Update: Shoryuken Edition

Update

So despite all the excitement around StarCraft II I have not yet forked over cash to experience Blizzard's latest offering, I'm gonna wait a little bit and pick it up at a later date. I did however pick up two new games and download PSN+'s latest offering, Critter Crunch. 

The first game I picked up is from my 2008 backlog ... FarCry 2. Although the mainstream gaming press seemed to show a distaste for Ubisoft's open world game, the critical press has held a strong appreciation for this overlooked gem. I'm about 6 hours in and so far the game is quite impressive despite its flaws, the game captures the feel of a harsh African region ravaged by conflict, the game also never breaks first person yet still manages to make you feel the momentum of movement similarly to Mirror's Edge and Killzone 2 and unlike Fall-Out 3 in which it feels as if you are sliding along ice.The game does have its issues however there are situations where I'd be driving for 10 - 15 minutes only to die and have to drive the distance all over again, and NPC animations are robotic looking which kind of goes against the attempt at portraying an emotional story of human struggle. 

I also picked up Super Street Fighter IV, this years upgrade to last year's fighting game rebirth. As someone who thinks it is a game design sin to force people to unlock characters in a fighting game by playing single player, SSF4 solved my one complaint about SF4 and added a set of new features that made the game more than worth the $40 price tag. If you like fighting games there is no better game in my opinion on the market (I haven't tried BlazBlue yet). 

Critter Crunch is a neat little puzzle game that I picked up from PSN+ this week. The game is a quirky mix of the match of many puzzle game types coupled with a cutesy art style, that results in an enjoyable experience. My favourite mode is the Puzzle Mode that throws away the time restraint and allows your brain to do some serious thinking.

Update: Relax Edition [07/19/10]

Update
Relax Edition 

What I've Been Playing

Flower: A game that saw some serious discussion last year, Flower is a PSN game that I've always been interested but never forked over the money for. Well earlier this week I finally did and let me tell you it was worth it. Flower is one of the most unique experiences I've played this generation, the combination of strong artistic design and great sound design makes for an incredibly impactful experience.

Coma: A Flash game that I first heard about on Rebel FM, Coma is a platform/puzzle/adventure game that employs some great medium centric methods to create a powerfully atmospheric and downright eerie experience. Check it out for free on NewGrounds.com ( HERE ).  The Flash community never ceases to amaze me, and this game is not exception. Warning to those who need a lot hand-holding in their games, this game throws you into the world with little to know guidance, which is part of the charm of the experience.

News 

June NPDs: The Xbox 360 following a new redesign claimed the Top spot in console sales last month, and for the second month in a row Red Dead produces surprising numbers outselling Super Mario Galaxy 2, yet Nintendo still owns the software department with 6 games in the Top 10, an interesting month in that it was dominated by late May Releases. My predictions for July; 360 remains on top, Galaxy 2 takes #1, Red Dead Continues to sell GTA style. 

Hardware (Up Overall vs 2009)

1. Nintendo DS            511,000 (UP 033%)
2. Xbox 360*                453,000 (UP 132%)
3. Nintendo Wii            423,000 (UP 026%)
4. Playstation 3            305,000 (UP 097%)
5. PSP                         121,000 (UP 105%)

Software

1. Red Dead Redemption (360)       582,900
2. Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)          548,400
3. Red Dead Redemption (PS3)      380,300
4. New Super Mario Bros (Wii)        200,900
5. Just Dance (Wii)                          174,800

*new hardware

Update: Heat Wave Edition [07/10/10]

Update

Heat Wave Edition

With the recent ungodly heat in my area it would be suicidal to attempt to play games in my gaming space that equates to little more than a human sized microwave. So I've turned to mostly handheld games to fill my spare time in the recent days.

What I've Been Playing...

Pokemon Heart-Gold (DS) : I'm not sure what it is about Pokemon that I enjoy so much. While most turn-based RPGs have lost their luster over the past few years, Pokemon manages to feed my inner compulsion for a slow methodical experience. Maybe it is pure nostalgia, or the immense joy of compulsive collection and developing hundreds of little monsters, something about Pokemon makes it step outside the boundaries of triviality and into something more valuable (although insignificant). So I've really been enjoying that, my Alakazam/Typhlosion/Raikou/Gyarados Team pulls through for me again and again.

Canabalt (Iphone): Canabalt is a brilliant game. It is a wonderful example of both simplicity and depth. This one button platformer was originally a flash game but has become a hallmark of my Ipod for a few months now. In Canabalt you play a small suit wearing man who is trying to escape some disaster by running from crumbling roof top to roof top. You increase speed as you progressively move forward and avoid obstacles but loss control as you gain speed, so you can purposely hit object to slow yourself down and gain control, but slow down too much and you may miss the oncoming jump. Addicting and fun Canabalt should be on every gamer's Ipod/Iphone.

What I've Been Listening To...

GiantBombcast: One of my favourite podcasts the Giant Bomb crew offers one of the funniest and most enjoyable gaming discussion on ITunes. Off topic and personal the Giant Bomb Crew has a unique chemistry lacking in most other podcasts of the same nature. If your interested in video-games and you have an Mp3 the GiantBombCast is a must.

The News...

Kojima may be working on MGS5: In a recent interview Kojima talked around questions that he may be in fact working on an MGS5, he say that he is interested in developing an MGS5, given the feedback from 4, as well as developing a squeal to PeaceWalker with the mechanics and world he has laid out. He says a new project would not be in development as long as MGS4, because as he says the game industry does not work like that anymore. Could this be the PS3 exclusive announcement he hinted at at E3? I personally doubt that his upcoming game will be MGS related but the prospect of another Kojima directed Metal Gear, is always exciting.

Dragon Age of Effect 2: Bioware has confirmed that Dragon Age 2 will be a more streamlined experience akin to Mass Effect 2. As a gamer who prefers sitting on a couch to play console games this news excites me, but I can see how the PC Baldur's Gate fan base would be upset. The game will feature 1 playable race that can be either male or female, will incorporate a more accessible combat system and be a cinematic experience, the game is planned for launch early 2011.

Other News Highlights

>>> Dead Space 2 gets downloadable prequel (Dead Space Ignition) ...

>>> Enslaved gets North American Release Date (October 5th) ...

>>> Probably no Assassin's Creed III in 2011 ...

>>> PS4 will be developed with developers in mind ...

>>> New 360 sees sales spike in Japan, diminishes quickly ...