Listen in as Patrick and two special guests talk about what they’ve been playing as well as what games they are most looking forward to this year.
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Since it’s launch, the Playstation 3 has struggled to penetrate the market the way that both the Nintendo Wii, and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 have. While any number of reasons can be pointed to for the less than stellar sales figures that the PS3 has experienced, Sony’s first party titles have in no way factored into the formula. Names like Uncharted, Warhawk, Heavenly Sword, and Motor Storm – all first party games – have wowed owners, and non-PS3 owners alike. Well, you can add one more name to that list… inFAMOUS.
Sucker Punch, the studio that brought you the Sly Cooper series on the Playstation 2, has created a brand new I.P. from the ground up. SP’s inFAMOUS is a super hero story centered around an everyday bike messenger who goes by the name of Cole. With the lack of back story or comic book tie-in, Sucker Punch has successfully created a story that is accessible to any gamer interested in jumping into the shoes of a super.
Players are introduced to the story of inFAMOUS through beautifully rendered comic book story windows. The narrative begins when a package that Cole is delivering explodes leaving Empire City – the game’s world – a mess, and Cole in a coma. Cole awakes from the coma to find the city devastated, and discovers that he has an electrical power which he can use to wreak havoc on the game’s inhabitants, or help reclaim the the world in which he lives.
Empire City is a living, breathing open world not much unlike GTA’s Liberty City. As Cole you are given free reign to run about the world interacting with NPC’s, scaling massive buildings, and completing missions. At first glace the game’s parkour-like approach to maneuvering throughout EC, may draw Crackdown comparisons, however a little hands on time will show the gamer that the control scheme is somewhat of a mixture of Crackdown, Mirror’s Edge, and Assassin’s Creed. When Cole leaps to, or from a building he will automatically stick to the next mountable piece of environment if you are in fact close enough to said object.
Combat is handled in a few different manners – you can perform hand to hand combat, which for it’s part works really well, or you can use one of your electrically charged super powers. The standard electrical attack functions much like a gun does in a shooter with the weapon making way to the Cole’s arm, and bolts taking the place of bullets. The on screen reticule works wonderfully, and makes taking out enemies a breeze.
Probably the most compelling aspect of inFAMOUS is the choices that you are given throughout the game. You can approach each of the game’s scenarios from a multitude of angles, but one way or another you have to chose whether to play as good, or evil. Depending on the path that you take, the game will unfold differently – Cole will have access to either good or evil powers, the cities inhabitants will fear, or learn to trust you, and ultimately the game’s story will be effected.
Through the development powers of Sucker Punch, Sony has published yet another game that gives those without a PS3 a reason to purchase one. inFAMOUS is one of the most fascinating, and fun to play titles to come out, not only this year, but possibly this console life cycle. If you’re still on the Playstation 3 purchasing fence… here’s one more reason to jump on board.
Listen in as Patrick, Yuoma, Eric, and Thomas discuss what they’ve been playing as well as talk about their most memorable boss battles.
Hosts In: Patrick Adams, Yuoma, Eric Bouchard, and Thomas Pine
Music By: Manuel Marino
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Listen in as Patrick, Thomas, and David talk about whatever is on their minds as well as what they’ve been playing.
Hosts In: Patrick Adams, Thomas Pine, and David Lange
Music By: Manuel Marino
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Listen in as Patrick, Tom, and Eric talk about what they’ve been playing as well as the topic of video game piracy.
Hosts In: Patrick Adams, Thomas Pine, and Eric Bouchard.
Music by: Manuel Marino
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Join Patrick and Tom for a special edition podcast where they break down the recently released Nintendo DSi as well as give their thoughts on it’s future.
Hosts In: Patrick Adams & Thomas Pine
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Listen in as Patrick, Eric, Tom, and Yuoma talk about what they’ve been up to as well as what they’ve been playing. Also join us for the second segment where we talk about the future of the site and how we want the readers and listeners to be involved.
Hosts In: Patrick Adams, Eric Bouchard, Thomas Pine, and Yuoma.
Music By: Manuel Marino
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If the video game industry has taught us anything over the past few years it’s that gaming is no longer just for kids. While, this has always been obvious to gamers it seems as if accessory manufacturers have had a difficult time embracing this reality. Case in point: walk into any video game retailer and try to find a case for a DS Lite or PSP without it having a goofy picture of a video game character pasted on it, or worse yet try finding one that will actually protect your $100+ investment. Enter WaterField Designs.
WaterField Designs, a bag manufacturer located in San Francisco, has answered the call of adult gamers across the globe, and has developed a case for the Nintendo DS that not only looks good, but provides unrivaled protection. So what exactly do you get with this WaterField Case?
