Cross Border Gaming #112b: E3 Special - Part 2

Our E3 coverage continues as Frank & Harold are joined by TGH’s own Albert and Matt for the late late show!  Recorded right after the Sony E3 press conference.   We discuss and summarize the EA, Ubisoft and Sony pressers.  Remember to follow us on twitter to find out when we record next!

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[podcast]http://s93380653.onlinehome.us/CBG_Podcast/episodes/cbg112b.mp3[/podcast]

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Hosts:

Harold (@usfhbomb) & Frank (@EMaster1980) with Special Guests Albert (@AlbertPerkins) & Matt (@iamradiox)

Audioboo: Hbomb (Harold),  E*Master (Frank)

Original Article

Ubisoft E3 2012 Press Conference

Ubisoft is coming to E3 this year with a good list of great titles such as Assassin’s Creed III, Far Cry 3, Rainbow Six Patriots, Rayman Legends, and possibly Beyond Good & Evil 2. We will bring you updates of Ubisoft’s press conference as it unfolds starting at 6:00pm Eastern/ 3:00pm Pacific.

Original Article

E3 2012 - That Gamer Hub’s Staff Wish List

Yes, it’s this time of the year again. The Christmas of the video game world, E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo), is just around the corner and rumours are already flying around everywhere on gaming websites. As things ramp up until the beginning of the official press conferences next Monday, here is our staff’s wish list for next week.

Matt’s list:

  1. The Nintendo Wii U: I want to see where Nintendo is heading with its next console. I want to see innovation, a great online infrastructure with great support, games that gamer REALLY want, and console performances that will give it a chance to compete with the other console manufacturers for years to come.
  2. More information on announced games: The Last Guardian, BioShock Infinite, Halo 4, Forza Horizon, Resident Evil 6, Rock Band Blitz, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, Rainbow Six Patriots, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, the next Splinter Cell game, Tomonobu Itagaki’s project (Devil’s Third).
  3. Less focus on gimmicky designs and more on solid gameplay experiences: The Wii, Kinect, and Move all have their place in the video game world. Still, I believe many publishers have forgotten that these new way of playing do not always fit perfectly with every types of games. This is why I would these peripherals to be used only when it does make sense, not just because “it’s cool”. Steel Battalion on the Xbox 360 seems to be going in a good direction, bringing standard controllers and Kinect controls together in a great way for gamers (making the technology an extension of what was already a great way of controlling games, not a step back with 100% use of motion control which are usually very inaccurate).
  4. SURPRISES: Anything! I want to see crazy stuff! Bring back StarCraft: Ghost… Bring back Jazz Jackrabbit… SEGA announcing a new console… Hideo Kojima showing off the next Metal Gear Solid game… Where is that Guillermo Del Toro game (Insane)? I WANT TO SEE ALL THAT STUFF!!! (Long story short: I want to have my mind blown by crazy announcements.)

Adam’s list:

  1. F-Zero on the 3DS. It has been far too long since we’ve seen a decent entry in this futuristic, Zero-G racing franchise. I’m not so much about the Original mode seven games that we’ve seen on the SNES and the GBA, but wouldn’t it be crazy to have a game in this series modelled after X or GX, in 3D? However, this would have to be a NEW, ORIGINAL title to satisfy me. No remakes of F-Zero X please! Oh, and no gyro controls either.
  2. More emphasis on the core audience. Core gamers are what bring the most attention to E3, right? Most of them don’t want to hear about Kinect games about Disneyland, or new Imagine games, or anything coming out on the Wii nowadays. Why not give them something to truly look forward to?
  3. MS points parody and/or elimination of MS points. If you live in Canada you probably already think this. If the loonie is at par the USD, why are we still getting 10 less points per dollar? It just so happens Canadians aren’t the only country affected by this either. Microsoft needs to change this up else we’ll just continue to get ripped off simply by not living in the US.
  4. Black Ops II to give players the ability to punch an opponent making fun of your mom. In the face. OVER THE INTERNET. I can dream, can’t I?

