See for yourselves …

Look for inFamous 2 on shelves June 7th 2011 exclusively for the PlayStation 3. Also stay tuned for a review of inFamous 2 right here at Beyond The D-Pad as I suspect I will be playing quite a lot.

Are you excited to play inFamous 2 or is there another title you are highly anticipating? Let us know in the comments section below.

You probably read this title thinking, that’s old news and granted it is but my excitement over this announcement is so high that I could not help but share my enthusiasm even if it is considered late.

I heard this announcement along with everyone else days before E3 which is why I hesitated to write anything since so much was unknown and I had high hopes of playing or seeing more at E3.

Unfortunately Infamous 2 was not being shown at E3 at least for those with out an appointment. However even those that did have an appointment weren’t given much more than we already knew via the Game Informer cover article. Not being able to play or see any more information was one of my major disappointments of E3 as I absolutely loved inFamous as it was even in my top games of 2009 and I eagerly awaited an announcement for inFamous 2.

While not much is know we do know that along with a revision in design Cole will posses new powers, be exploring a new city and fighting against tougher more diverse enemies. Sucker Punch also has plans to make the city feel more inhabited while also improving and adding on to the traversing mechanic Unfortunately we will have to wait at least until 2011 but if your itching for more information then maybe these newly released screenshots will hold you over for the time being.

What would you like to see in the new inFamous?

I understand the need Sony felt to release a motion controlled device as the success of the Wii can not be over looked even Microsoft will be making the transition later this year with Project Natal. But back to the PlayStation, when this device was unveiled as a prototype we as gamers were promised a sleeker design along with a device that would offer something different then what the current market already has. What did we effectively get? A PSWii complete with wand and nuns chuck, I mean sub-controller. They did do a lot of work regarding the design of PlayStation Move, wait it looks exactly the same as it did in protégé form. I know what you may be thinking, I am just complaining about visual aspects and the important issue is that it functions correctly.

I agree, but what’s considered functioning correctly? What is the reason any consumer would purchase this more expensive device to do the exact same thing that a Nintendo Wii can to do. Granted it can do things that the Wii can not but do you really believe that market overlaps? I don’t. The Wii has proven that ‘hardcore’ games are not successful on the Wii just ask Dead Space Extraction. So why would the PlayStation Move be any different? The PlayStation brand has always been about pushing the envelope forward and while technically that is the case with this hardware I would have liked them to do something else with the technology instead of releasing games like the PSWii Play. Even with all of their apparent foresight all Sony could muster up were gimmick games that Nintendo thought of four years ago.

I understand Sony’s reasoning and their goal for releasing Move I just disagree with the route they choose to get there plus I don’t want their efforts to be taken away from what I enjoy and what they are good at. In my eyes they wasted precious resources consisting of time and money that could have been better spent on improving their current hardware by reducing system cost or even PlayStation Network service upgrades. Personally this feels like an abrupt reaction based on the market instead of being proactive like PlayStation has been in the past. I attribute this to their position in the market the PlayStation brand is in a difficult position and not use to being in ‘last’ which can result in desperation. I believe if they were in ‘first’ out of the major consoles then they could afford to take their time and be strategic about their features and releases which I believe is their strength. But like any athlete will tell you it takes an entirely different outlook and strategy to play from behind than it does to play with the lead.

Now listen please don’t misunderstand my message this is not an I hate Sony flame although I am sure that’s how some will take it. I still prefer the Sony platform and on a broader view I like the way they are headed and the moves they are making however this particular ‘move’ in my eyes does not align with their strengths and core values.

I simply don’t see the rush in motion controlled gaming which stands true for Microsoft’s efforts as well. Hopefully my pessimistic attitude changes when I see a game that effectively uses the Playstation Move or when that one killer application releases that every console manufacture seems to be looking for. However even then I just don’t want to be controlling my games with a novelty motion controlled device when the most effective and more natural way would be a regular controller – that’s just my personal choice.

I would love to hear what you think of the PlayStation Move and motion controlled gaming as a whole. Maybe you agree with me or you may have a point that I overlooked either way let me know below via the comments.

Diablo 3

Release Date: TBA Platform: PC

It’s doubtful this game will come out this year however it become an anticipated title the day it was announced. I spent copious amounts of time playing the original and I can’t wait to sink hours upon hours searching for loot and crawling around the various dungeons while eviscerating the world of evil.

God of War 3

Release Date: March 16^th 2010 Platform: PS3

The God of War series was the pinnacle of gaming in most peoples eyes last generation and I can’t wait to see what the Santa Monica Studios have waiting for us with God of War 3.  The stage appears to be on a much larger scale and the brutality and gore seem to also be ratcheted up.

