Winter Orgy: 2009, The "Doesn't Quite Make up for this Crappy Summer" Edition

[Trippy]

The game is basically the video game version of a Hong Kong Bullet Ballet movie using lots of Bullet Time. If that sounds appealing it's easy enough to download the demo to give it a try.

This is so very true, I think in that sense they did a good job though. I'm not some huge fan of these types of movies and I still enjoyed the demo.

As a side note I really dig the sound track.

Yeah the Wet demo is decent enough. Given the developer's track record, though, I'm going to wait to see what other people think before considering buying it.

[Yoru]

Any words on Section 8?

I played the beta, it was totally uninspired.

Pretty much this. If you're not playing with a group of friends in the same room, it'll get incredibly boring very fast.

[Velorath]

Torchlight confirmed for October 27th for the low price of $19.99.

[NiX]

Torchlight confirmed for October 27th for the low price of $19.99.

LINK AND DON'T YOU EVER TEASE US LIKE THIS AGAIN!

[schild]

I would pay that just for the toolset.

[Sky]

I would pay that just for the toolset.

I read that as "I would pay that just for the toiletseat."

 

[Yegolev]

You reminded me of something... starting around the 1:20 mark.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0tTdc1wMiQ

[Velorath]

Torchlight confirmed for October 27th for the low price of $19.99.

LINK AND DON'T YOU EVER TEASE US LIKE THIS AGAIN!

Here you go:

PAX 2009 Press Release
September 4th, 2009
Runic Games unveils the official launch date for the highly anticipated ARPG Torchlight at PAX!

September 4, 2009 – Seattle, WA – Runic Games, Inc. (”Runic Games”), a specialized developer of PC-based entertainment software in the United States, today unveiled at the Penny Arcade Exposition that the highly-anticipated, action-RPG, Torchlight, will launch on October 27. Runic Games’ development team features the same talent that brought the bar-setting, action-RPGs, Diablo, Diablo II and Fate. Torchlight will be available as a fully downloadable game for US$19.99.

Gaming enthusiasts looking for a sneak peak at Torchlight before the official launch date can visit Runic Games at Booth 872 in the Expo Hall during the Penny Arcade Exposition, which runs from September 4-6. On hand will be Runic Games’ CEO, Max Schaefer, co-designer of Diablo; and President, Travis Baldree, designer of Fate, to demonstrate the game.

“We have always felt that gaming should first and foremost be about the players and by announcing the launch date of Torchlight to fans at PAX, we’re able to give them a sneak peak of the game before its official release” said Max Schaefer, CEO of Runic Games, Inc. “PAX is a unique venue geared towards video game enthusiast and we are excited to be showcasing Torchlight and look forward to seeing many of our dedicated fans at PAX.”

Torchlight sets itself apart from other action-RPGs with its intuitive, approachable interface, which enables gamers of all skill levels to quickly immerse themselves into the rich game play and varied world of Torchlight. The level randomizer will ensure that each adventure is unique with different monsters, treasures, puzzles and items for players to find, defeat, and unlock. Through a powerful suite of development tools, Runic Games will empower players and game enthusiasts alike to create and share their own content and levels.

For more information on Torchlight, gamers can visit the official website at http://www.torchlightgame.com/ to view additional game play details, trailers and screenshots.

[Yegolev]

Same day as Atelier Annie, I believe.

[Azazel]

SP only?? No LAN/co-op?

bah. fail.

 

[Segoris]

SP only?? No LAN/co-op?

bah. fail.

 

At a $20 price tag I'm okay with them lacking in the MP/Online portion. It would have been nice, and most likely worth an extra $10-$20, but oh well.

[Yegolev]

I am OK with giving them money due to how much Mythos I played and how much multiplayer Torchlight I expect to play later.

[Azazel]

Yeah, it's just that I play this kind of game co-op with my wife at minimum, and ideally with a few friends.
I could handle the lack of full-LAN if it at least had co-op.

Like I said, 

[NiX]

This isn't news though. They said no co-op/MP when they announced it.

[Velorath]

Yeah, it's just that I play this kind of game co-op with my wife at minimum, and ideally with a few friends.
I could handle the lack of full-LAN if it at least had co-op.

Like I said, 

I imagine they're pretty much releasing this SP version in order to help fund the multiplayer version they're working on and to help establish the franchise.

[Azazel]

This isn't news though. They said no co-op/MP when they announced it.

Sure, I vaguely remember that, but I try to avoid prerelease info and the hypetrain on most games, so when I saw it mentioned I didn't recognise the game name, looked it up, got excited as it looked a Titan Quest replacement for when we finish that, then got horribly disappointed.

Also, fuck everything being a MMO.

[Velorath]

So all in all right now my list looks likes this:

Day 1:

Borderlands (PC)
Alpha Protocol (PC)
Torchlight (PC)
Dragon Age (PC)
God of War Collection (PS3)
Left 4 Dead 2 (PC)

It's going to be a very PC-centric holiday season for me this year.  Contemplating doing some upgrades on my computer.


Wait for Reviews/Price Drops

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 (360) - I really like these games, but I know their price plummets quickly so I probably wont be picking this up at launch.

Uncharted 2 (PS3) - From the hands-on previews I'm reading and the videos I've see, it looks like this one is even more focused on shooting than the last one.  If that's accurate, I'm going to take a pass.

