The Guildmasters

Not my usual review of a game but this is a completely different experience. Sure, I don’t usually like shooters, unless it’s got something unique and this game is pretty unique.

If you ever wanted to play as a sniper this is your chance. There is no running in with guns blazing, it’s a purely sniper type game, and it’s pretty realistic too. I love it.

You have several different types of sniper rifle, a pistol, and a knife. You can throw the knife if your close enough for a silent kill.

The story line is good and it makes sense, your basically after a target, a high profile target. After your first failed attempt you have to complete several Acts trying to locate him and get the job done properly this time.

Easy mode is a good mode to start with so you can get used to being stealthy, crawling through the grass, hiding, scanning the area and working out the best time to take the shot.

Hard mode is exactly what it says on the can, it’s really hard, you can get killed with one shot and you really do have to be well hidden, and extra stealthy. This game is for patient players who don’t mind sneaking around and taking skillfully planned shots, one at a time.

Multiplayer online is very good, plenty of maps, a good selection of game types including team deathmatch, capture the flag, and deathmatch.

If your going for platinum in this game believe me when I say it’s going to take some time, kill 250 players with the pistol and 2,000 players with the sniper rifle so expect a long game if your going for platinum.

I hate war games and shoot em ups but like I said previously, this one is totally different, a true game for snipers, and I don’t mean lots of gunning and running, there is none of that, it’s totally sniping which makes for a refreshing change.

I give this game 9/10 for it’s originality, not fantastic on graphics but certainly good enough for you not to worry about them, and realistic story with plenty of play hours.

Tony:)

Yes the highly anticipated game that many players have been waiting for is finally on the horizon.

White Knight Chronicles 2 is available from August 30th in the U.S. and can be pre-ordered now from Amazon.

Game Description

From Japan’s top developer Level 5 come an epic high production RPG with stunning visuals and over 30 hours of original gameplay. This follow up to the original White Knight Chronicles includes new features fans demanded and the return of its signature combination of single and multiplayer role playing. Experience the thrilling finale to the epic battle between light and darkness and awaken to your true calling as you unlock the true powers of the Incorruptus, a giant powerful knight from the ancient Dogma wars.

Features:

* Signature combination of single player and multiplayer returns allowing players to share characters from your single player game in multiplayer
* 2 games in 1! This game includes all the content from the first game with improved and enhanced features of the sequel adding up to over 100 hours of combined gameplay
* Improved gameplay mechanics that fans demanded makes battles more fast paced and dynamic
* Character can now select new skills and spells such as dual wielding weapons to make characters more customizable
* For the first time ever, create and customize your very own Incorruptus that you can use in both single and multiplayer modes

Hi all,
I’ve just been notified of the latest update from Sony, although they are not online as yet it doesn’t look like it will be too long now.

They have been testing all week and you can now sign in to install the latest update which is required for when they do go live again, you can download and install this latest update now via the PS 3

As well as this latest news I also read that the attackers/hackers used Amazon ‘cloud’ to launch their attack from, this was not from Amazon themselves I must say, the hackers just used Amazon.

Hopefully we will be able to play again very soon. Also in the news was that many PS3 owners are trading in their systems for Xbox 360’s, 200% more trade-ins than normal in fact, it’s a shame.

Tony:)

As mentioned in a much earlier post on the blog Dragon Age 2 is now upon us, releasing March 8th.

While browsing the playstation store I noticed one of the new demos was for Dragon Age 2, i’m sure it wasn’t there yesterday but I decided to download it anyway.

The demo is huge, it’s a massive 1804MB and for just a demo that is fairly large, even on my high speed it’s taking a couple of hours, a little disappointing but I can’t wait to try it out. I just have a good feeling about this game, and after playing the first Dragon Age, which was a very cool game, i’m convinced that this demo will only confirm that my purchase will be worth it.

It seems I still have another 10% to download and then it’s got to install but by tomorrow night I should be able to give a first hand review of the demo and also give some insight into some of the features, weapons, abilities etc…

Until tomorrow then, good gaming.

Tony:)

For fans of the Dragon Age Origins this will be a have to. Dragon Age 2-Bioware signature edition is available for pre-order at amazon now. As usual comes with the pre-order price guarantee (meaning if they lower the price by the time your order ships you’ll get it for the lower price).

