Mass Effect 2 confirmed for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3

That Electronic Arts and BioWare have been at work on a follow-up to 2007’s Mass Effect hasn’t exactly been a guarded secret. The term “Mass Effect trilogy” has been bandied about by EA brass since it acquired the studio in 2007, with CEO John Riccitiello most recently pegging the game for a multiplatform release in early 2010. Of course, that reveal was quickly followed by the game’s first teaser trailer last month.

Now, a year on from when BioWare executive producer Greg Zeschuk made first reference to the game by its title, EA has officially announced Mass Effect 2. Tempering speculation that the game will see a multiplatform release on the PlayStation 3, EA confirmed it for release only on the Xbox 360 and PC in early 2010. The first installment in the franchise was published by Microsoft and debuted on the Xbox 360 in 2007 before moving to the PC last year.

BioWare CEO Ray Muzyka said that it will offer “intensified combat and expanded weapon options as well as increased depth of planet exploration.” And, as is the hallmark of games produced by EA’s subsidiary, BioWare promises a cinematic storyline that will play out in a fashion similar to the first game in the series.

Unfortunately, EA remains tight-lipped on Commander Shepard’s latest mission, saying only that humanity now faces a threat greater than the robotic Geth army seen in the original. Indeed, Commander Shepard may not be party to the proceedings at all, considering that last month’s trailer indicated humanity’s first Spectre had been killed in action.

Fallout 3 PC Review

Fallout 3 takes place in a bombed-out, futuristic version of Washington DC, and in the game, the area is bleak but oddly serene. Crumbling overpasses loom overhead and optimistic 1950’s-style billboards advertise their products with sunny catchphrases. It looks impressive, and you move around the wide-open wasteland with nary a loading time, though you will encounter loads when entering and exiting buildings or quick-jumping to areas you’ve already visited. Numerous set-piece landmarks are particularly ominous, such as a giant aircraft carrier that serves as a self-contained city, or the decrepit interiors of the National Air and Space Museum. But the small touches are just as terrific, such as explosions that produce mushroom-like clouds of flame and smoke, evoking the nuclear tragedy at the heart of Fallout 3’s concept. Character models are more lifelike than in the developer’s prior efforts but still move somewhat stiffly, lacking the expressiveness of the models in games such as Mass Effect.

It’s a shame, in light of these impressive design elements, that the PlayStation 3 version is shockingly inferior to the others from a technical perspective. Although the Xbox 360 and PC versions display the occasional visual oddity and bland texture, these nitpicks are easy to overlook. Sadly, the jagged edges, washed-out lighting, and slightly diminished draw distance of the PS3 release aren’t so easy to dismiss. We also experienced a number of visual bugs on the PS3. Character faces disappeared several times, leaving only eyeballs and hair; limbs on robots went missing; some character models had an odd outline around them as if they were cel-shaded; and the day-to-night transition may cause odd streaks on the screen as you move the camera around. This version doesn’t even offer trophies, whereas the Xbox 360 and PC versions offer Xbox Live/Windows Live achievements.

Aside from a few PS3-specific sound quirks, the audio in every version is marvelous. Most of the voice acting is great, some sleepy-sounding performances notwithstanding. Any game’s atmosphere can live or die by its ambient audio, and Fallout 3 rises to the challenge. The whistling of the wind and the far-off sound of a gunshot are likely to give you a chill, and the slow-motion groans and crunch of a baseball bat meeting a ghoul’s face sound wonderfully painful. If you get lonely and want some company, you can listen to a couple of radio stations, though the frequent repetition of the songs and announcements grates after a while. The soundtrack is fine, though it’s a bit overwrought considering the desolate setting. Luckily, its default volume is very low, so it doesn’t get in the way.

No matter what platform you own, you should play Fallout 3, which overcomes its issues by offering a deep and involving journey through a world that’s hard to forget. It has more in common with Bethesda’s Elder Scrolls series than with previous Fallout games, but that is by no means a bad thing. In fact, Fallout 3 is leaner and meaner than Bethesda’s previous efforts, less expansive but more intense, while still offering immense replay value and quite a few thrills along the way. Whether you’re a newcomer to the universe or a Fallout devotee, untold hours of mutated secrets are lurking in the darkest corners of Washington.

Resident Evil 5 Review

Resident Evil 5 isn’t a survival horror game, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t learned a great deal from the genre. Tension is the central element of survival horror games, and in the past it has been conveyed by the gloomy settings, the sense of isolation, and the frustratingly clunky camera angles and controls–all RE5 does differently is convey this feeling through other outlets. Having a partner introduces new types of tension, because you’re forced to rely on each other’s support, find ways to manage both of your inventories during battles, and cover larger areas since enemies can appear from almost anywhere. Waves of enemies wax and wane with just the right frequency, and while the brightly lit environments make them less scary, they can be tough to deal with because they attack in large numbers and are smarter, faster, and stronger than their counterparts in previous games. Major encounters and boss fights are doled out with excellent pacing, and since you’re never sure what to expect around the corner, you have to remain vigilant. The active inventory management system helps keep that anxiety up as well.

RE5 is easily one of the most visually stunning games available, and its huge variety of environments are meticulously detailed in every way. There are lots of large, open areas, and you’ll constantly be on the move through them since there are usually so many enemies. In-game cutscenes are top-notch (though sometimes a bit over the top), and Chris and Sheva are incredibly well animated, especially their faces. Though the dialogue is often full of the series’ trademark goofiness, the voice acting is competent, and when paired with the excellent facial expressions, it breathes a great deal of realism into the characters. Likewise, the fantastic orchestral soundtrack heightens the gameplay with everything from the low-key, ambient tracks that play during downtimes, to the frantic, upbeat songs that accompany the massive boss battles.

On the first play-through, Resident Evil 5 lasts about 12 hours, which is considerably shorter than its predecessor. Once you’re finished, though, there’s still plenty to see and do. There are hidden B.S.A.A. badges scattered throughout most levels to find; you can strive to get better scores or times in each chapter to show off on the online leaderboards; and there are three initial difficulties available with a fourth unlockable. In-game points can be spent on collectible trophies of various characters and enemies, on additional costumes and graphics filters, and on special infinite-ammo versions of guns that you’ve fully upgraded. Finally, the Mercenaries minigame returns in a format very similar to its last incarnation in Resident Evil 4 but with support for co-op.

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The New Game Druid Coming Soon

Well it’s a hard step I had to take, but it’s done. The Game Druid is being cleaned up and will not be online for several days, maybe weeks. Depending on the time I get.

I’m re-working the IA and the look. I started this in 2006 as a pet project and I think it’s time to get a little more serious with the whole thing.

So everything as you know it on the site is gone. Stay tuned for the new look… (taking a page from, you know who) when its done.

The Game Druid