G4 TV - TheFeed - PC Gaming

Star Trek Online Starship Tactics -- Part Two

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:00:00 -0800

If you thought you’d be able to learn everything about the combat tactics of Star Trek Online in just one video diary, would you mind explaining why part two of this video series is sitting just below this sentence? I mean, did you honestly think you’d be able to grasp the complexities and challenges of successfully engaging in space combat that easily? Think again, and then check out this new combat video:

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James Cameron's Avatar Multiplayer Trailer

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0800

James Cameron’s Avatar: The Video Game drops you into the war-torn planet of Pandora where humanity is locked in a death struggle with the planet’s native race, the Na’vi. Obviously, this means that players will get to experience two drastically different combat styles, and this new multiplayer trailer demonstrates how this dichotomy plays out in the game’s multiplayer mode.

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The MMO Report: Thursday, November 26th

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0800

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Right now you're either waiting to eat or attempting to digest while in the fetal position. Both are perfect oppertunities to take a moment and watch this week's MMO Report. Today Casey will give you the dates for Star Trek Online's open beta, tell you about a Zombie MMO, and brings back WTF Second Life just for the holiday weekend. That's something to be thankful for.

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Feedback -- Thanksgiving Edition

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:41:00 -0800

As many of us head to the airport, headphones firmly in place (with a DS in a pocket, naturally), for this week's round of holiday travel, take solace in knowing this: there's another edition of Feedback to keep you company this week. Whether you're starting to plot out gifts for the rest of the holiday season or contemplating an impulse-buy during the slew of Black Friday sales, Adam Sessler, myself, Abbie Heppe and Dana Vinson gathered earlier this week to discuss the best of the best from 2009!

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Here's what the crew talked about on this week's Feedback:

For the PlayStation 3 owner in your life, how do you pick between Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Rachet & Clank Future: A Crack In Time, inFamous and Killzone 2? We're here to help.
But what if they only have a Wii? Don't worry, we help you sort through both New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Metroid Prime Trilogy for a balance between cutting edge and nostalgia.
It's pretty likely they're going to have an Xbox 360, too. With Halo 3: ODST and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 populating the online leaderboards, there's some serious competition.

Feedback, suggesting violent games for the holidays since...well, ever. Bring joy and subscribe:

Video: iTunes | XML | Audio: iTunes | XML

The Reviews of 2009...In Review: Day 2

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0800

With Black Friday lingering and just a small handful of games left in 2009, it’s high time to take a refresher course in some of this year’s biggest and best reviews. I’ve broken down most of our most illustrious verdicts, platform by platform, to pick out some samplings of read (and watch) worthy material. Yesterday, I focused on handheld and PC highlights from 2009. Today, I'll be focusing in on the best multiplatform and downloadable games. And, because you need something to do either before eating turkey or before camping out in the freezing cold for a $200 game console and free games, tomorrow brings the best reviews across platform exclusives.

Come back tomorrow at 1pm PST/4pm EST for our final day of recaps.

Put on your reading glasses; without further ado, here’s G4’s The Reviews of 2009...In Review!

Multiplatform

People will argue back and forth over the Internet for eons about what version of a game is better and which game console sucks. And then there are people too busy playing games to sweat the platform pie fights. Here’s a look at games across multiple platforms (and before the tin-foil hats come on, I pulled the review links based on pagination, not platform preference):

Street Fighter IV - 5/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3, PC

“The fighting game has evolved considerably since Street Fighter II exploded the genre into superstardom in the early ‘90s. Street Fighter IV proves that Capcom still has what it takes to dominate the genre almost two decades later. The fourth installment may, at long last, have trumped the second. Anyone with even a passing interest in one-on-one brawling owes it to him or herself to get into Street Fighter IV. Even if you haven’t touched a fighting game since the 16-bit era, one match of Capcom’s new masterpiece will remind you why you spent so many hours at those now long-shuttered arcades.”

Skate 2 - 4/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3

“While it’s basically just a more polished version of the first game with a few additions here and there, Skate 2 is easily the best skating game on the market. The city is massive, the trick system still feels like butter on wheels, there are endless challenges, events and places to discover, and the online features are plentiful. It would have been nice to have seen a truly new city, more fluid off-board controls and maybe a more engaging narrative, but in terms of giving players plenty of skating bang for their bucks while being consistently fun and satisfying, Skate 2 is a worthy addition to any library, especially for anyone who missed the first ride.”

Red Faction: Guerilla - 4/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3, PC

“Overall, Red Faction: Guerrilla manages to distinguish itself enough from the competition to be a fun change of pace. The sci-fi atmosphere and destructive landscape are great, and there's plenty to do. While the story itself is fairly linear, the ways to accomplish your objectives are anything but ordinary. Grab a hammer and get out there. There are a lot of walls and even more heads to crack if you’re hoping to liberate this little red planet.”

Fight Night Round 4 - 5/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3

“Fight Night Round 4 offers that all too rare experience of seeing stunning visuals have a profound effect on gameplay – yes these boxers look amazing, but the way that you box move will have an effect on how long you’re standing. Factor in a highly improved career mode and an in-depth online title chase and you’re looking at one of the years finest titles across any genre. The franchise is in new hands, and after several hours of jabs and hooks, I’m happy to say that it’s in good hands.”

Batman: Arkham Asylum - 4/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3, PC

“Ultimately, Batman: Arkham Asylum succeeds because it’s a great game, with or without the license. It seamlessly transitions between beat-‘em-up brawler, intense stealth action, and exploration-friendly adventure without missing a beat. When broken up, they’re not necessarily strong enough to stand on their own -- Challenge Mode is an afterthought – but together, the components make for a lean, tight experience. If you’re a huge fan of the Dark Knight, this will go down as one of the best games you’ll play in 2009. If you’ve got a passing interest, there’s still plenty to dig into and enjoy.”

Guitar Hero 5 - 4/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii

“It's hard to believe we're already on Guitar Hero 5. I remember sneaking into Red Octane's pint-sized E3 booth years ago to see the first Guitar Hero prototype. There was no hype. These days, music games are a dominating force in the industry. The Guitar Hero series has been playing catch-up since Harmonix split to make Rock Band, however, and while Neversoft has admirably picked up the slack, each edition since the divide has been a little…off. Guitar Hero 5, however, is a return to form for the series.”

