My Game Center

Friday, October 28th, 2011 at 8:04 am Category: Batman, News, PlayStation 3, Video Games

Happy Halloween everyone. This is one of my favorite times of year. unfortunately, I’ve been so busy lately I haven’t been able to really enjoy the build up to my favorite holiday. It seems the gaming industry have all been pretty busy too, since there’s not a whole lot of news coming out this week. I’m going to assume that’s because the developers and PR people are all too busy playing Batman: Arkham City, which has shipped over 4.6 million copies so far. That’s more than double the number for Arkham Asylum in the same time frame. “Copies shipped” and “copies sold” aren’t exactly the same thing, but they are connected and it’s still damn impressive. Congratulations to Rocksteady Studios and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. of course, first person shooters still dominate the market, and Battlefield 3 reportedly pre-sold over 3 million copies before it launched in the US on Tuesday (and in Europe today). I’ve no doubt we’ll easily see another 2 million in the next few weeks.

On to the rest of the news:

I’m really hesitant to mention this, but it’s about Grand Theft Auto V and my excitement overwhelms my good sense. With the first official trailer coming next week, rumors are building already about what we can expect to see. And that’s why I was hesitant to mention it. first, they’re rumors. Second, I don’t want to build hype (or even get hyped myself) for something that may turn out not to be true. the biggest rumors I’m hearing are that the game will take place in L.A., or at least the GTA version of it (be that Los Santos, San Andreas, or something else), and that it will feature multiple playable characters. I’m not sure how much, if any, of this to believe. another game in California does make sense. San Andreas was a huge hit for Rockstar and a return to that environment makes good monetary sense. furthermore, some of the early casting call notices I saw for voice talent described characters that fit their sarcastic stereotypes for Hollywood producers and other California weirdos. as for multiple playable characters? we saw that with Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption, in a way. We’ve also seen in it in the expansions for GTA IV. But those two expansions also had new stories that butted up against Niko’s tale. It wouldn’t shock me if they changed things up a little by having the player control a limited number of characters, say four, for about ten hours of story each. Ultimately their individual stories would mesh together for some kind of big event. maybe something like the Reservoir Dogs heist. From there, control could shift from character to character in the final mission. Combining their previous multiplayer efforts with some of the non-traditional co-op schemes we’ve seen in the last few years, there may even be an option to team up with three other players, each taking one character through the finale cooperatively. But again, this is all speculation. That’s just my imagination running wild with petty rumor. Now do you see why I didn’t want to get into it?

As expected, the Exterminatus co-op pack has been added to WarHammer 40k: Space Marine. the update adds two scenarios for up to four players. Three character classes were added: Assault, Devastator, and Tactical. the update should be automatic, so just load up the game to play.

While I’ve yet to see anything indicating a change in the United States, it looks like Metal Gear Solid HD Collection has been delayed in Europe. the set was pushed from November to February with little in the way of explanation. My sources still indicate a November 8th release stateside, but it’s possible that will change as well.

As most fervent gamers understand, the enjoyment of a game isn’t always just the gameplay. sometimes a good story can make up for shoddy camera work and vice versa. Oftentimes, in both games and movies, the score can change good experience into a great experience. One of the best gaming soundtracks in recent releases has been Deus ex: Human Revolution. to celebrate that accomplishment, the soundtrack is going to be released separately. Coming November 15th, Michael McCann’s “cyber-noir” soundtrack will be available on iTunes, Amazon MP3, and on physical disc (look it up young’uns) from most major retailers.

How excited are you for the PSVita? if the February 22nd release date seems too far away, you may like the recently announced first Edition Bundle. that one is only available at select retailers but you can preorder it now for release on February 15th. in addition to getting the 3G version (in the US, wi-fi only in Canada) a week early, the $350 bundle will also set you up with a 4GB memory card, limited edition case, and the Little Deviants game. good enough deal, I guess. if they offer a US version with the wi-fi only version, the game, and a 16GB memory card they might have me sold.

Ubisoft held their second annual Digital Day this week to showcase some of their top-tier titles coming to the downloadable space. It looks like a nice catch-all, as there appears to be something for every type of gamer:

I Am Alive: A new take on the survival horror genre. the protagonist returns to his hometown a year after “the Event.” Post-apocalyptic combat is short on bullets, so you may find intimidation a better tool. Entering combat situations by shoving a gun in someone’s face can still be a good tactic as long as they don’t know you’re out of bullets. Coming soon (winter release).

