Mark of the Ninja (XBLA) - Never Before Seen Trailer & Ninja Gaiden Tribute Art!!!

If you've been paying attention to my "future reviews" section then you'll know that I've had Klei Entertainment's new XBLA game "Mark of the Ninja" listed for quite some time now. As usual I've gotten the game ahead of the release date, and have been working hard at completing it so that I can deliver a proper review. My playthrough is currently still an ongoing process, but I promise that I'll deliver my review soon. Until that time I have a very special Never-Before-Seen video to share with you that showcases bonus costumes, and new ninja tools. I also have a Twitter link that shows of some "Ninja Gaiden" mash-up/tribute art. You'll find links to both below. If your interested in getting the game it will cost 1200 msp, and will be released on the XBL marketplace today. I suggest that you at least give the game a chance by sampling the trial.

Mark of the Ninja - Costume & Tool Trailer

Mark of the Ninja - Twitter Ninja Gaiden Mash-Up Art

- Brad (OtakuDante) -

Kung Fu Strike: The Warrior's Rise (XBLA)

When I first watched the preview trailer to Kung Fu Strike: The Warrior's Rise months ago I couldn't really make heads, or tails of it. To me it looked like a an old school 3D brawler with slightly dated graphics. Regardless of my obvious biased opinions of the game I went forth with my request, and 7Sixty accepted it. I'm definitely grateful that they gave me the opportunity to review their game. As a reviewer there's nothing more exciting than venturing into uncharted territory such as a pre-release game offers. After getting the game, and doing as much of the playthrough as I could I found myself stuck between a rock and a hard place. I wanted so much to like the game, but there were some issues that aggravated me to no end. As a result this review will likely reflect some of that frustration, but in a calm manner. Before I get into those details though, please allow me to tell you more about this game.

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!

Blog Update 8/30/2012

Hello Everyone!!!,

I'm glad to see that people are still visiting the blog even with the lack of reviews. As you probably noticed by now I've hit a sort of dry spell. The XBLIG marketplace isn't producing anything noteworthy, and my contacts for the latest XBLA releases are busy at PAX. I should be getting "The Walking Dead ep.3" when that contact returns, so at least you'll have something to look forward too. In the meantime I've contacted a couple of websites who offer skins, and products for controllers and consoles. One of the companies is called "WraptorSkinz". They offer some really cool stick-on graphics for your Xbox 360 controllers as well as other products. I will be receiving a couple of samples from them, and will give you my reviews on the products. As usual I'll be posting photos along with the reviews.

DUST: An Elysian Tail (XBLA): "A Visually Stunning Masterpiece!!!"

Last year during my rise to reviewer fame I found a youtube video featuring a future XBLA game release that attracted my undivided attention. This game of course was none other than Humble Hearts (The Developer) debut title "DUST: An Elysian Tail". I put in my request for the game immediately after watching the teaser trailer. I knew this game was going to be something special, and I could not wait to get it even if I had to pay for it out of my own pocket. Thankfully the developer spared me the expense, and kept true to their word giving me early access to this totally amazing fantasy rpg/platformer. Today I bring to you my review of this breathtaking masterpiece that could very well be the best "Summer of Arcade" title this year!

HYBRID (XBLA): "A 3rd Person Hybrid Shooter"

If a developer were to apply similar gameplay concepts as those from games like "Killzone", and "Gears of War" they'd most definitely wind up with a game like "HYBRID". Staying true to it's title, "HYBRID" seems to borrow a little something from such games as the before mentioned titles. In that sense it's a lot like a hybrid itself. This 3rd person tactical shooter revolves around the scenario of an intergalactic fight for resources that includes an invading alien (Variant) army, and the humans (Paladins) who were thrust into a fight for survival as a result of the invasion. Alongside this reminiscent "War of the Worlds" plot is a unique online 3rd person multiplayer that combines cover-to-cover combat, and territorial domination strategies.

Pinball Arcade (XBLA): "Update"

Well it seems that the developers over at 'Farsight Studios' may have actually been listening to reviewers such as myself. This morning during my routine browsing of the Xbox Marketplace I found a fairly significant update for the "Pinball Arcade" game. This update was 88+ MB in size, and included fixes for the game's visuals, and other things that plagued the quality of the game. After downloading the update I set out to see just how much had changed since the last time I played the game.

"Help Jeremy McGrath Out With His Efforts & Gain An Awesome XBLA Racing Game"

I would like to add my thoughts to the previously posted article ...

