As you can see, the 360 version is running as smooth as silk. In fact, Half-Life 2 runs better in the 360 version compared to the original PC version, thanks to the PC’s sound-stuttering bug. Verdict: the 360 version beats all. Now if we could just ditch the control pad scheme and use a keyboard/mouse combo.

Post from: EveryJoe

PS3 vs. Xbox 360: Comparing The Orange Box

There’s been a lot of focus on how good the game is, and there’s no question about that. Why do you suppose we’re giving it so much coverage in the first place? However, like the other earlier reviews, GameTrailers has glossed over Gears‘ PC version.

To be fair, the review did mention issues like constant crashing, but that’s the hitch. The review merely mentioned the issues but didn’t say up to what extent the concerns were. That said—the crashing issue alone is a game breaker that could totally suck out the enjoyment of playing Gears.

Post from: EveryJoe

GameTrailers’ Gears of War review glosses over issues

Yes, I lurk at my retailer’s site on a constant basis. I even call them everyday to check. But despite my efforts, there’s still no news of Gears’ PC version. My only assurance that it’s coming this month is the Upcoming Games section at the lower right part of the screen. It says November 2007, but not much else.

The main problem? I’ve no other choice. DataBlitz is the only known retailer in our country. Not very reassuring when you see that their latest games include Command & Conquer 3, which came out last March; and The Sims 2’s Bon Voyage expansion, which arrived last September.

Even Hellgate: London came out really early here. Yes, the “spiritual successor” of the Diablo games arrived on October 31 Manila time, which means a full day earlier than North America. Have I mentioned that I’m not impressed with the game?

But there’s no sign of Gears of War.

Post from: EveryJoe

Still no sign of Gears of War for the PC in the Philippines

Yes, it’s silly, it’s funny, but it’s also endearing.

Happy Halloween!

Post from: EveryJoe

How the real Big Daddy and Little Sister would look in your kitchen

Remember that bit about Crysis needing DirectX 10 (and Windows Vista) so that you can view all the eye candy in their gorgeous glory? Well, forget I ever mentioned it.

Some geniuses at the Crysis-Online forums have just discovered that by simply copying and pasting a line in Crysis’ configuration file, you can now enable the supposed DirectX 10-exclusive features even if you’re using Windows XP.

We’d like to thank everyone who shared this knowledge and figuratively stuck it to the Man.

What does this development imply? How about this: Crytek took out the “very high” settings so that we would buy Vista. No rocket science needed for that one.

I just hope the retail version of Crysis won’t include a “fix” that would prevent us from doing so.

Post from: EveryJoe

Crap-Detector: Crysis is prettier in DirectX 10

It’s hard to judge if the choice is indeed present in Turok, but the game does show promise. The stealth kills make the game interesting, but it’s the dinosaurs that mix things up between you and the armed goons you’re fighting.

What keeps me grounded about this game is its developer Propaganda Games. Turok is the studio’s first foray, so my expectations aren’t that high. The Propaganda team is composed of former EA Canada employees whose experience includes Def Jam Vendetta and NBA Street.

Good games, but they’re not FPS.

Turok will also be making its way to the PC next year, so getting my hands on this game during that time is possible—unless I decide to get a PS3 before MGS4 comes out.

Post from: EveryJoe

Turok gives you the power of choice

Pedigree means a lot, even if a developer is rolling out its first game. This is why expectations are high for Hellgate: London. Its creator is Flagship Studios, whose core is composed of ex-Blizzard employees who were responsible for the development of Diablo, Diablo 2, Warcraft, Starcraft, and World of Warcraft.

The game is heralded as the spiritual successor of Diablo and you’ll notice that once you start playing. Specifically, Hellgate feels like Diablo brought into 3D, with a few modifications. Gone is the point-and-click movement scheme, replaced by the familiar WASD prevalent in shooters.

The level design is also very Diablo-like, and you’ll notice that when you switch between the small and large maps while playing. Perspectives may have changed from isometric 2D to behind-the-back (or first-person) 3D, but the overall feel of the levels are reminiscent of Diablo.

