Backwards

I love how we live in a society where nudity and open sexuality is a greater offense than violence against humanity and other retardencies (retarded tendencies).

Max Payne 3 Details

According to the newest issue of Game Informer, Max Payne 3 will be set 12 years after Max Payne 2 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The storyline follows Max Payne once more after he left New York city to get away from everything, and now works as security for a wealthy family in Brazil. It’s also said that he is addicted to painkillers (seems appropriate) which will have some kind of impact on the gameplay. It will feature a new cover system and will be using Rockstar’s RAGE engine (same used in Grand Theft Auto 4), and will also feature more destructable environments and online multiplayer.

I was a big fan of the original two games in the series so I am looking forward to part 3.

Retro Respect: Planescape: Torment

The face of an enigma.

What is there to say about this game that hasn’t been said by many? When I think of Planescape: Torment a few words come to mind: brilliant, masterpiece, near perfect. If you don’t believe me then you have never played it, and here is why you need to.

The Nameless One

Developed by the late and great Black Isle studios (creators of the Fallout/Baldur’s Gate/Icewind Dale series) and released by Interplay on December 12th, 1999, Planescape: Torment was released to critical acclaim by reviewers but did no sell all too well. Now considered a cult classic that can be slightly tough to find, it is now widely considered the best traditional AD&D computer RPG of all time.

P:T takes place in the Planescape campaign setting for AD&D, where it encompasses all the planes of existence. You play the role of The Nameless One, a man that has lived countless lives as an immortal, where each death brings amnesia of his previous lives. That’s right, the good ole’ amnesia bit, but trust me, P:T is the only game in my opinion that does the amnesia story arc well. You’re goal in P:T is to ultimately die, die the True Death rather than dieing and being resurrected.

P:T is not for those that do not enjoy reading however. There is a lot to read in P:T but it is easily the best story I have ever experienced in any game I have ever played. Let me repeat that, ANY game that I have EVER played. Not that there isn’t any voice acting in the game, oh no. What voice acting there is in P:T is top notch and extremely believable.

Morte the Floating Skull

Along with the story are your companions, which are as varied and strange as any I’ve seen before. Your main friend, and the first person you meet, is Morte; a floating skull that has a swirly personality and is not afraid to point out peoples’ imperfections. Some other companions you meet are Dak’kon, the sword-wielding githzerai from the planes of Limbo and Ignus, an insane fire mage that also happens to be constantly on fire.

The game mechanics work much the same way as other Computer D&D games using 2nd edition rules, with a lot of twists. For starters, the Nameless One never wears armor, but can be imbued with magical tattoos that enhance his abilities. Morte, since he’s just a floating skull, can be equipped with new sets of teeth to attack with. And Dak’kon’s armor and weapon upgrades as he himself levels up.

Although the game is no longer officially supported, there is a small group that still support the game. For starters, the game has a number of unofficial patches that add quests and fix a ton of bugs. Lastly, there is a wide screen mod and interface mod that updates the game’s looks to be much more pleasing to today’s graphics standards. The game’s art style however is still fresh and unique even to this day.

So, in any way you can, attempt to pick up this classic and set some time up to play it through. You will be very glad you did, because I sure am.

E3 09′: Crysis 2 Confirmed

Electronics Arts and Crytek announced that Crysis 2 is indeed under development for PC, XBOX360, and PlayStation 3.  No info has been released about what the setting or time line is, but it will be using the latest CryEnging 3 tech. Let’s just hope it doesn’t turn out to be another video card destroyer.

[Giant Bomb]

E3 09′: Final Fantasy XIV

Squenix announced today the next RPG in the Final Fantasy line will actually be a MMO for both the PC and PS3, Final Fantasy XIV. So far what the trailer has showed me is that it will be based in the same world as Final Fantasy XI but obviously updated. I’m not a fan of FFXI personally, so I sincerely hope they don’t take the gameplay down the same path for FFXIV.

[Trailer]

E3 09′: Mass Effect 2 Trailer

New trailer of Mass Effect 2. Gameplay looks a lot more visceral than the original. Looking forward to more info.

[Voodoo Extreme]

E3 09′: Left 4 Dead 2

Just annouced from Valve Software, Left 4 Dead 2. Due out this November, it will feature a new cast, new location, more detailed zombies, and new weapons including an assortment of melee weapons (including a chainsaw, yummm). I’m slightly questionable about a new Left 4 Dead, just one year after the original, but I’m keeping an open mind.

[GameTrailers]

http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-09-left-4-dead/49967?type=flv

E3 09′: Secret of Monkey Island Special Edition

Just annouced at E3 09′  from LucasArts, the remake of the original Secret of Monkey Island. I’m a huge fan of the Moneky Island series and all of the classic LucasArts adventure games. The remake stays completely faithfull to the original with high-res graphics, updated audio and voice acting. And while in gameplay, you can switch between the original game’s graphics and audio on the fly. Very cool stuff and is definitely on my radar.

I really hope this will start a trend from LucasArts to begin re-releasing their classics.

[GameSpot E3]

Funny video for May 10th.

TF2 Scout pitches the Slap Chop.

3D Realms closes its doors.

Kicking ass and chewing bubble gum, but 3D Realms has appeared to have run outta funds.

In what seems like the kick in the groin of the already down and out Duke Nukem, it has been confirmed by multiple sources that the once great FPS kings 3D Realms has closed their doors and has sent their employees home. Now it seems that we may never get to actually see Duke Nukem Forever for reals.

Take Two has already commented saying they never funded the development of DNF but still holds the publishing rights. It would seem like a real waste of time and resources just to scrape DNF for good. I just hope that if DNF does go back into development, we don’t have to wait another 12 years.

[1UP]