1UP reports that Bioware and EA will publish a PC version of Mass Effect, due to hit stores in May. When asked about a possible port to PC, Bioware usually responded they had no plans for such a port or "no comment."
Bioware hasn't made a game yet that I haven't liked, so I'll be picking this one up in May.
Monday, February 18, 2008
New Content for LoTRO with Book 12
Looks to be an interesting update, adding avatar customization and an overhaul of the burglar class. You can read about the update here.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Midget Bikini-clad Sanitation Workers of Might and Magic
I’ve gone back to playing an old stand-by, Heroes of Might and Magic V. For the uninitiated, HOMMV is a turned-based strategy game with two basic modes of play: 1) a strategic map where you direct your heroe(s) to explore territory, gobble up resources, build armies, and attack enemy heroes and strongholds; and 2) a tactical map where you duke it out with an opposing army.
The game has gone largely unchanged through its fifth iteration. I’ve played all five in the course of my gaming career and agree with the general consensus that II and III mark the pinnacle of the series.
The biggest change between V and its predecessors is the update to a full 3D graphics engine. Gameplay remains largely the same, though I do miss Jon Van Caneghem’s influence on the series. Jon originally produced it under the corporate banner New World Computing. 3DO scooped NWC in the late 90s and proceeded to stamp the Might and Magic logo on any piece of crap game they could code, everything from Crusaders of Might and Magic to Vampire Transvestite Hookers of Might and Magic.
Ok, so I made that last one up. You get the picture.
As a result, the entire Might and Magic series suffered and when 3DO inevitably went bankrupt, HOMMIV looked to be the last title in the beloved series.
But like the mythical phoenix rising from the ashes (and the same army unit in the game), Ubisoft bought out the rights and after several years, produced HOMMV. It’s a solid enough title, largely staying true to the game Caneghem originally made. My only complaint: the Eurotrash storyline and dialogue. Ubisoft published the game, but a company out of Russia, Nival Interactive, developed it. And based on the campaign dialogue, you can tell a mile away.
I think one of the developers at Nival Interactive knew just enough English to be dangerous. At least I hope that’s case because if they hired someone to translate that muck, they need to get their money back AND flog the translator for hate crimes against the English language. Seriously Nival, mail me the script for your next game along with a $1,000, and I’ll de-Russianize your lousy campaign dialogue so your American audience can play the game without alternating between booing the screen and covering their eyes and ears.
Other than that, it’s as good a turned-based strategy game as you’ll find out there today.
The game has gone largely unchanged through its fifth iteration. I’ve played all five in the course of my gaming career and agree with the general consensus that II and III mark the pinnacle of the series.
The biggest change between V and its predecessors is the update to a full 3D graphics engine. Gameplay remains largely the same, though I do miss Jon Van Caneghem’s influence on the series. Jon originally produced it under the corporate banner New World Computing. 3DO scooped NWC in the late 90s and proceeded to stamp the Might and Magic logo on any piece of crap game they could code, everything from Crusaders of Might and Magic to Vampire Transvestite Hookers of Might and Magic.
Ok, so I made that last one up. You get the picture.
As a result, the entire Might and Magic series suffered and when 3DO inevitably went bankrupt, HOMMIV looked to be the last title in the beloved series.
But like the mythical phoenix rising from the ashes (and the same army unit in the game), Ubisoft bought out the rights and after several years, produced HOMMV. It’s a solid enough title, largely staying true to the game Caneghem originally made. My only complaint: the Eurotrash storyline and dialogue. Ubisoft published the game, but a company out of Russia, Nival Interactive, developed it. And based on the campaign dialogue, you can tell a mile away.
I think one of the developers at Nival Interactive knew just enough English to be dangerous. At least I hope that’s case because if they hired someone to translate that muck, they need to get their money back AND flog the translator for hate crimes against the English language. Seriously Nival, mail me the script for your next game along with a $1,000, and I’ll de-Russianize your lousy campaign dialogue so your American audience can play the game without alternating between booing the screen and covering their eyes and ears.