Heavy Rain

Release Date: February 23^rd 2010 Platform: PS3

This title appears to be hit and miss for most gamers but I for one can’t wait to play it. I am not sure if it’s going to be a great game but I have no doubt that it will stretch the thinking of most gamers and developers. I applaud a development team that is trying to expand the medium and create a cinematic experience. I believe Heavy Rain will have a large impact on future titles therefore I am eager to experience it.

StarCraft 2

Release Date: TBA Platform: PC

StarCraft 2 is along the same lines as Diablo 3 for me. I love watching pro gamers play a game of StarCraft knowing I will never reach that level but admiring the skill and strategy it takes to perform at that level. I enjoy the minute details of multiplayer but the single player campaign and story is just as fantastic, with the inclusion of Battle.Net 2.0 I can’t imagine Blizzard would put out anything less that spectacular.

Battlefield Bad Company 2

Release Date: March 2^nd 2010 Platform: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

The simple Battlefield name makes this title anticipated since all of their titles seem so well polished with an extensive amount of time put forth on both the single and multiplayer options. Not to mention FPS’s sell well, just ask Infinity Ward, despite being more tactical and not as much as a twitch shooter it does draw a similar crowd. The personality of the first bad company game is what made me enjoy it so well and I am eager to see what they did with its successor.

Gran Turismo 5

Release Date: 2010 Platform: PS3

It’s difficult to say when this title will actually release considering the amount of time it’s been in development along with the amount of times it has been delayed. But there is no denying that when released it will be anticipated by many gamers considering the series is the highest selling Playstation exclusive of all time. I do enjoy my arcade racers but at times I enjoy challenging myself to a simulation racer and in my eyes Gran Turismo is the de facto simulation racer on any platform.

Fallout: New Vegas

Release Date: 2010 Platform: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

One of my favorite games this generation is Fallout 3 the amount of time and enjoyment I received from that game is unparalleled. To this day I am still playing Fallout 3 and making my way through the expansive world along with the lengthy DLC. So when I heard there was another Fallout game coming my interest was instantly sparked. Although the details we have are minimal I can’t wait to get lost in another deep and intriguing story while I scour my surroundings. This title will be an instant pick up for me.

ModNation Racers

Release Date: Spring 2010 Platform: PS3, PSP

When this was first announced I will admit I was skeptical for many reasons mainly because I was unsure whether or not this title would be easy enough to use while still having enough tools and options to be enjoyable. My worry disappeared when I was able to try out the beta earlier this year. Although the comparison as been made many other times it truly is the Mario Kart of this generation. The only remaining variable is the community however based on the success of Little Big Planet I remain positive and eagerly look forward to playing this title.

Split/Second

Release Date: May 18^th 2010 Platform: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

As I said before I love arcade style racing games which can easily be seen by my love of PURE. I completely enjoyed PURE which is partly the reason why I am looking forward to Split/Second considering it’s the same developer. Split/Second is not just a new arcade style racer as it adds a different dimension to the game by introducing destructive environments that can alter the game and race track. If they can nail the gameplay and graphics down like they did for PURE I have no doubt that Split/Second will be a quality game and one to look forward to.

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

Release Date: May 25^th 2010 Platform: PSP

There appears to be a reoccurring theme in most of these titles, they are sequels to games that I have enjoyed in the past or series that I have a liking to. The same can be said for this title – I love the Metal Gear series as convoluted as it may seem and actually is. I have yet to purchase a PSP but if any title will force me to do that then Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker would be the one. Although it’s on a portable system Hideo Kojima as stated that Peace Walker is the next game in the series and a spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid 4. Metal Gear Solid 4 was the title that forced me to purchase a PS3 and it appears that Peace Walker will be the title that forces me to purchase a PSP.

Metal Gear Solid: Rising

Release Date: TBA Platform: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

I could come up with some fancy reason why this title is on my anticipated list but instead I will just regurgitate my love for the Metal Gear series as that is the sole reason why I am looking forward to this title. The storytelling in every one of the games is stellar not to mention the meticulous details that Kojima Productions puts in every one of their titles. Easily making this a title I can not wait to get my hands on.

Batman Arkham Asylum 2

Release Date: TBA Platform: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

Again a title where not much is known about it other than we know its coming but that’s good enough. Arkham Asylum was such a refreshing and well thought out story that was brilliantly mixed into a satisfying gameplay. It was one of the biggest personal surprises for me and I was happy to hear that Rocksteady would be giving us more real soon. We all have thoughts on what should be done but I will leave it to them considering the masterpiece they previously put together.

Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands

Release Date: May 18^th 2010 Platform: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, PSP, Wii, DS

I have always enjoyed the Prince of Persia series and The Sands of Time is easily one of my favorite games of the last generation so a title that returns to that storyline will easily be anticipated in my books. I liked the Prince of Persia game earlier this generation but I didn’t have the same interest as I do for this title. A continuance of that story along with the traditional game play makes this a title I eagerly look forward to.

The Last Guardian

Release Date: 2010 Platform: PS3

Speaking of titles that were some of the best last generation Team Ico has a few that make that list while neither initially were huge sellers they both slowly became the best the PS2 had to offer. Both of these titles added an emotional layer that most gamers were not accustomed to. While emotion may have previously been present they put the player in thought provoking decisions making you feel an emotional connection. While little is known about the upcoming title its safe to say this title will hit with huge fanfare.

Brink

Release Date: 2010 Platform: PC, PS3, Xbox 360

Honestly I can’t personally pinpoint why I am anticipating Brink maybe it’s the intrigue since not much is known about the game. Splash Damage, who developed Doom 3, is developing this title and it’s their first original title which also intrigues me. It’s a first-person shooter with a twist as there will be persistent player characters and team based multiplayer missions. Despite the little that is actually known I am eager to find out more information as the year develops, I hope the game can live up to my lofty expectations.

Red Dead Redemption

Release Date: May 18^th 2010 Platform: PS3, Xbox 360

There are not many western games not to mention good western games so for those who like that genre they are hard pressed to find a quality game. Therefore when one appears to be a good it is latched onto which is the case for Red Dead Redemption. This title is a third-person sandbox style action adventure game set in the early 1900’s with an emphasis on gunplay. My only concern is the amount of times this title has been delayed, I hope for our sake it was to make the game better and not because they think it’s incomplete. Either way I look forward to this title releasing.

NBA Jam

Release Date: 2010 Platform: Wii

If any of you visited an arcade in the early 90’s then you remember the arcade version of this game. Despite being recently announced and being a Wii game, which I haven’t even turned on in months, this title immediately jumped on to my anticipated list. It may be due to nostalgia, no wait – it’s certainly due to nostalgia but that’s alright with me. I will actually have a reason to turn my Wii on and I am hopeful the new game brings me as much joy as the arcade version did.

Super Mario Galaxy 2

Release Date: May 23^rd 2010 Platform: Wii

Yes, I am as surprised as you yet another Wii game that made it on the list. Look I focus on PS3 games since that is my console of choice but like many others I have a Wii that I rarely turn on and it’s nice to be seeing some games that are being released that give me a reason to do just that. These types of games may not be complex and the graphics may not be the best but Nintendo as the capability of producing some of the best fun during a video game than practically anyone else. I hope they continue to please their fans which they seem to be doing with this title.

Did I miss any titles? Of course I did – I would love to see your list of most anticipated games or maybe you agree with my list. Either way I would love to hear your feedback whatever it may be. Please do so in the comment section below.

If you have followed me for any amount of time you will notice that I absolutely loved Fallout 3 – I notice my affection actually growing as I play other games and realize how wrapped up in that game I actually was. One of the earliest posts I wrote were my impressions of Fallout 3 as it sucked up my life. I even wrote another article last May in my anticipation for Fallout not quitting there I wrote my first trophy guide on, you guessed it Fallout 3.

Well what I am trying to get across is that I enjoyed Fallout 3 so when I saw the recent teaser trailer that was released I was itching for any kind of information. Now the trailer didn’t reveal much as it was a cinematic trailer but it showed enough that I am still extremely eager. I will stop my ramblings so you can see the trailer for yourself.

Are you as excited about the upcoming title as I am? What do you think of the trailer, let us know via the comments below.

One of my favorite games of lat year was Fallout 3 — the story was immersing and the world was expansive with plenty of room to explore. I enjoyed it so much that it was the first runner up in last years Game of The Year list.

However because I played the PlayStation 3 version I was unable to play any of the DLC, which was “exclusive” at that time to the Xbox 360, much to my disappointment. So when Bethesda announced a few months ago that the DLC would be coming to the PlayStation 3 I was ecstatic.

However the initial date has long came and passed but good news was announced today by Bethesda that the PlayStation 3 DLC is just around the corner. How close you ask?

Well the first piece of DLC, “Broken Steel”, will be available next Thursday September 24th. The following will be released weekly starting with “Operation: Anchorage” and “The Pitt” and lastly “Point Lookout” and “Mothership Zeta”.

