REVIEW: Fallout: New Vegas

Written by Mark Hagan

Fallout: New Vegas is a paradox. You could compare it to baseball; entirely too long, slow, overpriced, and resistant to the improvements technology could provide. Yet, as the immortal Greg Maddux once said, chicks dig the long ball. So, does New Vegas hit a home run?

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Hey, Dead Space 2 Wishes You a Happy Halloween Too!

Though not as meaty as Shadows of the Damned's Halloween trailer, Dead Space 2 reminds you that its roots lie in the blood-soaked dirt of the horror genre. The trailer also reminds you to preorder nao, as the title releases January 25th, 2011. 

Happy Halloween, from Shadows of the Damned

All has been quiet on the Shadows of the Damned front. The survival horror slash action title involving gaming heavyweights Shinji Mikami, Suda51, Akira Yamaoka, and EA Games reminds you that it's still kickin' by way of this trailer. 

Mainly to give you an idea of the uglies you'll have to blow apart with your transforming skull gun, Shadows of the Damned also wishes you a Happy Halloween! And why not? Grasshopper is trying to put the emphasis on horror, a gaming genre that hasn't been represented too well over the past forever.

Keiji Inafune Resigns from Capcom

Perennial Capcom guy Keiji Inafune has abruptly stepped down from his position as head of Research & Development and Online Business and Global Head of Production. How does all that fit on a business card? 

Inafune, CEO of Capcom's online subsidiary Daletto, character designer for the Megaman series, producer of Dead Rising, Onimisha, Resident Evil, everything else that Capcom has done, and all around nice guy had seemed uncomfortable in his position as of late. He mentioned on multiple occasions the decline of the Japanese games industry, as well as flat out stating he hated his job. Damn Keiji, that shit could get you fired!

According Andriassang's translation of Inafune's blog, he stepped down as Daletto's CEO due in part to "losing the authority to evaluate my subordinates and the qualification to speak about my dreams." Regarding Capcom, he feels he's reached the peak of software development, and now he has no higher to go. He wrote, "It would probably be good for me to sit gracefully in this seat and become a leading figure in the industry. However, I cannot do this. Settling down means death for a creator. As long as you are a creator, you cannot settle down." Attaboy Keiji, shoot for the stars! 

Inafune also closes the door on working again with Capcom. While it's still unclear exactly as to why he has come to this decision, he had apparently made his decision long ago. He stepped down in the midst of working on three high profile projects, Mega Man Legends 3, Asura's Wrath, and DmC.

In speaking with Kotaku, Capcom has stated their creative focus will not change, nor will any of Inafune's games in production. They are ready to move on without him, and have shuffled their executives to fill the subsequent holes accordingly. 

Inafune signs off on his blog simply by saying "thank you". We haven't seen the last of Keiji, and I for one am looking forward to where he appears next. 

Impressions: Deadpool MAX #1

Written by Eric Blackwood

Deadpool MAX from Marvel Comic's Max line stars everyone's favorite anti-hero in a story meant for mature readers. The first issue was written by David Lapham and illustrated by Kyle Baker. Deadpool definitely belongs under this imprint, however, this first issue needed more Deadpool. Sounds a bit backwards, doesn't it?

The general premise appears to be that the CIA hires Deadpool to do what he does best to their enemies. Also, to kill them. The first issue tells a complete story - no cliffhangers - but the mature content is provided more by the supporting cast instead of the title protagonist. I just hope that Wade gets some more spotlight in the next issue. All in all, it was good read and I look forward to Deadpool MAX #2.

Logical Progression: Create Scribblenauts, then Create Futuristic Shooter

5th Cell, the minds behind the incredibly cutting edge Scribblenauts series for Nintendo DS, have just revealed their next project, a futuristic shooter named Hybrid. 

A huge departure from the colorful, kid-friendly world of Scribblenauts, Hybrid seems to fit the mold of a Vanquish or Crysis in the teaser trailer; bleak urban setting, fancy super suit, and soldiers performing crazy feats of superhuman agility, guns a'blazing.

Why 5th Cell decided to take their new IP to the overdone genre is beyond me. Though as innovative as the Scribblenauts series is, hopefully they'll discover a way to make this Xbox Live Arcade exclusive stand apart from the truckload of similar titles out there. 