The Beatles: Rock Band - 4/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii

“It could be argued that The Beatles: Rock Band transcends being ‘just a game’ and is more of an experience, but at heart, it is simply an exemplary casual game that capitalizes (possibly literally) on the love and admiration people share for the world's biggest music sensation. The Beatles iconography readily lends itself to a standalone title, and what it lacks in difficulty, it makes up for in charm and sheer authenticity.”

Need for Speed: Shift - 5/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3, PC

“There’s always something to strive toward in Need for Speed: Shift beyond finishing first, and the actual driving is rewarding thanks to the amazing cockpit camera (the best I’ve ever experienced in a racing game) and spectacular controls. If you’re a racing game fan, go ahead and pick up Need for Speed: Shift. It brings back a lot of the fun that has been missing from sim-oriented racers for a while.”

FIFA Soccer 10 - 5/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PC

“FIFA 10’s rich subtleties reward everyone. If you’re looking to pick up a soccer game in time for next summer’s big tournament and kick a ball around, there’s something here for you. If you’ve tracked every evolutionary change year-by-year, there’s an embarrassment of riches... FIFA 10 renders the Beautiful Game more beautifully than ever before.”

Brutal Legend - 4/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3

“It’s got some bumpy moments, but overall, Brutal Legend is an absolute blast. Between the excellent voice talent, the heavy metal-driven universe and mythology that Tim Schafer and Co. have crafted, and the totality of the game’s vision make this a truly unique and worth addition to the Double Fine canon. That said, there are some plot stumbles, and control issues, and the multiplayer could be much deeper. However, for those willing to embrace the game’s tone and style, you’re in for one hell of a ride.”

Borderlands - 4/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3, PC

“Despite (some) issues, the game is incredibly fun and still offers a good amount of loot satisfaction for the treasure-monger in all of us. Above all else, the shooting is incredibly polished and would stand on its own in a game without randomized guns and RPG elements. Borderlands is meant to be played co-operatively and should not be enjoyed alone. Not everyone will rush to start their second playthrough, but it’s definitely worth playing at least once with a few buddies.”

Dragon Age: Origins - 5/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3, PC

“Dragon Age: Origins is a triumph of RPG design for BioWare -- albeit one that takes some work to truly appreciate. What at first glance seems like a standard-issue fantasy universe with a typical save-the-villagers-from-the-horde plotline eventually morphs into an amazingly deep RPG experience that invites the player to explore and re-explore this rich and incredibly well-drawn alternative reality. You’ll come for the sword-fighting and spell-slinging but you’ll stay because of characters you care about and an amazing world that rewards patient exploration.”

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 - 5/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3, PC

“Nobody does war like Infinity Ward. Its Call of Duty titles have evolved from excellent examples of the first-person shooter genre to a redefinition of what gamers expect from a war title. With Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Infinity Ward takes the already solid foundation laid in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and polishes it to a jaw-dropping shine.”

Left 4 Dead 2 - 4/5
Available on Xbox 360, PC

“Left 4 Dead 2 is a worthy sequel and at no point comes across as a game that should have been released as a downloadable expansion to the original. You are getting a true sequel here. Valve may have produced Left 4 Dead 2 in a single year, but it's a game smartly engineered for fans of the original and meant to frustrate you in the most entertaining way possible while you bleed out on the floor screaming for help.”

Assassin’s Creed II - 4/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3, PC version coming 2010

“It's not uncommon for a developer to take criticism to heart and incorporate changes in ensuing games, but the structural overhaul done in Assassin's Creed II exposes the indefensible flaws of the first game. Some older things didn't get fixed, and some new things were broken in the process, but the Montreal studio is definitely sending a message: ‘This is what we really wanted to do from the beginning.’ It shows.”

Xbox Live Arcade & PlayStation Network

Summertime is usually a period of gaming doldrums. Most of the big blockbusters are still under development, and if you’re lucky, an unlikely game emerges as the “must-play” experience. Fortunately, thanks to initiatives such as “Summer of Live” and a more flexible release schedule, we saw plenty of great pint-sized games this year that delivered the goods.

Battlefield 1943 - 4/5

“All in all, Battlefield 1943 is a steal. Great sound, great graphics, great fun, and great price. That about sums up what we’re all after, right? It inherits some minor ticks from its big brother, but it’s tough to beat the price.”

‘Splosion Man - 4/5

“‘Splosion Man is a quirky, challenging, stylish platformer with tons of replayability that every Xbox 360 owner should check out. There are few minor issues here and there, but overall, it’s an absolute blast.”

Fat Princess - 4/5

“It’s a fun romp that allows you to use more serious gameplay mechanics in a fanciful world and let’s face it: who doesn’t love force-feeding a woman giant slices of magical cake? The strong core game opens the door for future expansion with more maps and modes, so for $15, Fat Princess is a safe bet for gamers craving some off-beat action.”

Marvel vs. Capcom 2 - 4/5

“Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is unquestionably one of the high points of Capcom’s golden era of fighting games. It’s accessible, vibrant to look at even today, and online play alone makes it a must buy. Sure beats paying $80 on eBay for the PlayStation 2 version.”

Shadow Complex - 5/5

“When you add in how gorgeous the game is -- a fantastic display of Unreal Engine 3 grafted onto a 2D template -- to the rest of the game’s accomplishments, Shadow Complex might be the most deceptive game of the year. It plays so well, looks so good and offers so few obstacles to enjoyment that the elegant crafting of the game disappears behind the veneer of breezy simplicity. It’s a subtle deconstruction of the core elements of excellent game design and should not be missed.”

Come back tomorrow at 1pm PST/4pm EST for our final recap, which covers platform exclusives!

Sessler's Soapbox: 4 out of 5 vs. 5 out of 5

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0800

This week, we have much to be thankful for. One thing we should all be thankful for is the fact that Adam Sessler takes the time out of his busy schedule each week to let us know what's on his mind. This week, Adam is going to respond to some of your ciricisms about the recent scoring of Assassin's Creed II and Left 4 Dead 2. Many of you pointed out that these sequels have improvements over their predicessors, but got a lower score. Press play to find out why.