Here is the item description, also available for the PS3, scroll further down for the ultimate edition of Dragon Age Origins.

Item Description:

Dragon Age II is a single player role-playing game (RPG) for play on the Xbox 360. Epic sequel to the BioWare developed 2009 Game of the Year, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age II continues the adventure with a new hero, Hawke, and utilizes the choices made by the player to affect a story that spans ten years worth of time in-game. Additional game features include: the ability to choose your character’s class and sex, a new cinematic in-game experience, a nonlinear narrative and the ability to import saved information from earlier Dragon Age games.

The Dragon Age II BioWare Signature Edition is only available before January 11, 2011 as an upgrade for pre-orders of the standard Dragon Age II game. This special edition contains loads of additional content, exclusives, and other perks. See the full list of content below.
Dragon Age II game logo
About Dragon Age II

Embark on an all�-new adventure spread across a ten-year span of years with an all-new hero in the multiple award�-winning Dragon Age saga. In Dragon Age II you are Hawke, said to have been one of the few to survive the destruction of your homeland. Forced to fight for survival, you gathered the deadliest of allies, amassed fame and fortune and sealed your place in history, eventually becoming in effect a legend in your own time. But legends are all in the telling.
A female warrior battling enemies in Dragon Age II
Revel in the epic sequel to the 2009 Game of the Year, Dragon Age: Origins.
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Dragon Age II utilizes a nonlinear narrative, taking the form of a story-within-a-story that hinges upon your exploits as told by the storyteller, Varick. Yet like any good storyteller, Varick tends to exaggerate from time to time. When questioned on events related to Hawke, Varick may present a different scenario in which Hawke’s exploits play out. It is within these replays that the decisions of the players hold sway, as their particular versions of Hawke relive these events. Is the player’s particular version of Hawke, male or female? A warrior, a rogue, or a mage? Is Hawke good-natured or something less than a salt-of-the-Earth type? Is romance in the air amongst characters he/she associates with? These choices are all the player’s to make and each affect the the outcome of the story at all levels.
The Dragon Age II BioWare Signature Edition

Pre�-order Dragon Age II before January 11, 2011 and receive an automatic upgrade to the BioWare Signature Edition – a special, collector’s edition version of the game that contains loads of additional content, exclusives, and other perks. This special edition version of Dragon Age II is only available for pre-order before January 11, so pre�-order now. The full BioWare Signature Edition contents include:
Contents of the in Dragon Age II: BioWare Signature Edition
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* A full copy of Dragon Age II for Xbox 360
* A download code for a bonus character and missions
* A downloadable game soundtrack
* An exclusive in�-game digital armory featuring multiple weapons
* Additional downloadable items

Game Features

* Embark upon an all-new adventure that takes place across an entire decade and shapes itself around every decision you make
* Determine your rise to power from a destitute refugee to the revered champion of the land
* Think like a general and fight like a Spartan with dynamic new combat mechanics that put you right in the heart of battle whether you are a mage, rogue, or warrior
* Go deeper into the world of Dragon Age with an entirely new cinematic experience that grabs hold of you from the beginning and never lets go
* Discover a whole realm rendered in stunning detail with updated graphics and a new visual style
* Story-within-a-story nonlinear narrative style

Dragon Age Origins Ultimate Edition details:

* Includes The 2009 ?RPG Of The Year? Dragon Age: Origins, The Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening Expansion Pack, Plus All Nine Additional Content Packs
* Critically acclaimed winner of more than 50 awards including over 30 ?Best Of 2009? awards
* A tremendous $114 value at one low price
* Critically acclaimed winner of more than 50 awards including over 30 ?Best of 2009′ awards. A tremendous $112 value at one low price.

Trying to get you some ideas for players across the spectrum, teenagers and adults alike that are fans of the Harry Potter movies and games will probably be pretty happy getting this one for christmas. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.

If the game is as big a hit as the movie it will sell well and there has already been a decent reduction in price if you shop around.

Game Description:

The time for learning is over. The time to meet your destiny has arrived. The Harry Potter saga builds to its thrilling conclusion in this game based on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I. The stakes have never been higher for Harry, and Deathly Hallows takes the franchise in a new direction centered on furious wand-based combat. You’re on the run right from the start in a desperate quest to destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes. Battle Dementors, Death Eaters, and other powerful enemies with only your wand to help you. Use potions, your Invisibility Cloak, and more while you stare down your destiny as the only one who can defeat Voldemort.