Other than that, it’s as good a turned-based strategy game as you’ll find out there today.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Coming to Theaters in August
From www.theforce.net, Update #4:
Well we've been speculating since the Hasbro meeting and we now have a confirmation. Star Wars is coming back to the big screen in the form of Star Wars: The Clone Wars! Hitting North American theaters on August 15th, the series will then continue with 30 minute episodes on the Cartoon Newtork with repeat airings on TNT. International dates will be released soon.
I didn't ever believe Lucas when he professed he was done making stuff in the Star Wars universe. And I'm even less surprised that his new content comes in the form of an animated movie and TV series. Lucas has often hinted that he prefers digital and animated actors to the real thing. I guess he was sick of those pesky thespians complaining about the lousy dialogue he was making them utter (Harrison Ford famously told George Lucas concerning a Star Wars script, "You can write this sh--, but you can't say it").
So, I guess this is a good thing, though I'm much more interested in the live action TV series I hear is rumored to be in production since last fall. Last I heard, Kevin Smith was supposed to be involved somehow, directing I think. I doubt I'll go to the animated movie, but I'll definately rent it and I'll certainly follow the animated TV series.
I'm still holding out for J.J. Abrams taking over the entire operation and producing a whole new trilogy that takes place after Return of the Jedi. Hell, get Mark Hamill back and have greying Luke garbed in rippling black, kicking ass and taking names like only a Master Jedi can. Mark is at the perfect age to depict a maturing elder Jedi, a seasoned Master at the height of his experience and power.
Well we've been speculating since the Hasbro meeting and we now have a confirmation. Star Wars is coming back to the big screen in the form of Star Wars: The Clone Wars! Hitting North American theaters on August 15th, the series will then continue with 30 minute episodes on the Cartoon Newtork with repeat airings on TNT. International dates will be released soon.
I didn't ever believe Lucas when he professed he was done making stuff in the Star Wars universe. And I'm even less surprised that his new content comes in the form of an animated movie and TV series. Lucas has often hinted that he prefers digital and animated actors to the real thing. I guess he was sick of those pesky thespians complaining about the lousy dialogue he was making them utter (Harrison Ford famously told George Lucas concerning a Star Wars script, "You can write this sh--, but you can't say it").
So, I guess this is a good thing, though I'm much more interested in the live action TV series I hear is rumored to be in production since last fall. Last I heard, Kevin Smith was supposed to be involved somehow, directing I think. I doubt I'll go to the animated movie, but I'll definately rent it and I'll certainly follow the animated TV series.
I'm still holding out for J.J. Abrams taking over the entire operation and producing a whole new trilogy that takes place after Return of the Jedi. Hell, get Mark Hamill back and have greying Luke garbed in rippling black, kicking ass and taking names like only a Master Jedi can. Mark is at the perfect age to depict a maturing elder Jedi, a seasoned Master at the height of his experience and power.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Mr. Plate
One of the few perks of having children, besides basking in the glow of their undying love, is child-labor. Hallie turned seven recently, a perfect milestone for dishwashing. I’ve been doing that unenviable task for the past fifteen years, so I’m more than happy to pass the torch to my eldest daughter.
Last night, Hallie cleared the table, grabbed her stool, and began rinsing and loading the dishwasher. Wifezilla passed by when Hallie picked up the first dish and overheard her say, “Well hello Mr. Plate, you’re my first customer!”
Sometimes the cuteness is baked in.
Last night, Hallie cleared the table, grabbed her stool, and began rinsing and loading the dishwasher. Wifezilla passed by when Hallie picked up the first dish and overheard her say, “Well hello Mr. Plate, you’re my first customer!”
Sometimes the cuteness is baked in.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Flash-forward
Every disc of Lost Season Three had four episodes burned onto it. All but the sixth and last disc. That one had only three. I didn't realize that till last night when I cranked up my DVD player, expecting to watch the final episode of Season Three. Imagine my surprise to find out the episode in which Charlie dies IS the final episode.