Shoot Many Robots: Pretty much exactly as it sounds. Shoot lots of robots, score lots of loot. Two player offline co-op, four player online. P. Walter Tugnut wages war on the robots of the world. I’m sure I speak for all of the contributing writers here at big Shiny Robot! when I denounce the very concept of a game devoted to a robot holocaust. Robots are people too, and we won’t stand for this glorification of genocide by the anti-droidists. But if you disagree, watch for this one in early 2012.

Babel Rising: What a concept! While it is clearly a tower-defense style game, it’s really the exact opposite since you’re destroying a tower. the player is God. not a god. God. as in the God of the old Testament. And those pesky Babylonians have the gall to think they can build a tower tall enough to carry them to Heaven. do what any good and just God would do. Smite their creativity and enthusiasm by hitting them with lightning, earthquakes, and floods. You’ll teach them not to want to reach the kingdom of heaven you promised them. 2012.

Project Haste (working title): Developed by Techland (Nail’d), this is ATV racing as it should be: speed, wild locations, insane tricks, customization, and competitive multiplayer. 2012.

Kind of a strange week for news. not much of anything solid, but there are a few kernels that could really develop into gems. I hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween weekend. if you’re in the Salt Lake City area, come meet the big Shiny Robot! crew at Brewvies (677 S 200 W) on Sunday. Geek show Podcast will be will be showing Creepshow at five o’clock, followed by a costume contest. if you haven’t done one of these Halloween shows before, you really need to check them out. I have seen some fantastic costumes in the last few years. Following the contest, big Shiny Robot! presents AMC’s the Walking Dead on the big screen. best part, it’s all free. good beer and great food are also available.

CHICAGO – just move forward. just keep going. Don’t stop. Jump. Shoot. RUN. Rarely has a game been as intensely driven and well-paced as “Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception,” an absolute masterpiece of a game that will certainly be involved in the conversation about Game of the Year 2011. “Uncharted 2” won a number of GOTY awards. “Uncharted 3” is better.

Video Game Rating: 5.0/5.0

This is the kind of action-adventure storytelling that is so often missing from our summer blockbuster films. I was more engaged in the story of “Drake’s Deception” and its intense action, multiple twists, and satisfying ending than I was in nearly any of the recent Marvel films, the last “Pirates” movie, or most recent Hollywood CGI extravaganzas. the world of video games has become dominated by open-world games inspired by the success of the “Grand Theft Auto” franchise but it feels like the art of game screenwriting and storytelling has been somewhat ignored in favor of customization. I’m all for the increasing sense of authorship in gaming, but sometimes you just want to ride the roller coaster instead of choosing which way it’s going to go.

Uncharted 3: Drake’s DeceptionPhoto credit: Sony

The first thing one notices about the Campaign of “Uncharted 3” is a visual appeal that’s undeniable. the game simply looks amazing. It’s not a drastic revision or difference from the gorgeous “Uncharted 2” but backgrounds are a little more detailed and when the action gets intense, the animations are sometimes jaw-dropping. This is the kind of seamless graphics presentation where it’s sometimes difficult to tell where cut scenes end and action begins. there were times where it took me a second to realize that I still had control over Nathan Drake because the graphics were so impressive that I thought I had transitioned to a cut scene, and, inversely, you’ll often get thrown back into the action and barely notice a difference.

Uncharted 3: Drake’s DeceptionPhoto credit: Sony

As for the types of action to expect in this “Indiana Jones”-inspired adventure, the depth of settings and the associated challenges within them is what truly sets this title apart. As much as I love games like “Red Dead Redemption” and even “Mass Effect 2” (my top two of last year), the type of gameplay challenge and the settings for them remained similar. “Red Dead” is a Western and “Mass Effect 2” is a sci-fi adventure. “Uncharted 3” is several games in one but always in pursuit of the same incredible story. in one chapter, you’re trying to escape a burning chateau. in another, you’re on a sinking ship, dodging gunfire. Hanging from a plane, trudging through a desert, riding a horse through a convoy in a chapter that seems almost inspired by the brilliant “the Good, the Bad, the Weird” and stands as possibly the best single gaming chapter of the year. the variety of “Uncharted 3” allows the title to never become repetitive. not once did I feel like, “Oh, I’ve done this before.” I was always in the moment, with the characters, and that’s what makes this a strong contender for Game of the Year.