- Ballistic nylon construction
- Double layer genuine leather flap
- Soft scratch free interior lining
- Game compartments with enough room to carry up to six games
- Spare stylus holder
- Accessory pocket with self-locking zipper
All of this in a great looking package that is customizable to your liking. While most gamers will enjoy the stylized front flap that mimics the DS’ face buttons, WaterField has also provided the option of keeping the front flap as a solid black leather design. The pouch is available in black on black, black and kiwi, and black and pink. The demo unit that WaterField provided for us was the black and kiwi with the cut out style front flap. It’s a great unisex look that’s a perfect fit regardless of your gender.
Easily the most important part of any carrying case is how well it protects the device that you are carrying. With this case there is no need to worry, because it’s built like a tank! The ballistic nylon outside, and double layer leather flap provides enough protection that you will never have to worry about where you take your DS. The rugged, durable outside makes way to a felt-like interior that proved to provide perfect protection during my hands on time with the case. Never before have I experienced the type of protection that WaterField has provided with this product – in fact I enjoyed this case so much that it actually made me want to take my DS with me more often.
The nice compact design of WF’s case does not compromise it’s functionality. Located on the front is three slots with room for two games each, but during my hands on time I found that more than one game in each compartment made for an uncomfortable fit – at least for me. Located underneath the game slots is a tiny sleeve made specifically for carrying around a spare stylus. On the back side of the case is a small, but nice size pouch that will easily fit a few more games, headphones, microfiber cloth, but not much else.
While some may bulk at the $39 price point, I can say without question that this is money well spent. There really is no downside to this case, but if you’re looking for something a tad bigger you may want to try one of WaterField’s many other gadget bags. If every one of WaterField’s products are built this well the only thing I can say is to go check out their full line of products at sfbags.com. Their wide array of bags has you covered no matter what type of device it is that you’re toting around, and the good news… they’re working on a case for Nintendo’s newest DS iteration The DSi.
Whether you’re looking for a case to carry around your MacBook, or you just need something to protect your DS look no further than WaterField Designs. Style, durability, and design all built into one product that’s ideal no matter your age or gender. So, throw out that old DS case, you know the one with the picture of Mario on the front – this is your perfect solution!
Welcome to the 13th episode of the Everyday Gamers Podcast. We apologize for the 2 week break but Patrick Adams had a fire at his house and things have been a little hectic lately. Everyone is safe but a lot of things were damaged so Eric Bouchard will be taking the hosting seat this week along with Tom and Yuoma. Listen in as they discuss what they’ve been playing and also a few movies they’ve been watching.
Hosts In: Eric Bouchard, Thomas Pine, and Yuoma.
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Another year is upon us and with the new year comes the inevitably long list of anticipated games. It already appears as if 2009 is going to be another great year for gamers (and more bad news for my bank account). With titles like Street Fighter 4, Killzone 2, Resident Evil 5, Heavy Rain, etc. – which games are the must have day-one releases?
Have no fear. The staff of Everyday Gamers have compiled a list of games that WE think you should pick up on day one. Read on to find out our picks.
Why is Killzone 2 a day one purchase? Duh… have you seen the videos? No really, this sequel to what was supposed to be “The Halo Killer” seems to be on target to potentially be the best FPS of the upcoming year. Add on top of this the fact that K2 is releasing during a time of the year that is notoriously gaming’s “slow” period, and you have all the more reason to pick up this game at launch. This game also promises to add some incredible online play to the somewhat lacking PSN scene. Many of the early reviewers have stated that this is the most gorgeous game to ever grace the console market. I guess we’ll all have to wait for February 28th (5th if you have early demo access) to find out the truth.
Resident Evil 5
Consoles: PS3 and Xbox 360 – Release Date: March 14th
Any gamer who played through RE 4 will likely proclaim that it was one of their most memorable gaming moments. That in and of itself makes picking up Resident Evil 5 on day one a no-brainer. Capcom is also throwing in coop for this outing, which only adds to the day one anticipation. Throw into the mix an awesome limited edition, likely to vanish off store shelves before the first week is up, and you have a version that collectors (like myself) will want to get their grubby little hands on. Even somewhat dated controls can’t detract from the must have nature of this next gen entry in gamings greatest horror survival series.
Bionic Commando
Consoles: PS3 and Xbox 360 – Releases: June 3rd
Another Capcom title that you need to pick up on day one? Definitely. The truth is that Capcom rarely dissapoints. This full on re-envisioning of the NES classic looks to redefine the limited controls of the original. Free swinging through levels, and what appears to be an incredibly unique online experience makes this a game that I will definitely be purchasing as soon as it hits retailers. It’s not often that we as gamers get the chance to see a classic remade, so this is definitely a game that you’ll want to experience as soon as you get the chance.
Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune was the first game I bought for PS3 and probably my favorite PS3 game behind LBP. Drake’s Fortune brought a movie to life right on your TV screen with an outstanding score and some really great environments. I couldn’t get enough of it. If you haven’t played it you must pick it up ASAP so you will see why this is going to be a day-one purchase for me hands-down.