Frank’s List:

  1. Microsoft needs to get rid of MS points.  This ridiculous and unfair pricing of MS points from country to country needs to stop.  I don’t know why I get less points for $20 in Canada than my U.S. counterparts.  The dollar has been near part for months now.  Plus with the way taxes are now being charged on both PSN and eShop purchases, MS will have no choice.  I completely expect this to happen within minutes of the Microsoft keynote starting.
  2. More Grand Theft Auto V details.  I expect a release date, platforms and a new trailer to be shown either at the MS Presser or Sony (Maybe a PS3 exclusive?).  I predict an early 2013 release with a delay in between to make it Holiday 2013.
  3. Nintendo:  Redesigned 3DS with larger screen and built-in Circle Pad Pro, similar to the DSi XL. I fully expect Nintendo to bring out a revised version of the console at some point.  But I think E3 would be the perfect place to reveal it.  I also expect Nintendo to drop more Wii U details.  Such as how multiplayer will be integrated (local and online or online only as previously rumored) and most importantly what kind of media and storage options the device will support (Memory cards, HDD, BluRay, Old School Cartridges?).
  4. Sony: New God of War NOT starring Kratos will be revealed.  Along with a slicing and dicing trailer.  Maybe a new God of War Vita title as well.
  5. Surprises:  Microsoft reveals newly redesigned Xbox 360 Slim with BluRay drive.  That’s all I want out a next gen MS console.  I know they said they wouldn’t do it.  Supply and demand says this needs to happen.  Also, Nintendo will reveal a 20th anniversary SNES with built-in upscaler to 720p via HDMI.  Will be limited edition.  I really want that.

Harold’s List:

  1. Microsoft- No more points, price drop, perhaps a new tier of Xbox live, Summer of Arcade lineup announced (predictions- Battleblock Theater, Charlie Murder, The Wreckateer, Dust: An Elysian Tail)
  2. Sony- More characters announced for PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, including official announcements of Cole, Drake, and Snake, as well as Sackboy, Crash, Spyro, Ryu, Chun-Li, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Sonic.
  3. Nintendo- NO 3DS redesign (Probably E3 2013), a focus on Wii U titles, including Mario, Sonic, Mario Kart, Pikmin, and maybe some early footage of Smash Bros. (but I’m not holding my breath for that one). Release info for previously announced 3DS titles (Animal Crossing, Luigi’s Mansion 2, Paper Mario), as well as Nintendo Network details.
  4. Surprises: Retro-styled new Nintendo titles coming to eShop, including Super Mario Bros., Zelda, & Metroid, Vita gets PS1 & 2 classics, Rock Band Blitz on Summer of Arcade- therefore having a timed exclusive on XBLA.

Jose’s List:

  1. I want Microsoft to announce a bunch of original exclusive titles that are not sequels, or remakes. They’ve left the hardcore gamer out to dry, whilst spending all their time going after families and casual gamers. All they give the rest of us is a remake or a sequel to IP’s that are anywhere from 6-10 years old. For goodness sake, how many more Halo games can you make?
  2.  Nintendo will clarify once and for all that the Wii U is not a tablet. I know we should all know better but I’ve been around a couple of people who are still confused about what the hell this thing does. It would also be great if they announced that they would be alternative, more traditional controls for the Wii U. Some of us just don’t wish to hold a giant rectangle in our hands for hours. Oh and no Mario sequels this year. Something new and original please.
  3. Sony, well you already know what I’m going to say. And it’s mostly all Vita related. CUT THE PRICE. I want my friends to buy Vitas so that I don’t feel so alone in the world. It would also spur more sales, which is best for Sony in the long run. Announce a bunch of cool new apps for the Vita, and a kick ass line up of games to be released through the duration of this year. I’m desperate to have the Vita be a success, it’s such an amazing handheld!
  4. I have a dream, that one day there will be an unveiling of a universal console. That plays all games, is DRM free, backwards compatible, and doesn’t allow for unnecessary / on disc DLC. It would truly be a console made for gamers, with their hardships taken into account. Sigh, a man can dream can’t he?

Albert’s List:

  1. It’s time for Nintendo to bring it.  I am so tired of this year after year shoving the Wii and Wii U in our face.  Here’s an idea. Stop trying to be different and just go with what works best.
  2. I’d love to see another Metal Gear HD game for the masses to celebrate the 25th anniversary….
  3. Sony needs to keep pushing the Playstation Vita. It’s doing pretty good so far, but this is just the beginning.
  4. Surprises!!!  I want to see something mind blowing. How about Microsoft fooling everyone and showing off the Xbox 720. That would trend on Twitter for hours. #EpicXbox720. If that trends, you know where it originated from!

Stay tuned to That Gamer Hub next week for our live E3 coverage, summary articles as well as special E3 podcasts!