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BioShock 2 Multiplayer Trailer: Sinclair Solutions Recruits You!

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:09:00 -0800

The fall of Rapture. Could there be a more compelling and stylistic multiplayer setting? I honestly don’t think so. And to prove my point, check out this latest BioShock 2 trailer and witness the glorious civil war that tore Andrew Ryan’s underwater utopia to plasmid-defiled shreds.

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The Reviews of 2009...In Review: Day 1

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:45:00 -0800

With Black Friday lingering and just a small handful of games left in 2009, it’s high time to take a refresher course in some of this year’s biggest and best reviews. I’ve broken down most of our most illustrious verdicts, platform by platform, to pick out some samplings of read (and watch) worthy material. Today, I'm focusing on handheld and PC highlights from 2009. Tomorrow, I'll be focusing in on the best multiplatform and downloadable games. And, because you need something to do either before eating turkey or before camping out in the freezing cold for a $200 game console and free games, Thursday brings the best reviews across platform exclusives.

Come back tomorrow at 1pm PST/4pm EST for our second day of recaps.

And now, put on your reading glasses; without further ado, here’s G4’s The Reviews of 2009...In Review!

PSP

Besides a new hardware launch and a stronger push for digitally distributed PSP games (both in the PlayStation Store and with the PSPgo), Sony continued the trend of translating first-party console hits to handheld, as witnessed by the debuts of PS3 hit franchises Resistance, MotorStorm, and LittleBigPlanet on PSP. That extends to third-party as well, as witnessed with new renditions of JRPG franchises like Final Fantasy and Disgaea.

Resistance: Retribution - 4/5

“Much is always made about the perspective in video games. Some people prefer first-person whenever possible, while others like third better. But as you’ll see from playing Resistance: Retribution — a PSP installment of the PS3 sci-fi first-person shooter series — it doesn’t matter if you change the perspective if you don’t change the controls.”

MotorStorm: Arctic Edge - 4/5

“MotorStorm: Arctic Edge is a solid racing game, and a worthy addition to the series lineage. It plays just like its big brothers, but the new setting adds some welcome new wrinkles. Sure, it's not perfect -- it's not so pretty, and some of the audio sounds tinny -- and it did make us want to go play Pacific Rift again, if only to warm ourselves up, but next time I'm on a real tropical beach, I know how I'll be cooling down.”

Dissidia: Final Fantasy - 4/5

“Final Fantasy fans will love this game for the graphics, music, gameplay, and -- most of all -- the sheer awesomeness of multiple FF heroes and villains teaming up. Even though the plot lacks depth, it’s just cool seeing Cecil, Tidus, and Cloud adventuring together. Although Dissidia is a fighting game, it’s definitely not for the Street Fighter crowd. But it is an excellent PSP title that’s best for RPG fans that want a little more action and a change of pace.”

Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny - 4/5

"PSP-toting fans of Soulcalibur will want to pick this game up, especially if they are looking for a way to practice their skills on the go, since the gameplay is so similar to Soulcalibur IV. Newcomers will get a bit more out of the game’s tutorial mode, but it isn’t the most fully-featured introduction to the series. Namco Bandai should get credit for nailing the fantastic gameplay, but could have added a bit more content to the game.”

Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days - 4/5

“Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days is, the in most literal sense, a portable version of Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories, the 2006 PS2 cult hit. As we’ve discovered many times over the last couple of years, simply chopping the top and bottom off a console game’s graphics -- or grabbing at both ends and stretching them the other way -- does not suddenly make it fun to play on the go.That said, Dark Hero Days happens to work surprisingly well on the PSP.”

Beaterator - 4/5

“Over the past few years, music-based games have infected the gaming world with tremendous fury. Rockstar Leeds adds another title to the fray with Beaterator. Is it another incarnation of rhythmic Simon Says? Nope. Not even the slightest. To even call Beaterator a game would be a disservice to its potential and what it really is. Beaterator is, by all accounts, a music production suite and a surprisingly robust one at that.”

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars - 4/5

“Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars may not have sparked the revolution in mature games for the DS that Nintendo and Rockstar Games were bracing for, but the sales numbers are largely irreverent to me; Chinatown Wars was one of the best games I've played all year and I'm thrilled Rockstar decided to bring it elsewhere. PSP owners are in for a treat, even if the transition to Sony's handheld proves a little rocky.”

Jak & Daxter: The Lost Frontier - 4/5

“Jak is back! The PS2 icon had plenty of hits earlier this decade, but has been painfully neglected for some time. Thankfully, the latest iteration -- though out of Naughty Dog’s hands for this PSP and PS2-only adventure -- retains the series' charm. High Impact Games (also responsible for the handheld Ratchet & Clank spin-offs) delivers a new adventure with Jak & Daxter: The Lost Frontier. This new game picks up right where Jak III left off, and it’s full of the great 3D action that defines the series.”

LittleBigPlanet Portable - 4/5

“…If you are a fan of LittleBigPlanet, the PSP version should delight and satisfy in many of the same ways the PS3 version did. If you are new to the franchise, then the PSP game is a fantastic introduction. It’s an elegantly crafted, artistically vibrant and wonderfully inventive adventure that has endless replayability thanks to the hefty level editor and ability to share and download new levels via PSN. There are a few frustrating control issues, and it’s far less challenging than the PS3 version, but overall, LittleBigPlanet is every bit as deserving of your time as its console cousin.”

Nintendo DS

Another year, another series of big game development gambles. From the under-the-radar FPS action of Moon and Grand Theft Auto’s DS debut to a game that let you scribe your own way to play, there’s been no shortage of great DS games to check out. That includes follow-ups to fan favorites Professor Layton and Mario & Luigi.

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars - 5/5

“It’s a great comfort to know that Rockstar Games not only makes great games, but understands what makes them great. Chinatown Wars is the culmination of years of work as well as the spirit of ingenuity to bring one of the biggest series to the smallest screen. Nothing in the game feels half done or forced. If anything, the game feels like a development team having fun with a concept. Everything from being able to ram police cars, rampage missions, the touch screen mini-games, and even the story has this sense of fun underlining every bullet fired. Even if you are not a fan of the series, you will be doing yourself a favor by taking this tiny terror out for a spin.”

