Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project (XBLA Review): Makin’ Bacon!

Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project (XBLA Review): Makin Bacon!

Platform: XBLA (and retro PC) [Buy/Get Demo]

Developer: 3D Realms

Publisher: Xbox Live Arcade

When most people think of Duke Nukem, their minds drift back to the wildly successful and highly influential Duke Nukem 3D or the humiliatingly intangible Duke Nukem Forever. However, the DOS veterans amongst us will righly remember that our misogynistic hero started his career in the dimensional platforming business… and Manhattan Project brings him back to his roots. The evil Mech Morphix has changed Manhattan’s inhabitants into terrifying mutants and kidnapped all the babes, so it’s time to kick ass and chew bubblegum. And would you believe it? He still hasn’t got any.

Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project (XBLA Review): Makin Bacon!

Rest in pieces!

As a direct port of the 2002 PC title, Manhattan Project is a 2.5D platformer that’s heavy on shooting, big on buxom babes and very light on graphics. Let’s get this out of the way right now: this is a sinfully ugly little game. It’s received a bare minimum of polish to get things running on HD widescreens, but low-res textures and frequent screen tearing continually make us realise how far we’ve come over these last eight years. I’m usually the biggest advocate of gameplay over graphics, but a full makeover would’ve gone a long way to improving the overall experience.

Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project (XBLA Review): Makin Bacon!

The textures... what a mess!

Duke hasn’t just been sitting around smoking cigars while 3D Realms ran his franchise into the ground. To pass the time he’s clearly been working out and limbering up- as he now has an impressive range of moves at his disposal. Double-jumps, kicks. grabs, sliding tackles and jetpacks all propel you naturally around the Manhattan skyline (for starters)- and Duke’s signature pipe bombs can be used to find a whole mess of secrets. Platforming is smooth, varied and capable… and the nostalgia value is priceless.

Click here, grab a cigar and read on!

From Peace Walker Surprise to Killzone 2…D – News Roundup 5th April 2010

“Big Peace Walker Announcement” coming this Wednesday

From Peace Walker Surprise to Killzone 2...D   News Roundup 5th April 2010

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is shaping up nicely; and frankly, the PSP desperately needs this title. After all, Peace Walker was originally slated to be the next mainstream MGS prequel, and Sony’s handheld could do with another AAA game to make up for its slow trickle of premium exclusives. Hideo Kojima has dropped some tantalising hints about a big announcement that’ll hit this week during the Peace Walker ‘Completion Ceremony.’

“On Wednesday, there will be a big Peace Walker announcement. I don’t think you can understand the enjoyment of Peace Walker until you’ve played it, but I believe you’ll feel a hint of sorts about ‘where is it a new Metal?’.”

Feisty one you are, Kojima. I’d usually have a go at predicting what this big surprise might be… but when Kojima’s involved it could be literally anything. After all, the legendary developer’s brought us 3D softcore pornography, turn based card combat and mooing, pooing robots with shapely legs in his last few titles. Your guess is as good as mine. [andriasang via VG247]

Leaked Duke Nukem Forever Footage & Pics

From Peace Walker Surprise to Killzone 2...D   News Roundup 5th April 2010

DNF (internally known as Do Not Finish) may be the biggest gaming joke of the last decade, but at least we finally get a good look at the game that might’ve been. After all, it was due to go gold on April 1st, which arguably should’ve started alarm bells ringing straight away.

All Games Beta has acquired a substantial amount of leaked footage and pics that show off the combat, weapons and Duke’s mad coin-flipping skills. Oh, and naturally there’s a vehicle section. There’s always a vehicle section. As a fan of uncomplicated shooters I was personally quite impressed by the leaked content, but we’d be interested to hear what you all make of it.

The future of Duke Nukem Forever is still unclear. Take Two are currently suing 3D Realms for millions of lost dollars, but the odd comment and twitter still promises tantalising hope that development will recommence at some stage. The only question remains: will anyone care? [All Games Beta]

Killzone 2…D. Sony squashes 3D Rumours

From Peace Walker Surprise to Killzone 2...D   News Roundup 5th April 2010

A recent trailer shown on Qore (PSN’s subscription-based monthly showcase) appeared to confirm incoming 3D support for Killzone 2, GT5, Wipeout and a handful of other titles. However, Sony has since recanted, stating that the footage was for “demonstration purposes only.”

“Unfortunately, our feature did not make it clear that the 2D game footage was included for demonstration purposes only. We apologize for the erroneous inference that 3D versions of LBP, Wipeout HD, Killzone 2, Gran Turismo 5 or Super Stardust HD are in production.”