GTA: Chinatown Wars
Console: Nintendo DS – Release: March 17th
Ever since I heard that GTA was coming to the DS I was siked. After seeing screenshots and videos of Chinatown Wars I am even more impressed. Depending on how it plays and controls (hopefully a lot like Zelda) I think it could be an awesome game. I personally am a huge fan of cel-shaded games so this is always a plus. The mini-games will also add that DS flavor we’ve come to love. I am guessing this version of GTA will outshine the PSP iterations by far. Chinatown Wars is definitely a day-one purchase for me.
The Sims 3
Console: PC – Release: June 2nd
The main reason I am excited for The Sims 3 is because my wife is one of the biggest fans of the Sims 1 & 2. We have all the expansion packs (the ones worth getting at least) and sometimes she can go for 4 or 5 hours without even knowing it’s been that long. This time the Sims is giving us all that good stuff from the start, a living breathing world that we can explore much like Fallout 3 and GTA (maybe not as big). I was really disappointed to hear that The Sims 3 was being delayed until June 2nd but hopefully by then our daughter will be old enough and independent enough for my wife to get some quality time with the Sims.
Bioshock in my opinion was the best game of 2007 and one of the greatest of all time. It was a shame to see it’s accomplishment somewhat eclipsed by the more mainstream popularity of Halo 3 and COD 4. From the moment you step into the lighthouse, players where enveloped by the haunting mystery and tragic beauty of Rapture. One of the greatest places ever created for a video game, the superb art direction and sound design permeated the sunken city with the nostalgia of a lost era and the foreboding destiny that overtook it. The stirring ambiance moved me in a way few games have and the malleable gameplay grew even more enjoyable the longer I played. Though the inclusive nature of the original story has me concerned about how they will introduce a new chapter practically, I am excited more for the sequel than any other game this year. Anyone who doesn’t pick this one up, or for that matter hasn’t played the first, should have their gamer credentials revoked.
The Conduit
Consoles: Wii – Release: Q1 2009
Built from the ground up using High Voltage Software’s proprietary Wii engine, The Conduit, a modern sci-fi FPS, is a Wii exclusive that has been hand crafted and fine tuned to optimize the system’s full potential. High Voltage made a point of this early on when it released it’s “Quantum3″ tech demo showcasing a variety of effects rendered on the engine. Dynamic lighting, reflections, and shimmering ripples promised to push the Wii’s graphics to the limit. Maximizing the full range and capabilities of the Wii’s motion controls, The Conduit is being groomed as one of the tightest, most immersive FPS experiences ever devised. It’s this obvious level of effort and craftsmanship that demands the attention of every Wii owner. Throw in an awesome art style and an intriguing Half-Life-esque plot involving aliens, conspiracies and shadowy government agencies and you’ve got one of the most promising games of the year. Keep your eye on this one.
Halo Wars
Consoles: Xbox 360 – Release: March 3rd
Created by Age of Empires developer, Ensemble Studios, the unoriginally named Halo Wars looks to adapt the frenetic action of Bungie’s praised FPS into an equally engaging RTS. Eschewing much of the time consuming tedium of micromanagement and laborious resource accumulation, traditional to the genre, Halo Wars seeks to streamline the experience and allow players to focus primarily on combat. It’s hard to argue with a pedigree that includes lineage from one of the most prolific and beloved RTS series, and the namesake of the most acclaimed shooter franchise of this generation. Come March we won’t be finishing the fight, we’ll be starting all kinds of new ones.
Who would have thought you could combine the addictive puzzle game stylings of Bejeweled and cross it with an RPG? D3 Publishers did, that’s who. Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords was a surprise hit, and the creators are back with a whole new take on the series. Gone is the medieval setting, replaced by a new Sci-Fi setting and a whole new take on the puzzle. This time you are dealing with a hexagonal board, with replacement pieces coming in from three different sides. The strategies will be different, but the core gameplay promises to be just as addicting as its predecessor.
Street Fighter 4
Consoles: Xbox 360, PS3, and PC – Release: Feb 17th
After as much time as I have spent talking about Street Fighter 2 recently, this one should come as no surprise. Street Fighter 4 looks to continue the intense fighting that made its predecessor the premiere fighting game in the arcades. Combine that with new characters and absolutely stunning graphics, and you have a game that I will not only buy on the first day, but I will also probably pay for an arcade stick to play. I cannot wait to get my fireballs and lightning kicks on.
Alpha Protocol
Consoles: Xbox 360, PS3, and PC – Release: Summer 2009
For some of you, this one may be coming out of left field. If so, you really need to check this game out. Obsidian Entertainment has been working on this spy RPG for a while, and every time I look at it, it keeps getting better. In Alpha Protocol, you take on the role of Michael Thorton, a spy charged with figuring out who took control of a top secret missile defense system and used it to shoot down a commercial plane. With a completely immersive world and the option to mold your character to play as one of three spy archetypes (Bond, Bourne and Bauer), this game definitely makes my list of day one purchases.
