Warp Zoned Presents
Author: Ryan Littlefield
Mass Effect’s Commander Shepard has a face for television
Thaaaat’s right. BioWare is pumping Mass Effect through every media vein available, including today’s announcement of a full-length anime movie. FUNimation and T.O. Entertainment will be working closely with EA and BioWare on the film, which “will bring [the] rich universe to life with the utmost quality and the same attention to detail that the Mass Effect games are known for.” The Mass Effect anime will be available on DVD and Blu-ray next Summer.
We at Warp Zoned generally love the Mass Effect games, but it seems that the continuous ventures through every available outlet may overwhelm some Mass Effect fans.
But hey, if this is what works for EA, then by all means, seize it, and go with it – especially if it means that Mass Effect 3 will be as well-crafted as Dead Space 2.
Posted in Etcetera, News, PS3, Xbox 360
Tagged Mass Effect
Gameloft jumps on the 3DS bandwagon
Although many 3DS customers may have heard of Asphalt 3D – a 3DS launch title, what they may not know is that Asphalt 3D was developed by Gameloft, the New York City-based developer/publisher who has already delivered a slew of games to iOS and other platforms. Gameloft is responsible for titles including Modern Combat 2: Black Pegasus, and Sacred Odyssey: Rise of Ayden – iOS games that are eerily similar to the Call of Duty and Zelda franchises, respectively.
In addition to continuing development for iOS and other ventures, Gameloft recently stated that they plan to take part in developing downloadable games exclusively for Nintendo’s upcoming handheld. The 3DS’ eShop won’t launch until this summer, but Gameloft has assured that many of their titles will feature the 3DS’ StreetPass function, allowing players to compare their scores and stats with passers-by.
The first title to arrive on the 3DS’ eShop will be Let’s Golf! 2, available in the coming months. I’ve got a lurking feeling that we’ll soon see a Gameloft title featuring an overweight electrician who eats broccoli to power up, and is saving a princess from a giant alligator.
Mass Effect 2 DLC makes an “Arrival” on March 29
Commander Shepard just recently made an arrival on the PS3, but now the Normandy has one last voyage to embark on, completing this fantastic second installment of Shepard’s conquests. BioWare recently announced “Arrival,” the third and final DLC pack for Mass Effect 2.
“Arrival” presents Shepard with information regarding an imminent Reaper invasion, an event which has been in the cards since Mass Effect’s start. Returning to the series is fan-favorite Admiral Hackett, who made a prominent appearance in the first Mass Effect game, and is voiced by sci-fi actor Lance Henriksen.
As previously noted, “Arrival” will do just that on March 29th, and will be available for both the PS3 and Xbox 360 for $7.00/560 Microsoft Points. God, I can’t wait for Mass Effect 3.
Posted in News, PS3, Xbox 360
Tagged Mass Effect 2
Sony drums up Patapon 3’s release on April 12
Just pretend for a second that you’ve had enough of the war drums, armies of little doodle-y heroes, and rhythmic button combinations. Okay, now think logically, because there is no such thing as ‘enough.’ Sony knows this, and acknowledges the success of the last two Patapon games with Patapon 3, due out on PSP UMD and PSN April 12th.
Players will take form of the “Uberhero Patapon,” a symbiosis between your character – The Mighty One – and a fallen Patapon soldier. Though the game promises to be quite similar to the last two Patapon adventures, Patapon 3’s development team strived to incorporate feedback received from the players of Patapon 3’s beta.
Personally, I can’t wait to push Square, Square, Square, Circle, and get a move on with my Uberhero Patapon!
Super Meat Boy delivers additional free Grade A content to XBLA
Late last night, Team Meat announced two new chapters for players to complete in the XBLA version of their extravagantly-crafted Super Meat Boy. The two chapters – titled “Expert Remix” and “Cramps” – are totally free for current owners, and collectively feature 40 new levels for players to whiz through.
The expanded levels are encompassed under the name “Teh Internets,” by collecting 15 bandages or completing 40 levels in the main game. 20 of the levels (or half of the content) are user-created, which marks Team Meat’s first release of user-created content. They also stated that more developer and user-created levels will be coming in the future, adding to the game’s excellence.
These levels are XBLA-exclusive for now, but Team Meat has promised that PC gamers will be able to sink their teeth into them shortly.
Check out Team Meat’s page for more info, as well as images of the new stages.
Posted in News, PC, Xbox 360
Tagged Super Meat Boy
Spongebob Squigglepants ‘draws’ a new crowd
I apologize for that headline pun, but really, what do you expect when talking about Spongebob Squarepants? THQ has recently announced an April 2011 release date for Spongebob Squigglepants, a Wii title that will use THQ’s uDraw peripheral. At first glance, the game gives off a Wario Ware vibe, an accurate depiction of what the game promises to bring to the tablet. Erm, table. Ahem.
Players can expect to plow through a series of “nanogames” by utilizing the uDraw’s drawing capabilities. The nanogames begin to increase in speed and skill as time passes, requiring players to complete more difficult actions in the allotted times given. According to THQ, Spongebob will be shown through several never-before-seen art styles, including “Comic Book Bob” and “Pixel Bob.”
Really, it is like Wario Ware. But if you have kids who aren’t old enough to appreciate the deep psychological truth contained in Wario Ware’s odd array of puzzles, pick up a uDraw and check out Spongebob Squigglepants.
Posted in News, Wii
Tagged Spongebob Squigglepants
Arcana Heart 3 gets punched onto PSN this spring
Wow, okay, that sounds kinda painful. No, but really. Hot on the heels of Marvel vs Capcom 3‘s recent release, Arcana Heart 3 may accidentally get overlooked, though it shouldn’t. Aksys has localized the game for release on the PlayStation Network, due out sometime this Spring.
The game will utilize 23 fighters, which includes three newcomers to the series. Ironically but not unintentionally, there are 23 unique arcana types as well, which will be used to match each player’s specific fighting style. Arcana Heart 3 will also be implementing “Simple Mode,” where casual players can get a leg up on the combat. The game will offer a full arcade-style story mode, training mode, and online multiplayer – replete with online leaderboards and ranking systems.
Posted in News, PS3
Tagged Arcana Heart 3
Disney raises the 3DS sail with Lego Pirates of the Caribbean
Ninajas will be stealthily sneaking into the world of Lego soon, but its pirates that will invading the 3DS and staking a claim for minifigs everywhere. That’s right, a version of Lego Pirates of the Caribbean will be sailing to the upcoming 3DS handheld.
Not only does Lego Pirates feature all the fun Lego gameplay that the previous titles did, but most interesting is the Street Pass feature. Street Pass allows players’ sleeping 3DS systems to interact with each other, where players will involuntarily be involved in “Pirate Duels.” Players will be able to select attacks and blocks to be used while the Street Pass mode is on. This makes the Pirate Duel feature seem like a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors, but with more wit involved. Winners of these duels will be rewarded with experience points, which will unlock additional health and power-up bonuses for their in-game characters. This feature is exclusive to the 3DS’ version of the game.
Lego Pirates of the Caribbean will be simultaneously released on the PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PC/Mac, PSP, and 3DS in conjunction with the new Pirates of the Caribbean film, due out May 2011.
Posted in 3DS, News
Tagged Lego Pirates of the Caribbean