ThEvolution Network is the source for next generation gaming news, previews, updates and event coverage. Gaming is our passion and we are driven to provide our audience with current up to date coverage on the ever evolving gaming industry. Because we understand how passionate gamers are about their respective platform and software of choice, ThEvolution Network is the place where gamers of different preferences can find what they are looking for.
Archive for June, 2009
FABLE 3: Currently In Developement
By way of the most unorthodox fashion, it appears the distinguished developers over at Lionhead are hard at work on their next FABLE installment in the form of FABLE III.
Amist the wedding announcent of Amy Gilbert and Joshua Atkins which appeared in the New York Times, news of FABLE III surfaced. Apparently Joshua Atkins is the Lead Designer on the new FABLE III title which at this point has an undisclosed release date.
Unfortunately no concrete news on FABLE III acclaimed series’ next installment is known however, it is refreshing to know that development is underway.
Stay connected as we’ll keep our nose to the grind on any FABLE III updates.
LOST PLANET 2: Demo Coming Soon
CAPCOM has truly taken their Lost Planet series to the next level as our E3 hand on experience left our jaws dropped wanting more. The E3 demo alone which offered 4-player co-op was amazing enough for the price of admission. Lost Planet 2 was stunningly amazing and the cooperative game play was unmatched and it looks like Capcom will be releasing a Lost Planet 2 demo in the near future. No details of game play types or weapon upgrades are known for the upcoming demo but we are still excited to say the least.
MADDEN 10: Online Franchise Mode – An Incredible New Way To Play
After our interview with MADDEN 10 Lead Designer Ian Cummings and our hands on experience with the new game we definitely walked away excited and hoping that the release date could be sometime in July instead of August. MADDEN 10 is definitely the real deal and during our interview with Ian Cummings he touched on some of the new features that would be available in the new online franchise mode which had us wanting more. Now there is an incredible new way to play MADDEN and it’s called online franchise mode. Check out this new video.
WARRIORS: Legends Of Troy – Looking To Make Some Noise In 2010
From the game developers that brought us the Dynasty Warriors series comes a new game entitled; WARRIORS: Legends Of Troy. Developer and publisher Koei has a lot in store for their next big action title and from the looks of it, more of a western influence is being added to the mix.
For many western gamers the Dynasty Warriors franchise was not an attention grabber as some might suspect. The series while fun, never really evolved in the area of game play mechanics and unfortunately never offered a universal game play appeal. Koei Canada is looking to change that with this new title.
In our interview with Koei at this years E3 expo, they pointed out that they are steering away from the mindless hack and slash game play style that was so prevalent in the Dynasty Warriors series. WARRIORS: Legends Of Troy while taking it’s influence from the literature of Greek Mythology will offer some thought provoking experiences throughout as players can expect to take control of some of the greatest greek warriors as they decorate the battlefield with the blood of their enemies. From the sound of it, WARRIORS: Legend Of Troy will definitely be a mature rated game as Koei was very clear that brutality was definitely at the top of their list.
Other than the exciting new game trailer shown at E3, we have seen no game play footage as of yet however, our anticipation is guessing that based on our brief interview with Koei Canada, making WARRIORS: Legends Of Toy an accessible top tier title is their main focus. WARRIORS: Legend Of Troy is scheduled for release in spring 2010.
XboxLIVE Avatars Need A Better Clothing Designer
As we all know Microsoft displayed the ultimate form of flattery towards Nintendo by copying Nintendo’s avatar concept. What started in the world of Nintendo is now available in the world of Xbox 360 users and for the most part it’s been a smooth ride except for one very frustrating aspect, the avatars choice of clothing. If you are an Xbox LIVE patron and have taken the time to create an avatar in your likeness and you happen to be, let me put this in a politically correct way, you happen to be someone who’s style involves the world urban/hiphop expression then you will quickly find out that the designers over at Microsoft are quite stuffy (to put it lightly). If you take the time to search Google images for ‘Xbox Avatars’ you will see exactly what we are talking about. To really appreciate this article and have a good laugh at the same time, it’s best if you have an image of an Xbox Live avatar available for quick reference.