Moon - 4/5

“Moon makes good use of the DS's abilities and provides a distinctive mix of action and adventure. The game wouldn't make it on the PSP, or other more powerful machines, but you'll be hard pressed to find a better recent shooter on the DS.”

Rhythm Heaven - 4/5

“For a Nintendo-developed game, Rhythm Heaven is a surprisingly challenging title that requires a keen sense of timing. Yet its lighthearted humor and whimsical design draw you back for more despite the frustrations. Let's face it, you're not often asked to dropkick vegetables into a knapsack, fuel robots with Kool-Aid, or help concert-going monkeys clap in unison. The unusual art style, so-bad-it's-good music, and sheer variety of activities are not to be missed, unless of course, you've been known to have a tin ear and two left feet.”

Dragon Quest V: The Hand of the Heavenly Bride - 4/5

“The goddess be praised. Fans of classic role-playing games have a lot to be thankful for. Square Enix’s re-releases for the Nintendo DS have kept us up to our kilts in amazing retro gaming experiences. The release of Dragon Quest V: The Hand of the Heavenly Bride, the latest in a long stream of old-school gaming goodness, marks the first time the game has been released for Western audiences. And it’s well worth playing for anyone that has affection for the way Dragon Quest games tell a yarn.”

Scribblenauts - 4/5

“Warts and all, it's hard not to love Scribblenauts. For every puzzle I'd skip while scratching my head, another had me feeling like the smartest man on the planet. It's difficult for a puzzle game to balance challenge with personal accomplishment, but Scribblenauts succeeds enough times that it doesn't feel like an accident. Plus, it's hard to dislike a game where you can ride a dinosaur and summon black holes. I mean, c'mon.”

Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box - 4/5

“Professor Layton & The Diabolical Box, Level-5’s follow up to last year’s Professor Layton & The Curious Village, continues the tradition of giving players challenging puzzles to solve and compelling mysteries to uncover. The puzzles are varied and plentiful, the cinematics are even more stunning than before, and there are a host of new mini-games. In other words, it doesn’t take a world-renowned detective to realize that this game is fantastic.”

Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story - 5/5

“The previous Mario & Luigi games have been must-purchase titles for Game Boy Advance and DS owners, and Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story is no exception. If you have even the slightest affinity for the various characters in the Mushroom Kingdom or for light-hearted RPGs, this game is worth your attention. It’s too good, too fun, and too funny to miss.”

PC

Say what you will about console gaming, there are some experiences that can’t be replicated with a controller -- honorable mention to Halo Wars for trying. In 2009, gamers got their hands on sequels to some of the finest PC games of the decade, including Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War, The Sims and the Total War series. Also, no matter what anyone tries to tell you, play Dragon Age on PC unless your rig can’t handle it.

Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War II - 4/5

“It’s been a long time coming, but Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War finally has a proper successor. It’s not perfect, as anyone who enjoys the resource management side of strategy gaming will be turned off by the gung-ho style here, but it’s no different than most of the earlier Warhammer 40,000 titles out there. So, if you’ve been following this franchise you won’t want to miss out on this latest installment – even if you decided to skip the last few expansion packs.”

Empire: Total War - 4/5

“Empire: Total War is a completely encompassing experience that offers oodles of offline gameplay, entertaining online battles (and supposedly co-op, soon), and no shortage of challenge whether you’re playing against human or AI opponents. And, with its frequent quotes and tie-ins to historical events, it’s thoroughly educational, too, adding another element of appeal for fans of the era. The slow pace and broad complexity make it a game for only those who like to swim on the deeper side of the strategy game pool, but if you aren’t afraid to dive in this game is not to be missed.”

Demigod - 4/5

“Designed by the company responsible for such wildly divergent franchises as Dungeon Siege and Supreme Commander, Demigod is part strategy, part action, and part role-playing game. This potpourri approach to game design is a risky one, one that is sure to frustrate those looking for an undiluted take on their favorite genre. In Demigod, there's not enough management for a strategy game, not enough character customization or progression for a role-playing game, and not enough freedom for an action game. And yet somehow, perhaps through divine influence, Demigod rises above the sum of its parts and manages to be addictively fun.”

The Sims 3 - 4/5

“Try to explain The Sims to someone who's never played it and you're likely to be met with the same incredulous expression: a raised eyebrow, a disdainful shaking of the head, or a blank stare. This is followed by some variant of "more work than fun." Truth is, mopping up floors, cleaning toilets, and taking out the trash aren't exactly the stuff dreams are made of. On a basic level, play is akin to setting up an aquarium, picking decorations, introducing some fish, and watching them blow bubbles. If you aren't a tinkerer at heart, you probably aren't a fan of the series. The Sims 3 doesn't try to convert the non-faithful, opting to polish and streamline 2004's The Sims 2 instead of moving the virtual life genre significantly forward. It's more a nudge than a push.”

Spore: Galactic Adventures - 4/5

“Gamers just looking to expand their universe may be better off waiting at least for the number of missions to start building up. Spore Galactic Adventures may not add that much in terms of overall content, it does allow for more variety. Honestly, it won’t bring people back to Spore, but it will keep those already in the game glued to their tiny ship for awhile longer.”

Aion: Tower of Eternity - 4/5

“Aion is definitely a refreshing looking MMO; online gamers tired of certain other franchises will initially feel like they’re really doing something new. Of course, after a few hours it’ll become apparent that there isn’t much radically different here, but it’s all very well polished, very well balanced sameness. It’s partially a shame that gamers won’t experience the Abyss until they’re a fair distance into the game, but that should help to prevent those newbs from rushing in, getting creamed, and signing off in disgust. Overall it’s perhaps not the completely refreshing experience some might be looking for, but one worth experiencing just the same.”

Come back tomorrow to check out the recap of multiplatform and downloadable games!

Just Cause 2 Release Date Announced

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:02:00 -0800

Open-world action game Just Cause 2 will be available for purchase on March 23rd, 2010, in North America.