Cancer is a scary thing that is unfortunately affecting more, and more people every day. I've had relatives who survived their fight with Cancer for the long haul, so I know what Jeremy McGrath is going through. It think it's very kind of him to offer up his sales money to show support for the organization that helped find a bone marrow match for his wife. In turn I believe his efforts can help others who are looking for a match as well. As far a the game goes it's definitely worth every cent/point. I reviewed the game a while back, and it recieved some much deserved praise from me. If you haven't got the game yet definitely get it. You'll not only be supporting a great cause, but you'll also be gaining a very fun game.

- Brad (OtakuDante) -

"Jeremy McGrath Donates Proceeds From Video Game Sales"

 
 JEREMY MCGRATH TO DONATE VIDEO GAME PROCEEDS TO BETHEMATCH.ORG AS WIFE KIM FINDS A BONE MARROW MATCH

Los Angeles, CA - August 30, 2012 – Last week, Jeremy McGrath announced that his wife Kim has found a much-needed marrow donor as a treatment for her recent Leukemia diagnosis thanks to the efforts of Bethematch.org. In response, Jeremy has pledged to donate his profits from the new video game, Jeremy McGrath's Offroad available now for Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network, to Bethematch.org.

Interview with Robb Rinard, Creative Director Behind "Jeremy McGrath's Offroad"

A while back I reviewed an impressive XBLA racing game called "Jeremy McGrath's Offroad". I actually gave the game some much deserved praise. I had definitely enjoyed my playthrough of the game. Everything from the HD visuals to the actual gameplay were all brilliantly designed. Not long after the review I had talked with my PR contact about an interview he wanted done. I typed it up, and sent it to him. I had almost given up hope on ever getting the interview back, until I just checked my email. I'm definitely glad to be able to bring you this interview between me, and the creative director of 2XL Games. Hopefully the interview will spark your interest enough to at least give the demo a try. Without further adieu though here is the interview ...

Dungeon Fighter LIVE: Fall of Hendon Myre (XBLA)

When I hear the word NEXON I immediately think of mmorpgs. Not only do mmorpg based games pop into mind, but images of anime style characters and fantasy realms also come to thought. In all honesty I've never really followed PC games such as the Dungeon Fighter series too closely, but as an artist and anime fanatic I couldn't help but notice the ads that were placed on the gaming sites I frequent. I've always secretly longed to have a decent gaming PC so I could enjoy such games as the ones NEXON has produced. Even though my desire to game on a PC remains I'm truly glad that NEXON decided to bring one of their free-to-play rpgs to the Xbox 360 console. It allowed me, along with many other non-PC gamers to enjoy the delightful gameplay that the developer has been producing for years.

Zuma's Revenge (XBLA): "Amphibious Retribution PopCap Style"

When it comes down to delivering quality, and family friendly arcade style games no one quite does it like PopCap Games. Over the years I have spent countless hours with my parents, and siblings playing PopCap titles on the family PC. We have enjoyed a variety of different titles from the PopCap universe including games from the Bejeweled series, Plants vs Zombies, the Bookworm series, and even the Zuma series. My family will no doubt continue this trend as more games are released. In retrospect PopCap games have been a huge part of my gaming history. They are one of the few types of games that I will actually play on the PC, and are about the only types of games that my basic computer can handle. With that being said I'm definitely glad that the developer/s of these titles have brought them to gaming consoles such as the Xbox 360. While they were great on the PC, they are many times better on the Xbox 360.

Frogger Hyper Arcade Edition (XBLA): "Konami Revitalizes A Classic & Does It Right!"

If you're an oldschool gamer like myself then you've most likely spent at least some of your time playing the classic Frogger game. The first time I actually played Frogger was on one of those ancient PCs that are now as obsolete as obsolete can get. I recall playing Frogger at a school my Mother was teaching at during my childhood days. It was one of those fond gaming memories I'll likely never forget. I think that encounter with Frogger was actually the first time I had ever gamed on a computer, and is part of the reason I got interested in computers in the first place.

Anyways in a haphazard sort of way my point is that some games, regardless of their retro beginnings still have a flicker of life left in them. This is definitely the case with Konami's re-imagining of the classic Frogger game. They have once again breathed life into this almost forgotten classic. Not only did Konami revive Frogger, but they also did it the right way. Aside from the classic Frogger goodness that most of us know you'll find some additions to the game that make it many times better than it was to begin with.

Blog Update 7/8/2012

Greetings all my loyal readers! By now you've likely noticed the header/title change on my blog. While I've always been partial to my original blog name of "OtakuDante's Gaming Inferno" it seemed a little cliche to me. I wanted an blog title that was both catchy, and innovative without necessarily using my username as a part of it. My plans are to stick with the new title of "The Oni Xpress". It has an epic oriental ring to it that implies what I'm all about, hardcore press coverage. The header you currently see will most likely not be the final product. I have asked a good friend of mine (@MasterBlud) to design a more professional banner/header for me. I'm confident he'll make something worthy for my blog.

