It’s a kid’s movie tie-in based on the 2007 animated Disney film about future family The Robinsons. As film tie-ins go, it’s not all that bad, thanks mostly to the way it nicks ideas from games like Zelda, Tomb Raider and Jak & Daxter. There’s loads to do here with an interesting enough mix of dungeon crawling and puzzle solving and lots of different, fun gadgets to collect. There’s some decent voice acting work on show but sadly the graphics don’t match up. Furthermore, the puzzles and combat are both just a bit too easy. So, it’s not a game that will change lives but at this price Meet The Robinsons might be worth picking up if you’ve got kids. Thanks to Mire Mare at Hotukdeals!
The level of exposure that Singularity has received simply doesn’t match up to how fun it is. With a fairly derivative but entertaining plot and gameplay elements pinched from all over the gaming world, you are bound to have a good time with this game. It’s a bit disappointing visually and liberally sprinkled with glitches but the combat makes up for this. It’s very entertaining and solid and certainly appealing to gore porn fans like myself. Considering how new this game is, it’s impressive to see it available at this price already and well worth grabbing before HMV change their minds. Thanks to scott_w_1981 at Hotukdeals!
After 7 years of waiting, expectations are always going to be high. There are no excuses about curtailed production schedules, you’ve had plenty of time to get whatever you want to do done. 2K Czech may have undergone a name change since they were last with us, but they’ve been working on one game (that we know of) the whole time. Mafia II is their baby, an attempt to make the definitive trilby and tommy gun gangster game for the modern generation. Previews have been positive and everyone’s been on the edge of their seats, waiting for a blockbuster. Have they waited in vain or will they be made an offer they simply can’t refuse?
Mafia II exists in the same world as the beloved first game, just set in a different city and with a whole different set of colourful characters. There’s one blatant, and welcome, reference to the first game in there, for those in the know, but it’s pretty much a self-contained storyline. As Vito Scaletta, a streetwise young hoodlum who finds himself in trouble with the law, you start the story shipped off to Sicily, where you end up fighting Mussolini’s troops as the American forces attempt to overthrow the slaphead dictator.
During his time on the frontlines, Vito witnesses the power of the local Don, and it makes a big impression on him. On returning to Empire Bay, his long-time buddy, Joe Barbaro, a real wise guy, gets Vito involved in more petty crime, gradually meeting local criminals and slipping further into a life of money, women and power.
That’s all for the plot, as saying anything else would be to enter spoiler country. Suffice it to say, the story, characterisation and things of that ilk are easily the best part of the game. Just as with the first, real care and attention has been put into making sure the participants are believable, that they look great graphically and that you always feel part of a grand story.
If you don’t mind missing out on the DVD case and physical copy, Direct2Drive are currently the cheapest way of grabbing SEGA’s magnificent footy management sim. Football Manager 2010 raises the bar by providing deep yet accessible tactics, a massive stats database and an attractive 3D game engine. Designing your own team populated by your mates and favourite celebrities is always good for a laugh, and the level of polish this time around is absolutely staggering. Whilst I’m a little loathe to publish this deal due to the genuine dangers of FM addiction, this is a corking way to ruin your life for a while. At least, until the sequel comes out this December. Thanks to Andy1212 at Hot UK Deals.
They say that curiosity killed the cat, but now Qriocity is gunning for bigger game. iTunes. Sony will be launching their digital distribution platform for music, video and even e-books in Europe by the end of the year, with designs on getting a slice of the lucrative download pie.
“We are excited to offer our customers high quality, cloud-based entertainment experiences across many of Sony’s network-enabled devices. Services ‘powered by Qriocity’ will revolutionize the way that users play, listen, watch, share, communicate, learn, discover and create their digital entertainment content.”- Kazuo “Kaz” Hirai, President of Sony’s Networked Products & Services Group
This bizarrely named platform(which is a nightmare for spellcheckers everywhere) be rolling out for PS3s, Bravia televisions and VAIO PCs in the UK and four other European countries. [PS3 Center]
Treyarch Unleashes Black Ops Multiplayer Details
Treyarch and Activision has finally shot the lid off Call of Duty: Black Ops’ multiplayer features. A lot is riding on the successor to Modern Warfare 2 (with Activision keen to improve on its predecessor’s record-breaking sales figures)… and whilst we’ll still be able to kill people with big guns for points and rank, there are a fair few major differences this time around.