We've been holding our breath for a long time for Just Cause 2; originally, the game was announced for a Christmas 2008 release. Judging from what Square Enix says, it will be worth the added wait. Just Cause 2 features over 1000Km (400miles) of South East Asian island landscape in "one of the richest, most realistic game worlds ever seen." Terrain includes snow-capped mountains, beaches, dense jungle and arid deserts.

Now as long as there's a great game that takes place in all that open-world space, we're all set. I don't know about you, but I would rather play a game that takes place in a "linear world" but has an awesome story and exciting gameplay than play a game with minimal story but a huge map.

Of course, in a perfect game, a big, interesting map and exciting story co-exist in awesomeness-- Fallout 3 did it perfectly -- so let's hope Just Cause 2 can hit that sweet spot.

Check out this brand new gallery of pretty, pretty screenshots!

Square Enix Doing Cinematics For Deus Ex 3

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:16:00 -0800

Square Enix has announced that the first collaborative effort between the Final Fantasy publisher and the (fairly) recently purchased Eidos Interactive will in fact be Eidos Montreal’s next installment in the Deus Ex franchise.

As Square Enix general manager Stephane D’Astous told Edge Online, “Deus Ex 3 is going to be the first project which will be a concrete product of joint effort between Square Enix and Eidos. The cinematics—by which I mean any CGI pre-rendered cinematics — are going to be done in Tokyo by Square Enix, and that's going to be amazing."

D’Astous went on to say that the Square team is especially excited about the project since it will be their “first project…that’s a non-Final Fantasy title – they even want to work on Thief 4 too, so everyone is really excited.”

When I think of Deus Ex cinematics, the first thing that comes to mind if the opening of Deus Ex: Invisible War, because I can still remember being floored by it (When that goo melts down that guy's arm and goes on to consume all of futuristic Chicago? Come on!). So the thought of Square Enix creating “at least the trailer and the introduction cinematic” has me thoroughly intrigued.

I haven’t thought about Deus Ex: Invisible War in a long time, but I remember really digging it. Am I misremembering?

Source: Edge Online

Black Friday Gaming Deals Round-Up

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:34:00 -0800

If there’s one thing gamers love it’s getting quality games on the cheap, and that’s why we’ve gone ahead and compiled the following list for you (with some help from TheBlackFriday.com, and Black-Friday.net), and highlighted some of the deals being offered at several major retailers on the upcoming Black Friday at the end of the week. I've whittled the lists down to what I felt were the most noteworthy, so expect to see plenty more deals than the ones listed if you decide to brave the crowds. Before I get to the full list though, I want to turn the spotlight on some of the deals that caught my eye, because the lists can kind of blend into one another after a while, and really, I'm just here to help.

By far, the best deal from any of the following retailers is Walmart’s “doorbuster” offer of a 120GB PlayStation 3 bundled with Infamous, Batman: Arkham Asylum, and The Dark Knight on Blu-ray for $299. Of course, if you have either game or the movie already, you probably won’t think it’s such a good deal, but as far as straight-up bang for your buck, this bundle wins. A close second would have to be Best Buy’s 120GB PS3 bundled with Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time and LittleBigPlanet Game of the Year Edition for $299.

The 120GB Xbox 360 Elite bundle being offered by Best Buy is impressive too, because it comes with LEGO Batman: The Video Game, Pure, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2, WALL-E, Sonic the Hedgehog and Spider-Man: Web of Shadows, all for $299.

Game wise, there are tons of great deals. Best Buy is offering Brutal Legend, Dragon Age: Origins, FIFA Soccer 10, Left 4 Dead 2, NBA Live 10, and Need for Speed: Shift for $34.99 each, Fallout 3 for $20 and BioShock on PC for $5. If for some reason you haven’t picked up Grand Theft Auto IV, head over to Walmart and grab it for $10. And while you’re there, definitely think about picking up Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 for Wii, NBA 2K10, or Madden NFL 10 for just $25 each.

As you can see, there tons of great deals out there, and all you have to do is read on to find out where you'll be spending your money this Friday. Savings ho!!!

$20 Gift Card w/Any DSi Game System Purchase
Assassins Creed (PC Game) $4.99
Bash Party (Wii) $14.99
Bioshock (PC Game) $4.99
Brutal Legend (PS3) $34.99
Brutal Legend (Xbox 360) $34.99
Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood (PS3, Xbox 360) $19.99
Civilization IV (PC Game) $4.99
Cooking Mama (DS Game) $9.99
Cooking Mama (Wii) $14.99
Dragon Age: Origins (PS3/Xbox 360) $34.99
Fallout 3 (PS3/Xbox 360) $19.99
Far Cry 2 (PC Game) $4.99
FIFA Soccer 10 (PS3/Xbox 360) $34.99
HAWX (PS3/Xbox 360) $19.99
Left 4 Dead 2 (Xbox 360) $34.99
Madden 10 (PS3, Xbox 360) $34.99
Marvel Ultimate Alliance (Wii) $14.99
My Sims Kingdom (Wii) $9.99
NBA Live 09 (Wii) $9.99
NBA Live 10 (PS3/Xbox 360) $34.99
Need For Speed: Shift (PS3, Xbox 360) $34.99
NHL 10 (PS3, Xbox 360) $34.99
Nintendo DSi Brain Age Bundle (White) w/$20 Gift Card $169.99
Nintendo DSi Mario Bundle (Metallic Blue) w/$20 Gift Card $169.99
Pikmin Classic (Wii) $14.99
Rayman Raving Rabbids (Wii) $9.99
Resident Evil 5 (PS3, Xbox 360) $19.99
Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena (PS3, Xbox 360) $19.99
Sony PlayStation 3 Package w/120GB Console, LittleBigPlanet and Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time $299.99
Spyro (DS Game) $9.99
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl (PC Game) $4.99
The Bigs 2 (PS3, Xbox 360) $19.99
Wii Ski & Snowboard (Wii) $14.99
World Of Warcraft (PC Game) $4.99
Xbox 360 Elite 120GB Bundle w/ Four Pack Game Set (includes Pure, LEGO Batman: The Video Game, Sonic the Hedgehog, WALL-E, Spider-Man: Web of Shadows and Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2) $299.99

