jeep out of a plane only to eject himself and free-fall... This could be the most fun of its kind since Just Cause 2!

Left to right: Franklin, Trevor and Michael: the three playable protagonists. Grand Theft Auto V (2012)

Possibly the highlight of this trailer, recent demo discussions and news is that you will play as three different characters throughout the campaign. Sometimes they will be together, sometimes each doing their own thing. Each are distinct in their situations and skills. You can get a glimpse of them above, but watch the trailer for more. Michael seems to be the main character, a middle-aged man who has come to Los Santos to stay out of trouble, but obviously that is not what happens. While watching the trailer I got a strong Breaking Bad vibe from the scenarios our characters got themselves into and the relationships between them. That's not a good bad influence to have. Off the top of my head I cannot think of another game that has done something quite like this character system, certainly not on this large a scale. This is something they first explored in Grand Theft Auto IV with Episodes from Liberty City. And not to give too much away but your campaign was not limited to the main character in either Red Dead Redemption or L.A. Noire, the latter being published by Rockstar. I am eager to see the character-switching in action.

Don't worry, helicopters return to. Also, take in the view of "Vinewood" Hills. Grand Theft Auto V (2012)

Finally, we are all terribly curious as to what the game's multiplayer is going to entail. Both GTA IV and Red Dead Redemption brought something new to open-world multiplayer, these are experiences I still throw in to my system today. No doubt Rockstar is going to deliver the high quality gameplay series preview they've become known for to both inform and further intice us, though it's not like they need to... This is hands down the game I am most anticipating from this point forward folks. Likewise you can anticipate to hear more about Grand Theft Auto V before and after its Spring 2013 release! Next year will likely be the finale for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, games like this are pushing the systems for all they can muster. I cannot think of a better way to close the curtains.

Oh, and just for the fun of it, here's the Adam Sessler discussing the trailer.

Words by J.S. Lewis

Deadpool (Preview)

TBA 2013
PS3, Xbox 360

Developed by High Mon Studios
Published by Activision

The Merc with a Mouth is wrecking havoc in a new medium.

For those of you not familiar with Marvel's anti-hero Deadpool, I pity you. He has been my favorite childhood superhero since I was 12 and is the only comic book character I stay current on today. When the other children were playing Spider-Man and  Captain America (ok, no one was playing Captain America, he is super-lame), I was playing the psychotic, ruthless, guns-for-hire Deadpool. The thing that makes Deadpool unique is his humor which is twisted and pop-culture obsessed. He is also certified insane as he can't die and because Loki informed him he is a comic-book character he often breaks the fourth wall to great comedic effect.

The game and the games website looks to capitalize on his violent and disturbed yet comical nature. Check out the video below to get a glimpse as to what this game will entail. 

Deadpool is bringing his unique brand of insanity, violence and humor to consoles in 2013

I'm not happy about the lewd-humor in this game and we really have to wait to see extended in-game footage to make any judgement. I really enjoyed the X-Men Origins: Wolverine Uncaged Edition (2009) video game and it looks like this could be similar in style and gameplay. No matter the IP, you have to have strong gameplay but, if this gets even semi-positive reviews, I may have to convert to consoles for a few weeks out of my love for Deadpool. I'm excited for more people to be introduced to Deadpool and hopefully strong sales and positive reviews will convince studio-heads to move forward with the Deadpool movie.

Words by Trent

Among the Sleep (Preview)

2013
Windows, Mac

Developed by Krillbite Studios
Published by Krillbite Studios

You might be small, but Among the Sleep promises big thrills.

First, watch the above "gameplay teaser." Creepy yet wonderful, am I right? This was first announced and showcased in May, but I thought it would be a nice time of year to bring it back into the spotlight. Among the Sleep lets players control a two-year child in a survival-horror romp. You may want to read that sentence again. Can't say we've ever seen that before...

Newcomers Krillbite Studios describe the experience with the following:

"In Among the Sleep you take on the role of a young child. You have yet to develop a full sense of reality, making you weak and susceptible to the horrifying creatures inhabiting your nightmares.

One particular night a dramatic event occurs, forcing you to flee from your home and enter a surreal world. Only accompanied by Teddy, you must overcome many hardships to stay alive and find a way home."