Let’s first take a look at the shirts, There is something awfully troubling about the design of the shirts available for Xbox Live avatars, specifically the short sleeve shirts and blazers. It’s so troubling we had to go through our whole wardrobe just to see if we were mistaken, but to no surprise we were not. Notice how all of the shirts for the Xbox Live avatars never go below the crouch. Are we the only one’s who noticed this? Is it normal to buy shirts 2 sizes too small or is this something only avatars do? There has to be a sensible reason for this shortcoming. Maybe the avatars are experiencing the same economic recession us humans are dealing with to the point they can’t afford clothes that fit? Can you imagine someone like Snopp Dogg stepping on stage with a shirt that stops at the top of his crouch? If you can you probably can’t stop laughing just thinking about it. Amazing!
Moving along, let’s take a look at the pants. Please Microsoft, listen carefully to this next painful complaint. As men, we should NEVER have our pants strapped onto our bodies passed our belly button. Fellas, can we get an amen! I mean look at the poor male avatars on Xbox Live. Don’t you just cringe looking at them, their poor little ‘avatar jewels’ are getting crushed. I mean, it’s virtual torture to the extreme. Not only that but most of the pants look as if they are too short and are mostly cuffed. The poor guys look like their being held hostage by their own pants. How can they even walk with such an extreme lack of ‘personal space’? Microsoft, do you have only one guy designing the clothes for your avatars who’s favorite show happens to be Family Matters and idolizes Urkel?
Either the guys at Microsoft have blinders on to the rest of the world, which happens to include different ethnic groups who have different clothing preferences and styles, or maybe the movie ‘Triumph Of The Nerds’ is an everlasting theme over at the big ‘M’.
E_Stone
Power to the Gamers!!!
Actor Shia LaBeouf Would Rather Eat Glass
Actor Shia LaBeouf has lit up the silver screen with his performance in the two action blockbusters: Transformers and Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen. It seems as LaBeouf has not mastered the act of not “putting his foot in his mouth”, with some rather appalling comments about the Nintendo Wii. When asked by big download was his love for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 the reason why he wouldn’t play LEGO Star Wars with Megan Fox on the set of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen? He was quoted as saying: “Correct. Who wants to play the Wii version of LEGO Star Wars. I’d rather eat glass”.
That’s not all LeBeouf had to say; Although he’s keen to talk up Activision’s game based on the blockbuster film, “Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen”. He saves his praise for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions but when asked about the Wii versions he had this to say:
“I haven’t been able to play the Wii game because my hand is broken…I would imagine that the Wii experience will be like…I don’t mess with the Wii, to be honest with you. It’s kind of an amateur console. I’m not into the Wii thing.”
ThEvolution Network Talk Radio Show Episode #10
Every Saturday At 2pm – Be sure to call in to the show every Saturday to speak with us LIVE!
This Weeks Show Topics
Uncharted 2: E3 Awards
Sony: “We will drop the PS3 price point when were ready”
Modern Warfare 2: Offering 2-Player Co-op
Michael Jackson: Dead At 50
Ghostbusters Midnight Launch Party
SECTION 8: New Xbox 360 & PC Exclusive Screenshots
NEW SCREENSHOTS!
The Pre-Order Bribe
As gamers for over 35 years (wow) we’ve watched the price of video games go from $25 to the present $64 price point and you can bet these prices will continue to escalate as new consoles are created and brought to the market. Because of this we are very critical when choosing the games we play and when labeling a game as being great. There are multiple assets that steer us clear of purchasing a game which are, but not limited to, the following:
Poor graphics, repetitive gameplay/ environments, lack of online play/ co-op, short game length, etc.
These are common characteristics you tend to find in poor games but sadly there is a new practice amongst game developers that, in our opinion, sucks. This practice includes an accomplice who is none other than the video game retail giant GameStop. What is happening between developers and GameStop is what we call ‘The Pre-Order Bribe’. It’s when GameStop will give you a code for pre-ordering a game which will then unlock extra features in the purchased game. These features may include bonus levels, weapons, secret items, clothing, etc.
