I received some early code for Dragon Age: Origins for PC from EA a month or so ago and only got to play a little bit of it then. It’s only recently in the process of turning my back a little on the crapfest that is Aion that I’ve really managed to sit down and concentrate on Dragon Age. I can tell you now that it’s a fantastic game and I haven’t had the pleasure of playing an RPG as good as this for PC since Dungeon Siege II.
I decided to blog about the games I play on a more personal level. This is partially because it sometimes gets a little repetitive reviewing games all the time and going along to game previews and beta’s etc. Whilst I love that aspect of what I do, I’m a writer first and foremost and becoming a better writer is what drives me.
Product Specs:
- SteelSeries Z Engine allows full customization of each key
- Pre-defined profiles for more than 150 games
- Anti-ghosting capability: Up to 7 simultaneous keystrokes
- Special gaming key area
- Interchangeable Keysets
- Internal hub with 2 USB ports
How the ZBoard works
This is the first proper gaming specific keyboard I’ve ever used so I’ll be honest and say I am a real noob when it comes to keyboards like the ZBoard. I’ve used gaming keyboards before but none quite like the ZBoard which can be skinned and used specifically for a particular type of game you’re playing, in this case – Aion. This hardware isn’t new so I guess as a gamer, I’m still learning about hardware too, even after all this time. What I can say is that the ZBoard is extremely KICK ASS when it comes to being able to play a game efficiently.
Format: PS3
Release version: Review code (non-retail release)
Distributor: EA New Zealand
Developer: EA Montreal
I have a huge and I mean huge review guide which is literally 47 pages long with tips and guides for reviewing this code for the sequel to Army of 2. And I am trying (no, make that struggling) to remember whether or not I was allowed to even post about this… oops.
Format: PS3
Release version: Retail version
Distributor: Monaco/THQ New Zealand
Developer: Vigil
Christmas brought some nice goodies to my house including Darksiders which I have been totally hyped to play. Although I’ve only played it for a few hours, it really is pretty cool and alot of fun. If you’re a God of War fan, you will certainly see similarities between the two games. There is a whole lot of content in Darksiders that doesn’t have any similarity to GoW at all though, so if action games are your thing, it’s definitely worth checking it out or at least hiring it out for a day.
It’s 2010. And I want things to change starting with my website. Last year I focused my attention on the local NZ gaming community. Whilst my heart will always be there, I’ve decided to be a little more selfish this year. Don’t really care what anyone thinks either. I’ve been doing this a long time and figured well, it’s MY gig so I’ll do it how I want. That means you might not see as many game reviews or product reviews (although if the people supporting me send me things to review, I will certainly do this). Part of the reason I wanted my website to change is because my focus on gaming has changed.
Game Culture will be about my experiences as a gamer. What I like, what I don’t – why I like it and why I continue to be passionate about this industry. You might think that’s boring and nothing new, millions of websites the world over do the same. Well, yes but for me it’s not that easy to be as honest as I’d sometimes like without risking alot. As a games journalist, I rely on businesses and PR people to support me as a writer and editor. When you put down their products (regardless of whether or not you have valid arguments for doing so), it just looks bad. Sometimes it can damage your working relationships (hey Jeremy, remember me lol) and for the most part, alot of journalists have to juggle this every day when they write about video games. Well, this is my space to do just that.
If you’re a distributor and you’re reading this, please don’t hate me for wanting to be a better journalist. If you’re a friend, you’ll know I’ve always been opinionated so it shouldn’t matter and if you’re a gamer, then I hope you will take something from what I offer here. I’ve only ever given to this industry and I will always continue to do so with passion and integrity.
gg my friends and gamer buddies – 2010 awaits and there’s plenty of gaming goodness to be had. See you on the battlefield 
Xenith
Electronic Arts Inc announced that the playable demo for Dante’s Inferno will be available as a free download on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live on December 24. Dante’s Inferno takes gamers on a quest through hell, in an action-packed adaptation of part one of Dante Alighieri’s epic poem, The Divine Comedy. The ‘Gates of Hell’ demo includes the entire opening level and gives gamers a taste of the terrifying odyssey to come in the Nine Circles of Hell as depicted in the full game.
In the demo of Dante’s Inferno, players are introduced to Dante Alighieri’s re-imagined past as a crusader who returns home to Florence to discover his true love, Beatrice, murdered. As her soul escapes her body, she is kidnapped by the dark shadow form of Lucifer. Sworn to her rescue, Dante must journey to the Gates of Hell and beyond to battle undead monstrosities, unholy boss demons, and Death himself. Offering a glimpse into the vast world of Dante’s Inferno, the demo serves as a prelude to the player’s perilous journey to the inner bowels of hell.
“The world of Alighieri’s Dante’s Inferno is such a rich, detailed, and often alarming universe, that all of us at Visceral Games put our hearts, and dare I say souls, into creating something truly intense and exciting,” said executive producer Jonathan Knight. “We hope gamers enjoy this tease of hell, and come away from the experience lusting for more when the game comes out.”
Developed by Visceral Games, the award-winning developers behind the critically-acclaimed Dead Space franchise, Dante’s Inferno is an epic descent through Dante Alighieri’s nine circles of hell – limbo, lust, gluttony, greed, anger, heresy, violence, fraud and treachery. At a blazing-fast 60 frames per second, each circle features unique environments, all new creatures, terrifying demons, story elements and are scored distinctly to set a tone that fits each circle of sinners.
Gamers will get to go to hell in New Zealand beginning February 5, 2010 for PlayStation3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 36 video game and entertainment system as well as the PlayStation Portable (PSP). The Gates of Hell demo will be available on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles.
