Friday, September 7, 2012

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) -

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

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!

Pinball FX2: "Plants Vs. Zombies"

Who needs a George A. Romero zombie survival strategy when you have a garden full of combative plant life that would make the man-eating venus flytrap from Little Shop of Horrors green with envy. Now that I've got your attention with that college level wordplay let me shed some light on the subject of this review. Most of you, by now have either played or heard of PopCap Game's unique horror-survival strategy game, "Plants Vs. Zombies". The game's title pretty much explains it all for those who haven't though. You grow a garden of living/organic plant weapons that act as an at-home defense against the incoming brain hungry zombie invaders. The Pinball FX2 table of the same name follows this simplistic yet oddly complicated plot with it's own take on the core game title. Staying true to the "Pinball FX2", and "Plants Vs. Zombies" experience Zen Studios, and PopCap Games collaborate to bring you a pinball experience like no other.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

March to the Moon (XBLIG): "A Retro Shmup/RPG Hybrid""

I'm a reviewer, and gamer who values true creativity. Truly creative games have sadly become kind of rare in the XBLIG marketplace these days though. You'll notice games that seem to borrow ideas from other's, and near clones of games that have recently been released. As a result of this trend developers of indie games often times flock to simple gaming genres in order to make a name for themselves. You will often see me tweet, or talk about the declining situation of the gaming industry, because of things like these. Regardless of my disgust the marketplace's current creative status I'm still grateful that there are some developers out there who actually produce noteworthy games. Califer Games just so happens to be one of the handful of noteworthy indie game developers that I'm speaking of. They recently contacted me, requesting that I review their latest release of "March to the Moon". I was a little hesitant at first, but it looked interesting enough to review. After playing it for a good while I was glad that I gave it a proper chance.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Death Closet (XBLIG): "A Hardcore Meme Death Frenzy"

I know I've mentioned this before, but I'm a reviewer who likes to buy from the XBLIG marketplace from time to time. If it weren't for the XBLIG indie developers I wouldn't be where I'm at today with this blog. As such I decided to buy a 'Stegersaurus' game that was recently released called "Death Closet". The name was definitely catchy, and the ghastly little dude on the cover art was begging me to buy the game (not really ^.^), so I could not resist. I read the description as usual, and despite that it was obviously one of those "impossible" game titles I ventured forward with my purchase. After downloading the game, and sampling all that it had to offer. I found that this simple game was the first "impossible" title that I actually enjoyed playing.