Video of 20 Minute Farcry 2 Demo

[Dreamhack Media]

Ubisoft’s Farcry 2 is set to release this October and anticipation is high for the upcoming first-person shooter.

While this demo does feature one not so impressive moment, for the most part it does a good job of showing come core gameplay and gives us a look at some of the dynamic systems in the game, including enemy A.I. The graphics are hard to appreciate on the cam quality video (particularly on Youtube), but rest assured the game will look great.

Enjoy.

Playstation Network Possibly Seeing Some Updates

[Joystiq]

Joystiq is reporting on two leaked images supposedly showing a new feature to be added to the PS3 and Playstation Network in the highly anticipated 2.40 firmware update. The image to your right shows what appears to be different levels of trophies and a user avatar. The idea (in theory anyway) is to ascend to higher tiers through accumulation of “trophy points” gained by winning “trophies” presumably through in-game feats, mirroring the popular Achievements feature of Xbox Live. However, as you reach higher levels of trophy status, the number of points required to reach the next level will increase. So essentially, instead of bragging about your high Gamer Score (as one would on XBL), you would boast of your high trophy level.

Another tip later received by Joystiq claimed that players would now have a profile page, that resembles a “gamer card” of sorts (see below), that would display their trophies and level. Additionally, it would seem that these features will be accessible in-game through the use of a slightly updated PS button functionality. Pressing the PS button once will now apparently bring up the XMB menu in-game, allowing access to these new features (and presumably a lot more) while holding down the PS button will bring up the menu we’re all currently used to.

At this point, however, we should caution that this is merely rumor at the moment, and none of it has been confirmed officially by Sony or any concrete source. These advances in functionality seem logical enough to be true, but then good things don’t always happen.

The 2.40 firmware update for PS3s was originally dated for a June 10th release, but has since slipped into mid-June without making an appearance. Whenever we do see the new update from Sony, we’ll see if these new features make their way to PS3 owners or fall into the dusty closet of false rumors.

Kojima-san, the Metal Gear Solid Movie, and the Legacy of the Metal Gear Series

Push play.

Hideo Kojima has crafted not only one of the finest video game franchises ever, but over the last twenty years given us one of the very best stories ever told.

From the birth of Metal Gear, to the revolution of Metal Gear Solid, to the epic conclusion in Guns of the Patriots, Kojima-san has delivered a moving, intricate, and intense narrative that has challenged conventional methods in the video game industry, and in the realm of story telling as whole.

Captured in a sense of awe as I watched the opening sequence of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, I was mystified by the subtly of this legend that is Metal Gear; the careful cinematography, the isolated cords striking throughout a haunting score, the game’s thesis statement delivered by the aging protagonist – it was as elegant as it was striking and captivating.

Through such powerful delivery Hideo Kojima has given us more than simply innovative gameplay, and intriguing plot, he’s proven his ability to communicate in the most subtle of ways, through sight and sound, and even the unseen or unheard – his distinct style, the fingerprint saturated into every inch of what he does, is a testiment to his prowess as a story teller.

With that in mind, one has to wonder if it’s right to let anyone other than Kojima helm a Metal Gear experience, in the realm of video games or otherwise. Specifically in regards to the confirmed, but not yet dated, Metal Gear Solid movie, I can’t help but be baffled when debates break out over who should direct such a film; it’s as if asking, during the life-time of Michelangelo, under whose brush should the Sistine Chapel be repainted – it’s almost insulting to consider anyone else.

Although Kojima has already stated he won’t work on another Metal Gear game, he is working as an Executive Producer (and presumably screenwriter) on the upcoming film. The thought of another director/designer working on a Metal Gear game is different issue entirely, one which I won’t get into now. Whether or not he wants to develop another Metal Gear game is entirely up to him, but as for a movie, Kojima must direct, it simply isn’t a legitimate Metal Gear experience otherwise.