Also if you haven’t yet picked up Fallout 3, and why not?, then the following week October 13th the Game of The Year edition which includes all five of the DLC packs will be released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 for $59.99. Before you ask, Yes all of your old save files will work with the game of the year edition so there is no excuse not to play.

I hope to see you out in the Wastelands…

Updated August 6th, 2009

Treyarch doesn’t have a problem supporting their games, especially Call of Duty: World at War which will receive its third downloadable map pack on Thursday August 6^th 2009. Treyarch will follow the same format of their previous two map packs, both of which sold extremely well, releasing three new multiplayer maps and one Nazi Zombie map.

According to their Community Manager Josh Olin the new multiplayer maps are a direct reflection of what the community desired. The new maps will include Breach – a large urban environment with lots of verticality, Battery – located on a fortified island over international waters and is also the smallest of Map Pack 3, and lastly Revolution – located in a distillery with lots of canisters, boiler rooms and pipes.

Breach

Battery

Revolution

According to most people, including me, the main reason to purchase the new Map Pack 3 is the new Nazi Zombie Map which is called Der Riese. This time the map will be located in a factory or industrial type setting with many hallways that link various sized rooms. The behavior of the hell hounds that were introduced in an earlier map pack will be reworked and now will spawn throughout the map. The behavior of the zombies will also be reworked giving them the ability to travel from different levels, for instance they will be able to climb up to your position or jump down to attack you. However at your arsenal you will have two new weapons to dispose of these hordes of zombies. The first being the Bowie Knife: this will cost 3000 points and take the place of your original knife but be able to kill zombies with one hit all the way up to higher levels like 15 or 16. The second being the Monkey Bomb: It will be obtained through the random box and take the place of Molotov cocktails. You will start out with three bombs and they will only be replenished through a max ammo pickup. These Monkey Bombs will perform similar to grenades but when thrown will attract a group of zombies before exploding.

Der Riese

Some other key new features includes teleport machines. These pads will grant you the ability once linked up and at the cost of 1500 points to quickly teleport to a different area. You will also have the ability to upgrade 16 weapons via the Pack A Punch machine at the cost of 5000 points a piece. This machine will positively alter the way the weapon performs while also changing the name of the weapon. This map pack will also introduce 10 new trophies based solely on the Nazi Zombie experience. Those are:

• 40 Knives!
  • Kill 40 zombies with the Bowie Knife
• Acquire Waffle Weapons
  • Obtain the Ray Gun, DG-2, and the Monkey Bomb at the same time in a game
• Der Electrican!
  • Link all teleport pads before round 7
• Frequent Flyer!
  • Use the teleporter 8 times
• Locksmith!
  • Open all doors in the map
• The Might of the Monkey
  • Use the Monkey Bomb
• Perkaholics Anonymous
  • Survive until Round 20 without buying a single perk
• Pack Addict
  • Upgrade 5 weapons at the Pack A Punch Machine
• Wacker Packer
  • Upgrade any weapon in the Pack A Punch
• Elevate Your Senses
  • ???

If that still is not enough information to wet your appetite then take a peek at the Der Riese trailer below.

Update: A new trailer has been released by Treyarch to celebrate the release of Map Pack 3. Check that out below.

What’s that? Cain’t wait? Well good news you won’t have to since Map Pack 3 will be released Thursday August 6, 2009 on the PlayStation Store for $9.99. Do yourself a favor and pick it up.

Have a comment on the release; love Nazi Zombies? Leave a comment below and let me know how you feel.

]]> http://beyondthedpad.com/2009/08/04/world-at-war-map-pack-3-info/feed/ 0 BeyondTheD-Pad Map Pack 3 Header 2 Breach Screenshot Battery Screenshot Revolution Screenshot Der Riese Map Add to Facebook Add to Newsvine Add to Digg Add to Del.icio.us Add to Stumbleupon Add to Reddit Add to Blinklist Add to Twitter Add to Technorati Add to Furl http://beyondthedpad.com/2009/06/09/uncharted-2-beta-impressions/ http://beyondthedpad.com/2009/06/09/uncharted-2-beta-impressions/#comments Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:18:19 +0000 BeyondTheD-Pad http://beyondthedpad.wordpress.com/?p=496 ]]>
Due to my recent purchase of inFAMOUS, look for that review soon, I had the opportunity to participate in the Uncharted 2 closed multiplayer beta. The beta includes two modes: competitive multiplayer and co-operative multiplayer.

