SHOGUN 2: TOTAL WAR

It's been over a decade, and The Creative Assembly is still burning the midnight oil with the Total War series. Rather than continue to build on previous versions of the revered strategy series and make bigger and more complex games with each release, Shogun 2: Total War is being slimmed down. It'll be a more manageable, focused game with some cool mechanics for progression on the battlefield. Also, considering the original Shogun is one of the most respected entries in the franchise, it's nice to a return to Japan with some updated visuals.

CRYSIS 2

Crytek's been at the forefront of graphical achievement for years now. Crysis is still one of the first games people install when they get new hardware, even though the game came out in 2007. Now the company is finally developing something multiplatform. Not surprisingly, it's a shooter. Perhaps to the dismay of some PC purists, it sounds like the core Crysis formula is being altered somewhat to create a more funneled, streamlined experience. But honestly, is that really a bad thing? For now we can't really say for sure.

Crysis 2 Trailer

No More Heroes: Heroes' Paradise Review

No More Heroes revolves around Travis Touchdown, a loser who lives in a motel in Santa Destroy. After meeting a girl in a bar, he takes on a job to earn some cash. Using a weapon identical to Star War's lightsaber, he's in pursuit to become No.1 assassin in the UAA (United Assassin Association).

After killing your first target Travis becomes no. 10 and discovers, it's kill or be killed in this profession. From here on out it's more than about money and an obsession to become No.1.
When your not killing ranked assassins, Travis can roam Santa Destroy to gather his entry fee for the next fight. The cities not designed to be sophisticated, as other sandbox worlds but instead  a diversion from combat.

Money can earned by mowing lawn, completing fight challenges, and opening dumpsters with money to name a few. With your budget you can purchase new clothes, upgrade your weapon and train at the gym to inflict more damage.

Scattered around Santa Destroy are collectibles called  lovikov balls, which are easy to find in the most obvious places. Another object to find is dumpsters, with either lots of money or a new t-shirt for Travis. You can ride around the city in a custom motorcycle, which has nitrous installed.

L.A Noire Announced for PC

PC gamers can rejoice, as Rockstar's latest IP is heading to the PC this fall (Autumn), with graphical enhancements and 3D Support. Other functionalities include Keyboard remapping and support for gamepads. The PC version is being developed by Rockstar Leeds, known for developing GTA: Liberty City and Vice City Stories on PSP.

Exceptionally new facial capture technology was used for the game, called MotionScan. The technology allows actors/actresses to breathe life in characters like never before. Allowing gamers to judge their performances from the cheekiest smirk to a twitchy eye.

So far L.A Noire has approximately sold 4 million units, around the world and is the fastest selling new video game IP in British history. L.A Noire is set in 1940's LA, through the eyes of Detective Cole Phelps. The Crime thriller has you solving crimes, by investigating crime scenes and suspects for clues and motives. Cole will rise up the ranks solving cases inspired by true events, on the cold, corrupt streets of LA.

Age of Empires: Age of Mythology Concept Art

Age of Mythology Concept Art Medusa

An all time favourite franchise of many RTS (Real Time Strategy) game players, the Age of Empires series has spawned some classic titles, among them Age of Mythology. Featuring mythical creatures and heroes from ancient civilisations like the Atlanteans, Egyptians and Norse it had a range of fantastic characters and objects which make an excellent study of concept art.  Representing such iconic figures as gods like Zeus, creatures like Minotaurs and heroes like Bellerophon, it’s associated concept art is excellent.

These excellent pieces of early-stage concept art from Age of Mythology show pre-computerised images of some of the key mythical characters and beings in the game.  Coming right from the pen of the artists these images show some of the earliest representations available and when contrasted to the final in-game assets show a remarkable similarity as well as themes that have changed as the game develops.

Notice in particular how medusa has a much more glamourous and attractive appearance than is typical and to that which made it into the game.  The Kamos (minotaur-like creature) was selected to display because of the detail in the drawing showing how scale is determined and calculated for different characters even in the early design stages of a game’s creation.  You’ll see also the contrasting and uncertain concept designs for the minion character.

With a particular emphasis on the Atlantean civilisation (heavily Greek themed) some of the concept pieces displayed demonstrate the apperance of some of the most classical mythical heroes and creatures.  The Hydra shows a high level of detail in it’s shading and dragon-like appearance (much more angular than the rounder version in the game) while Atalanta looks as regal as appeared in-game.  The Bellerophon piece is interesting not just because in the game he appeared on Pegasus but also because it gives us an insight into the design process via the approved submission badge.

Cyclops displays much different lower body attributes than in the game but retains a familiar upper body. The Odysseus image is one of the most impressive pieces showing fantastic detail in the armour and 2 alternative options for his head (helmets).  Theseus also shows great detail with annotation

For more information about Age of Mythology and to download a larger set of concept art pieces see here.

Shadows of the Damned Review

The creators of Resident Evil and No More Heroes collaborate once again, delivering their most ambitious title yet; Shadows of the Damned. Players step into the shoes of Garcia Hotspur, a demon hunter who's girlfriend (Paula) is kidnapped by Fleming (King of the underworld/hell). On a rescue mission to save Paula, Garcia must dismantle the underworld in search of Flemings Castle.

Mafia 2 Review

Mafia 2 is an epic story of friendship, money , betrayal and risks. Whilst climbing the ranks of the Mafia, in 1940/50's America. Life hasn't treated Vito very well, our protagonist arrived in America living in poverty. In search of a better life, he turns to crime with childhood friend Joe. After a botched attempt at robbing a jewellery store, he serves the US Army as punishment.

Call of Juarez: The Cartel Preview

Ubisoft's popular series Call of Juarez returns, retaining the theme of the wild west but in modern day. Call of Juarez: The Cartel is the third entry in the franchise, being developed by Techland for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

The plot revolves around the Mexican drug cartel, who are thought to be outlaws in present day. Murdering people in the name of drugs and money, with total disregard for the law. To put an end to their ways, a special task force is formed. Comprising of a fierce LAPD cop named Ben McCall, Eddie Guerra a DEA agent with gambling habits and Kim Evans, a FBI agent with a gang affiliated past.

World of Warcraft Concept Art 1

World of Warcraft Concept Art 1

Warcraft is the most successful 3D fantasy MMORPG and has taken the fantasy art style as it’s own and used it to great effect in creating a successful persistent world.  It’s artists have recreated in excellent detail the landscapes, venues, objects and characters of fantasy literature and has met such success that it is now the most successful fantasy online game with millions of people across the world playing it every month.

Call of Juarez: The Cartel Preview

Ubisoft's popular series Call of Juarez returns, retaining the theme of the wild west but in modern day. Call of Juarez: The Cartel is the third entry in the franchise, being developed by Techland for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.