This game is available on PS3, XBox360,Wii and DS

I will add more games over the coming days but if there is a game you would like some more info on before buying just drop me a note here and i’ll see what I can do.

Tony:)

Occasionally I see something unusual that I like so I share it and this is pretty cool as well as what I would call an essential piece of equipment for the PS3, especially if you have more than one controller.

There isn’t much to say about the description, it just does what it says it does, charge up to 4 controllers at once. For $23.30 that’s not a bad deal and it also comes with a lifetime warranty, you can’t really beat that.

I paid $30 for my PS3 remote control and never used it, i’ll definitely get one of these though, as soon as I get a second controller. And if you wished they did a two controller charger they do, which is probably the one I would get, lets face it you don’t really need 4 charging at once, you can only really use one at a time.



This one at $9.99 is well worth it, probably more so than the previous one, charges two controllers at the same time, plug in to USB and it even has a blue LED indicator to let you know the charging status.

Ok no more sales talk, let’s move on to more gaming discussion.

Tony:)

Will also be available on PS3 and Wii. Lord Of The Rings Aragorns Quest for all you LOTR fans out there, here is the story:

Take up the sword and become the King of Men in this adventure that lets you live the Lord of the Rings trilogy through the eyes of Aragorn. Experience his greatest quests and most heroic deeds as you begin as Strider, Ranger of the North, and rise from the pages of legend to sit on the throne of Gondor. Wield his bow, sword, and spear as you battle the forces of Sauron on foot and on horseback. Fight alongside the Hobbits, Gandalf, and other characters from J.R.R. Tolkein’s fabled stories in a family-friendly journey through the world of Middle Earth.

I’ve seen the official trailer for this game and it’s not too shabby, lord of the rings fans will undoubtedly purchase this one. The graphics were quite impressive although I couldn’t tell if this was from the PS3 or PS2, it would be a game that I would personally rent as I’m not a huge fan of the LOTR games but I would play this one.

Tony:)

Yes, the long awaited arrival of Final Fantasy VIII is actually within our reach, in stores on March 9th you can, as always, pre-order from amazon and this is one game that will be worth the price tag of $59.99, at least to the thousands of Final Fantasy fans like myself.

Amazon.com-Exclusive Pre-order Bonus:

Pre-order Final Fantasy XIII and get a PDF of select pieces from the game’s official strategy guide. A link to the PDF will be emailed within 10 business days after the release date. Offer valid when shipped and sold by Amazon.com. Promotion valid on all existing pre-orders. Amazon reserves the right to change or terminate this promotion at any time.
Read below for even more detailed info on the game.

The Story:

Cocoon — a utopia in the sky. Its inhabitants believed their world a paradise.
Under the Sanctum’s rule, Cocoon had long known peace and prosperity.
Mankind was blessed by its protectors, the benevolent fal’Cie, and believed that tranquil days would continue forever.
Their tranquility was shattered with the discovery of one hostile fal’Cie.
The moment that fal’Cie from Pulse — the feared and detested lowerworld — awoke from its slumber, peace on Cocoon came to an end.
Fal’Cie curse humans, turning them into magic-wielding servants.
They become l’Cie — chosen of the fal’Cie.
Those branded with the mark of a l’Cie carry the burden of either fulfilling their Focus or facing a fateharsher than death itself.
A prayer for redemption.
A wish to protect the world.
A promise to challenge destiny.
After thirteen days of fates intertwined, the battle begins.

Features:

* Take Part in a Gaming Experience that Sets New Standards – The first in the series developed for a simultaneous release on multiple high-definition consoles, FINAL FANTASY XIII pushes new boundaries in cinematic presentation, sound and gameplay.
* Experience the Unity of Speed and Strategy with the Ultimate Active Time Battle system – The familiar system has evolved, granting players the freedom of executing numerous commands in a single turn with the multi-slot ATB gauge. Whether inputting singular commands in each slot for consecutive attacks, or expending multiple slots at once to activate a devastating blow, it’s up to the players to respond effectively to the battle conditions at hand.
* Adapt to the Ever-Changing Tide of Battle with Paradigms – A brand-new game mechanic enabling players to assign roles to their party members at any time during battle, shifting between combat paradigms. Consisting of various combinations of the game’s six roles, ranging from Commando, the offensive specialist, to Medic, the quintessential healer, paradigms allow players to respond and adapt instantly to any given situation to turn the tide and seize victory.
* Witness the Battle Scene Transform with an All-New Summon System – Introducing Gestalt Mode, a powerful dimension of the summon system that elevates the action to a whole new level. In Gestalt Mode, characters and their transformed Eidolons fight as one, dealing massive damage to enemies through simple button commands.
* Delve into an Emotional Experience – An immersive storyline connects players to an intriguing cast of characters. Will they have the strength to confront their cursed fates, or will destiny prevail over all that they believe in?