In competitive multiplayer there are two different game types, plunder and regular team deathmatch both of which can be played on one of two different maps. Plunder is sort of like the traditional capture the flag but with loot, your objective as a team is to find the treasure and successfully return it to your “base”. This in turn grants you a point and the first team to 5 points wins the match. Both of the maps, The Village and The Plaza are smaller type maps but highly vertical granting you the ability to scale most of the buildings to successful flank your enemies. Before the match begins you have the ability to customize your character as well as vote on which game type you want to play.

In co-operative multiplayer you play as Drake, Chloe, or Sully in a section called Nepal War Zone. You progress through the level completing different mission objectives and at times are actually forced to work together in order to proceed. Co-operative multiplayer truly captured the classic Uncharted feel and seamlessly progresses through the level. Like competitive multiplayer you gain coins based on kills and other mission objectives along with medals you achieve in order to level up your character.

Overall after playing both of the objectives and maps multiple times I was pleasantly surprised. Upon first glance you can’t help but notice the stunning graphics, which is to be expected, but the controls were simple and intuitive. The levels along with being highly vertical also appear to be well balanced with many different routes and options for tactical play. All of these things are exactly what you want in a multiplayer setting, which is refreshing. Since it’s a beta some flaws are to be expected, the small problems I had were with the hit detection and the occasional spawn camping. Although probably not a problem with the beta I also had trouble at times finding a game. Lastly my only complaint was with the game setup, after completion of a game everyone must cancel out and find another game instead of automatically transitioning into the next game. After playing the multiplayer I can honestly say that Naughty Dog has made a truly top notch multiplayer to compliment their already first rate single player. I will continue to play the beta and eagerly look forward to the full release. This beta only confirms that I will be purchasing Uncharted 2 on day one.

If you have had a chance to play the beta I would be eager to hear your impressions, do so via the comments below.

I am sure you have already heard since the news is already old, but I wanted to give my thoughts on the release as well. For those of you who haven’t heard or are unaware Bethesda recently announced a new addition to the Fallout world. The new game will be available next year for the PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 and will be called Fallout: New Vegas. Not much else has been released about the game. We do know that it will be developed by Obsidian Entertainment and is not a sequel to Fallout 3 nor will it interfere with any future installments of the series. Obsidian Entertainment appears to be a good fit considering some of the current team worked on the original Fallout games. The team is known mainly for its work on Knights of the Old Republic II and Neverwinter Nights II.

To check out my opinion of the news release continue reading below.

Before this announcement I had a certain disdain towards Bethesda, not because I disliked Fallout 3 quite the contrary actually, but because I enjoyed the title so much and was unable to play any of the DLC. I was unable to play any of the DLC because I purchased the PS3 version of the game and for whatever reason was not released as of yet. However the current news leaves me happy and optimistic. I am happy to hear that we will be getting another Fallout game as early as next year that will be centered around another prominent city like Vegas. One of the major aspects of Fallout 3 that I enjoyed doing was traveling through iconic Washington D.C. and observing the ruble and destruction that lay ahead, Vegas is another one of those cities. I am optimistic that despite the flaws in Obsidian Entertainment’s previous games and despite the flaws in Fallout 3 that the final product will be as good or better than Fallout 3.

So for now I eagerly await more details to be released.

Not as hyped for this game as I am? Maybe you share my enthusiasm either, either way I would love to hear from you. Drop a line in the comments section below.

Yes, you heard right. So get all of your virtual quarters ready because the arcade phenomenon, Marvel vs Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes, is coming back. This titles release hasn’t been the best kept secret, since it has been heavily rumored for some time now, although has now been officially announced on Marvel’s website. Marvel vs Capcom 2 is set to release this summer on XBLA and PSN.

To read more about this blockbuster release including information on the demo and subsequent teaser trailer hit the link below.

Although the news gets better for us PS3 users since we will have the unique opportunity to download the exclusive free demo this Thursday April 30, 2009. Below are the details of the demo released earlier via the PS Blog:

Two-player local matches

Six available characters: Ryu, Chun-Li, Strider, Spider-Man, Iron Man and Wolverine

Seven selectable environments

Upscaled 1080p graphics

Widescreen or 4:3 aspect ratio

Two graphic filter options for character sprites

And other cool options to check out

Still not completely hyped for this game yet? We may have the answer. Watch this teaser trailer below…

Our advice: First cancel that Ebay bid for Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes for the PS2 that is currently pending for $80.00. Then tomorrow fire up that PS3 and download the demo from the PS store. Not a PS3 owner yet? What are you waiting for?

Oh, don’t forget to bookmark our site and check back now and again we would be honored. Since your in a giving mode we would also appreciate your feedback and or comments on any or all of our articles, feel free to do so below.

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