No sweat though. I've been DVRing the new season so we forged ahead and watched the first episode of Season Four. Interestingly enough, the last couple of shows in Season Three depicted Jack in flash-forward vignettes. He's back from the island but clearly suffering. He's grown a big, bushy beard and pops pills to ease some underlying anxiety he feels. He's adopted all the symptoms of an addict and even tries to commit suicide, an attempt that fails when a passing motorist sees him and then crashes into his parked car.
The opening episode of Season Four continues these flash-forwards. But they're coming to us now out-of-sequence. For instance, Jack visits Hurley in the loony-bin. He chuckles that he's thinking of growing a beard. Before he leaves, Hurley apologizes for joining John on the island and adds that maybe they should never have left and that the island is calling them back.
I'm still not sure what any of this means yet. The show is developing some strong metaphysical story lines that will likely continue to spawn more questions then answers. That's not bad necessarily, just imaginative. My suspicion is that the cast is stuck in some form of purgatory, and the forces that assail them on either side could be those of heaven and hell. Which would make the island neither of those things, but some neutral territory for good and evil to fight it out.
Regardless, I'm excited to see more of this show, even if it's only a paltry eight episodes. I hope the writers got a good contract negotiated because they sure have been a pain-in-the-ass.
No sweat though. I've been DVRing the new season so we forged ahead and watched the first episode of Season Four. Interestingly enough, the last couple of shows in Season Three depicted Jack in flash-forward vignettes. He's back from the island but clearly suffering. He's grown a big, bushy beard and pops pills to ease some underlying anxiety he feels. He's adopted all the symptoms of an addict and even tries to commit suicide, an attempt that fails when a passing motorist sees him and then crashes into his parked car.
The opening episode of Season Four continues these flash-forwards. But they're coming to us now out-of-sequence. For instance, Jack visits Hurley in the loony-bin. He chuckles that he's thinking of growing a beard. Before he leaves, Hurley apologizes for joining John on the island and adds that maybe they should never have left and that the island is calling them back.
I'm still not sure what any of this means yet. The show is developing some strong metaphysical story lines that will likely continue to spawn more questions then answers. That's not bad necessarily, just imaginative. My suspicion is that the cast is stuck in some form of purgatory, and the forces that assail them on either side could be those of heaven and hell. Which would make the island neither of those things, but some neutral territory for good and evil to fight it out.
Regardless, I'm excited to see more of this show, even if it's only a paltry eight episodes. I hope the writers got a good contract negotiated because they sure have been a pain-in-the-ass.
24 Hours or 24 Months?
CNN.com ran a story estimating the time it would take our favorite shows to make it back into production.
The prognosis isn't good.
It's rumored that 24 won't make it back at all this year. The earliest we can expect to see new content from Keifer and company is 2009. And that's assuming Sutherland can stay sober and out of trouble. Honestly, haven't innocent Christmas trees around the world suffered enough?
Lost is another tragic victim of the strike. It managed to finish eight episodes before picket lines formed, but that's far from a full, normal season. It seems the Lost producers would love to crank production back up for up to eight more episodes, but that the network will likely prove reluctant since the additional shows would air during the summer, a traditional TV hiatus for viewers and networks alike.
The prognosis isn't good.
It's rumored that 24 won't make it back at all this year. The earliest we can expect to see new content from Keifer and company is 2009. And that's assuming Sutherland can stay sober and out of trouble. Honestly, haven't innocent Christmas trees around the world suffered enough?
Lost is another tragic victim of the strike. It managed to finish eight episodes before picket lines formed, but that's far from a full, normal season. It seems the Lost producers would love to crank production back up for up to eight more episodes, but that the network will likely prove reluctant since the additional shows would air during the summer, a traditional TV hiatus for viewers and networks alike.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)