If there's one I thing I love about downloadable services like WiiWare, it's that games that normally wouldn't see the light of day on consoles, can now released on 'em. And I for one, am thankful that this has happened. Because without it, games like Bit.Trip Beat wouldn't have been released onto consoles. And that would definitely be disappointing, as Bit.Trip Beat is a really great game.
So Bit.Trip Beat is sort of like a modified version of Pong. As instead of hitting a ball back and forth between two paddles, you only have one paddle, and whole bunch of pixels called beats flying toward you, which are the replacement for the ball. And you have to knock them all back to the right side of the screen, in order to score points.
Sounds simple, right? Well, it isn't. As the game is really hard. And that's because the beats come at you at very fast rate, and sometimes there's a large number of 'em coming at you all at once. And if that weren't enough, there are times when the paddle will become bigger, smaller, or have second one appear. Becoming smaller is one that make the game even harder, as you need to be extremely precise with your movements so that you can hit the beats.
But wait, there's more! The game also has boss fights at the end of each stage. Though from my experience with the first one, it seems like all you have to do is keep knocking beats back until the boss has run out of beats to throw at you (the beats come of the boss, so when it runs out, it's basically dead). But I haven't gotten any to the other two bosses, so things might be different for those ones.
So that's basically what Bit.Trip Beat is. As for how it is, it's great. It's hard (easily one of the hardest games I've ever played), but I think that's party due to how you control the paddle. Which is done by tilting the Wii remote forward and backward. It works pretty well once you get used to it, but it feels like it could be a little more accurate.
Throughout the time I played it, moving the paddle to certain areas of the screen proved to be quite difficult at times. As I often ended up moving to far, or hardly anywhere at all. And that's because tilting the controller makes it a lot harder to make precise movements. Of course, it could just be that's there's a steep learning curve, which would explain the difficulty I've had with controlling the paddle. And I'm hoping that's what it is, as having a huge problem like imprecise controls would be disappointing. Especially sense it's such a great game.
Aside from that, I don't have any other complaints currently. Everything else is good so far. The 8-bit style visuals look great. The gameplay is very fun and addictive (despite its difficulty). And the way the audio is incorporated into the gameplay -- with bits of music playing every time you hit one of the beats -- is interesting.
I'll probably write a review for it once I finish all three of the games levels (which I imagine will take a while), so keep an eye out for that.
So yeah, the games good. Really good. And now I'm really looking forward to playing its sequel Bit.Trip Core, as well as seeing what future installments (if they make anymore after Core, that is) will do.
May 25, 2009
May 22, 2009
OnLive skipping E3
While the Swine Flu epidemic (which still hasn't passed yet apparently) has made Capcom, Koei, and Square Enix send less of their employees to E3 (which in Capcom's case, lead to the absence of Dead Rising 2), the people behind OnLive have decided not to go to E3 for a different reason.
Yesterday in a post on they're official blog (which I found out about because of this news story), they said that they would not be attending E3. They're doing so because "E3 is a retail-oriented conference, both for retail platforms and retail publishers, and OnLive is neither."
I admit I'm a little disappointed to hear this. I was hoping that they would be at E3, and reveal some more details on the service, such as the pricing structure, or announce some more publishers that have got on board with the service. But it seems that won't be happening.
But they're reason for doing so is understandable. Showing off a streaming service like OnLive, at a retail focused event like E3, would be a little odd considering the focus of the event and all. So it's easy to see why they decided not to go.
Then again...I've heard that OnLive's competitors are expected to have some type of presence at the show. And if true, then I wonder why OnLive won't be there, when it's competitors will. Granted, that's just speculation. As the ones who said that never provided a source, so it's nothing more than a simple assumption.
But I suppose there's no point in worrying about it. E3 is almost a week away, so we'll find out the answer to that question soon enough.
Yesterday in a post on they're official blog (which I found out about because of this news story), they said that they would not be attending E3. They're doing so because "E3 is a retail-oriented conference, both for retail platforms and retail publishers, and OnLive is neither."
I admit I'm a little disappointed to hear this. I was hoping that they would be at E3, and reveal some more details on the service, such as the pricing structure, or announce some more publishers that have got on board with the service. But it seems that won't be happening.
But they're reason for doing so is understandable. Showing off a streaming service like OnLive, at a retail focused event like E3, would be a little odd considering the focus of the event and all. So it's easy to see why they decided not to go.
Then again...I've heard that OnLive's competitors are expected to have some type of presence at the show. And if true, then I wonder why OnLive won't be there, when it's competitors will. Granted, that's just speculation. As the ones who said that never provided a source, so it's nothing more than a simple assumption.
But I suppose there's no point in worrying about it. E3 is almost a week away, so we'll find out the answer to that question soon enough.