Of course, if one really thinks about it, “Uncharted 3” is a constant exchange of puzzle-solving and combat. now that it’s over, it does feel a little light on the former. there are a few times where you’ll pull out Drake’s Journal to solve a puzzle, but the title is heavy on combat, which makes sense given the intensity of the story. you will shoot hundreds of well-armed, angry enemies with a variety of weapons. at the same time, you’ll also engage in a strong challenger to “Batman: Arkham City” for the most-exciting melee system of the year. Don’t believe the idiots who call these melee exchanges “Quicktime Events.” That term implies nothing but button-pressing, a la a takedown in a “God of War” game. That’s nonsense. the melee in “Uncharted 3” is much closer to “Arkham” in that you have to aim your punches, time your counters, and choose your moment (i.e., don’t engage in fisticuffs if your target has a buddy with a shotgun nearby). I found it to be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable melee systems ever.

Uncharted 3: Drake’s DeceptionPhoto credit: Sony

As for weaponry, the game has a nice variety and places a strong emphasis on one of personal favorites — the grenade. You’ll have to quickly get accustomed to using them, dodging them, and even throwing them back. As for enemy A.I., it’s stellar. Enemies won’t just pop up in cover and wait for you to shoot them. if you try to stay in cover, they will flank you, throw grenades, and even destroy the little wall you thought might protect you. you will die A LOT in “Uncharted 3.” But it’s never overly-frustrating or extremely difficult in a way that takes away from the enjoyment of the game. there are chapters that will try your patience. But, by then, you’re so engaged in the story that you can’t wait to see what happens next.

What story? Careful readers may notice that I’ve barely mentioned the actual plot. the story for “Uncharted 3” centers around another quest for buried history and the enemies who stand in the way of Nathan Drake and his good pal Sully but it’s such an incredibly crafted tale that I won’t spoil anything beyond that. all I’ll say is that I found it incredibly engaging on an emotional level as the title becomes as much about saving a friend as it does finding hidden treasures. and when something jaw-dropping happened near the end, I actually yelled at the screen like I haven’t done in a game in ages. if ever.

The campaign of “Uncharted 3” would put the game firmly in the conversation for 2011’s Game of the Year but I was equally stunned by the engaging and addictive multiplayer portion of the title, something that didn’t grab me nearly as much in “Uncharted 2.” With incredibly deep customization, great map design, and a variety of gameplay types, this is one of the best multiplayer games of the year as well. the inclusion of multiplayer and even a series of co-op missions make this a title with something for everyone. and the multiplayer could have been a mere afterthought, a cherry on the sundae that is the campaign. That’s not the case. if I haven’t spent just as much time in multiplayer as campaign by now, I’m sure I will soon. and then surpass it.

Perhaps the best compliment I can pay “Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception” is this one — I knew the game was 22 chapters. When I got into the late teens, I became increasingly saddened by the fact that the game was going to end. I wanted to keep going, keep exploring, keep challenging. It’s that good that you want it to go on longer. which just means you’ll have to increase the difficulty and play again. Once we get through the onslaught of titles this season, I know that’s what I plan to do.

“Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception” was developed by Naughty Dog and released by Sony exclusively for the PS3 on November 1st, 2011. It is rated T (Teen).

Electronic Arts’ sales of FIFA series of video games on gaming consoles such as the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii have been increasing steadily by our estimates.

The company launched FIFA 12 last month that hit a record by selling 3.2 million units across all consoles worldwide in less than a week after launch, by their own estimates. [1]

Looking at these numbers, it looks like FIFA 12 will easily be able to surpass FIFA 11 sales, something we discussed in a previous note, “FIFA Soccer 12 Can be bigger Than Fifa 11 For EA.” the growing market for sports genre video games will continue to benefit Electronic Arts in the future.

EA’s main competitors include game developers like Activision Blizzard, Take-Two Interactive Software and casual gaming mainstays such as Zynga and Playdom.

