So, Sony invited journalists and analysts from the world over to share a few details on its upcoming PlayStation 4 console. And we got just that — a few details. Call me jaded, but I don’t expect much from video game press conferences even at E3; there’s just so much fluff and hyperbole. The PS4 event was par for the course.
GameInformer’s September 2011 issue features a quote from 2D-X Managing Editor Tatjana Vejnovic in which she states that she mostly plays local co-op because “12-year-olds and immature douchebags get annoying after five minutes.” Truer words were never spoken.
Playing a video game with a friend just a seat away is almost as old as gaming itself. Tackling bosses is so much more enjoyable with a buddy, not only for the immediate gameplay experience, but for the lasting memories. Memories that we will share with you right now.
At this year’s E3 Expo, Square showcased many projects that had been in development for some time. Quantum Conundrum was near completion, and Hitman went from being a pre-alpha build to a pre-beta. Square Enix has a lot to offer for all types of gamers of all ages and tastes, ranging from action titles to charming music games. Here’s what we have to say about Square’s upcoming games in this, our latest Roundtable Reaction.
Starting in 2005, Tommy Tallarico began Video Games Live, a show that gathered gamers around the globe to listen to their favorite video game tunes from a live orchestra. The show went international only a year later, bringing all gamers together to enjoy what they grew up with. The magic of Video Games Live is that even if you don’t know the song, you still have a great time listening to it. Tommy does a good job in including the crowd in the show by doing cosplay contests, game competitions, and meet and greets with all the composers. Everyone can find a magical moment at Video Games Live, including us!
Every June, thousands of people cram themselves into the Los Angeles Convention Center, ranging from press folk to classy business people to sweaty, disgusting nerds. In the weeks leading up to the big show we speculate and dream about what we’re going to see, and what we’re going to like. We often over-hype ourselves on certain things, and quite frequently become disappointed when they don’t come to pass (damn you, Kingdom Hearts 3). But 2012 seems to have a lot to offer—rumors of console drops, lots of new games, and who knows what else. Will E3 live up to our expectations this year? Or will we go home to a box of tissues, a bottle of wine and a chick flick? In the words of Tim Torres, let’s be exciting again, video game industry!
Racer represent quite the broad genre–it contains everything from kart racing to formula racing. Diddy Kong to Mario, Gran Turismo to the recently released, an much hyped, Forza 4. I remember spending at least $10 alone on the Crusin’ the World arcade machine at my local pizza joint. Not all racing games are liked by all, but almost anyone can point out at least one they like. We at 2D-X are no different. Here are our favorite racing games, Forza 4 and beyond.
Mass Effect die hards have played through Mass Effect 3 at least once, with the most hardcore of the bunch having played it through multiple times–stopping at the last mission so not to relive the horrendous ending BioWare created. Mass Effect 3′s ending left us with no sense of completion, no sense of success, and what Bioware wanted to be a humble ending, instead came out non-nonsensical and plain wrong. In fact, the fan outcry has forced BioWare to re-do the conclusion. Still, there have been worse video game endings. Commander Shepard is not alone in the world of crappy conclusions. Here are some that are actually worse.
Valentine’s Day is upon us and as such, singles, married couples, and those in “complicated” relationships turn their attentions to the day with either great anticipation or much disdain. The nerds at 2D-X have a different take and, unsurprisingly, it’s about video games. Instead of talking flowers and candies, we’re discussing the most memorable examples of in video game history. Some are obvious heart-tuggers; others showcase the emotion in unexpected ways. But love…LOVE!
The Square Enix rep played through the demo twice. The first go, he was stealthy and patient and hid the bodies of any NPCs he had killed. The second time around things got a bit more violent. To show us just how many options you have in tackling missions, he rescued a cop that was being interrogated by criminals and used a fire axe to take out three thugs. This doesn’t sound all that gruesome in text, but seeing is indeed believing.
The role-playing game genre has made great strides since its early days as a thinly veiled Dungeons & Dragons rip-off. Stories have grown increasingly complex, the music and graphics have greatly improved, and the battle systems have evolved into wonderfully varied schemes. There are many great RPGS, but which is the best of the bunch? A handful of 2D-X RPG-lovers offer their selections for the best RPG of all time.