May 20, 2009
Leaked footage of Team ICO's next project
Just found this news story on GameSpot that has some footage of the next game from Team Ico, the developer responsible for ICO (no surprise there), and Shadow of the Colossus. The new game is currently being called "Project Trico," which seems to continue they're trend of including "ico" into the names of they're projects. With they're previous project (which was Shadow of the Colossus) being called "Nico" before it was revealed.
But enough on that. I still got the video to talk about. Which you can see for yourself here (or you can watch it below).
The video seems to show a boy, and a Griffon-like creature exploring what seems to be a vast, ruin filled environment. The game itself must still be in the early stages of development, though. As the graphics are very unpolished for a PlayStation 3 game. Of course, there is the possibility that it was made by some fans (which the article mentions). But considering that the beginning of the video matches up with the photo that accompanied a job listing posted in August 2008 (the photo can be seen in that news story), this seems like it's actual footage.
The visual style is also consistent with the style of they're previous games, so that could further confirm that's actual footage. But then again, someone (or a group of people) could of just imitated that. And if that's the case, then they sure made it look convincing. But I highly doubt that's it's fake. As signs seem to point to it being true.
But true or not, I'm really hoping to hear more on this soon. Perhaps some info will surface at E3. That would be awesome if that happens.
But enough on that. I still got the video to talk about. Which you can see for yourself here (or you can watch it below).
The video seems to show a boy, and a Griffon-like creature exploring what seems to be a vast, ruin filled environment. The game itself must still be in the early stages of development, though. As the graphics are very unpolished for a PlayStation 3 game. Of course, there is the possibility that it was made by some fans (which the article mentions). But considering that the beginning of the video matches up with the photo that accompanied a job listing posted in August 2008 (the photo can be seen in that news story), this seems like it's actual footage.
The visual style is also consistent with the style of they're previous games, so that could further confirm that's actual footage. But then again, someone (or a group of people) could of just imitated that. And if that's the case, then they sure made it look convincing. But I highly doubt that's it's fake. As signs seem to point to it being true.
But true or not, I'm really hoping to hear more on this soon. Perhaps some info will surface at E3. That would be awesome if that happens.
May 14, 2009
New slim PlayStation 3 on the way? [UPDATE]
The possible E3 leaks continue! This time some images of what seem to be a slim version of the PlayStation 3, were posted in various videogame forums. You can see 'em for yourself here if your interested. And I gotta say, it doesn't look too bad either.
The images seem pretty legit to me. But I have to wonder if we'll see a price cut because of this. Releasing a new model of the PS3 to coincide with a price drop would great move, as doing so could increase sales.
Still, we don't know for sure, but it looks probable. I mean, announcing a new slim model, along with a price cut would be a huge announcement at E3. I suppose we'll find out if it's true or not soon enough.
[UPDATE] Seems a letter was sent out to various gaming outlets, which asks them to remove the photos of the rumored slim PS3. I think this has pretty much been confirmed now. All we need to do now is wait for Sony to officially announce it.
The images seem pretty legit to me. But I have to wonder if we'll see a price cut because of this. Releasing a new model of the PS3 to coincide with a price drop would great move, as doing so could increase sales.
Still, we don't know for sure, but it looks probable. I mean, announcing a new slim model, along with a price cut would be a huge announcement at E3. I suppose we'll find out if it's true or not soon enough.
[UPDATE] Seems a letter was sent out to various gaming outlets, which asks them to remove the photos of the rumored slim PS3. I think this has pretty much been confirmed now. All we need to do now is wait for Sony to officially announce it.
May 7, 2009
More rumors of motion controllers from Sony and Microsoft [UPDATE]
For some time now, there have been rumors of Sony and Microsoft developing motion controllers for their respective systems. Last year there were rumors of Microsoft making a Wii remote like peripheral for the Xbox 360, as well as talk about a motion controller from Sony that could "break apart." Both were said to be revealed at E3. However, E3 came and no news of motion controllers had arrived.
Now here we are again, one year later. And rumors of motion controllers have once again appeared, with both supposedly appearing at E3 in a few weeks. But unlike last year, however, the rumors are looking probable.
The first rumor comes from Sony. News of Sony's "breakable" motion controller first appeared a month before E3 last year, the original story cited that the controller had the unique ability to "break apart into two separate units," both containing an accelerometer which would allow for Wii remote-like motion-capabilities. It was believed that the controller had been put into the hands of certain developers, who would be developing games that make use of the new controller.
Later that same year, Sony had filed a series of patents for the technology behind the controller, which proved that Sony was working on something motion-based. Whether or not it would end up being an add-on for the PlayStation 3 as previously stated had yet to be revealed, however.