First of all, a new currency system has been introduced. Known as COD Points (insert fish joke here), this cash can be used to purchase specialised challenges or actually gamble on high-stakes player matches. Known as “Wager” matches, these games are sure to be far more personal and intense than anything we’ve seen in Call of Duty before. The trailer (below) demonstrates various new game modes, including a “sticks and stones” gametype that limits armaments to crossbows and knives; and the insane “One In The Chamber” experience that looks to be incredibly tense. If a picture is worth a thousand words, the video’s got to be worth checking out. [Courtesy of VG247]
Gun customisation has been kicked up a notch: with players now able to trick out their beloved boomsticks with skins, clan tags and logos as well as the usual gamut of modifications. Last but definitely not least, a new botmatch option will also allow cautious players to learn the maps and gain some valuable practise without damaging their all-important victory ratio.
Oh, and there’s going to be an actual, factual minigun. Brutal.
We’re absolutely psyched for Black Ops’ multiplayer… but do you want to know more about the singleplayer? Why not check out my Gamescom impressions of two Vietnam-themed levels!
First Resi 6 Info Coming “Soon”; May Have Move/Kinect Support
Resident Evil 5 provided a critically acclaimed new focus for the series, but proved incredibly divisive with fans . In a new interview with Spanish gaming site 3D Juegos, Resi producer Keiji Inafune stated that Capcom would “soon” be releasing some juicy details about the next game in the series.
Details are very thin on the ground this stage, but we know that Jun Takeuchi was angling for a franchise reboot. Unfortunately he now won’t have anything to do with Resident Evil 6- so it’s anybody’s guess. Yes, that is an invitation.
The interview went on to discuss Inafune’s opinions about on Playstation Move and Kinect, which prompted the producer to offer the following tidbit:
“Both [devices] will not be necessary for the players, but will offer many possibilities. As with Resident Evil 6, soon will have news about it …”
True horror is best expressed through a first person perspective. It’s all well and good to watch bad things happen to someone else, but the Penumbra collection throws you into a genuinely creepy setting and pits your wits against fiendish puzzles, horrifying foes and psychological mindgames. This collection contains both the first and second game as well as an expansion pack; providing a lengthy and genuinely frightening experience for a bargain price (though each individual game is fairly short). The combat system is a little finnicky, but an intricate story helps to keep your mind on the twists and turns rather than Penumbra’s few shortcomings. Recommended for true horror fans, as well as puzzle fanatics who crave something a little different. Thanks to Musicrab at Hot UK Deals
Travis is back- and this time, it’s… streamlined. The epic beam saber combat has been dialled up a notch, with the weak and flaccid open world sections replaced by nu-retro minigames that’ll bring a smile to your face. Naturally it’s as crazy, bonkers and utterly bizarre as you’d expect from Suda51. Whilst I personally feel that the slash happy swordplay would have been a great fit for Motion Plus support, No More Heroes 2 is a quirky work of absolute genius from one of the most capable and bizarre auteurs in the industry. Highly recommended and a steal at the price. Thanks to supermetroid at Hot UK Deals.
Dead Rising 2 is set to release later this month, but Xbox 360 owners can now get an exclusive head start on the proceedings. Before making his way to Fortune City, stuntman Chuck and his daughter Katey find themselves stranded in the sleepy small town of Still Creek… that’s now awash with hordes of slavering undead. With nothing save his wits and the massive amount of wieldable objects cluttering up the place, Chuck will need to step up to the plate and discover a way out before it’s too late. Or, you know, just inventively throw down on scores of zombies with common household objects whilst wearing a gingham dress, cackling insanely all the while. Whatever floats your boat.
Cue insane cackling.
The principle and premise will be instantly familiar to fans of the original. Chuck has to escape the town in a tight time limit, killing zombies and rescuing survivors for persistent experience and different endings. The small town has a fair few shops that provide hilarious props and clothes to enrich the experience, and even an actual pawnshop that vends useful items and hints. That’s right: cash money is now extremely important part of the Dead Rising experience, and can be used to secure essential gear or partake in a little gambling.
However, as well as assembling a makeshift getaway vehicle, you’ll also need to take care of Katey. She requires constant Zombrex injections every 12 hours, meaning that you’ll constantly need to keep an eye on the clock and forage for the controversial drug in between dealing with the major objectives. Her voice acting is truly awful and the premise is actually shaping up to be more than a little annoying… though we’ll hold out for the full game before making an assessment.
Team Ninja’s take on the Metroid universe will be hitting shelves tomorrow, but there’s enough time to take advantage of ShopTo’s preorder price. Metroid: Other M has been receiving some excellent reviews, with critics enjoying the side scrolling roots and Samus’ brutal finishing moves. However, Other M’s storyline sees Samus teaming up with some truly annoying soliders and even blithely taking orders from a douchebag that doesn’t let her use all her weapons from the getgo. It’s a reasonable explanation for skill progression, but genuine fans are going to balk at some of the characterisation on show this time around. The eyepopping Wii graphics and fluid gameplay, on the other hand, will tear even staunch superfans away from their message boards.