Demon's Souls (PS3) - Have the import already, but would really like to support the U.S. release of this.  Hard to spend $60 on a game I've already beaten several times though.

Assassin's Creed 2 (360) - I really liked the first one and I like what I've seen of this one so far.  For whatever reason though, I'm not going to commit to a day one purchase.

[Murgos]

It looks like we are coming up to that point in the console life cycle where the PC starts to take the lead again.

Except that this time the next iteration of consoles is still 3+ years off.

[Sky]

Isn't this the part where consoles are supposed to shine, once the devs know a bunch of solid programming tricks for the hardware?

[Velorath]

It looks like we are coming up to that point in the console life cycle where the PC starts to take the lead again.

Except that this time the next iteration of consoles is still 3+ years off.

Nah, there's a lot of good console shit on the horizon, it just didn't make it into the Holiday season.

[MisterNoisy]

It looks like we are coming up to that point in the console life cycle where the PC starts to take the lead again.

Except that this time the next iteration of consoles is still 3+ years off.

Nah, there's a lot of good console shit on the horizon, it just didn't make it into the Holiday season got pushed into what will be one of the craziest Q1s ever because they didn't want to release against Modern Warfare 2.

[Azazel]

Played the demo of Wet yesterday. Not too bad, but it oh-so-dearly wants to be a Tanantino/Rodriguez film. The QTEs (as they were) weren't horrible. I think it's a solid/definate bargain-bin/sale purchase.

Tomorrow though, Beatles Rock Band Day 1.
 

[caladein]

I don't have any super-solid Day 1s this Winter (ME2 would have been it).

I'll be picking up Borderlands, Dragon Age, and Alpha Protocol (all PC)... but I imagine I'll regret at least one of those purchases (money is either on not clicking with Borderlands, or Alpha Protocol being shit).  On the upside, I have a lot of RPGs to work through on my new PSP, so that'll keep me busy.

[schild]

I don't have any super-solid Day 1s this Winter (ME2 would have been it).

I'll be picking up Borderlands, Dragon Age, and Alpha Protocol (all PC)... but I imagine I'll regret at least one of those purchases (money is either on not clicking with Borderlands, or Alpha Protocol being shit).  On the upside, I have a lot of RPGs to work through on my new PSP, so that'll keep me busy.

More than likely Alpha Protocol is being the weakest link. It's basically Obsidian's last chance.

[Yegolev]

Isn't this the part where consoles are supposed to shine, once the devs know a bunch of solid programming tricks for the hardware?

I think that we have passed this point with the 360 a while back, and have not yet gotten to it on PS3.  I am sure we have gotten past it on the Wii also, but I don't give a shit.  I figure the technical high point for the Wii is going to be Super Mario Galaxy 2, if it even outdoes the first SMG.  When you are working with an overclocked GameCube, the amount of time to hit the ceiling has got to be pretty damn low.

[schild]

Isn't this the part where consoles are supposed to shine, once the devs know a bunch of solid programming tricks for the hardware?

I think that we have passed this point with the 360 a while back, and have not yet gotten to it on PS3.  I am sure we have gotten past it on the Wii also, but I don't give a shit.  I figure the technical high point for the Wii is going to be Super Mario Galaxy 2, if it even outdoes the first SMG.  When you are working with an overclocked GameCube, the amount of time to hit the ceiling has got to be pretty damn low.

Pretty sure they hit it porting Resident Evil 4 and Okami, imo.

[Yegolev]

I have not seen those, can't use as a reference point against SMG.

[Yoru]

Anyone know if there's a Borderlands demo planned?

[schild]

There is not.

[WayAbvPar]

Played the demo of Wet yesterday. Not too bad, but it oh-so-dearly wants to be a Tanantino/Rodriguez film. The QTEs (as they were) weren't horrible. I think it's a solid/definate bargain-bin/sale purchase.

Tomorrow though, Beatles Rock Band Day 1.
 

Giddyup. Will be at Gamestop at 10am sharp tomorrow morning.

[Azazel]

Any words on Section 8?

I played the beta, it was totally uninspired.

Pretty much this. If you're not playing with a group of friends in the same room, it'll get incredibly boring very fast.

This. In a way I'm glad, since I already have too many things to play.

Tomorrow though, Beatles Rock Band Day 1.
 

Giddyup. Will be at Gamestop at 10am sharp tomorrow morning.

Awesome. Except for the carefully-culled catalogue designed to make you buy lots and lots of DLC. Which will work. Dammit.

Are you on 360 or PS3?

[WayAbvPar]

360. And yes, I am going to have to sell a kidney to afford all the DLC. Which I will buy. It is the fucking Beatles, for Christ's sake! I have purchased DLC from far inferior bands.

[Azazel]

hm. you're not showing up in my Friends score list things. Maybe you're not on my friend list. I'll resend.

And yes, I am also already impatient for the first DLC albums to come out.

[tmp]

The list in OP is missing one thing...

Tropico 3: 16th October PC & 360 worldwide, 24th September PC (Germany)

(demo been out for few days, it's pretty much like the first Tropico game with a lovely facelift and some extra mechanics)

[Yegolev]

Tropico 2 touched my pee-pee.