Bleep, Bleep. Bloop, Bloop. Video Games. 08-16/22-09

For the week of August 16-22: We talk id’s newest game Rage, new PS3 Slim, XBL Indie game Dust, Shadow Complex releases and Some Kind of Bloop.

NEWS:

Quake-con was this past week and some guys from the id team (Doom, Quake, ect) were kind enough to talk about their newest project, Rage. By the sounds of it, the game is shaping up to be what sounds a little like Fallout 3. An open world, post-apocalyptic setting, mutants, ect. But considering the team behind it, I’m still excited about what’s to come.

Giantbomb.com was able to get a great interview talking about the finer points of the game and the new game engine id has been developing.

id also released a new trailer for Rage. I’m curious how balanced the car combat is to shooting and exploring. The game looks like it’s shaping up nicely but the monster designs still have that same high school notebook monster look they’re known for. Not totally a huge fan, but the world they’re presented in looks really interesting.

The XBL Indie Games scene hasn’t exactly been pumping out anything worthwhile, but considering how young it is that’s to be expected.  After seeing this video, my perspective has definitely changed.

Dean Dodrill has created a 2D brawler style game called Dust, An Elysian Tail and I am astounded with what he’s been able to pull off with the animation and style. Sort of a combination between the old 16-bit Disney classics, the PS2’s Odin Sphere and Devil May Cry. This ‘indie’ game has definitely raised the bar in what is possible in game animation and the 2D world in 2009.

On a side note, 15 odd years ago I wouldn’t have had a second thought of the humanoid animal characters considering I watched Disney’s Robin Hood all the time, but in 2009 in the age of the internet, all I can’t think of are those G.D. furries. Considering how great the game looks, I’m sure I’ll get over it eventually, but damn do I want my innocence back now more than ever.

Sony had a press conference this week announcing the PS3 slim. 1up.com was able to get their hands on a unit and provided a nifty unboxing video. You can head over to the site for more pictures and impressions of the system. What do you think of the new system? $300, 120 gig hard drive. Sounds like Sony is finally keying into that price point sweet spot consumers have been begging for for years.

NEW RELEASES

Finally the day has come. Shadow Complex was released this past Wednesday on XBLA and I can happily report I’ve been having a great time with it so far and by the looks of reviews around the net, so is everyone else. To recap, Shadow Complex is a $15 downloadable title similar to the game style you would find in games like Metroid or Castlevania. Explore the world to find an item to gain access to more parts of the world. The game clocks in between 5-8 hours and all the experience points your character has gained on the last play through carries forward to the next play through and there’s plenty of reason to take another crack at it.

An interesting feature I’d like to mention is the real time achievement tracking. Say there’s an achievement for 5 head shots, after you complete it, the game will notify you on what your friends have accomplished for that specific task so you’re always aiming for that number one spot amongst your friends which adds a lot of scoreboard chasing to an otherwise finished goal.

And to close out this fantastic week I leave you to the smooth 8bit tribute to the classic Miles Davis release Kind of Blue; conveniently titled Kind of Bloop. As sterile as it sounds, I can dig it. Can you dig it? Caaaan you diiiig iiiiit?

Until next week.

Dale can also be found over at www.8bitcyclops.com, looking at design, photography and old video game magazines or follow him on twitter @fatwreck.