AC/DC Track Pack Free w/Rock Band Purchase
Batman: Arkham Asylum (PS3, Xbox 360) $39.99
The Beatles: Rock Band (Xbox 360) $49.99
Borderlands (PS3, Xbox 360) $49.99
Buy 2 Get 1 Free On All Pre-Owned Games and Accessories
Call of Duty: World at War (PS3, Xbox 360) $39.99
Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood (Xbox 360) $19.99
Crisis Core: Final Fantasty VII (PSP) $9.99
Dead Space (Wii) $19.99
Dirt 2 (Xbox 360) $49.99
Dynasty Warriors 6 (Xbox 360) $19.99
Forza Motorsport 3 (Xbox 360) $39.99
Gears of War (Used) (Xbox 360) $9.99
Grand Theft Auto IV (PS3, Xbox 360) $19.99
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (PS3) $29.99
Guild Wars Trilogy (PC) $24.99
Guitar Hero 5 (PS3, Xbox 360) $39.99
Guitar Hero: Aerosmith (Used) (PS3, Xbox 360) $7.49
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (Used) (PS3, Xbox 360) $4.99
Guitar Hero World Tour (Used) (PS3, Xbox 360) $14.99
Halo 3: ODST (Xbox 360) $39.99
Left 4 Dead 2 (PC) $29.99
Left 4 Dead 2 (Xbox 360) $39.99
LEGO Rock Band (Xbox 360) w/Free Lego Keychain $49.99
Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (PSP) $19.99
MySims Agents (Wii) $19.99
Naruto Shippuden Ninja Destiny 2 (DS) $19.99
NCAA Football 2010 (Xbox 360) $49.99
Need for Speed: Nitro (Wii) $19.99
Need for Speed Shift (Xbox 360) $39.99
Nintendo DSi Limited Edition Brain Age Bundle (includes Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Sudoku, Brain Age Express: Math, Clubhouse Games Express: Card Classics, Photo Clock) $169.99
Nintendo DSi Limited Edition Mario Bundle (includes Mario vs. Donkey Kong, Dr. Mario Express, WarioWare: Snapped!, Mario Calculator, Mario Clock) $169.99
Nintendo DS Lite Pre-owned System $59.99
Nintendo DS Original Pre-owned System $49.99
Prototype (PS3, Xbox 360) $29.99
PS3 120GB Holiday Bundle with LittleBigPlanet and God of War Collection $299.99
Rainbox Six: Vegas (PSP) $9.99
The Sims 3 (PC) $29.99
Spore Hero (Wii) $19.99
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Smash-Up (Wii) $29.99
Tekken 6 (Xbox 360) $39.99
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (Used) (DS) $19.99
Wii Sports Resort with Free second MotionPlus Controller $49.99
World of Warcraft Battlechest (PC) $19.99
World of Warcraft (PC) $4.99
Xbox 360 Elite Holiday Bundle with three games (includes LEGO Batman and Pure, plus either Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Game of the Year Edition or Bakugan: Battle Brawlers) $299.99
Xbox Live 3 Month Gold Card $19.99

$25 Nintendo gaming coupon with any DS system purchase
Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines PSP Entertainment Pack w/ Assiassin's Creed II for PS3 $199.99
Batman: Arkham Asylum (Xbox 360) $39.99
Brutal Legend (PS3, Xbox 360) $39.99
Dirt 2 (PS3, Xbox 360) $39.99
Dragon Age: Origins (PS3, Xbox 360) $39.99
Forza Motorsport 3 (Xbox 360) $39.99
Halo 3: ODST (Xbox 360) $39.99
Left 4 Dead 2 (Xbox 360) $39.99
LEGO Batman: The Video Game (DS) $14.99
Need for Speed: Shift (PS3, Xbox 360) $39.99
Nintendo DSi bundle w/ five pre-installed games $169.99
Spore Hero (Wii) $29.99
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Smash Up (Wii) $29.99
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 (PS3) $39.99
Xbox 360 Elite Bundle (includes LEGO Batman, Pure and Halo 3: ODST) $299.99

$10 Gift Card With Select Video Game Purchases
$20 Gift Card With Any DSi System Purchase
Animal Crossing (Wii) $27.00
Assassins Creed II (PS3, Xbox 360) with $10 Gift Card $59.99
Batman: Arkham Asylum (PS3, Xbox 360) $37.00
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PS3, Xbox 360) with $10 Gift Card $59.99
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Super Elite Xbox 360 System Bundle with $50 Gift Card $399.99
Call Of Duty: World At War (Wii) $27.00
DSi Game System With Free $20 Gift Card $169.99
Guitar Hero 5 (Wii) $37.00
Halo 3: ODST (Xbox 360) $37.00
Marvel Super Hero Squad (DS) $17.00
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 (PS3, Wii, Xbox 360) $37.00
Need For Speed: Nitro (Wii) $27.00
Need For Speed: Shift (PS3, Xbox 360) $37.00
Rock Band (PS3) $7.00
Star Wars: Clone Wars Republic Heroes (PS3, Xbox 360) $37.00
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash Up (Wii) $27.00
Wii Sports Resort with $10 Gift Card $49.99
Xbox 360 120GB Elite Bundle (includes LEGO Batman and Pure) with $50 Gift Card $299.99

Dead Space: Extraction (Wii) $24.99
Forza Motorsport 3 (Xbox 360) $34.99
Halo 3: ODST (Xbox 360) $34.99
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 (Nintendo DS) $17.99
Need For Speed: Shift (PS3, Xbox 360) $34.99
PSP Accessories 50% Off
Spore Hero (Wii) $24.99
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash Up (Wii) $29.99
Xbox 360 Arcade System With Carrying Case And Three Games $229.95