Original Article

Trials Evolution | Review (XBLA)

Some games never get old through time. Whether you think about Tetris, Frogger, Peggle, and many others, a core gameplay formula will always have you coming back for more. This is what Red Lynx is trying to do with Trials Evolution, a new entry in the popular racing/puzzling action franchise that started many years ago as a free flash game. Thankfully for the fans, this new title holds up to the high standards set by the previous title.

For those of you who don’t know what Trials is about, consider this game as a 2D racing title using left and right balance as its core mechanic mixed with puzzle elements through its environments. Basically, you control of one crazy motorcycle freaks and must gauge its balance as well as its acceleration in order to get through some crazy obstacle courses. While it might sound like an easy job, the game gets complicated rather quickly with original objects obstructing your way such as steep hills, fires, mines, TNT crates, saw blades, and much more. Luckily for newcomers, each difficulty setting comes with a mandatory tutorial, making it easier to understand how to overcome specific situations. The game does feel like its predecessor (Trials HD), but the physics in the game are somehow slightly more “realistic”. It is not much (most players won’t even notice) but the bike feels heavier, changing how you approach each jump compared to what you were used to.

As far as the single player is concerned, nothing has changed much in terms of single player progression. You get through progressively harder levels, earning new bikes along the way. The only notable changes are the possibility of customizing your character and your bike as well as the aforementioned tutorials, which are all simple but great additions. New skill games are also available and are a great change of pace. From skiing down a hill making flips to flying in a UFO, or controlling a huge silver ball (Marble Madness style), each of these little mini-games are fun to play and can even make you forget you are playing what is supposed to be a motorcycle game. Still, Trial Evolution’s impressive improvements can be seen in the great online multiplayer and on the overhaul the track editor received.

The online multiplayer option is a great new addition to what is already an awesome game. You can play ANY of the countless tracks the game has to offer as well as new Supercross levels in which four players simultaneously appear on the level (on different “tracks”, just like Excitebike). This brings a totally new dimension to the game in which winning is much more about being consistent in races than having a lot of patience to get THE golden run.

As for the track editor, Red Lynx has gone totally crazy and given players an insanely great creation tool. Not only will people be able to create good traditional trials track, but they will also have the power to create mini-games that do not necessarily have anything to do with the core gameplay mechanic. That means players can create top-down racing games, first person shooters, side-scrolling shoot ‘em ups, and more. In short, Trials Evolution’s map creation tool is essentially like LittleBigPlanet level creator included with what is already a great game. Even better still: levels can be shared with the rest of the world easily, providing players with an infinite amount of levels to play. An all you can play Trials game? Sign me up.

Graphically, Trials Evolution is as beautiful as its predecessor. However, the game does have more variety in its environments that are more animated too. Instead of being stuck in rocky levels, mountains, or abandoned factories, you will get to see many more environments such as backyards, rooftops, back alleys, and even a baseball field! As for the audio, nothing had really changed. The same type of motocross type music (intense punk/hardcore music) was kept in the game and the sounds are more or less the same too (crazy bikers yelling and the motorcycle’s “vrrrrrrr! Vrrrr!”).

However, the game is still not perfect. The new online multiplayer supercross events do come with some frustrations due to the weird camera angles that can sometimes obstruct your own character. This causes you to have to guess in what posture your character is and most of the time making you fail because of not knowing this crucial information. Also, load times are much more noticeable than in Trials HD, killing the fast rhythm of the game that was so enjoyable. However, it is not such of a big deal since the game’s addictiveness makes up for these small flaws.

If you own an Xbox 360, you must get your hands on Trials Evolution. While some would say it is only more of the same experience that Trials HD was, the game is highly addictive and fun to play. You will have trouble putting the controller down and will keep coming back for more to beat your friends’ scores over and over. This is one of the best downloadable games to have been released on Xbox LIVE for a long time.

Positives

- More of the same old Trials awesomeness
- Faced-paced online multiplayer sessions are great additions
- Skill games are a good and fun change of pace from the real game
- The Track Editor is just perfect

Negatives:

- Weird camera angles in Supercross multiplayer sessions
- Rather long load times kill the rhythm of the game

Game experience at time of reaction: All Single Player tracks - Gold, played some Skill Games, played some online games.

Trials Evolution is available on the Xbox LIVE Arcade for 1200 Microsoft Points (around $15 USD).