Spelunky (XBLA): "Spelunky Goodness With a Next-Gen Presentation""

First, and foremost I would like to thank Derek Yu for the code. ("Thank you so much!") He endured my persistent hounding, which I now feel very sorry for. He seems to be a very nice guy, and was unfortunately put into a situation where fake reviewers were spamming him with code requests. Thankfully though he saw through my simple minded request, and gave me the opportunity to review his deeply impressive game. This game of course is none other than 'Spelunky'. Many reviewers have sought it as well as many gaming fans. I'm definitely grateful to have the chance to feature my review of this game on "OtakuDante's Gaming Inferno". Without further adieu though I present to you my review of 'Spelunky'!!!

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. 

The Walking Dead Ep.2: "Starving For Help"

Once again TellTale Games has delivered a horror masterpiece that pushes the boundaries on moral content, and decisions. Lee the hero of the first encounter returns with his handful of acquaintances along with Clementine, a girl who he has sworn to protect. The game itself literally picks up where you left off with the choices you made concerning the various characters still very much intact. Whomever you hurt emotionally, or even whoever you chose to save during certain circumstances will maintain the same feelings that they had since your last encounter. As the title suggests food has become scarce, and the stability of the group of survivors has been put to the test as a result. Trust is truly tested in this horrific tale that will no doubt have the player on the edge of their seats from beginning until the end. You'll find that Lee has to not only deal with new people that come into the picture this time around, but that he also has to try to keep the peace among his comrades. It's a difficult task that will have Lee (The Player) second guessing their decisions on a regular basis.

Jeremy McGrath's Offroad (XBLA)

I'm going to be honest with you guys. I had initially intended to skip this game, because of a youtube video I watched. I usually do not watch any videos, or read any reviews before taking on a game. It's a big no-no for reviewers to do so especially if they wish to begin the review of a game with an unbiased opinion. Fortunately I was still able to maintain a proper perspective of the game regardless of the circumstances. What I found as I did my playthrough of 2XL Game's (the developer) racing title was an extremely fun game that excelled in ways I did not think were possible. This goes to show that you should not judge a game solely based on how it looks in videos, or even on what you hear from others.

Magic the Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 (XBLA)

In my earlier days as a video game journalist for this blog I was able to secure, and post a review of 'MTG: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012". Through my knowledge of the game I was ultimately able to convince the PR of 'Wizards of the Coast' to allow me to review their game. It was a huge step for me to take at the time, and one I definitely enjoyed venturing into. I've been a fan of the MTG card game for a long time, so being able to post a hands-on review of the Xbox 360 version was sort of a dream job for me. When news of the latest edition of the Planeswalkers game was announced I was seriously psyched! I had to try my best to get the game for review so I could see for myself the changes that had been made, and the new additions that were talked about. I also wanted to share what I found with you guys, and gals. Through some persistence, and determination I was able to score a review code close to the release date of the game. If it weren't for my contact I wouldn't be able to do this review, so my thanks goes out to 'Whitney S.'. Thank you for not getting annoyed by my persistent begging, and for getting me the code. I hope you like the following review.

Pinball FX2 (XBLA): "MARVEL PINBALL: The Avengers Chronicles"

Out of all the available XBLA titles I'd have to say 'Pinball FX2' is my absolute favorite. I have spent numerous hours trying to best my friends top scores, and have even entered several of 'Zen Studios' tournaments in the process. Pinball FX2 is the kind of arcade game that never gets old, and is always fun to play. It is a game that I highly recommend every Xbox 360 owner buy. You will definitely not regret it. You'll find that each, and every table/set that has been released has been of top quality. While some tables are better than others none of them are horrible. This is also true for the latest set of 'MARVEL PINBALL' tables ("The Avengers Chronicles").

As a reviewer I have been very fortunate to gain the support of the developer of Pinball FX2. To be able to review each and every table set that has been released has been one of the best highlights of my job. With that being said I would like to take a moment to thank Mel Kirk for his support. "Thanks Mel!". Getting back on track ... This latest set of tables features various tales from the 'Avengers' universe, and also includes new table designs and innovations that have never been seen in an arcade style pinball game. Out of all the 'MARVEL PINBALL' sets I think Zen Studios has outdone themselves this time around with "The Avengers Chronicles' pinball set. Each table in the set is not only unique, but is extremely well made. I found that I absolutely loved three out of the four available tables, and that the fourth one wasn't that bad. Without further adieu though allow me to share with you what 'MARVEL PINBALL: The Avengers Chronicles' is all about.