You’ll see the difference between Diablo and Hellgate when you try out the Blade Master. Hellgate mixes things up by letting you make different swings as you combine attacks with the directional keys. You can swing your sword repeatedly at an enemy, but if you consider timing and distance, you can be more effective.

Blade Masters can use projectile weapons, but not elaborate rifles like Marksmen. One interesting combo I used with mine was a grappling hook on the left hand and a sword on the right. You can snatch an enemy with the hook and pull it towards you, but as the beast approaches you must start swinging your sword. When timed correctly, the sword strikes your enemy before it can attack you point blank.

Marksmen change the experience entirely because you can play them in first-person and arm yourself with rifles and guns. Unfortunately, the shooter elements of Hellgate feel substandard. While your crosshair widens when you unload bullets, there’s no recoil and reloading. When you jump in first-person view, the gun doesn’t bob like it’s supposed to. If you want to see your avatar and his/her gun bob, you have to zoom out to third-person.

Note to Flagship: Letting players wield dual pistols do not give Hellgate any semblance to a real shooter, especially with the flaws I’ve mentioned above.

Between the two classes, playing a Marksman was a cakewalk. You can obliterate enemies even before accumulating aggro. If these two were to duel in PvP, the Blade Master could be at a disadvantage—unless the two are fighting in a box. A Blade Master may have better damage, but the shooting mechanics feel a bit overpowered (i.e. no recoil and reloading).

The missions provided by NPCs feel a bit too MMO-like. Kill X number of enemies; gather X number of items. Even the names floating above NPC heads are too WoW-like, especially with the question marks and exclamation points. Sure, these guys may have played a part in making World of Warcraft, but can’t they differentiate themselves from their former employers?

Hellgate is scheduled for release on October 31, but the 1.39GB demo still looks far from completion. Collision detection problems abound—your character passes through other NPCs, parts of dead enemies stick through solid objects, and corpses float in midair. Aside from the technical problems, the game doesn’t look too pretty either. The textures scream 2004 and even earlier.

You’ll be seeing references to Blizzard games like the familiar Warcraft peasant’s voice, Wirt’s leg, the deep Diablo skill tree, spherical health and mana indicators, and such. Despite the nostalgia, one can’t help but be displeased with the unfinished state of the demo, especially when we’re this close to launch day.

Fine, one may reason that the demo was created long ago and that the game is actually in a much better state. On the other hand, demos are supposed to drum up interest for an upcoming game. If Flagship is banking too much on pedigree and nostalgia, then I’m afraid they could be setting themselves up for a huge fall. If there’s one legacy that Blizzard is known for, it’s polish—and polished, Hellgate isn’t.

Mr. Roper, the ball is in your court.

Post from: EveryJoe

Hellgate: London hands-on demo preview

Something tells me this possession is Clive Barker’s way of justifying your ability to control multiple characters in his new FPS. They could have just opted of letting you control your teammates without it. Then again, there might be some valid explanation that could translate into interesting gameplay.

Or not. Let’s wait for the game, shall we?

Post from: EveryJoe

You don’t know Jericho: Here’s the cap’n

The song will debut over the radio and in videos next month.

Funny how these two ended up having some sort of connection. Here’s how they’re wired in my cranium: Haze’s vanilla theme and action doesn’t do a thing for me; Korn’s guitar riffs have the same (lack of) effect.

Post from: EveryJoe

Korn writes an exclusive track for Haze

Meet surgeon Mark Ombrellaro, the designer of a tele-health device that ended up as a game accessory. Tell me if you’ve ever heard this one: 3^rd Space, Ombrellaro’s brain child, is a vest that uses air pressure and feedback from video games to inflict pneumatic thumps to the spots on your torso where you were hit in the game.

It gets even better: the product will be launched with Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. While 3^rd Space won’t be shaking my hand(s), I’m looking forward to vibrations that will burn my love handles.

According to the good doctor, the vest was originally designed as a medical device, which is actually more sophisticated than the gaming peripheral. Imagine a vest that lets doctors conduct medical exams via the internet. How? Doctors would be able to poke you even when they’re hundreds of miles away.

I just hope there’ll never be a 3^rd Space vest large enough to cover even the groin area.

Post from: EveryJoe

Gaming vest provides force feedback