Take for example, Assassin’s Creed 2, GameStop will give you a code that unlocks Palazzo Medici , a really cool level that is not available unless you purchase the game early. For the gamer this is entirely unfortunate. You now have developers making extra content for GameStop instead of you the gamer, the paying customer! If you pay $64, no matter when you should be entitled to the WHOLE GAME. You may wonder how can this effect the game and it’s content. Let’s say the developer is in full production of a great game and has created several mind blowing levels for your enjoyment but then GameStop comes in and offers the developer a price for one of the levels that would normally come with the game and now is only available to you if you pre-order the game. See how this gets ugly really fast? The practice of the ‘pre-order bribe’ is an example of corporations influencing developers to stop looking at the customer first and to start looking at ways of making more money instead of great games which, in the end, will net the same results.
E_Stone
Power to the Gamers!!
TRANSFORMERS 2: Fun, Exciting and RACIST
Until this point we have never written an article about a movie or have given our review of a movie however, with the recent release of one of the biggest blockbusters of the summer in the form of Transformers 2, it would seem to make sense in doing so, seeing as movies and games go hand and hand as two of the largest monetary generators on the planet among some others we don’t care mentioning. Unfortunately, despite offering an incredible testosterone filled, action-packed thrill ride, this writer walks out of the theater asking WHY?
As hardcore gamers and journalists we at ThEvolution Network we have always strived to report on the latest video gaming news and updates, and we never wanted to utilize our influence to judge or berate ones style or art form. For many years fans and myself included have marveled at the incredible accomplishments of movie maker Steven Spielberg who is one of the executive producers on Transformers 2. Likewise, Michael Bay, the director of Transformers 2 has also stained our movie experiences with his incredible over-the-top explosive movie making style yet, after experiencing what was supposed to be this summers best with all the big names attached to it, I find myself zeroed in on the shrewdness of it’s message.
Underneath the visceral action sequences, over-the-top explosions and awesome voice acting, it was obvious that black stereotypes was also at heart of the equation. These unforgettable stereotypes were loud and clear and took shape in the form of two newly introduced autobots who went by the names SKIDS & MUDFLAP.
From sporting a gold tooth and speaking with a crass urban slang to having the appearance of monkeys and acting obnoxious, these twin autobots were frankly embarrassing. As we watched the movie one couldn’t help but wonder whether or not the initial write up to the script portrayed them even worse. In one scene as Sam Witwicky played by Shia LaBeouf asked the twin autobots whether they could decipher the ancient code which had been imprinted into his memory, one of the twin autobots replies, “Oh no we don’t read” – (paraphrased). Wow, illiterate robots, interesting. I wonder what’s being insinuated seeing as both these autobots act like buffoons throughout the film. Nevertheless, the scene that best drive this point home is the scene where CHUD calls them “Little Black Sambots”. Stop the presses, does anyone proof read movie scripts anymore? I’m just asking.
Now, outside of their stereotypical caricature like appearance of the 1920’s, these twin autobots were useful when it came to performing their jobs as aggressively talented combatants on the battlefield which it seemed was their only true use. Hmm, that makes you wonder what message is being pumped into hearts and minds of million of movie-goers nationwide. Is this an issue that should addressed? Absolutely!
Again, if you enjoyed the first Transformers then the 2nd is definitely better in many ways, unfortunately if you don’t put your mind on auto-pilot and go for the sheer fun entertainment then you just might walk out scratching your head saying, Did I just miss something?
MODERN WARFARE 2: Only Offering 2-Player Co-op
We are definitely not complaining as Infinity Ward has recently explained why they are allowing their co-op mode to be experienced with only 2 players online.
A spokesman for the developer Infinity Ward gave his very conclusive answer when asked why only 2-players in co-op mode, “Two player seemed to be the magic number for co-op. That’s when it stayed really fun and intense without becoming a clusterf**k of things.”