Some charming concept art for the game. Among the Sleep (2013)

I don't know about you, but that makes me very interested. I hope Teddy is similar to the one in Steven Spielberg's "A.I." That would make a great companion for a protagonist that cannot speak. If you ever played "Fallout 3" you got a brief taste of playing a baby in a first-person game. (Hell, that one even let us relive our own birth sequence!) Thankfully (for multiple reasons) Krillbite has clarified that this is NOT a first-person shooter. Seeing the world through this character's eyes will undoubtedly amp up the tension. Just look at what the developers behind Amnesia: The Dark Descent were able to do to similar effect.

This teaser is actual gameplay and it is looks adequately terrifying. The house-shaking physics are a very nice touch. Such realism consistently impresses me. Be on the lookout for Among the Sleep sometime next year!

Words by J.S. Lewis

Remember Me (Preview)

May 2013
PC, PS3, Xbox 360

Developed by Dontnod Entertainment
Published by Capcom

Remember Me looks to have the moves to match its lofty science-fiction concept.

Last month I came across 10 minutes of gameplay for "Remember Me" (above). At the time,  I had never heard of this upcoming title (the first release from Dontnod Entertainment), but the name intrigued me and I was willing to surprise myself.  I'm glad I did because "Remember Me" looks pretty fine and is on my radar now. "Remember Me"? Yes, I think I will.

While the game is still a ways off (Q2 2013) the level on display looks remarkably polished. The majority of the 10 minutes has Nilin, a memory hunter, escaping aerial fire across the rooftops of Neo-Paris circa 2084. Imagine a third-person "Mirror's Edge" (with red pipes to shimmy and all) with a heavier dose of sci-fi and more room for melee combat. This might be the most bullets ever fired at someone who never takes a hit as she runs, jumps, climbs and grapples her way along a linear route, but that's what action adventures are allowed occasionally - especially if the "cool factor" is met. Watch the way Nilin totally dismantles a pair of guards she meets in the hallway. And whatever is she doing with their heads as a finishing move? Something regarding their memories, which leads into the story of this futuristic action game (with hopefully little-to-none gunfire).

Run for you life in a fluid chase sequence! Remember Me (2013)

There is something special about "chase levels" in games. Yes, they can be infuriating trial-and-error exercises, but when you pull it all off in a single go there are few moments quite as satisfying. While we eagerly hope for a sequel to "Mirror's Edge" we might find the next best thing in "Remember Me." In addition, the high concepts from the likes of "Inception" seem to be on display here. Those are two fine influences to cite, but "Remember Me" also looks to bring plenty of its own style and substance to the party.

Words by J.S. Lewis

BioShock Infinite (Preview)

February 26, 2013
PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Developed by Irrational Games
Published by 2K Games

The sky's the limit and the destination for BioShock Infinite.

Behold, the latest and greatest trailer for one of gaming's most hotly-anticipated titles, BioShock Infinite. We have been hearing and seeing a lot about this game over the last two years. At last year's E3 it walked away with plenty "best of show" honors. Then the release date was moved back and it was even noticably absent from this year's show. Still, the gaming community at large has not forgotten what Ken Levine and the folks at Irrational Games are cooking up for us.

A view of what the floating city of Columbia has to offer. BioShock Infinite (2013)

This Beast of America trailer boasts to be entirely made of in-engine footage. In my opinion those are the best trailers there are. Show us how great the game is, not how great your cinematic cut-scenes are! The affair is set to "Beast" by Nico Vega, an American rock anthem that feels at home in the game's world of Columbia. 

Third in the series, BioShock Infinite takes place during the early, albeit re-imagined, 20th Century in a sky-ward United States territory. Your Sky-Hook, steam-punk weaponry, and fantastical powers make up your arsenal as you search for a woman named Elizabeth. We see a host of enemy types throughout this trailer, promising a variety of player-driven combat scenarios. 

The game is scheduled for an early 2013 release (February 26th to be exact, you may want to put that on your calendar). Let's keep our twitchy fingers crossed that this date does not change as well. Now I have five months to finally play through the first two games...

Words by J.S. Lewis