NBA 2K10 (Xbox 360) $25.00
Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (PS3) $25.00
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 (Xbox 360) $7.00
Grand Theft Auto IV (Xbox 360) $10.00
Madden NFL 10 (PS2) $25.00
Midnight Club: Los Angeles (Xbox 360) $10.00
MX vs. ATV: Untamed (Nintendo DS) $10.00
Need For Speed: Undercover (PS3) $10.00
Nintendo DS Lite $98.00 *
Nintendo Wii Value Bundle With Console, Remote, Nunchuck, 2 Games And An Extra Set Of Nyko Controllers (Online Only) $249.00
Over 30 Games For $25
Over 40 Games For $10
Over 50 Video Games For $7
Playstation 3 Console with Infamous, Batman: Arkham Asylum, and The Dark Knight on Blu-ray $299.00
Rock Band Special Edition (PS3, Xbox 360) $50.00
The Godfather II (PS3) $10.00
The Sims 3 (PC/Mac) $25.00
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 (Nintendo Wii) $25.00
UFC 2009 Undisputed (Xbox 360) $25.00
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 (PS3) $25.00

Electronic Arts Committed To Pandemic Brand, Announces Mercs Inc

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:17:00 -0800

In the middle of writing up a story about superannuation discovering an early video for the currently unannounced follow-up to Mercenaries 2: World in Flames, Electronic Arts decided to make the whole situation official. Mercs Inc, which EA says is very much a working title for the project, is currently in the early stages of development at Pandemic's "new home" within EALA.

Mercs Inc will be the first Pandemic-branded game from EA following Pandemic's official dissolution. It will be produced internally at EA but carry the Pandemic branding.

EA released no details on Mercs Inc, but the leaked video suggested the next game would adopt a focus on cooperative and competitive multiplayer amongst more than two players.

It's currently unknown how many of the original Mercenaries team are on this project.

Far Cry 3 Confirmed And Looking "Pretty Exciting"

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:16:00 -0800

To the shock and awe of no one, Ubisoft has revealed that it is currently working on a third installment in its acclaimed Far Cry series, CVG reports.

In an interview with the Official PlayStation Magazine, Far Cry 2 writer Kevin Shortt said that while he wasn’t personally working on Far Cry 3, "I know the team…and what I’ve seen looks pretty exciting."

While I wouldn’t expect anyone from Ubisoft to say the game looks amateurish and will surely establish residency in the heart of Suckberg, it’s good to hear the game is progressing nicely at this point. I contacted Ubisoft to see what they have to say about the game, so I’ll update if I hear anything.

Source: CVG

LEGO Indiana Jones 2 Parody Video: The Last Crusade

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:39:00 -0800

The latest installment in the LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues series of parody videos finds the game's blocky cast intercut with the high intensity tank sequence from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. If you thought Nazis falling off cliffs was adorable before, wait until you see it in LEGO form.

Watch Larger Version | Watch HD Version

Responding To Your Counter-Arguments To My "No Russian" Criticisms

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:25:00 -0800

I knew there would be a heated response to my argument last Friday that Infinity Ward and publisher Activision did not provide enough of a detailed warning about the "No Russian" sequence in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Even though I stated multiple times the sequence represents an important milestone for the medium, many readers disagreed with my criticism that players should have been allowed the option to better learn what was potentially "disturbing" and "offensive."

I wanted to highlight some of the counter-arguments readers made and respond to them today.

"But really, how often in any form of media are you told what potentially disturbing content is included? ... Its not Infinity Ward's job to let us know what is included in the game. Good job for warning us because undoubtedly many would find it extremely disturbing but they don't need to go beyond that." -- Hyuzen

You make a good point. Technically, we don't know everything that we're in for when purchasing a ticket for an R-rated film or watching a violent or sexual TV show. But we're talking about shooting up an airport with virtual innocents. If Infinity Ward wasn't worried some players could be offended, they would have stuck to their guns and let the M-rating speak for itself. By including two "warnings" before the single-player campaign begins, Infinity Ward and publisher Activision were admitting the "No Russian" sequence required a warning that went above and beyond what an M-rating implies.

"i dont understand why this has been such a big deal. what about GTA franchise where innocent people and cops are killed by the thousands. Not only is there no warning there, but there has never been one question raised from that. Its a video game and the sooner everyone realizes that the sooner we can all get on with our lives." -- slobalt

Though the Grand Theft Auto series has always allowed for an overindulgence into violence, until Grand Theft Auto IV, it's arguable whether it was intended to come across as realistic. With GTAIV, the visual fidelity mirrored reality enough that it acted as a personal deterrent to running over the cops of the other mayhem I'd become accustomed to in previous releases. And there have been plenty of questions raised about Rockstar Games' approach to the video game experience. In the case of the buried sex scenes (aka Hot Coffee), that wasn't even accessible by players unless they downloaded a hack.

"it's just a god damn video game.." -- foureyezz

I knew this one would come up. By now, there have been enough headline-worthy moments in games that a line is being drawn in the sand. There are always going to those who look at games as escapism and have no interest in looking at or treating the medium on the same level as others will. To them, these moments will always be countered with the argument of "it's just a video game." Instead of getting riled up over it, I accept the argument works...for some people. It doesn't for me. Games cause me to think, emote, react. If a medium can do that, it's worth a deeper discussion.

"To squash all this bull crap. You need to be 18 to buy the game. If your loser parents buy the game for a child then they should be punished. Infinity ward did the right thing. I love violence in games, I wish all games were developed bye Epic in the violence dept. However I would never let my kids play these games. You can not make people watch what there kids are playing. Besides who cares the average child is watching porn and rated R movies by age 12. It is an unstoppable juggernaut." -- GreedyMcNasty

Kids will always seek out what they're told they cannot have. It's a fact of life. My parents did it, I did it and whenever I decide to have kids, I'm sure they'll try to pull the same stunt. But just because kids are smart enough to go around their parents' backs doesn't excuse a game not providing enough of a heads up for parents simply seekingly knowledge about the product they've purchased okay. Why can't all of that information be in the game itself? We're not talking about removing a level in exchange.

"If you don't want to see this kind of stuff then SKIP THE LEVEL! Stop bitching about something you DONT HAVE TO DO! Its easy to skip anyway." -- thanx4theluv

Here's the problem. At that point, I don't actually know what I'm agreeing to skip. Maybe this is an issue that needs to be addressed by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board, but it's worth noting when a game that already has an M-rating feels the need to warn the player about a piece of potentially "offensive" and "disturbing" content with no description of what makes the content potentially "offensive" or "disturbing," yet that very information is disclosed on the ESRB website.

