So, friends — you just got a PlayStation Vita because that shit was on sale for $179 bucks and you just couldn’t say no? Good on you! The PlayStation Vita is a terrific handheld device, despite what naysayers and angry fanboys have to say about it. One thing you’re probably going to hear is “OMG VITA SUX NO GOOD GAMES”, which is pretty much the same tired ass argument Xbox fanboys used against PlayStation 3 owners during its first year or two as well. Rest assured, the Vita not only has games, but it’s got a whole lot of really good games. While certain games like Sound Shapes are unique and awesome, the PS Vita’s got a whole lot of stuff that’s almost identical if not better than its console counterpart.
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As the battle between the Templars and the Assassins rages on, Desmond Miles must once again return to the Animus and skate the chains of his DNA to unlock more memories of ancestors past and hopefully regain some of the power that was previously locked away. Previous connection to the Animus granted Desmond the power of advanced sight, enhanced climbing and movement abilities, and he even found Ezio’s hidden blade – but as Desmond delves into a new ancestor’s story, what new secrets will he find and will learning more about his descendants help his future?
In Assassin’s Creed III, Desmond relives the journeys of yet another member of his Assassin ancestry – a fierce half-British, half-Mohawk Indian warrior called Ratonhnhaké:ton. As a child, he watched his people suffer at the hands of the Colonists. Taking their suffering in mind, he sought out to protect those who could not defend themselves from tyranny and oppression. Ratonhnhaké:ton eventually became a member of the Assassin’s Order, with that he adopted a new moniker; one that would allow him to easily skitter amongst the colonial people. To the colonists, he was known as Connor Kenway.
Ubisoft’s Far Cry 3 has suffered a slight delay from the original release date of September, and pushed back to November 29th for Europe, the Middle East and Africa and North America can expect it a few days later on December 4th.
Ubisoft producer Dan Hay believes the extra time will allow them to deliver an even better experience for players.
“We’re taking more time to create the best possible gameplay experience,” said Hay. “Far Cry 3 is a huge offering and we want every element of this insane, action-packed adventure to be of the highest possible quality for the players.”
Ubisoft confirms it’s working on a sequel to it’s universally acclaimed (and my favorite game of 2011), Rayman Origins, titled Rayman Legends. Images leaked a few weeks ago hinting at a mythology-themed levels and the trailer shows hints of great creatures, a new playable viking character and new enemies.
Can we assume this will lead to some Norse-themed levels and enemies? Seeing Rayman punch a frost giant in the face would be great.
It also premiered the game for the Wii U with some exclusive functionality, including direct interaction with levels using the Wii U tablet, and Skylanders-style figures with near field communication (NFC for short) that connects directly to the tablet. The NFC chips can be placed on toys, cards, literally anything the developer can imagine. Nintendo’s decision to include this technology could mean a huge boost in income as well as development a whole new way to play their games. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata “By installing this functionality, it will become possible to create cards and figurines that can electronically read and write data via non-contact NFC and to expand the new play format in the video game world.”
Imagine the Pokemon possibilities.
Activision’s Skylanders phenomena has made the company more than $200 million dollars since it’s debut, and has become a near Pokemon-level obsession with young boys. The continuing sales of the game (available on all platforms) as well as the sheer variety of toys and toy accessories has kept the series in the top ten since it’s release in October of 2011.
This has brought many concerns from long time fans of the franchise. Will these possible characters, power-ups, etc, be only available through these NFC-powered figures? This new-form of DLC will be very interesting to watch in the coming generation.
In the trailer for Rayman Legends the Wii U tablet was shown using it’s touch screen to directly lift a platform Rayman and his buds were on, while also being used as a regular controller but not necessarily at the same time. We can only imagine the other possibilities that the Wii U tablet can provide. It did not seem the tablet was being used as a controller while being able to adjust the game world, as seen with only three characters on screen during the trailer.
So perhaps while the tablet can be a normal controller, it can also exclusively be used to be the dungeon-master while three others actually play the game. Controlling platforms, weather elements, even enemies using the NFC figures making each play through completely new. This gives an exciting new gameplay perspective with an entirely new angle of control and interaction reminiscent of the underrated Pacman Vs. for Nintendo’s Gamecube.
Ezio uses clever distractions for his unfortunate foes.
One has to wonder if it will just be Ubisoft taking advantage of the wave of NFC popularity. Will we see Batman from Arkham City with buyable Bat-cards that give him additional abilities? Or plopping an NFC-powered replica gun, and your criminal lead in Grand Theft Auto magically has one in his hands? Touching a mushroom on the tablet, giving Mario a second chance at life? Will these NFC figures be useable in all Ubisoft games, and will other developers jump on the bandwagon too?
Until then, enjoy the Rayman Legends trailer, then go and buy Rayman Origins, and love it. Because it deserves it.
Ubisoft have unveiled details on what gamers can expect from the PC release of Ghost Recon Future Solider.
HD motion blur in action
Basically the huge difference is the visuals of the game. On the PC you can expect a DX11 renderer and “Hi-Quality Assest” along with new post-process effects, multi-monitor support and TriDef stereoscopic support. DX11 will bring things like
tessellation on character models, improved lighting with global illumination and volumetric fog.
If that wasn’t enough they’re also including support for their Uplay friends system along with an improved invitation system for playing with friends.
You’ll be able to place Ghost Recon Future Soldier from June 15th on the PC and May 22nd for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.