That’s not to say that it will never happen. It just won’t happen soon. [IGN]

iPhone iControlPad may iNfringe Copyright

From Peace Walker Surprise to Killzone 2...D   News Roundup 5th April 2010

In a further attempt to transform the iPhone into a bona fide handheld console, Apple are considering releasing an attachable control pad- essentially resembling a hollow Game Boy. Funnily enough, it turns out that buttons are actually quite handy for playing most games (though a touchscreen is perfect for RPGs and puzzlers…and Puzzle Quest). It transpires that Apple applied for the patent in 2008, but we simply haven’t been aware of it until now.

Unfortunately, the iController already exists- and its creators are currently terrified of the legal juggernaut that they may have to confront in order to retain their copyright. As a small company, I don’t fancy their chances if Apple decide to go ahead with production.

I’ll leave you with an idea for anyone interested by this latest turn of events. Want a touch screen-enabled game experience with responsive D-Pad controls… and a huge game collection? Buy a DS, you poser. [Kotaku]

Tue, 29 Dec, 09
Author:
Matt Gardner

Category:
Game news

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From Duke Nukem To China’s War On Gaming – News Roundup 29th December

In spite of the festive season, there’ve been a few juicy tidbits to come out of the gaming sector in the last day or two. Today’s news roundup sees 3D Realms drop a few hints that there are several Duke Nukem projects in the works, Square Enix suggest that there a couple of top secret projects in the works and file a new patent with Tetsuya Nomura listed as the inventor, and a recent Chinese ‘expose’ reveals how gaming can lead to murder, drug addiction and group sex.

3D Realms Hint That The Duke Might Return In 2010

From Duke Nukem To Chinas War On Gaming   News Roundup 29th December

How many times have we heard this old chestnut in the last few years? Will Duke Nukem Forever ever see the light of day? Well, CEO Scott Miller isn’t ruling anything out, and he was even on hand the other to talk a little bit to Gamesauce magazine about the Duke’s other projects in development:

“The next few years should see a strong resurgence in Duke,” Miller says. “There are numerous other Duke games in various stages of development, several due out this year. We are definitely looking to bring Duke into casual gaming spaces, plus there are other major Duke games in production. Almost all of these [projects] are unannounced.”

Is he telling the truth? Do you think we’ll be seeing the flat-topped sex-pest shooter any time soon and will you care when he does? Drop us a comment below with your thoughts. [1up]

Tetsuya Nomura Stirs Up Some Hype And Files New Patent

From Duke Nukem To Chinas War On Gaming   News Roundup 29th December

Miller and 3D Realms aren’t the only ones trying to whip up some interest before 2010 arrives, Square Enix and Tetsuya Nomura are giving it a go too. Speaking to Famitsu, Nomura suggested that there were several things in the pipeline for 2010, but that what he was most looking forward to was an as-yet unannounced game for which he’d received several personal requests. So, a trademark bit of pre-hype there from the Advent Children director.

On top of that, a patent was recently filed by Square listing Nomura as the inventor for a character switching battle system. The patent describes an RPG where the player can jump into the shoes of a temporary character for a limited time to learn and inherit their attributes and abilities. The patent also depicts a handheld device that looks suspiciously like the PSP. So a new RPG for Sony’s mobile baby might well be on the cards for 2010. [Siliconera]

China Central TV Reckons Games Cause Murder

From Duke Nukem To Chinas War On Gaming   News Roundup 29th December

Apparently society’s ills are pretty much down to gaming, China Central Television would have us believe. A recent programme entitled ‘Confession of a Murderer – Focus on Pornography and Violence in Online Games (Part 2)’ reported on a man currently serving life in a juvenile prison for murdering five people over virtual loot. According to the programme, nearly 80% of the violent inmate population are there because of video games.

The latest instalment of the series on CCTV also reported on a 14 year old girl who, after playing the game Audition, was supposedly influenced into having sex with people that she met online. The game purportedly encouraged one-night stands, and the girl ended up having to go through two abortions.

Kids across the country are apparently also doing speed and crystal meth to keep them awake during gaming marathons if the channel is to be believed. Sorry Felicia Day, it looks like The Guild would be more realistic if it played out slightly more like Spun. [Joystiq]

What do you guys think about all of this? Will gaming lead to Requiem for a Dream or is this just the state trying to flex their muscles? Pop your thoughts in the box below.

