Mature Gaming » box

Need For Speed: The Run – Review (PS3, 360)

gazzara — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 13:34:12 +0000

Cue, a dark and out of the way scrap yard as a location, the intense close ups of our protagonist recovering from being knocked out, persperation building as he finds his hands taped to the steering wheel of the Porsche in which he is seated.

Tension mounts as the camera shot draws away to his real predicament, one that sees the car being lifted into a compactor, whilst his enemy looks on discussing briefly the reason why our character is in this situation. The base of the story laid out, the tension hanging and the initial key presses to start your escape ala Battlefield. You manage to get out, run to a car with your foes just about to follow you. The conversion from game into pure film form is right there and then ………. loading ……… loading …….loading. The tension is broken, the feeling of what proper film form gave you is gone, washed away in the bleakness of a loading screen and tries hard to claw you back throughout the game but not with much success.

Likes
- Great Concept
- Autolog included
- Frostbite 2 engine
Dislikes
- Handling
- Blockbuster film form doesn’t work

You see, this is a problem that has the gaming industry on its knees as they try to find a way to convey the structure and narrative of film into our gaming worlds and unfortunately, the intervention of a loading screen at key points seems to be the main reason that games just don’t work when played or viewed in such a cinematic way. That’s not to say that narrative doesn’t work, it does and very successfully but when you try to merge two art forms together, it tends to lack somewhere and Need For Speed: The Run has this as its downfall.

The game itself is good and Black Box, through Criterion’s stellar approach to critically acclaimed Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit, have learnt all over again what a Need For Speed game should be about providing break neck gameplay with responsive controls, over a series of roads all running through the incredible Frostbite 2 engine. The now bread and butter overlay of Autolog has also been included to allow for a challenge or two between friends logging speed runs on certain roads and sending them straight to your mates for them to beat.

The game itself can require precision driving at times and is evident very early on in the game as you are being chased down by people that you owe money too. Being able to apply the right amount of power and braking to negotiate the corners to get the required speed out of them takes a little time as you get used to the weight of the car and its distribution through the corners. Beating the train to the crossing, for example, provides for some frustrating moments but once you are out on the open, things start to become more like the Need For Speed we know.

Based on a race across the country from San Francisco to New York, Need For Speed, takes us on an adventure of break neck racing taking in many locations and weather conditions. Some roads are more open and straight whilst others have a lot of bends where your car choice can make a difference between overtaking the required amount of cars to proceed to the next section and having to rack your brain to select the right specs on any of the cars available to tackle the conditions. As well as the standard racing the roads are jam packed with vehicles for you to negotiate but all the while concentrates also on the short cuts that you have come to know and love to reduce those times down and overtake more opponents too.

It may seem simple enough but when you have to negotiate landslides and other tricky conditions that the game throws at you, Need For Speed – The Run delivers enough variety in the gameplay and sometimes the most unexpected times to reward the gamer with a thrill that only the newer Need For Speed titles can deliver and with the focus on big blockbuster action sequences some WTF moments too.

The handling dynamics of the cars themselves seem to have had a personality problem as they cannot decide what they really should be. It feels as though they are firmly in bed between Shift’s more sim handling but has had a bit of a conflict with itself and also tried to add a little of the handling of Undercover too which is not the best relationship. It is a far cry from Need For Speed Pursuit’s excellent handling and suffers a little because of it.

The star of the show, however, has to be the Frostbite 2 engine and everything it creates. The lighting particles and textures in the landscape are as jaw dropping as you expect, creating environments that play well to Frostbite 2′s strengths and doesn’t let up, no matter how busy the screens get.

It is, however, unfortunate that Need For Speed: The Run suffers from these foibles as this is what really upsets the apple cart and makes the game a do i, don’t i proposition. I have to applaud Black Box in trying something different to build onto the rebirth of the franchise, something I do not do a lot, I admit. The cinematics and the attempt to create a blockbuster film like game are sincere BUT games just don’t behave like they should to build up tension within the storyline and this unfortunately is one major flaw in the game.

I had problems trying to find friends that have populated the leaderboards and inevitably is what the games longevity lives and dies on. The ability to try and beat other people’s times. If people aren’t taking up the challenge like they did in Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit then the game will fail despite the great things the title also has to offer.

Need For Speed: The Run demo coming this month

gazzara — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 08:45:25 +0000

Electronic Arts Inc. today announced that gamers will get a chance to test their mettle in an action-packed demo for Need for Speed The Run beginning October 18.