Since the announcement of a Metal Gear Solid movie we’ve heard the nonstop buzz of the rumor mill spilling over whispers of potential directors to guide the film. Kurt Wimmer (Ultraviolet, Equilibrium) was one such name that sent a shiver through the collective spine of the Metal Gear fan base. Thankfully Collider.com dispelled that rumor in an interview with Mike De Luca, one of the producers on the film. Although De Luca did state that, “Kurt is like one of many people we’re talking to about pitching us back a take on adapting the franchise.” And went on to say that Sony and Kojima were hearing the ideas of many different writers about ways to adapt the series to film.

While it’s encouraging to see that Kojima will keep a close oversight on who will shape this movie, as I explained earlier, what has made Solid Snake, Liquid, Big Boss, and the Metal Gear series so captivating is not merely the action sequences or the plot – it’s the immeasurable something that Hideo Kojima brings to the experience. Hideo Kojima is a genius, and this series the child of his genius. If the Metal Gear Solid movie is to be the quintessence of everything that is Metal Gear, it requires the secret ingredient that only comes from his mind, in the most direct way possible.

Of course, we know he will fill the role of Executive Producer, and in many ways will shape this movie, but a director has more control over a film than any other one person. And while it’s not always the case, the Executive Producer role as often been called the “do nothing producer” in jest, as it’s often seen as a far away overseeing role, with little direct involvement. As for how much or little Kojima decides to influence this film, that’s yet to be seen. What’s for certain is that the more he gets his hands on this movie, the better it will be.

Throughout the Metal Gear series Kojima has pushed the boundaries of story telling in games, and continued to seamlessly blend cinematics with gameplay. He is a director. Anyone who has played through any of the Metal Gear Solid games can attest to the fine cinematic sequences that rival, and often surpass, those seen in Hollywood movies. While often times Hollywood will shun the creator of source material in an adaptation, Kojima is the one man with the vision and experience to cross over mediums. He’s proven since 1998 (and some would argue even before than) that he understands, and in fact has mastered, a cinematic experience.

Visions of Frank Miller’s Sin City emanate through my mind as I ponder this subject. Granted the stories and creators are as different as you can get, but the situations do warrant comparison. Frank Miller is Sin City, it’s his and he created it. And although he shares the director credit for the Sin City movie with Robert Rodriguez, everyone knows (even Rodriguez) that Sin City is Frank Miller’s, and if anyone should bring it to life in any medium, it’s the series’ creator.

I’m not saying a Metal Gear Solid movie can’t be good without Kojima directing, but understand that without a WRITTEN & DIRECTED credit attributed to Hideo Kojima, it simply won’t be complete.

In the Metal Gear universe there is one singular figure around which everything revolves, his existence, and the role he has played through the most pivotal of moments has shaped everything that we know. In a real world comparison it’s easy to see, Hideo Kojima is Big Boss. To Metal Gear he is the most important person there could ever be – he always has been, he always will be. No matter what.

Resident Evil 5 Only On 360?

With fans still waiting for the release date to hit for Resident Evil 5, and with the trailer hitting the E3 back in 2005 there are sources out there now that RE5 might just be an Xbox 360 exclusive. A GameStop listing shows that the title was to go on the 360 but having the PlayStation 3 in the dark. This is really hard to come by even try to believe because of the fact that RE5 was announced as a multi-platform title months and months ago. Come on, a least keep one side of the table clean. Capcom Senior Director of Communications Chris Kramer came back with this so called information that, “Resident Evil 5 is coming for PS3 and 360.” This story can also be found at www.kotaku.com Kotaku pointed out that online retailer Amazon had a similar hitch in the listing of the games, “the Xbox 360 version having a release date scheduled for October, but nothing for its PS3 counterpart.”We haven’t given either retailer any new information on the game, so it’s most likely hiccups in the system,” he said “The goal is for both products to ship simultaneously, as Devil May Cry 4 just did. It sounds a bit off the wall to us, but Microsoft has done an admirable job of securing exclusive content from Capcom in the past.”  Still I look back on this information and just smile as to the fact that sales of the Devil May Cry 4 on the PS3 in Japan sky rocket, it doesn’t seem to make much financial sense. Which even that the company has a main focus on multi-plat forming but still I’m going to keep my eyes on this story and see how it’s going to progress.