See our complete analysis for Electronic Arts’s stock.

FIFA 12 Sets Historic Record

Electronic Arts has sold an estimated 3.2 million units of FIFA 12 within the first week from its 27 September launch, which the company estimates is an increase by 23% over last year’s record launch. [1]

With astounding features such as Impact Engine, Tactical Defending, Precision Dribbling and the all new EA Sports Football Club and rapidly increasing orders, FIFA 12 could become one of the highest selling franchise game in history for Electronic Arts, beating FIFA 11.

The game has received rave reviews and ratings by critics and news publications like 1UP, USA Today, GamePro and the Guardian. While Gamescom calls it “Best Console Game,” it has also received the prestigious E3 Game Critics award for “best Sports Game” at E3 2011.

Growth in Sports Video Game Genre

According to a report by the Entertainment Software Association, video gaming demographic is becoming more diverse, with people of different ages and gender being attracted to video games. the report also suggests that the sports games constitutes 16.3%, which is the highest, of all video gaming genres in 2010. [2]

This growth in sports genre will particularly benefit EA as the company makes sizable revenues from sales of sports-related video games like Madden NFL, FIFA Soccer and need for Speed.

While we estimate Electronic Arts’ sales of FIFA soccer video games will increase from 11.8 million in 2011 to around 12.5 million by the end of our forecast period, Trefis members expect an increase from around 13 million to 15 million during the same period.

WOODLAND HILLS, CA, Oct 11, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) –505 Games, a global publisher of video games, today announced thatthe innovative Kinect(TM) for Xbox 360(R) title Michael Phelps: Pushthe Limit has now shipped to North American retail outlets.

Michael Phelps: Push the Limit offers players the chance to competeagainst each other as well as against one of the most decoratedathletes of all time, Michael Phelps. Fans play in quick matches insingle player or local/online multiplayer against friends or immersethemselves in the challenging and fun Career Mode where they swimtheir way to the podium through some of the most breathtakinglocations across the world, finally facing Michael himself in thefinal.

Michael Phelps commented, “It’s been my dream since I was young toachieve things that no one else has done and it’s a truly amazingexperience to now have a video game dedicated solely to swimming.this game is all about having fun and experiencing the excitingcompetition of my sport and the controller-free Kinect for Xbox 360technology literally allows kids and adults alike to dive right inand go head-to-head with each other and even test their skills withme.”

505 Games has partnered with iconic swimwear brand Speedo. the Speedobrand appears on all swimwear and caps in-game as well as on thetouch pads within all of the pool environments. in addition, playersstrive to compete in the Annual Games which are held in the SpeedoStadium, a specially built in-game environment, including a winners’podium.

the motion-tracking capability of the Kinect for Xbox 360 platformallows for realistic player input, helping to recreate all componentsof an exciting swimming race. whether it’s hyping up the crowd,achieving the perfect dive from the start, swimming at the optimumrhythm, timing the perfect turn, or timing the last gasp reach to thewall, Kinect for Xbox 360 allows the game to accurately replicatethose elements in the most fun and accessible way possible, by usingsimple body and hand gestures.

“We believe that Michael Phelps: Push the Limit offers a truly uniqueproposition for casual and sports fan gamers,” said Ian Howe,President of 505 Games, North America. “As the first-ever swimmingvideo game title, coupled with the star power of Michael Phelps, ourgame brings the fun, fitness and excitement of swimming to a hugeaudience of Kinect for Xbox 360 gamers.”

Michael Phelps: Push the Limit was developed by Blitz Games andpublished by 505 Games. for more information, including screenshots,movies and gameplay tips, visit michaelphelpsgame.com

About 505 Games Based in Los Angeles, CA, 505 Games (U.S.) is theNorth American division of 505 Games, a global video game publisher.Launched in the U.S. in 2008, 505 Games publishes quality interactiveentertainment on all handheld, mobile and console gaming platforms,offering a broad selection of video game titles in all genres forplayers of all ages. for more information on 505 Games and itsproducts please visit 505games.com .