Using theNeed for Speed franchise’s signature Autolog feature, gamers will compete to see who will come out on top and who will be left in the dust as they race through the Desert Hills of California and Independence Pass of Colorado.

In the Need for Speed The Run demo, players will have access to two high-powered supercars including the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni. The second car, the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S, will be unlocked when gamers refer a friend to download the demo, giving them one of first opportunities to get behind the wheel of this 400HP luxury ride. The Need for Speed The Run demo will be available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace worldwide and the PlayStation Network in North America from October 18th to November 1st, and available on the PlayStation Network in Europe from October 19th to November 1st.”

Need for Speed The Run takes gamers on a heart-pounding, high-stakes race that will have them surrounded by a constant feeling of danger. The heat is on and lethal action unfolds as gamers take on the role of Jack Rourke and battle 200 of the world’s most notorious racers for a $25M cash prize. Weaving through dense urban traffic, rocketing down icy mountain passes and navigating narrow canyons at breakneck speeds, gamers will be challenged in this illicit race for their life. Powered by Frostbite 2, Black Box makes its return and takes the action racing genre to new heights with stunning visuals and car physics that hug the road at insanely fast speeds. In Need for Speed The Run, the cars are hot, the racing is intense and the story will have players at the edge of their seat, delivering this holiday’s hottest action racing game.

Developed by Black Box , an EA studio , Need for Speed The Run will be available November 15, 2011 in North America and November 17, 2011 in Europe for the Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii and Nintendo 3DS.

Need For Speed: The Run story trailer

gazzara — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:19:11 +0000

EA have today released a new trailer for Need For Speed: The Run opening up the storyline just a little.

The premise is that Jack is a marked man. Jack has just found a way to save his life. All he needs to do is win an illicit, coast-to-coast race from San Francisco to New York. 3000 miles of driving at breakneck speed is the name of the game.

Max Payne 3 dated

gazzara — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:15:10 +0000

Rockstar Games is proud to announce that Max Payne 3 is expected to launch on the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC in March 2012 in North America and Europe.

“Max Payne 3 gave us an amazing creative opportunity to evolve one of our most iconic characters,” said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. “We’re excited to show fans a modern version of Max that pulls them back into his dark and twisted story.”

Max Payne 3 continues the tale of former New York City detective, Max Payne. Still haunted by the memories of his traumatic past, Max begins a new life working private security protecting a wealthy industrialist and his family in Sao Paulo, Brazil. When gangs target the family under his protection, Max is forced to fight to save his clients and clear his name, in a bid to, once and for all, rid himself of the demons that have tortured him for far too long.

Picking up where the release of Max Payne 2 from series creator Remedy Entertainment left off, Max Payne 3 is a true cross-studio collaboration between Rockstar Games’ global development teams. The game utilizes cutting edge technology for a seamless, cinematic action experience, incorporating the latest advances in Natural Motion physics and a brand new iteration of Rockstar’s own Rockstar Advanced Game Engine. The result offers highly-refined gameplay, with an extensive range of realistic weaponry, an intelligent cover system and sophisticated Bullet-Time mechanics.

In addition to an expansive single-player campaign, Max Payne 3 will be the first title in the series to introduce an addictive multiplayer experience. Max Payne 3’s multiplayer aims to deliver a compelling experience that dynamically alters maps and mode progression for all players in a match. Along with traditional multiplayer modes, Max Payne 3 will also include a deep reward and leveling system, persistent clans and multiple strategic load-out options.

For fans looking for a new way to enjoy the classic Max Payne, Rockstar Games is happy to announce that Max Payne will receive the full HD treatment for mobile devices. Available for the first time on mobile, Max Payne will have connectivity to the Rockstar Games Social Club and boast the same features as its PC counterparts — including HD graphics and high-resolution textures that take advantage of the latest mobile technologies, including incredibly customizable controls and support for wired controllers.

Max Payne 3 promises to delivers a dark, gritty action experience that is sure to satisfy newcomers and fans to the historic franchise.

Gallery

EA and Blackbox announce Need For Speed: The Run

gazzara — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 14:31:33 +0000

Get ready to rip up the road! Adrenaline junkies and speed fiends will find themselves on the wrong side of the law this November when they race for their lives in Need for Speed: The Run from EA.

The hottest blockbuster this holiday is a game that takes players on a heart-pounding cross-country race from San Francisco to New York. Launching on November 15, Need for Speed The Run lures players into an underground world of illicit, high-stakes racing. The heat is on – and it isn’t just the fuzz who are after you. Entering the race is just the beginning as you blow across borders, weave through dense urban traffic, rocket down icy mountain passes and navigate narrow canyons at breakneck speeds.

