Ultra Combo News Report 01.11.10: Heavy Rain Release Date, Project Natal Info and More

Posted by Armando Rodriguez on 01.11.2010

Plus, Naier's release window closing, Metal Slug and SOCOM PSP games get release date and Dragon Age gets a second expansion pack!



Another Monday, another Ultra Combo News Report. With the holidays behind us it seems we are back on schedule with news and info on the upcoming games of 2010. Believe me; I was tired of every single website and TV Show out there going with the "Best of" and "Worst of" 2009 features, especially on TV. I mean, every single "best of" special aired at least once a day for two weeks or so. They just dragged what used to be a cool special into the ground. Or maybe 2009 was that bad? Anyway, with actual news to report, I better get to it before I bore you all to death.


Heavy Rain Release Date Set

One of Sony's big 2010 exclusives finally has a release date. Better yet, you will have to wait a little over a month to get it! Heavy Rain will be released on February 23 in North America, February 24 in Europe and February 26 in the UK. The game was developed by Quantic Dream, the masterminds behind 2005's Indigo Prophecy. The game eliminates the typical game conventions in favor of a cinematic approach with realistic graphics. You will play as several characters who, for one reason or the other, are tracking down a serial killer known as The Origami Killer.
[Credit: Gamespot.com]

The Beatdown: Sony is backing up this project 100%, which is surprising considering the type of game it is and how it will likely be relegated to a niche group of people. I am intrigued by the story and I will probably play it/buy it at some point, but it seems weird to release this game in the middle of such a busy period with other blockbusters getting released left and right. I am sure it will be a good game and will redefine what we expect from a cinematic experience in games, but like I said, it is highly unlikely for this game to become a massive hit. I do appreciate Sony for showing interest in different gaming styles and backing up creative producers. Taking a chance on a new IP that is clearly different from anything else out there takes some guts, especially in these times when most publishers are looking at "quick-cash" sequels and following what is already established. I hope I am wrong, but I feel this game will end up like Psychonauts and Beyond Good & Evil: Critical darlings with cult followings who sold poorly at retail.


Microsoft Confirms Natal Release in 2010, Game Room Coming to 360

As part of the Consumer Electronics Show, Microsoft's Robbie Bach confirmed that Project Natal will be released in 2010, although there is not a specific launch window set. Although it has been wildly speculated that it would launch in 2010, this is the first time Microsoft confirms the rumor. In addition to Natal, Bach also confirmed the creation of a Game Room with classic Intellivision and Atari 2600 games. Although no games have been confirmed, Bach mentioned Centipede in his address and promised "30 or more" games.
Later on it was revealed that the games would cost $3 per system or $5 if you want to be able to play them in both, the Xbox 360 and Windows 7-enabled PC. You can also play them "arcade-style" by paying $0.50 per round.
[Credit: Gamespot.com]

The Beatdown: Contrary to most of the media and gaming community, I am not terribly excited about Natal. No, I don't have a 360 (yet) and I am not a PS3 fanboy. The reason I am not excited is that I was promised innovative technology with the Wii and what I got was weird waggle controls that made it look like I was masturbating instead of playing The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Until I go hands on with the device, I will not be excited. The Game Room sounds like a great idea, but paying $3 per game sounds expensive, especially considering how old this games are.


SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3 Release Date Set

Sony has confirmed that SOCOM: U.S. Navy Seals Fireteam Bravo 3 for the PSP has gone gold in North America and will be released on February 16, 2010. The game was originally scheduled to be released before Thanksgiving of last year, but was delayed until January 12. Now it has been delayed again, but with the confirmation that it has gone gold, this will likely be the game's final release date. The game's plot is centered on the player infiltrating a group of former Special Ops agents turned mercenaries and finding an ex-KGB agent that has knowledge of a possible WMD attack.
[Credit: Gamespot.com]

The Beatdown: The SOCOM series has been consistently good and I expect more of the same from the third PSP entry. The plot seems to be standard fare and the gameplay is largely unchanged from what I have seen, so fans will find themselves at home when the game officially releases.


Square Enix's Nier Coming Soon

Square has narrowed the launch window of their action/RPG title Nier to spring 2010. The highly anticipated action/RPG title will see players take control of the eponymous protagonist as he fights to cure an apocalyptic plague and save his daughter. The game promises blood-soaked combat, several allies for Nier and the ability to buff your armor and spells, among other features.
[Credit: Gamespot.com]

The Beatdown: With the hype and anticipation focused on Final Fantasy XIII, Nier has been largely ignored. Too bad, because this new IP looks like it can become a massive hit. For the trailer and videos I have seen, this looks different from typical Square fantasy fare. I mean, there is a ton of blood and the story seems more mature and realistic than those in the Final Fantasy titles. The interactions between Nier and his sick daughter could be the most heart-wrenching thing ever seen on a game. To say I am more excited for this game than for FFXIII is an understatement.


Metal Slug XX Coming To PSP

Atlus has confirmed that Metal Slug XX, a remixed version of Metal Slug 7 (released for the Nintendo DS last year) will be coming to the PSP on February 23 for only $19.99. The game will feature the series trademark cooperative gameplay, something that was excluded from the Nintendo DS version. The game features seven main levels and 70 Combat School Missions.
[Credit: Gamespot.com]

The Beatdown: I am a huge mark for Metal Slug. I love the series and I have played all of them except part 7. Now with the series coming to the PSP I will finally get that chance. I think that having coop is a must and the lack of it on the Nintendo DS was a terrible oversight. I mean, the whole point of the series is to blame someone for your mistakes! At least that's what I did. However, Metal Slug proves that 2D gaming is far from dead and I hope they make the entire series available on the PSN at some point.


Second Dragon Age Expansion Pack, DLC Dated

The second full expansion pack for Dragon Age: Origins will arrive on March 16th, 2010. Titled "Awakening", this new expansion pack features an all-new storyline that takes place after the game's original narrative is over. It focuses on the rebuilding of the Grey Wardens after the catastrophic events of the main game's campaign. It allows players to import their Dragon Age characters into the expansion pack or start fresh with a new Grey Warden from the Orlais area. The game also expands the backstory of the Darkspawn and their objectives. The expansion pack will raise the level cap, will take place in an all new realm, will add 5 new party members for the player to recruit and will add more enemies, spells, abilities and items. The expansion pack will cost $40 on all platforms.
In addition to the all new expansion, Bioware confirmed the delay of the second set of DLC. Return to Ostargar was supposed to come out last Tuesday, but the team at Bioware found a last minute error and now the release date has been pushed back "until further notice".
[Credit: Gamespot.com]

The Beatdown: $40 for an expansion pack sounds a bit expensive, but I guess we have to take the wait and see approach…maybe it will add so much content that it justifies the price. I have yet to invest money on Dragon Age, but some of the things coming out in the expansion excite me and some of my friends who are already dozens of hours into the game. New enemies, items and such are always nice, but raising the level cap is a must. Also expanding the backstory is a must as well. This is a new universe Bioware has created and it is deep and interesting like the best fantasy worlds out there. I for one, read the "prequel" novel Bioware released and I found a lot of positive similarities to Lord of the Rings and the Forgotten Realms.

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Bayonetta Wins!

Until next week folks! I am happy that we are back on track with the game news and announcements and as
always, I will keep you all informed with the biggest news of the week during all of 2010. I usually take shots at Mark Salmela here, but I am going to give him a pass. After all, we all know how that story of Mark, Shaqy, a bowl of eggnog and three strippers went.