The New Call of Duty

 

Call of Duty 5: World at War. Developed by Treyarch and published by Activision the game is due to be released towards the end of the year, most likely around Christmas time. Check Out this trailer of the gameplay which can be found on www.N4G.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why The Dumb Questions?

 Look at this picture! What do you see? What is it? Yes that’s right it’s a PlayStation 3! Everyday I getsome people that I over hear saying that, “Why doesn’t the PS3 play my PS2 games? I want my PS3 to play PS2 games! I think I want a PS3 but I’m just going to play my PS2 games! People, I know that in the past that the big three made systems that can play old games on them. Like the PS2 playing PSone games and the Wii playing GameCube games. But if you want a system that is highly a big gash out of your pocket which deep down you know your going to play older games that which can be played on its original system that it was made for…just buy that system, don’t buy a $400-$500 system that your just going to play games that can be played on the PS2 which runs for $140. Are humans that stupid that they can’t just take a few steps back and see this problem. If you are going to buy a PS3 but just pay PS2 games but going to complain on the system being to high and not playing PS2 games. DON’T BUY THE DAM PS3! It really grinds my gears when people sit there and not listen to themselves. DON’T BUY THE PS3, BUY A DAM PS2! That is the smartest, no ONLY thing to do in that situation. My love grew on the PS3, it started as a love-hate relationship but all I see at the end of the tunnel is great success for Sony at the end of this year. With the price going down around the end of summer, maybe people will now finally stop complaining about the price and start appreciate how much time and work goes into these systems. Gamers need to start looking at this point of view. Appreciate, Appreciate, Appreciate!  

 

If you heard of any of these topics please comment back, I would love to hear them.

 

Thank You Always

 

Jhard713

No Place Like Home

 

            Home is the next big thing to hit the PSN (PlayStation Network) it’s highly anticipated through the gaming world with word going around with its Beta right around the corner and the launch of Home hitting this fall, still a lot of Sony fans still question. “What is Home?” Well fans of the PS3 this is where I come in…Home is a real time 3D community that serves as a meeting place for your PS3. Users can now sign into Home where thousands, millions can interact, communicate, join online games, shop, share and ex and all through this wonderful world of Home. What is the point of all this? One word, “Diversity” Home is aimed to its rich content experience, the diversity of which creates a large community of users. This information can be found on www.psextreme.com about Home and this is what psextreme had to say about some features that are coming with Home, “Communication between users, creation and customization of your own personal avatar, creation and customization of your own personal space. Ability to share media with friends, and to experience media from publishers. Users will be able to benefit from game matchmaking, search facilities, seamless transition between game and Home.” The open Beta looks like it will start around August through October opening with appx. 50,000 users, so I would suggest to the gamers now, take a number and keep your eye on that number. Thank you again…

 

Thanks

 

Jhard713

“Down In Front” and around PS3

This was found in Sony Insider at www.kotaku.com saying that days ago a Sony employee had brought a brutally comment “Honest” about the PS3’s current state. The employee posted a lengthy review which he posted on a site called Down In Front. Later this comment was removed from the site leaving a note saying, “Sorry- I had to remove your last post”. This had a question mark all over it. What did this employee say about the company he works for and why would he put himself in that position? I’m sure if that was me, with a job like that, I wouldn’t be starting any problems. But then again read it for your self. This was found on www.kotaku.com

“I’ve spent some time the past year developing for the PS3. Actually it was a cinematic demo to be shown at e3 in 2005 at a closed door viewing. I was one of the few artists selected to work on it for the demo. My job was primarily asset creation. I was creating assets to populate the path where our camera would be flying during the demo. The company I work for is also working on a launch title that I am quite familiar with. In short, I’ve spent some time around the PS3 and or the teams developing for it.

Now I’ve spoken with people who are on the technical side of the PS3. I’ve also talked with people on the technical side of the XBOX 360. The consistent comment I am hearing from people on my end is, The XBOX 360 is better. They are saying that it is capable of just doing more.” That goes to show how a person should not put there full name where they are about to post something that the whole world is going to see.

Thank You

Jhard713