Original Article

Cross Border Gaming, Episode #69: Holy Crap! I Just Said That?!

Oh boy.  It’s our 69th episode!  Although not filled with as many multiple entendres as we had anticipated nor as much news but Hbomb and E*Master plow through the latest news (which there was not much of at the time) and make the best of it.  Lots of surprises and not surprising reactions to some of the news this week!  Hear us banter on the anyways!

Download Now or Subscribe

On This Week’s Episode:

  • Duke Nukem Forever was Profitable?  Wait, What?
  • Ubisoft getting into legal hot water of Rocksmith
  • THQ Cancels MX vs. ATV franchise
  • L.A. Noire DEveloper Team Bondi Sold to Kennedy Miller Mitchell
  • Wal Mart dropped the 3DS price early in the USA and Canada

Subscribe:

  • [iTunes] Subscribe to Cross Border Gaming in iTunes.
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Contact:

  • [Email] Have your questions, comments, and rants read on the air every episode.
  • [Twitter] Send a tweet to @CBGPodcast to have it read on the show.
  • [Facebook] Become a fan on Facebook to receive our latest shows and updates.
  • [Forums]Join our forums and talk with us and our other listeners.

Hosts:

Hbomb (@usfhbomb) and E*Master (@EMaster1980)

Audioboo: Hbomb and EMaster

Music:

Intro Song: Taboo Theme Loop

Outro/played during the show: Renaissance: The Masters Series – Hernán Cattáneo – Parallel CD1

Source: thatgamerhub.com

From Dust | Review (XBLA)

Humans love to play God, don’t we? From engineers to geneticists, we’re always trying to bend the laws of nature. Usually the ability to do so takes extensive education, years of training, and a metric ton of money.  Thankfully, Ubisoft and Eric Chahi have put that ability directly into your omnipotent little hands with the second release from the Xbox summer of arcade, From Dust.

Full Review

Source: thatgamerhub.com

That Gamer Podcast, Episode #49: Power Outage

On this week’s episode: the 3DS takes a dive down on its cost, Red Dead Redemption gets free DLC, Sony gets sued by everyone and their mother, we explore the depths of Boulder Dash XL, Warhammer 40K, and the Humble Indie Bundle, and of course we dive into the latest and greatest in the industry and take a very special trip to visit the internetz.

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On This Weeks Episode :

  • 3DS gets cheaper
  • the Humble Indie Bundle returns
  • Red Faction bites the dust
  • Ubisoft Strangles PC Gamers with DRM
  • some Chinese folks sell their kids to get their WOW on

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Contact:

  • [Email] Have your questions, comments, and rants read on the air every episode.
  • [Twitter] Send a tweet to @ThatGamerCast to have it read on the show.
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Hosts:

Brandon Roudebush (@ROWD), Ben Smith (@dagreatdennis), and Jason Metro (@jmetro)

Full Article

Source: thatgamerhub.com

E3 2011: Ubisoft’s Press Conference Wrap-Up l That Gamer Hub

We are going into this year’s Ubisoft pre-E3 press conference with high expectations. Assassin’s Creed, Ghost Recon, Rayman, From Dust are all games we heard about and want to see more of. Here is what the French publisher had in stores.

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That Gamer Podcast, E3 Coverage – Day 1

On today’s show: We reveal the future of video games, detail the Microsoft, Sony, EA, and Ubisoft press conferences, and talk about some more awesome games!

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  • Microsoft, Sony, EA, Ubisoft Press Conference
  • Mass Effect 3
  • Gears of War 3
  • Uncharted 3
  • Halo 4
  • Kinect Games
  • Battlefield 3
  • Star Wars The Old Republic
  • Ghost Recon: Future Soldier
  • Assassin’s Creed Revelations
  • Resistance 3
  • Bioshock Infinite
  • Playstation Vita
  • GAMES!

Subscribe:

  • [iTunes] Subscribe to That Gamer Podcast in iTunes.
  • [Zune] Subscribe to That Gamer Podcast in the Zune Marketplace.
  • [RSS] Add That Gamer Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator.

Contact:

  • [Email] Have your questions, comments, and rants read on the air every episode.
  • [Twitter] Send a tweet to @ThatGamerCast to have it read on the show.
  • [Facebook] Become a fan on Facebook to receive our latest shows and updates.
  • [Forums]Join our forums and talk with us and our other listeners.

Hosts:

Brandon Roudebush (@ROWD)

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