Powered by DICE’s state-of-the-art Frostbite 2 engine, Need for Speed The Run takes the action racing genre to new heights with stunning visuals and car physics that hug the road even at top speeds all built around a gripping storyline. The cars are hot, the racing is intense and the story will have you at the edge of your seat… all the way from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Empire State building.

“This is the year that Need for Speed goes to the next level,” said Jason DeLong, Executive Producer at EA. “We think that Need for Speed The Run is going to surprise people with its intense, thrilling story and big action feel. But the game would be nothing without hot cars and crazy-fast chases. So that is what we’re delivering — explosive racing that will have players flirting with disaster at 200-miles an hour.”

Using the groundbreaking Frostbite 2 engine, Need for Speed The Run will set the bar with unparalleled visual quality and enhanced physics. Need for Speed The Run will also take immersive storytelling to a new level with cutting edge performances that will draw the player into a world with no speed limits, rules or allies. Autolog, the Need for Speed franchise’s revolutionary social competition functionality, is back and better in Need for Speed The Run as it will continue to reinvent how people play games, track career progression and compare game stats.

Developed by Black Box , a studio of Electronic Arts , Need for Speed The Run will be available November 15, 2011 in North America and November 17, 2011 in Europe for the Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii and Nintendo 3DS.

Test Drive Unlimited 2 dated for U.S. Feb 11th for the U.K.?

gazzara — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:51:15 +0000

Atari and Eden have lifted the lid on the release date for Test Drive Unlimited 2 via the Test Drive Unlimited website.

Fans of the franchise in the U.S. can get themselves buckled in for a February 8th release date in 2011. Although there is plenty of news regarding pre order incentives nothing has been said regarding the U.K.

With that in mind and the U.K. receiving their releases three days later I think we can safely assume that barring any holding back of the title that the date for Test Drive Unlimited 2 in blighty will be February 11th. It’s time to book a few days off around that ladies and gents!

We managed to get some hands on time with the game which you can read about here.

Need For Speed World will feature Dolby Axon chat tech

gazzara — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 10:59:00 +0000

Black Box today announced that Need for Speed World will incorporate Dolby Axon voice chat technology before the December holiday season.

Need for Speed World combines the rush of illicit street racing, deep RPG style progression, and vehicle customization into an immersing, socially-connected experience. The game will be featured at Penny Arcade Expo (PAX 2010) in Dolby’s booth, number 612, in the Washington State Convention Center from September 3–5, 2010.

“In Need for Speed World, we’re able to continually update the game with new technology to provide the best MMO racing experience for our players,” said Stephane Grefford, Producer, Need for Speed World. “Working with Dolby Axon, we can give gamers a seamless channel of communication enabling in-game collaboration towards becoming the top racer. We’re excited to be the first title in North America to incorporate Dolby Axon to help enhance our players’ overall racing experience.”

“Dolby Axon helps ensure that communication among team members happens clearly and quickly when racing at over 100 miles an hour in Need for Speed World,” said Matt Tullis, Marketing Director, Games, Dolby Laboratories. “We’re really excited to be working closely with EA in bringing a new level of voice chat to their game.”

By integrating Dolby Axon into online game titles, game developers can provide players with a new level of realism in online gaming:

Improved audio chain processing (noise suppression, echo suppression) for clear voice communication
Surround sound voice chat over stereo headsets, stereo speakers, and 5.1 playback systems delivering realistic and exciting in-game communication with teammates
Compatibility with any stereo headset, enabling gamers to experience clear, crisp voice quality without specialized equipment.

Need for Speed World is being developed by Black Box, an Electronic Arts studio and is available on the PC. More information and details on the game can be found at world.needforspeed.com or follow us on Twitter at NeedforSpeed. Members of the press can download product information and assets at info.ea.com.

Need For Speed World goes live in July

gazzara — Fri, 28 May 2010 15:04:29 +0000

EA today announced that Need for Speed World, the massively multiplayer online action racing game, will go live on July 20, 2010.

Need for Speed World thrusts gamers into an enormous, socially-connected white-knuckle Need for Speed experience featuring an all-new power-up system and deep RPG style progression.

Beginning July 20th, Need for Speed World will be available as a free client download at world.needforspeed.com. The free client gives gamers a taste of the action with access to all races, pursuits and career progression up to level 10.

