The game promises “dominantly story driven objectives”. So, from what I’ve read, they’re promising a FPS, RTS and RPG [role-playing game] all rolled into one game? That should be a hoot-if they can pull it off. Oh, and there’s multi-player.

From the release:

• Set in the Amazon in the year 2011, players will experience lush jungle visuals, haunting ambient sounds, changes in the weather, and an enemy in their home element
• Featuring the best of both worlds, Raven Squad has core FPS and RTS gameplay combined, for a new type of experience
• A multiplayer co-operative campaign that allows players to take control of a squad and play through the entire game with a friend online
• Multiple solutions to every conflict – every battle can play out differently and be resolved in many different ways
• 8 characters with their own unique backgrounds, personalities, behaviors, weapons and skills
• Players can order their squads into vehicles and take the wheel in first-person mode

The original release had the game set to hit Fall ‘08 but since it’s almost SUMMER ‘09, I can only assume that Raven Squad developed a bit of stage fright.

SouthPeak will debut the game at E3 this year so I know that there is a workable copy out there somewhere. Looks like it’s now set for a Q3 ‘09 release for PC and Xbox 360. All this extra time had better mean and extra good game.

Images|SouthPeak

Post from: EveryJoe

Raven Squad Screenshots

How could I miss this spectacular video of Mercenaries 2: World in Flames? I have no idea. One thing’s for sure: it looks even more promising than Grand Theft Auto IV ever was. Strangely, Mercenaries 2 is flying below the radar despite its potential.

In case you’re wondering what the video is about, let me give you a brief description: remember how the original game lets players choose between three mercs? Well, the same characters are still here and they have different ways of completing an objective. You can either go for tactical, covert, or overkill.

Since the guns and fireworks are provided, it would be a shame not to use them. My money is on overkill.

Post from: EveryJoe

Mercenaries 2 lets players approach objectives differently

Notice anything odd about the video? The Crytek visuals look like the original Oblivion graphics. That’s what you download tech demo video from YouTube. FYI: The video was created by a modder who transferred the Oblivion assets straight into Crytek’s engine.

Interestingly, it looks like CryEngine is having some difficulty rendering a level the size of the Imperial City. Textures and other details pop in abruptly as if it were Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction for the PS2. One torch light seemed to appear suddenly when the camera is already too close (move the video to 3:23).

For what it’s worth, I’m positive that the video would look breathtaking when recorded in better detail. I can only imagine what the Imperial City would look like with real-time lighting. Now if only Fallout 3 would use the same game engine.

Update: YouTube took out the video, unfortunately. This is probably due to copyright issues with either games. Fortunately, a GameTrailers user was able to snag a copy of the video. Enjoy.

Source: Kotaku

Post from: EveryJoe

See Oblivion rendered in the CryEngine

My video card gave out sometime last week, so I’m left without a gaming machine/workstation/best friend. Before it gave out, I was furiously working on Doom III, which I love immensely.

Yes, the monster placements may feel a bit cheap at times, but I’d rather be surprised than face a couple of minions from hell that shows up in plain sight. Since the demonic beasts don’t use complex military tactics, I reckon that placing spawn areas behind your viewpoint is the only way from making Doom III a cakewalk for veteran gamers.

Because I can’t play my murder simulators on the ancient laptop that I’m now using, I’m relegated to my old PlayStation 2. What’s a giggling pyromaniac to play in the meantime?

Here’s what: Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction.

As you probably know, Mercenaries is like GTA, but in a more feasible setting: North Korea. The game is more combat-oriented, and is also like a single-player version of Battlefield 2 because it lets you control all of the weapons and vehicles in the game. You see a helicopter in the background, you can fly it. AA guns? Use them if you can get rid of the surrounding guards.

The best part? You blow shit up. A lot of it.

Until I get my PC and upgrade it to run Bioshock, I’m stuck in virtual North Korea. Not that I’m complaining. If Mercenaries were a lesser game, I’d be upset.

Post from: EveryJoe

Games I’m currently playing