The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing Extended Ed. (PS4)

Before I get into the updated options of the extended edition of 'The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing' let me redirect you for a moment to my previous Xbox One review of the same base game. You can click the link here (Van Helsing) to get a good idea as to what I thought of the original console release before hearing me rant again about some of the same issues ...

Van Helsing (as I'm gonna call it) is a game that borrows heavily from Blizzard's Diablo series. It features character gear setups that are not too dissimilar from said gaming world as well as a rarity system that takes in account Blizzard's color coded item and enemy rankings, among other things. There's that, and the overall look of the game which in itself is reminiscent of Diablo on so many levels. When it comes to this particular game though you'll find that it does have it's own mythology, and story that is admirably accented by nonstop voice-over talent that was no doubt costly for the developer to add in. We get to see the son of the infamous monster slayer Abraham Van Helsing do his thing as he follows in his father's footsteps alongside his ghostly female companion, Katarina. It's an adventure filled to the brim with humor, sarcasm, and challenging quests involving the burdened people of Borgova (Borgovia?), and those who would meddle with science and the supernatural.

The extended edition of this quirky dialogue enriched Diablo-like Van Helsing adventure, as it were, is a direct all inclusive port of the PC and Xbox One versions of the same game. Yes, I said "port". It lacks any fixes, and is pretty much a carbon copy of the previous PC, and console versions all the way down to the frame rate stuttering. As far as being "all inclusive" goes I simply mean that the additional DLC of the first game is included at no additional charge. You get the base singleplayer adventure from before which follows closely the exploits of the original Van Helsing's son, and his ghostly companion Katarina as well as the multiplayer tag-along-mode for an online co-op experience, should you feel the need to drag a friend along on the journey. Along with that is the character class DLC (Thaumaturge & Arcane Mechanic), and two new modes of play that extend up the originally offered four difficulty settings (Easy - Hellion) and two campaign types (Normal & Hardcore). Everything from the gameplay to the in-game mechanics, and even the campaign content stays fairly much the same. Those pesky problems I mentioned in my link, they are still there as well. The lack of a guide explaining what you should level up first still hinders early progress as does the abusive hive minded enemy AI which, for lack of a better word, makes for a proper fustercluck. It's a game experience that could have been great, but fell short due to over-complication.

The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing (Xbox One)

This review has been at least a couple of years in the making, if not more. Ever since the mention of "The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing" coming to the Xbox 360, it's canceled release on said console, and it's later releases on the PC platform that is Steam I have waited anxiously to be able to play, and review a console version of it. It looked amazing in the shared screenshots that I viewed, and even in the developer diary videos that I watched which were constantly being posted throughout the game's lifespan. I'm personally a fan of the old Van Helsing lore, and even the questionable movie of the same name that starred 'Hugh Jackman". When 'NeoCore Games' announced that they'd be bringing the monster hunter to life in their own unique way I was stoked (Enter "Bram Stoker" Pun Here). The developers' vision seemed clear, and the gameplay looked promising. Unfortunately this hype that I built up over the years, and the longing to play the game was eventually met with the realization that the game's execution was far from being perfected. It's actually even far from being fully functional, to be honest. I suppose when you build up excitement for so long only to be able to play a version of a game that is so obviously flawed in delivery it adds a sort of salty edge to the deeply cut disappointment that comes with experiencing it first hand. Thus I find myself having to point out the many wrongs that I found among the few rights.

Neocore Games Has Finally Found Their New Hero!!!

I posted an article not too long ago giving you guys & gals the opportunity to vote on Neocore Game's hero for the upcoming action RPG, "The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing". It turns out that everyone who voted felt pretty much the same way I did, and thought that the 'Mysterious Stranger' was badass enough to take on the lead role. In the end this masked monster slayer won the right through your votes to become Neocore's hero. I would like to thank everyone who voted. Be sure to keep an eye on my blog as I'm sure more screenshots, and videos will be released before the game is. I will definitely keep you informed on the latest news concerning this amazing game. Be sure to save some microsoft points as I'm sure this XBLA title will be worth it. If you'd like to wait on my review that is fine as well though. Until next time I bid you farewell ladies & gents!

- Brad (OtakuDante) -

Neocore Games is Looking For The New Hero of "The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing"!!!

Earlier this year (October I think?) I tweeted links to a poll/survey concerning Neocore Game's search for their new protagonist/hero. They offered the fans three distinct interview-like videos featuring animations of each character detailing the characters' views on why they should be the main star of the game. You had the Chevalier who was somewhat arrogant in nature, the fabled Van Helsing himself, and a mysterious masked stranger (my personal favorite) who seemed to be the most badass one of all. As of now there is only one week left to get your votes in. I will leave you a link to the videos as well as a link to the poll/survey in hopes that you will partake of this unique opportunity provided by the developer of the game. I have high hopes for this upcoming XBLA title, and if the screenshots, and gameplay videos are a direct portrayal of things to come then we are definitely in for a treat!

Link to the funny casting video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ekz5j_UqbJ4

Link to the original announcement: http://press.neocoregames.com/newsletter/43

Link to the voting: "CLOSED"


- Brad (OtakuDante) -

The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing: "Rooftop Mayhem Gameplay Trailer"

Rooftop Mayhem Trailer for The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing Released

BUDAPEST – September 5, 2012 – Independent developer NeocoreGames presents a new gameplay trailer for The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing, leading the young monster hunter high above the cobbled streets of Borgova, where strange creatures creep and crawl. Helping out a scientist in need and battling a horde of nightmarish creatures, Van Helsing fights his way through the rusty walkways, majestic terraces and the crumbling chimneys of the rooftop world! You may prepare yourself for a whole array of fantastic foes: the Strongmen, former circus performers; Igors, the once obedient servants of the mad scientists; Stitchfiends, created to annihilate monsters; and the succubus-like Rusalkas!

First Gameplay Trailer For NeoCore's Upcoming "The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing"

First-ever Gameplay Trailer for The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing Released

BUDAPEST – July 3, 2012 – Independent developer NeocoreGames presents the first-ever gameplay trailer for The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing, giving soon-to-be monster hunters their first glimpse of an impressive, larger-than-life clash with monsters, a fundamental element of this upcoming action-RPG. Set in a gothic-noir universe and wrought with wry humor and snappy dialogue, The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing, loosely based on Bram Stoker’s classic novel Dracula, is currently in development for PC and XBLA. 

Neocore Games - The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing (Screenshots)

I learned about Neocore Game's upcoming RPG title "The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing" a few months ago. The game definitely caught my attention with it's unique art style. I'm a fan of RPGs, and anything to do with vampires/monsters. After contacting the developer about doing a review they gladly accepted my request, and added me on their mailing list for info on the upcoming XBLA title. I'm here today to share with you some of the first screenshots that were made available to the media/press. I hope you enjoy the look at this truly amazing game that is set to grace the XBLA library later this year!