About Speedo(R) Synonymous with swimwear, the iconic brandcelebrates 80 years of dominance creating revolutionary newtechnologies, designs and innovations. in the 1920s Speedo(R) madehistory with the Racerback: the world’s first non-wool suit. in 2008Speedo(R) redefines swimwear again with Fastskin(R) LZR RACER(R) –the fastest and most technologically advanced swimsuit ever created;meanwhile designer collaborations with Comme des Garcons putSpeedo(R) at the cutting edge of design. As the world’s leadingswimwear brand, Speedo(R) is passionate about life in and around thewater, supporting swimming from beginners through to elite level,including the phenomenal Michael Phelps. Speedo(R) is owned byPentland Brands and distributed in over 170 countries around theworld; to find out more visit: speedo.com . SPEEDO, the ARROWdevice, FASTSKIN, LZR PULSE and LZR RACER are registered trademarksof Speedo Holdings B.V. the LZR RACER suit has worldwide designrights and patents pending.

About Blitz Games Blitz Games is dedicated to creating engaging,mass-market, boxed console titles for all ages and across allplatforms. a division of Blitz Games Studios, Blitz Games staff areexperts in developing games for some of the world’s highest profilebrands. BlitzGames.com

Kinect, Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos aretrademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

for Media Inquiries Please Contact: Tracie Snitker Reverb Communications (209) 586-1495 x104 Jerry Whitehead III Reverb Communications (209) 586-1495 x111 mailto: mailto:

Copyright 2011 Marketwire, inc., all rights reserved.

There are various distinct methods that you simply will likely be capable to get enjoyable whenever you’ve got spare time. Among the very best methods that you simply will likely be capable to get enjoyable is that you simply will likely be capable to perform the sorts of video games that you simply may get pleasure from probably the most. this can assist you to to be able to get every thing that you simply may need so that you will be capable to perform the most recent video games that are obtainable. in the event you like soccer, you might desire to try the newest FIFA 12 whenever it comes out. Obviously, to be able to do that, you are going to need to know where you can acquire it from.

Purchasing from Shops Online

There are various distinct stores on the web that will supply you the ability to obtain the sport that you simply desire to perform. merely be sure that you simply are only getting through the distinct sorts of stores that will likely be capable to supply you all the distinct sorts of ensures that what you are getting is something which is genuine and just isn’t recreated by another company. this can assist you to to be able to get every thing that you simply may need to get enjoyable whilst you are actively playing.

Acquiring Your own Recreation Early on

If you want to make sure that you simply are amongst the very first to perform the sport, you can fifa 2012. There are some distinct stores that will permit you to perform this. You can spend ahead so that whenever it comes out, you are going to only have to go to the store to pick up your sport. this can assist you to to possess a assure that you simply will likely be capable to get the sport. in addition, you are going to not have to wait inside a long line so that you will be amongst the very first to be able to obtain the sport that you simply desire to perform.

The new commercial for the video game FIFA Soccer 12 perfectly chops up “Ice Cream,” the Matias Aguayo collab from Battles’ new album Gloss Drop, with footage of random people (including Steve Nash, Hope Solo, and Seth Meyers) playing the video game. It’s an extremely well-done commercial, even for those of us who don’t care much about soccer or video games. and anyway, the world needs more examples of electro-math-rock bands coming together with Canadian basketball stars. Watch it below.

Steve Nash’s “fuck, someone just scored on me” face is great. he rarely looks that perturbed in actual basketball games.

If you are looking for a Michael Jackson Wii review then look no further, you will find it right here. there are a lot of cool things about this dance game that you are sure to love once you know what the key features are. Whether you are someone who enjoys breaking out the video games in the middle of a party or you just want to have something fun to do with your family at home, this is definitely the game that you want to check out. Here are some of the things that people everywhere are talking about.

One thing that people are happy about when it comes to Michael Jackson: the Experience is the controller is all you need to be able to play the game. with most of the dancing games that are available for the Wii there is extra equipment required to be able to play. this means that you have to spend more money to be able to play.

This game is playable with up to 4 players so if you have 4 Wii remotes then everyone will be able to hook up and play together. Again, there is nothing special needed to play this game. All you have to bring is a controller and the willingness to have a good time.

Something else that people love about this game is how easy it is to follow along with on the screen. Michael Jackson has some rather complicated dance moves that you will be learning in this video game, but it is easy to follow along on the screen and the controller does a great job of picking up the movements that you make.