Players looking for the ultimate experience can purchase the Need for Speed World Starter Pack which includes a credit for £14.99 worth of SpeedBoost, full access up to level 50, a bundle assortment of power-ups like Nitrous and Traffic Magnet to help you get started, and an exclusive limited edition vehicle – all for MSRP £14.99. Owners of the Starter Pack also get the added benefit of being able to purchase items like power-ups, double XP periods and even rental cars starting at just a few cents.

Players who pre-order Need for Speed World will have a one-week headstart to the game on July 13th, with increased Rep (XP) gain for the duration of the headstart event and guaranteed access to all upcoming Need for Speed World beta events. Finally, players will also be able to reserve their driver names in advance of the game going live and have VIP status permanently displayed in their driver profile. Pre-orders are available now at eastore.ea.com or at participating digital retailers nationwide.

Need for Speed World brings together best in class action racing with an unparalleled social experience. Players can compete against any one of their friends, family or pick from thousands of top ranked players to challenge in intense online battles and police pursuits across 150 miles of sprawling open world. Need for Speed World combines new content with the most popular cities from Need for Speed Most Wanted and Need for Speed Carbon to create the biggest, most exciting race world ever released in the Need for Speed universe.

Look out for our hands on impression very soon!

Crackdown 2 releases its final Vidoc

gazzara — Tue, 25 May 2010 15:50:39 +0000

Showcasing the high flying antics that “Crackdown” is known for, Microsoft and Ruffian Games release “Toy Box,” the third and final installment of the “Crackdown 2” video documentary series.

Taking fans behind the scenes of development, the video gives fans an inside look at some of the new weapons, vehicles and explodables they’ll find in “Crackdown 2” when the game releases in Europe on July 9, only on Xbox 360.

In addition to a volatile adventure where Agents fight off droves of Freaks and combat the Cell to restore peace to Pacific City, “Crackdown 2” features one of the most explosive interactive worlds for gamers to explore and experiment with. In “Toy Box,” the team at Ruffian Games reveals a handful of new weapons, vehicles and features that will be introduced in the highly anticipated sequel to the 2007 smash hit. From the armed-to-the-teeth Agency Tank to the limitless possibilities of the new Mag Grenades, players have complete freedom to choose their own adventure within the vast “Crackdown 2” sandbox, providing infinite hours of fun and mayhem, whether solo or with a team of Agents.

“Crackdown 2” launches in Europe on July 9, exclusively on Xbox 360. To help you get ahead of the pack, pre-order “Crackdown 2” now at participating retailers to receive exclusive, in-game bonus armour in four new shades: Gold, Gun Metal, Black and Green.

Fable 3 limited edition details announced

gazzara — Mon, 24 May 2010 08:49:41 +0000

Lead a rebellion, start a revolution, and rule a kingdom in “Fable III”. Microsoft Game Studios and Lionhead Studios present the thrilling new chapter in the “Fable” franchise exclusively on Xbox 360 and Windows.

Action, drama, adventure and humour propel the story as players choose their journey to become King or Queen of Albion.

“Fable III” will be available in Standard and Limited Collector’s Editions for Xbox 360. The Standard Edition will retail for £49.99, while the Limited Collector’s Edition will retail for £59.99. The Windows version will retail for £39.99, and will also be available for download exclusively on Games on Demand on Games for Windows – LIVE.

The Limited Collector’s Edition also offers unique collectibles that true “Fable” fans won’t want to miss, including downloadable content, also available for Windows users, as well as in-box items that come with the Xbox 360 version. Wrapped up in a distinctive box created in the likeness of a book from “Fable III,” the contents include:

A new quest: Uncover the mystery of the haunted forests of Silverpines and earn the legendary sword, Wolfsbane, deadly against wolves and balverines.
Exclusive location: Unlock a new region, ideal for settling down with a family and discovering new treasures.
“Fable III” playing cards: Created by Lionhead, these cards depict every type of character in “Fable III,” including Heroes, royals, rebels and villains from across Albion and beyond.
Guild Seal Coin: The coin features a Good side (blue) and Evil side (red) to assist players in making critical decisions that will impact the fate of the world forever.
A new dog breed: Renowned for its loyalty, the Boxer is a brave canine companion worthy of greatest Queens and Kings.
One unique outfit: Unearth one male and female outfit from the mysterious, faraway land of Aurora, a new destination in your “Fable III” adventures.

“Fable III” sets the stage for an unparalleled action and adventure experience, in which you will be called upon to rise from revolutionary to ruler of Albion. The choices and sacrifices you make while fanning the flames of revolution, and then as you rule as King or Queen, will lead to an ever evolving world of consequences that will be felt across your entire land.