THE SIXAXIS 12.12.06
Posted by Andrew Mellick on 12.12.2006
This week, we take a look at one of the biggest titles coming to the PS3. Also, news, a bargain bin title, and PS4 talk? Read on to find out!
The SIXAXIS
You're one stop shop for all things Sony
Well here we are one week later and….what? It's been two weeks? Where was I…oh I remember, hehehe…. Yeah, welcome back, two weeks down and more news on the greatest company to ever grace this earth Sony. Sorry for the no show last week I was, uh, detained. Anyway, I'm still alive and back to bring you all the news and notes. This week I thought I'd be fun to shine the spot light on a title that I am excited to see hit the shiny black box. Also we've got the news, a bargain bin title, and a youtube theatre that you won't soon for get. Let's get to the gone!
A look ahead
Assassin's Creed
Release Date: Q4 2007
A title that had all the gamers abuzz at E3 this year was what is shaping up to be quite a revolutionary game; Assassin's Creed
Here is the story; you are Altaïr a member of an assassin sect known as Hashashin. The story takes place in 1191 in the middle of the 3rd Crusade. The Hashashins have devised a plot to assassinate the 9 historical figures who are "architecting" the crusades and thus causing a great many to suffer.
As Altaïr, you will travel through Jerusalem, Acre, and Damascus to complete your objective. However, as you find and kill your targets a conspiracy begins to unfold.
This game is free roaming, Altaïr is able to grab onto and climb literally anything that sticks out more than two inches (ok get that dirty thought out of your head). So when exploring a city you can literally explore every little back alley, back room, and rooftop. Also each city is well populated. So your interaction with the crowd will vastly affect the game. If you creep gingerly through the crowd bumping people slightly you'll blend in. If you plow people over the crowd may unite to take your ass out. Also an interesting feature is that random civilians are actually smart. So if they see somebody climbing up a wall they will stop to watch or yell at you to get down, attracting unwanted guests.
The controls in this game are some of the most unique controls I've ever seen. You still use the left analog stick to move, but every other button corresponds to a particular part of the body. X is for your feet, Square is for your arms with weapons, Circle is for your arms without weapons, and Triangle is for your head. Also one of the right triggers will be used as a control to switch between violent and non violent attacks.
An example would be moving through a crowd, you can hit circle to throw someone to the ground or hold the right trigger and hit circle to gently move them out of the way. You may be passing by some people talking in their native tongue, just hold down the triangle button for your head, and it will be translated into English.
This may seem simple change, but once you get the hang of it, it can really open up the game for you. It also eliminates memorizing those pesky combos.
All in all this title looks incredibly ambitious, if Ubisoft can pull off all that they say they can, we just may be looking at the game of the year.
Survey of the week
I couldn't think of any clever lead in so here it is. Just vote.
How long will it take developers before they are able to exploit the power of the PS3 and release some great games?
0-3 months (0) 0%
3-6 months (3) 6%
6-9 months (6) 12%
9-12 months (21) 40%
1-2 years (11) 21%
2-3 years (5) 10%
Never (6) 12%
There you have it; the results from the last poll. I have to go with the majority. There are many titles I am excited about but the vast majority will not be out for about a year. Also, one reader left a comment about the six people who voted "never" in the pole, that I would like to share, "Never? What jackasses." Truer words have never been spoken.
To be quite honest I'm surprised all of you naysayers actually read my column seeing as we promote a bright-side mentality for all things. All things that is, except Nintendophiles. Oh well, keep reading maybe I can reach your black hearts yet.
Sony news
How much do you think this one will cost?
UK developer Evolution Studios is already looking ahead to the PS4. Chief Executive Martin Kenwright had this to say. "The market place will be changing beyond all recognition in the next five years. We've anticipated that.
"I know people are looking at PS3 now, and I'm not being glib, but we're actually looking at PS4. I'm thinking where will it be in five years, how will we get there? What will the marketplace be like, the games, and who'll be buying them?"
I can't fault his go get'em attitude but I have to wonder, if they are looking to the PS4 and they are looking ahead 5 years, does that mean they think that the shelf life of the PS3 could only be 5 years? Interesting considering many Sony execs have said they see the PS3 lasting closer to 8 years. Only time will tell.
Because I don't think its going to support Windows
The Gentoo Linux team has made available the information on how to load and use Distro, on the PS3. Developer Sanjuro White explains exactly what to do before installation, giving step-by-step instructions.
Well, this is the first step in making the PS3 as useful as a PC. But that is one step in a journey that is at least a thousand miles. Still it's amazing to see how far gaming has come from the days when a big fat monkey whipped barrels at a chunky plumber.
This comes as no surprise
The Nintendo Wii has sold more than twice as many units as Sony's PS3.
This shouldn't surprise anyone. It's a matter of availability and there were just not nearly enough PS3's available. I have to tip my cap in the direction of Nintendo, you have one this round.
Bargain Bin
I'm sure most of you already know about this game. But have you played it all the way through? Are you looking to get a gift for that little brother but don't feel like dishing out major money on a new release. Well, let me remind of one of the greatest games to ever grace the PS2.
The game begins as you, Daunte, a badass half human, half demon, open up a shop. Your specialty is getting rid of unwanted supernatural pests. However, before you can even name the place you are thrown into an adventure with a hottie named Trish. As you battle all manor of demonic forces in hopes to find and destroy the demon that killed your mother and bring some peace into your life.
DMC is an action packed third person melee, full of demonic weapons and powers at your disposal. The game features a gothic castle and large multilevel boss battles, one of said battles is with a big damn spider that just won't die. The game is long and the difficulty is balanced so you learn as you go. By the end your fingers will be raw and your nerves frayed as you stare down the demons of your past.
This game is a kick ass thrill ride that is full of action and humor. Coming in at about 8 bucks including shipping on EBay , this game is definitely a worthy edition to the bargain bin.
Youtube theatre presents
If you're like me, then you have an unhealthy fixation on Metal Gear protagonist Solid Snake (still don't know about that name, though). Well this week in the theatre we've got some of snakes…lesser known moves. So, get ready to be blown away as Snake teaches us all a thing or two. Pay attention, you might learn something.
Quote of the week
Seeing as I am a big fan of the late Mitch Hedberg and I think that XM satellite radio is stupid I have a quote that covers both!
"They said you can swear on XM radio. No shit, 'cause nobody can hear it. You can swear in the woods, too." RIP Mitch Hedberg
I don't want to cram pimpage
Yours truly, has a review up on the first hack n' slasher to hit the PS3Dark Kingdom.
Shawn Struck takes a look at Nintendo's Portable puppy adventure Nintendogs.
This week in Angry Gaming Damian Sarcuni asks where have all the badasses gone?
Check out Theo Fraser and his latest edition of Nintendophiles He has finally played the Wii and he shares his thoughts. Oh and he really loves Baby Huey aka Reggie Fils-Aime.
What's coming?
Well that's all for this week, join me next week for more Sony news, another bargain bin game, and any other feature I come up with.