Product Description:

From the Manufacturer: From the creative minds behind FINAL FANTASY VII and FINAL FANTASY X comes the latest installment in the critically acclaimed series. As FINAL FANTASY VII was for PlayStation, and FINAL FANTASY X for PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, FINAL FANTASY XIII will be the first numbered FINAL FANTASY title for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360, and will look to once again reestablish the series as the RPG brand. Players will follow Lightning, Snow, and the other heroes who are dealt a hand of fate by the god-like fal’Cie. Cursed and regarded as enemies of society, they have the world against them and nobody to rely on but each other. Will they find the strength within themselves to break free of their curse and determine their own fates, or will they succumb to this higher power? With a story that is sure to connect with players’ hearts, diverse new characters from world-renowned creator and character designer Tetsuya Nomura, and exciting new gameplay features centered around an evolved Active Time Battle system, FINAL FANTASY XIII will be the pinnacle in gaming experiences.

The Characters:

Lightning: This solitary young woman speaks little of herself – even her true name is a mystery. She is known to others simply as “Lightning.”

Vanille: Vanille is an endearing young woman with a relentlessly sunny disposition. Her bright personality gives no hint of the dark resolve that lies within.

Hope: Hope has enjoyed a markedly uneventful youth on humankind’s haven of Cocoon. His life is turned upside down at the hands of the Sanctum’s Purge.

Fang: Fang is a mysterious woman who is working with the Sanctum military despite bearing the mark of the detested l’Cie. She has a strong-minded personality and is unconcerned with trivialities.

Snow: An irrepressible, fiery young man, Snow dives headfirst into danger using nothing but his powerful physique as a weapon.

Sazh: Sazh is a friendly, cheerful man who is never without his curious companions – a chocobo chick and a pair of pistols. He is quick to banter, but also keeps a mature perspective on matters.

Sera: Sera is Lightning’s younger sister and Snow’s fiancee. Always showing concern for Lightning, she has an inner fortitude that allows her to make her own decisions without relying on her older sister.

I look forward to playing this one shortly and I may just write the walkthrough on this one, I don’t think this Final Fantasy is going to be disappointing, it’s been too long in the making and the video footage i’ve seen of it so far, it just looks awesome and very much lives up to previous Final Fantasy Titles.

Tony 🙂

Well I have new game coming on Monday which i’m looking forward to, White Knight Chronicles: International Edition, this game was released earlier this month so i’m pleased to be getting it so early, it sounds awesome as does the story and the playability, if you read further down you’ll see what I mean.

Available at amazon from as low as $20 used which seems more than fair if the game hold up to it’s promises.

First the gameplay:
White Knight Chronicles is a Japanese RPG (JRPG) centered around a turn-based battle system in a local single player story-driven campaign that is supported by online multiplayer functionality. Gameplay questing occurs from a third-person perspective and follows Leonard and up to three other AI companions, which can include the customizable character that players assume in multiplayer mode. Once quest members are assembled, players utilize the strengths of the overall group as a whole, and are able to switch between characters at will. Combat being turn-based, players must be able to cue up and control the actions of each character in quick sequence for each combat scenario faced. The game facilitates this via the Function Palette, located in its Battle Preparation menu, allowing players to prepare in advance a series of commands for each character to carry out. These can involve magic or weapons use and can be merged into combos. Multiple palettes can be saved, making it possible to optimize actions for specific types of enemies, and making for quick changing of commands. As with any RPG, throughout quests players accumulate experience which allows their character to level up, purchase items and abilities and generally grow stronger with an eye towards besting the increasingly challenging creatures, bosses and situations faced.