But less than a week ago, news had popped up that included a detailed description of the controller from developer who's had first hand experience with the controller. Below is what the developer had told Verity's game blog The Cut Scene.
Of course, if rumors of what Microsoft's planing are true, then Sony's gonna have more competition in that area, as the supposed accuracy of their motion device is quite impressive.
Unlike last years rumors of Microsoft working on a Wii remote like peripheral for the 360, this years rumors are them making a camera utilizing the Z-Cam motion-sensing technology. Which according to 3DV Systems website (the ones responsible for developing the Z-Cam technology), the camera will allow you to "use your body freely to control games, no wearables required, no limitations attached."
The technology sort of sounds like the Eye Toy for the PlayStation 2, only better. And if true (and it's looking like it is), this would definitely be very different way to play games. The question I have, however, is how well would it work? Previous attempts, while functional, still had plenty of room for improvement. They'd need to make sure it works perfectly, if their going to be releasing such an add-on.
Out the two, Sony's controller is the one I'm most interested in. Mainly because I'm curious to see how it can be used in games. Also, the fact that it can be broken in two intrigues me. I'd like to know how that would come into play, as that has yet to be explained.
While I'll admit that Microsoft's peripheral is interesting, and could potentially make the player more immersed in the game experience, I'm not quite sold on it. Mainly due to how past experiences have taught me that cameras aren't always the most accurate way to play a game. I could be wrong about that, though. We won't know 'til we try it for ourselves.
[UPDATE] The Wall Street Journal posted an article yesterday which claims that Microsoft is indeed working on the rumored camera. This starting to look less like a rumor, and more like leaked info from the upcoming E3. But we won't know for sure until Microsoft's E3 press conference, which is scheduled for June 1st.
Now here we are again, one year later. And rumors of motion controllers have once again appeared, with both supposedly appearing at E3 in a few weeks. But unlike last year, however, the rumors are looking probable.
The first rumor comes from Sony. News of Sony's "breakable" motion controller first appeared a month before E3 last year, the original story cited that the controller had the unique ability to "break apart into two separate units," both containing an accelerometer which would allow for Wii remote-like motion-capabilities. It was believed that the controller had been put into the hands of certain developers, who would be developing games that make use of the new controller.
Later that same year, Sony had filed a series of patents for the technology behind the controller, which proved that Sony was working on something motion-based. Whether or not it would end up being an add-on for the PlayStation 3 as previously stated had yet to be revealed, however.
But less than a week ago, news had popped up that included a detailed description of the controller from developer who's had first hand experience with the controller. Below is what the developer had told Verity's game blog The Cut Scene.
Going by that, the motion-capabilities of the controller would basically be an immensely more accurate version of the Wii remote. Which opens the door to many possibilities as far as gameplay goes.A good source saw a working prototype several months ago that largely fit what was in the patent. Sony's controller apparently used LEDs (light emitting diodes, essentially little electric light sources) and a small webcam to track the device's movements. Because the camera can read different color lights and the shape and angle of each light, it's much more accurate than the Wii-mote. It can track precise movements, including along the Z axis (pushing toward and away from the TV; something the Wii is really bad at) as well as velocity.
Of course, if rumors of what Microsoft's planing are true, then Sony's gonna have more competition in that area, as the supposed accuracy of their motion device is quite impressive.
Unlike last years rumors of Microsoft working on a Wii remote like peripheral for the 360, this years rumors are them making a camera utilizing the Z-Cam motion-sensing technology. Which according to 3DV Systems website (the ones responsible for developing the Z-Cam technology), the camera will allow you to "use your body freely to control games, no wearables required, no limitations attached."
The technology sort of sounds like the Eye Toy for the PlayStation 2, only better. And if true (and it's looking like it is), this would definitely be very different way to play games. The question I have, however, is how well would it work? Previous attempts, while functional, still had plenty of room for improvement. They'd need to make sure it works perfectly, if their going to be releasing such an add-on.
Out the two, Sony's controller is the one I'm most interested in. Mainly because I'm curious to see how it can be used in games. Also, the fact that it can be broken in two intrigues me. I'd like to know how that would come into play, as that has yet to be explained.
While I'll admit that Microsoft's peripheral is interesting, and could potentially make the player more immersed in the game experience, I'm not quite sold on it. Mainly due to how past experiences have taught me that cameras aren't always the most accurate way to play a game. I could be wrong about that, though. We won't know 'til we try it for ourselves.
[UPDATE] The Wall Street Journal posted an article yesterday which claims that Microsoft is indeed working on the rumored camera. This starting to look less like a rumor, and more like leaked info from the upcoming E3. But we won't know for sure until Microsoft's E3 press conference, which is scheduled for June 1st.
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