Weekly News Roundup: 13 May 2012

Happy Mother's Day (to those moms who read this)!  I know I missed last week, not really sure what happened there.  So, without further yammering, here's a few news stories of the last couple of weeks that caught my eye!

PixelJunk Sale

Those who know me personally (or are astute in reading this blog) know that I'm a mostly a PS3 gamer.  With that in mind, there is an awesome sale going on this week on the PSN:  PixelJunk titles are on sale.

The tower defense fun of PixelJunk Monsters

I don't just mean "a couple of bucks off" on sale.  You can get three titles for $2!  That's PixelJunk Eden, Racers 2nd Lap, and Monsters for $2.  A personal favorite of mine, PixelJunk Shooter, is also $1, while the sequel is $5 along with the offshoot (haha, puns) PixelJunk Sidescroller.  If you are a PS3 gamer, just go and spend a couple of bucks on these titles.  Most are phenomenal.  Even if you don't get into some (like Eden because it's different), you still have great titles!  Go!  Go now!

Weekly News Roundup: 29 April 2012

I know this is going up two days early, but I've got a mini-vacation this weekend to visit a friend recovering from cancer.  So, I'll post this up and be on my way out for a long weekend.

Review: Space Chem

Space Chem

PC (Steam)

Publisher: Zachtronics Industries

Developer: Zachtronics Industries

Release Date: 2 March 2011

Every now and then, an Indie title comes along that does nothing by the books and isn't afraid to be a niche title. Last year saw the release of a title like that: Space Chem. Games like this are so much more than the description as a “Casual, Indie” title with “Over fifty mind-bending puzzles” as Steam has it. Some folks would see the “Casual” bit and keep on walking. Or, they might be intrigued by it and think, “Yeah, I like Bejeweled!” Both options would be mistakes. This game is like nothing you've ever played. And it is strangely and awesomely addictive for it.

Making water: so simple

Weekly News Roundup: 22 April 2012

Another week down, another step closer to the title dump that is May.  We've got a lot coming in the next few weeks even after the sudden and troubling delay of Risen 2.  With that, on with the weekly news dump!

Review: Mass Effect 3

Mass Effect 3

PC, Xbox 360, PS3 (reviewed)

Publisher: EA

Developer: Bioware

Release Date: 6 March 2012

The end has come for my Commander Shepard. She has fought long and hard for both the Human Alliance and the galaxy at large to slow the assault of the Reapers. She has made friends, changed lives, and above all made choices that have all come their conclusions. All but one. And that choice stands before her, with all the glorious journey behind her only one thing remains. She does what she always has done, what is going to save the most lives at the cost she can justify. She makes her choice, and the tale of my Shepard comes to a close. And what a glorious journey it has been.

Shepard and Reapers reach their final battle

Dishonored Finally Unveiled

Arkane Studios has a game coming, and it looks to be a doozy.  This mix of Half-Life, Assassin's Creed, and Deus Ex looks sensational!  Dishonored is the story of man falsely accused of murdering his Empress.  Throughout the game, players will use their magic, cunning, and assassin skills to right the injustice done.  Players can use any combination of powers, skills, and the environment to get the job done.  Check out the first trailer below.  Granted, it is all CG and not gameplay, but you get the idea.

The debut trailer for Dishonored

Personally, I've been excited since Game Informer did a cover story on the game.  I love Steampunk, and the dystopian world smacks of Charles Dickens.  How can you go wrong with dystopian Steampunk?  (Let's just forget Damnation ever happened, shall we?)  Oh, and it has armored guards on stilts.  Stilts!  These guys are like primative AT-STs!

The guards are pretty terrifying in their walkers

No solid release date yet, though it is slated for a "2012" release.  Look for it on PC, Xbox 360, and PS3.