Want to know more? Here is the story:
The story of White Knight Chronicles is set in the fictional Kingdom of Balandor and follows the adventures of a boy named Leonard who realizes his role in a drama started thousands of years in the past. Working in the proximity of the palace, Leonard stumbles on a plot to kidnap the enigmatic Princess Cisna. As he helps her escape he also becomes aware of his connection to a transformative power which allows him to take on the ancient shape, and harness the devastating power of the White Knight. Yet there are other elements at work here as well, including the forces of an evil wizard with powers that stretch back to the same ancient times which produced the White Knight. With the help of his friends and the power of the White Knight, these are the forces that Leonard will have to face in his quests.

So what about the online multiplayer?
Along with a compelling single player campaign, White Knight Chronicles also contains an exciting online multiplayer component. Within this, up to four players can engage in more than 50 multiplayer quests, with each player creating their own unique customizable character which can be leveled up in a combined group effort, and take advantage of created items and new skills. Although unique to the online game mode, which is designed for multiplayer action, these quests can also be played alone if players wish. In addition to this functionality available in the online multiplayer mode also includes a variety of ways to interact with the wider White Knight Chronicles community on the PlayStation 3 platform. Included in this is town building through the Georama functionality, which allows players to construct a town to their own specifications that can be populated offline with characters from throughout the single player campaign and then taken online where it serves as a base for quests hosted by players, as well as a persistent online location that other players can visit and buy items your town’s population has for sale. The game also offers an online interface known as GeoNet that allows players to communicate with others via blogs, forums, quest logs and voice chat functionality, as well as post snapshots from their journeys using the Crystal Camera in-game tool.

Key Game Features:

* White Knight Transformation – During single player combat players can transform into the giant White Knight, gaining the ability to challenge large enemies as well as troops of soldiers throughout the adventure.
* The Customizable Avatar Character – Using a wide array of sliders and customization options, players are able to create a unique character that can join the adventure in single player mode as well as online.
* Combo Battle System – Engage in an accessible, active turn-based battle system that caters to players of all levels allowing both default attack settings and a system for for maximum damage.
* JRPG (Japanese RPG) Action for PS3 – Experience true JRPG action on PS3 that incorporates a variety of online gameplay elements.
* Beautiful Environments – Players traverse through 13 stages, as well as visit up to six towns/villages to visit and purchase items at shops or interact with NPCs. Stages include lush fields, open desert, vast wastelands, tunnels, and ruins.
* Multiple Playable Characters – Six playable characters are available, with up to three controllable characters on the screen at the same time.
* Build Special Weapons and Items – Combine different weapons and items to create a huge variety of weapons.
* Quests Galore – Engage in 50+ unique online side quests in which players can gain special items along with unique weapons and armor.
* Town Building – Build an online village for your character where you can invite friends to complete quests online and purchase unique items and gear.
* GeoNet – Through the online component, players have the ability to write their own blogs, communicate with other players via voice chat and more.
* Take Snapshots with Crystal Camera – With Crystal Camera functionality players can take pictures during their journeys which can be shared with other players via their GeoNet page.

Here is the actual product description which could have actually been put in the story part:
White Knight Chronicles is an epic fantasy tale about two kingdoms in midst of a longstanding war. The King of Balandor, wishing to put an end to the war, invites the duke of Faria to his castle to celebrate his daughter’s coming of age. But this celebration is sabotaged by the Magi, a rogue sect seeking to steal the White Knight, an ancient weapon of war sealed beneath Balandor castle, in order to take over the world. During the ensuing chaos, a young man named Leonard accidentally unlocks the power of the White Knight as he attempts to save the princess. With this power, Leonard manages to fend off the Magi attack, but not before they escape with the princess. With the kingdoms in chaos, Leonard is entrusted with the mission to find the Magi and rescue the princess. With the help of his trusted companions, they travel throughout Balandor and beyond on a quest to save the princess before the Magi unlock the other knights. The journey is fraught with danger, with Magi warriors at every turn, mythical beasts and monsters to battle, and forbidden powers revealed. As Leonard learns more about the power of the Knight, he realizes that unsealing all of them could trigger a calamity that could end the world.

Ok by now your either bored stiff or your thinking about giving this one a go yourself, if you do drop us a post here and if requested we can even do a play by post right here, let me know ok? Oh yes, i’ve just checked and it appears to be exclusive to the PS3 so hopefully that’s what you have.

Tony 🙂