There are 26 chart topping hits that are available to sing and dance to on the Michael Jackson video game. that means you will be able to have hours of fun going through and learning the dance moves for each of the songs on the game. then, once you are finished, you will be able to do it all again, or you can challenge a friend to a dance off if your friend is up to it.

This review of the Michael Jackson game for Wii is not the only features available. there are a ton of other things that you will be able to do on this game and loads of fun that are waiting for you to have. make sure that you take a look at the other features that are available so that you will be able to know that this is the best dance game for Wii.

If you’re a soccer fan that plays video games, you pretty much have no choice but to love EA’s FIFA series. It’s the most complete FIFA experience money can buy, complete with more teams and better gameplay than any other soccer game out there. like last year, FIFA 12 will offer complete rosters of over 500 clubs as well as their respective 15,000+ players with their likenesses. In terms of gameplay, FIFA 12 doesn’t promise too many changes, but the new dynamics offer a more authentic experience for new players and seasoned vets.

The biggest change to the actual gameplay is the addition of Tactical Defending. In an attempt to make the game more about mashing the Slide Tackle button at the right time, FIFA 12 will implement a system that forces the player to use actual technique and skill to defend their goal. Knowing when to contain, when to tackle, block, or push and pull is crucial to winning a multiplayer match. this is an attempt at vamping up the somewhat basic defensive gameplay of past games.

On the other side of the ball, the offense has been modified slightly with the addition of Precision Dribbling. On offense, the player now has much more control over dribbling and passing. the ability to let the offense get set up while keeping the ball away from your defender is a much more realistic addition to the game and allows for a better, more believable game. If you want to move the ball upfield, head to the corner of the box, and just dribble for a few moments to let your wings get into scoring position all while keeping possession of the ball, now you can do it. new players can still keep things simple, though, and go with a “Two-Button” setup. much like NBA Jam, the game is played with two basic buttons: Shoot and Pass. If you’re like me and haven’t played much FIFA before, this is the option for you until you get the hang of things.the new Player Impact Engine may be the coolest new feature to the game. it allows for accurate depictions of in-game actions as well as lifelike animation. Unlike previous editions, tackles and other contact are true-to-life. what that means is your on-screen player reacts to contact based on the amount of contact. You know, like real-life. If a defender comes in for a tackle and catches your back foot as it comes up from the field, it will hit your planted foot and could knock you down. If you fake your defender out and he barely catches your leg, it gets shaken off and merely slows you down. it makes for an all-around better playing experience. another facet of this new content is true Injuries. the CPU will monitor the force at which players collide and which body parts make contact. what results is an injury that’s determined by tricky math stuffs and can affect your Career Mode, very much like real life.

The last major change is the new Pro Player Intelligence system. this affects the Career and Dynasty modes, but also the AI. it creates a more fluid experience as far as team mechanics and team play styles. Aside from Wayne Rooney screaming all the time, Messi supposedly cuts through defenders like no one else and Ronaldo is a scoring machine. beyond this, team mechanics also promise to be accurate with each player playing to their strengths and the opposing team taking advantage of the weaknesses. If the demo is any indicator of the final product, the Career Mode should prove to be addicting, fun, and challenging. it should also give more variety to each individual game, providing the player with a challenge and a fun soccer experience.

The last piece that should amaze is the soundtrack. big names like Portugal, the Man, the Hives and the Strokes are combined with indie favorites like Spank Rock and Spain’s El Guincho. not only are the artist’s origins varied, but also their sounds. Alternative and punk tracks can come up right after a bouncy house track. the music list EA Sports provides should prove to be just as awesome of an experience as the gameplay.

Instead of focusing on a making a new experience for soccer gamers, EA Sports focused instead on fine-tuning the features it introduced with FIFA 11, which won more than 40 awards last year. If the new features prove to be as good in practice as they are on paper, it should prove to be a sports game worth investing in, whether you like soccer or not.

Look for FIFA 12 on store shelves next week, Tuesday September 27th.

Western themed video games have always been hit and miss with regards to popularity. however, one that had players raving was Red Dead Revolver. a few years have passed, and now the second installment of the game has been released, Red Dead Redemption. Red Dead Redemption has an entirely new story and a new protagonist.

