Death, Taxes, and Spider-Man games are the three constants in the world today. 2011 is not exempt from this rule, as we are reminded with the announcement of the latest Spider-Man title, Spider-Man: Edge of Time.
Developed by Beenox (the team behind last year's ho-hum Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions) and published by our overlords at Activision, Spider-Man: Edge of Time lets you assume control of both the old classic Amazing Spider-Man, and the looks-awesome-but-never-quite-caught-on Spider-Man 2099. The action gameplay will feature a "cause-and-effect" mechanic, where the actions of one Spider-Man will directly influence and change the timeline of the other. Not sure if this can work more ways than one, because I don't think events of the future can alter the past. Or can they?! Mind = blown.
While you're busy trying to wrap your mind around riddles of time and space, I'll be drafting up the script for Activision's 2012 Spider-Man title, Italian Spiderman. Spider-Man: Edge of Time is due out this fall for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, DS, and 3DS.
Capcom's Versus series is one of the quirkiest and most respected fighting franchises in the industry today. Its last entry, Tatsunoko vs. Capcom may not have captured a broad audience due to its Wii exclusivity, but Marvel vs. Capcom 2 has charmed both OGs and new gamers alike. Alas, the 11 year old game has shown its age. With the release of Marvel vs. Capcom 3, fans of the fight have let out a collective sigh of relief, but does the Fate of Two Worlds take us for a ride?
Over the years, Joe Quesada’s Cup O’ Joe panel has become a highlight at cons, as famous for fans’ willingness to pull no punches when face-to-face with Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief as for Quesada’s willingness to match fans’ snark with some good, old fashioned New York City snark of his own. While the panel typically contains some of the bigger Marvel announcements of the season, which is ostensibly why it draws such a big crowd, the unmitigated fan interaction rarely disappoints. This year was no exception.
One of the fondest memories from my childhood was taking vacation with family down to Florida, where the local pristine and hi-tech arcade was home to the much sought after 6-player X-Men Arcade. A world of difference from the local arcades I haunted in Queens New York, which were mostly found in the back of pizza stores and comic book shops. Even then, the best we had were Sunset Riders, Street Fighter: Rainbow Edition, WWF Superstars, and a Neo Geo 4-in-1 cabinet. Don't get me wrong, I loved the ghetto games of my ghetto arcade in the back of the ghetto pizzeria, but damn son, I get to play as Wolverine with five other people? That's what I'm talking about.
When the trailer for X-Men Arcade started rolling at Marvel's Saturday morning video game panel at New York Comic Con, and I realized what it was, my childhood came rushing back. I remembered taking family trips down south, swimming in the pool with with girls more mature than I, being fascinated with their boobs, playing Simpsons Arcade, Tekken, and of course, X-Men Arcade. I also remembered just how much I hated this particular game. Well, hate is a strong word, it was more like I was at odds with it.
I loved X-Men, and I loved arcades, so it's obvious that the joining of the two would be a dream come true for a snot-nosed punk in the early 90's. And it was for a while, until I couldn't beat it with the quarters allotted to me by my father. No matter how hard I tried, no matter how many people who teamed with me, I could never conquer this damned game.
I remember coming close once, really close. I must have spent around five bucks to get to the point I was at, me and one other kid holding it down long after the rest of our team had succumbed to renegade mutants and mutant hunters. The level was epic, the enemies were vicious, and the life was draining quickly. Magneto was the next boss, I could feel it! Boy, was I wrong.
I don't remember the stage, or the boss, but we beat it, and him. Only to move on to the next stage, and die, quickly. Well, I died. My compatriot valiantly fought on, lasting a good 5-10 minutes after me, but he met his inevitable end as well. Dejectedly, we sighed and bid our final farewells as our parents dragged us off, back to the real world.
X-Men Arcade is an awesome throwback to the arcade glory days of my, and probably your, childhood. Unfortunately, Konami says nothing new will be added, so don't expect to be playing as Bishop via DLC. Yes, someone will still be forced to play as disco reject, Dazzler. Not it, I've got infinite dibs on Nightcrawler. That was my man! All things aside, this is an excellent re-release. With six player drop in online support, the fun of the original will be upheld, and you'll be able to save your quarters for laundry.
So, I was finally able to get some hands on with Marvel vs. Capcom 3 today, and I'm impressed. I mean, it looked good on it's first few trailers, but something about it didn't excite me. After getting to play, and kicking the ass of two random challengers, I'm sold. You want impressions? I got 'em.
Sega and Marvel are good friends. The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, and Iron Man 2 games have given good efforts, but generally don't live up to the dreams fanboys have of flawlessly controlling their favorite Marvel heroes in beautifully rendered environments with a compelling storyline. Thor is next in line to receive the Sega treatment in summer 2010, and after that? Mister Avenger himself, none other than Captain America.
Set during World War 2, Captain America: Super Soldier puts players in the flared boots of the ultimate soldier, using his shield, free flowing combat mechanics, and acrobatic platforming to overcome enemies and obstacles. Batman: Arkham Asylum meets Assassin's Creed? Oh Sega, stop it.
The Cap will face off against Red Skull and his scientifically advanced Hydra army, with the ability to use the iconic shield to deflect incoming fire, incapacitate multiple enemies, climb walls and solve puzzles. Hm, not sure how a shield would be better than hands at climbing a wall, but okay, I'll roll with it for now. No confirmation yet on whether or not you'll be able to hit fools with the Final Justice.
The story will be penned by Marvel vet Christos Gage, who has written Avengers: The Initiative, Siege: Captain America, Iron Man, X-Men, Spiderman, and Civil War: House of M. So that means there's a high probability of the story actually being good, right?
Monday, April 4, 2011 at 3:02PM ;)