"How about those people with half a brain to take half a second to see if they're offended and/or disturbed, pause the game, and choose to skip it? This is the internet, I've done it with lemon party, g0atse, and tub-girl. Not once did i sit there for 20 minutes staring at the picture and thinking to myself "Hmmm, this stuff is offensive to me, fox news should know about this and condemn the creators and stir up a bunch of controversy. There should've been a warning before the picture is actually displayed asking if I want to skip it or not" -- Magicinabox

All three examples you provided are tricks by Internet pranksters to get someone click on something they know will offend or disgust most people who view it. For the sake of argument, however, I'll stick to what you're actually proposing: turning off the content once you realize "hey, this isn't for me." To Infinity Ward and Activision's credit, having the ability to skip the sequence after it's started was a smart move, as it gives them a way out if someone agrees to view the content and changes their mind. But as I've said before: what's the harm in disclosing that information earlier?

"What affected me was the screams, they were so lifelike and real. It didn't stop me doing what I was doing but it was chilling that what me and my squad were doing was causing so much fear and terror. See I'm not a writer but that seems like a hard thing to convey in a paragraph of text to highlight the scene. Now should Infinity Ward instead spoil it completely and show them a section of the mission? It still wouldn't work since as a 3rd party when watching the leaked footage, nothing affected me not even the screams as I was not in control. There is a deffinate difference here between watching/reading and actually doing it, something I don't think an optional spoiler could even express." -- Greenbirdo

You're absolutely right. A paragraph of text wouldn't have the same effect as actually playing the mission. But it does provide someone who's curious to know what they're in for. If you aren't forced to look at the spoilers, what harm does it do...except give people options?

Have something to share? Have a news tip? E-mail me. You can also follow me on Twitter.

Left 4 Dead 2 Patched On PC, Addresses Online Issues And Performance

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:49:00 -0800

Valve is not a company to sit around twiddling their fingers. As with most games these days, Left 4 Dead 2 didn't come out of the gate "perfect," but Valve has already issued a patch for the PC version to address some issues that users have been reporting. Gamers who purchased Left 4 Dead 2 will automatically see the patch applied when Steam is booted up.

The major changes in this patch include...

Fixed performance problem when rendering lots of decals, notably when fighting tanks with shotguns
Fixed rcon response not working on Linux dedicated servers
Fixed matchmaking problem matching into Advanced and Expert games
Fix bug that would cause other specials to try to pummel a player a Charger disconnects or reconnects
Fixed versus mode results panel being cut off in transition stats screen in non-english
Found games: fixed non-player entries drawing the wrong type of icon in the selected item name label
Game mode selector on main menu now takes keyboard input

This Week's New Releases -- Tekken 6 PSP, Scene It? Twilight

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:33:00 -0800

It's Monday, and that means it's time once again for us to take a look at some of the new releases hitting store shelves this week.

Considering how wild the past few weeks have been in terms of releases, it's hardly surprising that this week is...well...a bit light in the new releases department. Tekken 6 fans looking for some portable fighting can now do so thanks to the PlayStation Portable version of the popular franchise. If you helped Twilight: New Moon rake in boat loads of cash this past weekend, then you might be interested in checking out Scene It? Twilight for the Wii. Fans of the wildly popular Dance Dance Revolution series can now test their vocal prowess with Konami's Karaoke Revolution. And just in time for Thanksgiving, Ubisoft is releasing the fitness title, Your Shape: Featuring Jenny McCarthy.

PlayStation 3

Karaoke Revolution

Click through to see new releases for Wii, Xbox 360, PSP, Nintendo DS and PC

Wii

Xbox 360

Karaoke Revolution

PSP

Tekken 6

Nintendo DS

Fighting Fantasy

Twin Sector

Mass Effect 2 GameStop Pre-Order Bonus Items Trailer

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:17:00 -0800

Last month, BioWare revealed that gamers who pre-order its upcoming sequel Mass Effect 2 at GameStop will receive two rather choice bonuses: Terminus Assault Armor and the M-90 Blackstorm heavy weapon. Well, now GameStop has released a little trailer for the items, and while I’m usually against this whole “exclusive items for pre-ordering” business, the M-90 demonstration has me questioning that belief.

Watch Larger Version | Watch HD Version

Dark Void Mixed Combat Trailer

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:36:00 -0800

Check out the Dark Void mixed combat trailer below. The game will be out on the PlayStation 3, 360 and PC in mid January.

Watch Larger Version | Watch HD Version

Word is, Brad Pitt is developing a Dark Void film already. Strange, given that the game isn't out yet. How can Pitt and Hollywood in general know that people will be "into" this enough to warrant a film? Readers... are you down with Dark Void enough to go to a Dark Void movie?

Modern Warfare 2 Outsells Call of Duty 4 On PC

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:36:00 -0800

According to Infinity Ward’s creative strategist Robert Bowling, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 for the PC "outsold the PC version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare in its first week," thereby making it "the most successful PC version" to date.

Clearly, Gamasutra has been duped by Bowling’s IW forum post, because as we all know, countless PC gamers boycotted the game and vowed not to buy it because of its lack of dedicated servers. And when people boycott something, especially the most highly anticipated game of the year and the sequel to a game that said boycotters supposedly loved to no end, you know there is nothing that will make them change their minds.

That is unless some crafty hacker finds a way to access the game’s developer console, thereby allowing people to play multiplayer via dedicated servers. Of course, accessing the dev console means people can cheat, and since games played on these "servers" are somehow technically still legit, there are a whole bunch of cheaters out there with some mighty impressive looking stats at the moment, but I guess that's cool with everyone. Although, as Destructoid reported last week, it’s only a matter of time before IW at least tries to put a stop to all of this.

For now though, it seems that all those people who vowed never to give Activision another cent, unsurprisingly, ended up doing so. Well done, boycotters. Well done.

Any previous Modern Warfare 2 boycotters end up buying the game after word spread about the dedicated server hack?

Source: Gamasutra