The story takes place in the early 1900′s. John Marston is a man who recently undertook the quiet life after years of being an outlaw. He turned himself straight several years ago after his fellow gang members left him for dead. John has now transformed himself into a loving husband and father. He now enjoys peaceful days with his new family.

Unfortunately, his past eventually catches up to him. Federal Agents confront John one day. They tell him to hunt down the members of his former gang, or else lose his family forever.

To hunt these outlaws, John must embark on a journey across open plains, vast mountain ranges, bustling towns, and more. the game is an open world and you can literally go wherever you want. there are dozens of things to do aside from the main quest. Herd some cattle, break some horses, run fetch errands for some farmers, etc. Perhaps you want to take the noble route and hunt down a bunch of thieves, or protect a train from robbers, or maybe even rescue someone whose been kidnapped. you can hunt grizzly bears, coyotes, cougars, etc. if you’re a survivalist, you can collect local flora. if you’re feeling righteous, you can ride into town and beat the snot out of drunks and abusive bar patrons. if you need a break from trail blazing, you can sit in the saloon and gamble.

You can of course go the less noble route and shoot some innocent bystanders, fight random people, commit robberies, etc. however, all of your actions are recorded in an Honor system. there is also a Fame system. Depending on your actions, people will react differently to you. if the people like you for your good morals, you may get some discounts at the local shop. if people loathe you for your terrible actions, people may rise up against you and try to kill you.

John has a variety of weapons at his disposal: six shooters, repeaters, shotguns, sniper rifles, knives, explosives and of course his fists John also makes use of a lasso. while he can use this to round up animals, he can also use it to catch and hog tie his enemies.

Gun fights are realistic and epic. Head shots explode the brains, shoulder shots pummel the enemies backwards, and leg shots disable your foes and leave them on the ground where they drag themselves along in agony. Dead Eye mode is available in this game. it is the same thing found in the previous game. Activation of Dead Eye puts the game in a slow motion where you can quickly target various enemies or various limbs This makes for a quick death of your foes.

Traveling across an open world can take forever by foot. This is why you have the ability to ride horses. Horses make for fast travel and they also aid you in gun fights, especially when you’re the one being chased. your horse can be injured and eventually die. But that’s okay; you can just take someone else’s horse. just kidding. you should really buy a new horse.

The controls are fluid and easily managed. Controlling John through a gun fight is a breeze and not at all confusing. the horse controls are probably the most responsive of any horse controls in any game. if you approach an obstacle, your horse will jump over it rather than crash into it. however, if you try to ride off a cliff, you both will fall to your death

Press Release Source: Nintendo on Thursday September 15, 2011, 11:00 am EDT

WHAT:     Visitors to this year’s Life@50+ National Event & Expo in Los Angeles will be “getting their game on” during a lively meet-and-greet event hosted by AARP on Sept. 21. Nintendo will be on-site to encourage attendees to step up and enjoy live, hands-on demos of video games for the Wii™ system, including Wii Play™: Motion, Wii Sports™ and Wii Fit™ Plus. in addition to the social, physically active fun of Wii, the meet-and-greet will feature live music and a delicious variety of California-made food and wine, creating a festive block party atmosphere.   since launching the Wii console in 2006, Nintendo has led the industry in expanding the worldwide audience for video games, in part by reaching out to boomers and seniors with no previous gaming experience. Today, the Entertainment Software Association estimates that nearly one-third of U.S. gamers are over the age of 50. Last year’s interactive Nintendo meet-and-greet at the 2010 Life@50+ conference in Orlando, Fla., drew an audience of roughly 2,000 people.   WHO: Approximately 2,000 consumers age 50 and over, video game fans, AARP members, Nintendo representatives   WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 21: 6 – 9 p.m.   WHERE: L.a. Center Studios 1201 West 5th Street Los Angeles, CA 90017

VISUALS:

• Men and women age 50 and over wielding the Wii Remote™ plus controller while playing Wii Play: Motion
• Attendees moving around on the Wii Balance Board™ accessory during live demos of Wii Fit Plus
• AARP members going head-to-head in Wii Sports bowling
• Nintendo of America representative Casey Lewis giving opening remarks to kick off AARP’s Life@50+ conference
• Attendees enjoying block party-style fun with California wine, food trucks and live music