Dante’s Inferno is not yet rated in New Zealand. For more information on Dante’s Inferno, please follow the Dante’s Inferno team at Visceral Games on Twitter at www.twitter.com/danteteam and visit the game’s official web site at www.dantesinferno.com where the team explores a new circle of hell, with new content and updates on the ninth day of every month.
Distributor: Sony Brand: Logitech Hardware: Gaming Headset Model: G35 Price RRP: $182.00 (price may vary depending on store).
[starreview tpl=16]
This is our first product review at Game Culture and hopefully the first in a long line of gaming products we’ll be reviewing for real gamers. The issue so many gamers have is that the market is permanently saturated with so many different products, it’s next to impossible to decide what is best to buy for your gaming needs. I’ve reviewed dozens of different gaming peripherals in the past, and most products if not all will come with their pros and their cons.
If you’re a hardcore gamer, you’ll be looking for a couple of things that pretty much become non-negotiable. You’ll want comfort for those marathon gaming sessions, you’ll want durability (throwing gaming peripherals around the room sometimes does happen, oh yes), you’ll want performace and you’ll want value for money. Some of these aspects are interchangeable. Some are not.
The Logitech G35 Headset has many pros, very few cons. After spending several hours using this headset on my PC, I’ve come to the conclusion that despite it’s heavy-looking appearance, it felt very comfortable to wear. Although, you might not consider wearing this headset for more than a few hours at a time (which is really the only major draw-back).
The sound quality is great but the USB sound controls could be something you’d want to consider well before purchasing. Although the headset boasts 7.1 surr0und sound ability, the USB panel may negate your epic piece of sound card hardware as a matter of design. The cool thing about the the Logitech G35 (at least for me) was the ability to morph your voice. The software you receive with the headset enables a voice morphing capability that can alter the sound of your voice through the mic – it’s gimmicky but hella fun and very handy for those female gamers who may feel like altering their voice online (try it out in vent, it’s very funny).
There are also three customisable buttons (the G1, G2 and G2 buttons respectively) that allow you to map software applications so you can launch the app from your headset. This is exceptionally handy for launching VoIP software such as Ventrilo (which comes automatically preset).
The G35 is pretty sturdy in design and extremely flexible with three adjustable head bands. Special care has been taken to mute out all excess background noise with noise cancellation as well as extra padding around the ears for both comfort and sound reduction.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a headset that is built for PC gaming, the G35 gets a tick on almost every level. Perhaps not the right headset for home theatre or audio/music specialists who love their music and movie watching but perfect for the gamer looking for a headset that (literally) does it all.
Platform: Xbox 360 Publisher: 2K Games Developer: Gearbox Software Rating: R18 Players: Single player and co-op Genre: FPS/RPG Released: 23rd October, 2009
Website: http://www.borderlandsthegame.com/
[starreview tpl=16]
The cover of Borderlands should just about sum it all up: the image of what looks to be a mutated human with his fingers pressed to his head as if to imitate blowing his own brains out. Oh and yeah, there’s also what looks like some type of brain matter splattering out in a yellow mass behind him. With a rating of R18, you just know that you’re going to be in for one hell of a freaky ride with Borderlands.
Borderlands is set on a planet called Pandora that has a very funky kind of western-type, steampunk vibe going on. You’ll see and discover elements of futuristic technology (such as weapons) but some of the environment and buildings give off a very western-like feel.
The gameplay is split between four different character types which introduces the RPG element (as each character has individual strengths and weaknesses) and in single player mode you get to choose who you want to play. Bearing in mind that the game can play out differently for each character simply due to their differences and skills. You’ve got the choice of either a grunty tank (Berserker) type, a Hunter who specialises in long-range weapons, the Siren who possesses magic ability and the Soldier.
If you’re familiar with RPGs you’ll understand how most of the game progression is structured in Borderlands. But leveling up isn’t simply a matter of just killing things. You’ll be required to complete missions (which can involve killing other NPCs, beasties etc) and strategise your way through some of the more difficult encounters.
And this is where the co-op game mode is really great. Although Borderlands starts off slow, things can get pretty difficult early on if you’re running in and just shooting everything. With group co-op gameplay, the entire dynamic of the game changes and working as a group definitely has its advantages, especially in the more difficult missions.
Borderlands isn’t all about shooting although you’ll be definitely working your way through the ammo. The gameplay is similar in style to Diablo, where you’re constantly having to search the environment for money and whatever you can get from the bodies. Killing and looting everything in sight will soon become a force of habit.
It’s difficult to determine how well a game will do when it pushes the boundaries of blending two distinctive genres like shooters and RPGs together. But Borderlands is developed with both types of gamer in mind and the missions, storyline, characters and game mechanics cater for this exceptionally well.
And If you think romping around through Pandora with your mates will be a blast in co-op mode, Borderlands has more than just oodles of weapons to acquire and fancy powers to use – you can even get mobile with vehicles.
Downloadable game content will be available for Borderlands on the Xbox 360 from the 24th of November in New Zealand so it’s well worth considering if they’re already pumping out the expansions. Fans of running and gunning might find Borderlands is something a little more challenging and RPG fans looking for a a break from the fantasy world will definitely get it with Borderlands.
Platform: Xbox 360 Publisher: Ubisoft Developer: Ubisoft Montreal Rating: MA Players: 1 Genre: Action/Adventure Released: 20th November, 2009
Website: http://assassinscreed.uk.ubi.com/
[starreview tpl=16]
Florence Italy, 1459 during the height of the Renaissance period is home to Ezio, the latest character in the story behind Assassin’s Creed 2. Fans of Assassin’s Creed will probably know that ACII differs a fair bit from the previous game. Altair, the dark and brooding Assassin from the first game is gone and is replaced by Ezio who has a whole new background, history and timeline to discover that includes conspiracy, betrayal and murder.