Impressions: Superman: Earth One

Written by Eric Blackwood

Superman’s origin has been re-told countless times throughout the years in various media formats. What can J. Michael Straczynski bring to Jerome "Jerry" Siegel’s tale to keep it fresh and relevant for readers both new and old?

DC: Earth One is a series that allows writers to tell stories free of continuity. Superman: Earth One is a fresh take on the origin of the Man of Steel (originally published in Action Comics #1, June 1938). J. Michael Straczynski's story brings the origin of Superman to the 21st Century and depicts Kal-El's struggle to find his place on Earth. The focus of the story is the transition of Clark Kent to his superhero alter ego.. Another point that is addressed is the “why”. Why would Clark feel the need to fly around in tights and save people? Why does the world need Superman?

Shane Davis and Sandra Hope do an excellent job with the art. There is a lot of detail in the scenes, and the way the artists subtly capture Superman's abilities really impressed me. There is also consistency with the look of the characters.

There has been some talk around the web that Clark Kent seems too ‘emo’ in this book, but I disagree. Clark's angst is realistically illustrated as an alien who can do anything as far as a profession (athlete, scientist, architect, artist, etc), but decides to become far greater with his extraordinary ability. In the midst of trying to find himself, Earth is invaded by an alien race. I won’t divulge anymore for the sake of the story but expect to see Lois Lane putting herself in danger to get the scoop.

I appreciate that Superman: Earth One is a complete story, with cancels the itch found while waiting for a second issue. Though Superman’s origin has been told countless times already, this book is definitely worth checking out, whether you're a long-time fan or mildly interested to learn more about the Man of Steel.

Black Ops Multiplayer Details

Okay kids! Today's phrase of the day is Black Ops. Can you say Black Ops? Bla, khops. Very good. 

Treyarch community manager, Josh Olin, has written up a post on the ever helpful PlayStation.blog, detailing some of the lesser known facts about Call of Duty: Black Ops. 

Most pressing; the addition of split-screen online multiplayer. Sweet! You can log in as a guest under any profile and immediately start blowing stuff up. The guest will be able to gain rain, earn unlocks, the whole nine. Unfortunately, all guest progress is lost when the player signs out. Bummer. 

Also of note is the Custom Games Editor, which will allow you to fine tune the parameters of any custom game you create; time limit, weapon set, perks, gear, and on. When you're done creating your very own boring ass custom game, you'll be able to drop it in a file share, where your friends and the anonymous community alike can ridicule how terrible your decisions are. Hooray! 

Make sure you get the lowdown in full at the PlayStation.blog.

Call of Duty: Black Ops releases on November 9th

Ice Cube; Once Gangsta, Now Otaku?

History lesson time! You may remember Ice Cube from such smash hits as Are We There Yet, and Barbershop 2: Back in Business. What you may not know is that Mr. Cube was a well respected (or feared) gangsta rapper in his heyday, as an integral part of groundbreaking crew N.W.A. 

According to Ice Cube's Twitter, he managed to snag a voice part in Activision's upcoming title, Call of Duty: Black Ops. Playing the part of Corporal Bowman, Ice will bring his unique style to the realm of video games for the first time.

Along with honorary Otaku But Gangsta Ice-T's appearance in Gears of War 3, once gangsta rappers appear to be expanding from traditional acting to include voice acting in their resumes. Rumor has it Tupac Shakur will play a major part in the soon to be revealed Uncharted 3: 2Pac's Treasure.

via VG247

Here's the Super Meat Boy Soundtrack Instead of a Sequel

Just a mere ten minutes into Super Meat Boy and I knew I was head over heels for the downloadable platformer of nearly insurmountable difficulty. It's fun, addicting, and while hard, you will always know that you die because you done goofed, not because the game is cheap. 

Sadly, the incredible work of art that is Super Meat Boy will not be seeing a sequel.. Yet. Speaking with Eurogamer, developers Team Meat have revealed that their next game will be a totally new IP. Fortunately, no where in the interview did Team Meat state that Super Meat Boy 2 won't happen somewhere down the line. That looks like a glimmer of hope to me! 

In related-but-unrelated news, SMB's incredibly amping soundtrack is now available for download. You can name your own price, but you can't go any lower than $3.99, cheapskate. This is 33 jumpin' and heart pumpin' tracks, I think the least you could do is cough up five bucks. 

Super Meat Boy Soundtrack