Also, it appears that the co-op mode will not just throw players back into the same familiar surroundings of the single player campaign but a completely new experience is to be expected. How new and different from the campaign, we don’t know, but we are definitely at a peace of mind with whatever Infinity Ward believes is best for their upcoming FPS blockbuster.
November 10th cannot get here fast enough!
INFERNAL: Hell’s Vengence Teaser Trailer For Xbox 360
E3 ‘09 Best Of Show Awards Revealed
The North American independent video game media outlets (E3 ‘09 Game Critic Awards) have recently posted their E3 Game Critic Awards to this years elite titles. We must add that we are surprised at some of the winner results as some games clearly shined over the rest yet are not in the winning circle. Regardless, it is still great to be nominated. Check out this years nominees and winners from the big show – E3 ‘09 Game Critic Awards
TOP 5 GAMES THIS GENERATION
After experiencing the gaming utopia that was E3, ThEvolution Network has decided to reveal the best games of this generation for each major platform. Despite the strong opinions and proclamations that are generated from E3, each major manufacturer displayed some incredibly new software that is just around the corner and trust us when we say, it is not good to be a fanboy. From Dead Space: Extraction and The Conduit exclusively for the Nintendo Wii and God Of War 3, Uncharted 2, MAG and Heavy Rain exclusively for the PS3 to Splinter Cell: Conviction, Alan Wake, HALO 3: ODST and Shadow Complex exclusively for the Xbox 360, the near future of gaming is looking rather ridiculous and we didn’t even mention the multiplatform titles.
With a bright future ahead us, let’s take a look back at the top 5 games this generation from each platform that has stood head and shoulders above the competition.
The Xbox 360 which launched late 2005 has definitely offered an incredible next-gen gaming experience. With a large list of great titles, it was rather difficult to choice the top 5 games on the Xbox 360 to date. However, after much arguing and debating, we have settled on a list that while still debatable these 5 games cannot be denied as great titles.
5. FALLOUT 3
4. BIOSHOCK
3. GEARS OF WAR 2
2. GRAND THEFT AUTO IV
1. CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE
*Honorable Mention
- MASS EFFECT
- FABLE 2
- HALO 3
- LEFT 4 DEAD
- ASSASSINS CREED
Even though the Playstation 3 entered this generation of consoles to a rather shaky start, Sony has undoubtedly made the playing field even when it comes to offering amazing software that is currently available today. Again the PS3 created yet another hard-boiled debate as it was tough choosing the top 5 titles today on the black behemoth. These titles are debatable but their is no denying their triple A status.
5. inFAMOUS
4. GRAND THEFT AUTO 4
3. CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE
2. KILLZONE 2
1. METAL GEAR SOLID 4
*Honorable Mention
- UNCHARTED: DRAKES FORTUNE
- RESISTANCE 2
- LITTLE BIG PLANET
- MLB ‘09: THE SHOW
- RATCHET & CLANK: TOOL OF DESTRUCTION
We are excited about the newly introduced mature titles heading towards the Wii in the form of Dead Space: Extraction and The Conduit however, despite the absence of mature titles on the Wii we have still managed to have a blast with Nintendo’s latest home console. Check out our top 5 Wii titles so far.
5. PUNCH-OUT!!
4. METROID PRIME 3: CORRUPTION
3. SUPER SMASH BROS. BRAWL
2. LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE TWILIGHT PRINCESS
1. SUPER MARIO GALAXY
*Honorable Mention
-OKAMI
-PUNCH-OUT!!
-HOUSE OF THE DEAD: OVERKILL
-MADWORLD
-GHOSTBUSTERS
All of the titles mentioned in this write up can be debated and of course their are many titles that were not mentioned in the honorable mention section that should definitely be mentioned however, when the list is limited, some titles will miss the cut. Also, the way in which we listed our top 5 can raise an eyebrow, nevertheless we looked at the impact of each title for that respective platform to assist with our conclusion. Dead Space, Elder Scroll: Oblivion, Heavenly Sword, Ghost Recon, Street Fighter etc..these and others are all great titles that did not make our cut, let us know what your TOP 5 titles for each platform looks like.