Mafia 2 is 2K Czech’s latest attempt at translating the stylish and violent world of organised crime into a third person shooter. It tries to make us an offer that we can’t refuse- and almost does thanks to some excellent set pieces, despite a few flaws. Vito’s stereotypical rise to power is an impressive and engrossing tale, with combat handled with some solid and familiar third person mechanics that frequently feel a little stiff. The city looks pretty enough, but seems strangely empty and lifeless compared to its peers. Luckily several fantastic moments add some real originality and flavour to the piece; and if you’re looking for a solid mob-themed slice of shooting action, you could do a lot worse than checking this one out.
So…you know how we’re all massive fans of truly awful puns here at Dealspwn? Well this guy sure isn’t the first to spot this particular pun, but the dedicated fan vid is excellent.
Welcome once again to my roundup of the week’s best Xbox Live Indie Games… and listen up, because we’ve got a real fight on our hands for first place. Both have the quality we’re looking for, but they offer extremely different game experiences that cater for very different audiences. All three of this week’s showings demonstrate the innovation, polish and tender loving care that the Indie scene uniquely provides… so with no further ado, it’s time to get involved!
Treasure Treasure doesn’t look like much at first glance… but that’s part of its charm. It captures the essence of the a smooth Game Boy platformer, right down to the LCD screen and adorably crude (yet stylish) sprites. The premise is also charmingly simple, with two kids ascending a castle to solve puzzles, jump over plaftorms and search for treasure. The faux-retro stylings are cute and familiar, bringing up warm fuzzy feelings and old memories of long family car journeys. However, the presentation belies a nifty cooperative that can be leveraged by both one or two players.
Five over. Is the next best price and also one of Tiger’s best par scores this year since returning from injury and shenanigans. Come on EA, we all saw that bit in South Park, would it kill you to have a scorned-wife escape DLC mini-game? In all seriousness though, we’ve got a fine golf game here, like we did last year and the year before. We’ve seen FIFA go to great lengths in recent years to make each update a worthwhile purchase, but EA’s golf series is definitely treading water. If you didn’t get it last year or maybe the year before too, then you’re bound to get more fun out of Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf 11. PS3 owners planning on investing in a Move controller will be able to use the new device in this game too, which may be enough to convince you to give Tiger another go. Thanks to acc19 @ HotukDeals for the find.
At almost half-price to anywhere else you really would be burning your money going elsewhere. Actually the game isn’t great, but at £6.99 it won’t hurt as bad. The game takes place after the second movie and thankfully adds a bit of action to the series. There are a few voices and likenesses to add to the authenticity, but the faces are a joke. The action suffers from repetition and twitchy controls which means you’ll spend most of your time in hover mode holding down the fire and lock-on buttons. Controlling War Machine is the best way to go as his weapons have better rates-of-fire and well, he’s just badass really. The Ultimo boss fight is pretty epic, but still doesn’t justify that you’ll finish the whole game in one afternoon. Thanks to andywedge @ HotUkDeals.
This week brings us a brand new incentive to sign up to PSN’s premium subscription service (with a free game in the offing if you sign up for an entire year). What’s more, the usual selection of deals provide major savings for a few downloadable titles. Cutesy and clever puzzler Aqua Panic is down to £4.79, and the immensely addictive Bejeweled is now a steal at just over three quid. Res Evil 5 owners who didn’t pick up the gold edition will be able to pick up the Untold Stories DLC bundle for an impressive 50% saving.
In terms of new content, Alien Breed Impact and the last episode of Sam and Max: The Devil’s Playhouse have been released today. The sublime Mech RPG Front Mission 3 has been brought screaming into this generation thanks to a £3.99 PSOne download.
Oh, and Minerva’s Trials is also out today. It’s the first storyline DLC for Bioshock 2 and promises to enrich Rapture’s backstory and setting.
New Playstation Plus Signup Offer
Thinking about buying a year’s worth of Playstation Plus? This might just get you off the fence. Sony are currently offering a free copy of Ratchet and Clank: Quest for Booty to new subscribers… and in fact, to avoid complication, I’ll let them tell you themselves.
Sign up for a 1 year membership between the 1st September and 5th October and you will get all the great features of Plus AND a copy of the great PS3 game Ratchet and Clank: Quest for Booty, completely free and yours to keep forever.
At Dealspwn, we're all about bringing you the very best games deals in the UK. If there's a massive saving to be made, we'll find it!
Written by gamers, for gamers, we'll also be delivering the juiciest news from the industry, cutting commentary, insightful articles and open, honest reviews. Read more in the about us section!
