Join Nick and I as we play through some of Trenched, Double Fine's latest XBLA title, tonight!
The recent Trenched PlayBit was a success, but it also worked in some play time of Microsoft Game Studios', South Park: Let's Go Tower Defense Play. Be sure to check out the replay below to see some footage from both games, as well as both Jason and Nick's thoughts on the games.
A rundown of the multiplayer mode, plus footage!
Assassin's Creed was a brand new experience for me and a fun last game on my second day at E3. In the multiplayer mode I got to try, two sides faced off as either assassin or prey in a castle courtyard in Constantinople. The prey would run off and try to blend in among the inhabitants and the assassins would – can you guess? – that's right, they'd hunt them down and kill them. Boy, you're good at guessing.
Pretty sure it's pronounced "Blaze Blue."
BlazBlue: Continuum Shift II is a PSP Port (hence the “II”) of Continuum Shift, which was released first for arcade and then for PS3 and Xbox 360. The port differs slightly from the original: it includes all the DLC characters from the start, and it features a new Abyss mode (more on that later). Like the other titles in the series, this game is outrageously complicated. It’s clearly made for a niche audience (“hardcore” fighting game enthusiasts) of which I am not a part. But, complexity aside, the battles are fun and nice to look at, so it seems they’ve struck enough of a balance that even those who don’t really know what they’re looking at can enjoy the view.
This metroidvania game puts an extremely compelling spin on the tried-and-true formula.
Metroidvania games are unquestionably some of my favorites. While there aren’t too many produced outside of the titles from where the subgenre name is lifted, they are often a treat when they become available. Outland is no exception to this rule, offering up a 2D platformer that places a far greater focus on its action elements, requiring players to master movement, attacking, and timely switching between a light/dark mechanic.
I’m still amazed at just how much better a similar spin-off game is.
I’ll be honest; I don’t know much about the history of the Dynasty Warriors series, so I can’t provide you a comprehensive look at the differences from the last iteration of the series. From what I understand, there have been a number of improvements, including a more directed story experience with better character development, better graphics, more varied characters, and the inclusion of weapon machinery that can be utilized in battle. From a newcomer’s perspective, the additions don’t seem to make the game very interesting. Players can expect hours upon hours of grinding through underpowered enemies with little to break up the experience and keep it fresh. Having played the game side by side with Samurai Warriors: Chronicles, it’s clear that Dynasty Warriors doesn’t have the same flair as its spin-off series.
It’s not the deepest experience on the 3DS, but it’ll certainly keep you busy for a good long while.
Last year, I had my first taste of the Samurai Warriors series and was pleasantly surprised by the experience. While heavy on the hack ‘n’ slashing, the game still provided for a bevy of interesting objectives and some frantic pacing as you rush about the level to meet all of the expectations. Not only were the objectives varied, but the experience was dynamic. New objectives were presented each time I went through the level, changing and morphing based on the state of the battlefield. Samurai Warriors: Chronicles falls very much in line with its predecessors, with improved graphical fidelity and a fully-voiced presentation.
25 commemorative Mario pins are available for you to redeem until July 31, so act now!
The Club Nintendo year has finally come to a close and as has become tradition, Nintendo has revealed the latest bonus for members who reached gold and platinum status. As with previous years, gold members are able to grab a Nintendo calendar with unspecified art at this time, while platinum members have the choice of both the calendar and special set of commemorative pins. 25 collectible Mario pins contained in a special case can be redeemed as this year's special bonus. Both gold and platinum members must claim their rewards by July 31 or else they will forfeit their special gift. According to Nintendo, the gifts will ship before the end of the calendar year, so keep your eyes peeled for your shipment. Click through for some images of this year's bonuses!
While at E3, I found the time to play Kirby's upcoming new title, Kirby Wii.
The newest Kirby console title, Kirby Wii, brings Kirby back to a world less composed of fibers and more of dreams. That's right, Kirby is, without a doubt, back in Dream Land, offering similar stage design and gameplay to that found in modes like DynaBlade and Revenge of the Meta Knight in Kirby's Super Star.
New Feature: Once downloaded, this issue of PB & Jason can never be deleted.
This week's PB & Jason brings news discussion on three major topics! Nintendo RPGs, the Xbox 360, and Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D.