Lonely Hearts: Gaming’s Gender Reversed Twins

A few game characters’ brothers and sisters are out there looking for love…

It can be hard to find a date when you’re the twin of a gaming icon. Nights spent all alone watching endless Friends re-runs or lying catatonic listening to William Shatner sing Common People on repeat; with dinner medallions from the microwave lasagne staining your crusty vest and sweatpants, and a half bottle of budget vodka for company – these things don’t help the love-life one little bit.

We thought we’d lend a helping hand to some of the medium’s forgotten siblings in their quest to find a soulmate by printing a few of their calling cards. It’s time for these brothers and sisters to step out of their shadowy cocoons and blossom into the love bugs they were destined to be.

1. Larry Croft

Lonely Hearts: Gamings Gender Reversed Twins

Larry’s a tall and athletic fella with a penchant for digging, spelunking and hunting, much like his sister Lara. He’s a perfect gentleman too, coming from good aristocratic stock, although you’d best steer clear of enquiring about the parents.

A huge fan of all things old and curious, our Larry’s looking for a more mature woman, someone with a story or two to tell, preferably with strange and dubious links to mythological sects and texts. He’s also a fan of old-school smoking jackets, luxury liners and racy point-and-click adventure games. But no photographers: they always Photoshop ridiculously-proportioned organs onto the poor lad. And who can live with that kind of pressure?

2. Bruce-Li

Lonely Hearts: Gamings Gender Reversed Twins

Brucie is something of a legend in that he’s registered in the Guinness Book of Records as having the fastest legs in the world. More likely to be seen colourfully cavorting in drag in a Soho club than your local dingy bar, Bruce is all about having a good time and he’s well known for it, always stealing his sister Chun’s clothes. Male or female, fat or thin, it doesn’t really matter and he doesn’t care as long as they’re up for a laugh.

Bruce can be quite exciteable and tends to jump up and down and giggle a lot whenever he wins anything – from an argument over shoes to a brawl in the street; but you’d never want to mess with him. He can decapitate an elephant with his thighs. He enjoys chop-socky movies, blue dresses and fighting electric, ginger, fuzzy Brazilians. No…..not in that way.

3. Ugly Freeman

Lonely Hearts: Gamings Gender Reversed Twins

Betty is a bit of a wallflower who works really hard at the moment to balance two lives. By day she works as a PA for the editor-in-chief of a global fashion magazine and by night she does motion capture for her brother Gordon’s new autobiographical movie. Most recently she played a rock.

Like her brother, though, she’s a bit of a quiet one and remains fairly silent even when spoken to which can sometimes make conversation a little tricky. In the bedroom, however, she not adverse to a little experimentation – handcuffs, oils, a crowbar – but don’t expect oral satisfaction unless you shower several times beforehand. She’s paranoid about headcrabs you see.

4. Duchess Nukem

Lonely Hearts: Gamings Gender Reversed Twins

Duchess Nukem, much like her brother the Duke, is a simple soul at heart, really. There are three things that she likes – guns, gaffs and guys. An entrepreneur of sorts, she runs an all-male escort agency, owns several Boy Booty strip clubs across America, and has starred in several sexploitation movies as herself.

A fearless champion of women’s rights, she is also a sex symbol and role model for curvy women everywhere. Oh yeah, and she kills aliens too. But this towering ego hides a sensitive soul. Sure, being surrounded by men clothed only in a napkin or two and half a bottle of baby oil all day long can be fun, but there’s no heart in it. She’s in the market for a guy with a heart, but a heart that also enjoys a spot of jetpacking, motorbikes and Bruce Campbell movies.

5. Samantha Fisher

Lonely Hearts: Gamings Gender Reversed Twins

Samantha Fisher (Sam to her friends….and even then it can be touch and go) doesn’t suffer fools. Gorgeous she may be, but if you’re the type of guy who thinks Krav Maga is a species of underwater crustacean then leave, now. She’s the consummate professional and fearless in life and in love.

A keen traveller, Samantha’s fluent in many languages, including Korean and Arabic. She’s on the look out for a friend above all else; a wingman if you will. Someone who will always have her back. Someone who likes tight fitting spandex and wears glasses (she has a thing for guys in goggles). You might have to watch out for overprotective big brother Sam lurking in dark corners, though. He’s a bit of a stealthy voyeur, that one.

NB. Be aware that any and all dating applicants for Miss Fisher may have to undergo an extensive vetting process possibly involving probes and/or torture. The CIA and NSA take no responsibility for any injuries sustained during the dating process.

Know any other game characters with a lovelorn twin? Fill up the comments section below with your recommendations.