Up late talking games & writing? You're...

Comics: It's time again for another quick check-in on my regular reads…


Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #5 - I've got to admit, I'm really puzzled by this one. The idea of Frankenstein’s monster (with a sword, no less) teaming up with a rogues gallery of assorted creatures seems like an absolute win, and that's even before mentioning that this book is written by Jeff Lemire. His work on Sweet Tooth and Animal Man is absolutely fantastic, and both have become recent favorites. His work on this book, however... I'm just not feeling it.


The characters don't have much personality, the action isn't very interesting or exciting, and the artwork doesn't click. The pencils by Alberto Ponticelli are decent enough, but everything has a sloppy, ugly look to it that gives each issue a cheap, tossed-off feeling. It's bizarre to me that I can be so captivated by Lemire’s other work and feel absolutely nothing for this one, but there it is. I'll probably hang in for a few more issues just to give it time to breathe, but if I stopped reading it right now, I'd forget it even existed in an hour.


Suicide Squad #5 – I’ve praised this one before, and I'm praising it again. To recap: super-criminals are forced to work together to accomplish impossible missions. Everyone is expendable, but cooperating with their captors is their only hope of eventual freedom.


The action in each issue is enough to keep the pages turning, but the characters aren't ignored, either. An added layer of suspense comes from the fact that any member of the team can be killed at any time, and it seems as though no one has any problems doublecrossing anyone else. Also, one of the characters is a giant shark, so obviously, bonus points.


Superboy #1,2,3,4 - I've never been much of a Superman fan, and I didn't jump aboard when he was "killed" way back when, so I'm not too familiar with the history here. However, Scott Lobdell has made it very easy for a non-fan to pick up the book and feel right at home.


The gist of this book is that this incarnation of Superboy is a powerful telekinetic clone created in an underground lab. His DNA is a combination of that taken from Superman, and at least one other person who is still a mystery. (If it turns out to be Lex Luthor, I'm going to be quite disappointed...)

Anyway, this Superboy has been bred to be an attack dog by some super-secret government agency, and he manages to break loose of his containment and starts to explore both his powers and his identity. This in itself wouldn't be all that interesting, except for the fact that he seems to be quite lacking in the morals department and comes off as a bit of an anti-hero. Thumbs up so far, and I've added this one to my regular pull list.


Blue Beetle #5 - This book is about a Hispanic boy who finds a damaged bio weapon and inadvertently bonds himself to it. The weapon tries to assert control of the boy's body, but he fights back and the two of them have to work together to overcome various super-assassins who are sent to recover the technology now inside of him.


I'm going to be completely honest here... the writing isn't that great, and the art is pretty decent, but it's nothing outstanding or particularly memorable. However, I've got a massive weak spot for stories about bio weapons. Don't ask me why, I don't know, but it's a concept that has always fascinated me and it's the only reason I'm reading this book.


In related bio weapon news, I've heard whispers that XO Manowar is being prepped for a relaunch. I had great affection for that book back in the day, so let's hope that rumor pans out.


Invincible #87 - The story of Invincible is too long to tell in any coherent way here at the blog, but the best way to sum it up is to say that it's about a half-alien boy raised on earth, and who eventually becomes the planet's most powerful hero. I realize that may sound incredibly familiar to anyone who's ever heard of Superman, but let me just say that Robert Kirkman’s writing has been funny, human, relatable, thrilling, and shocking. I've loved it since the first issue, and I still love it.


If you've never tried it, pick up the first trade paperback and see what you think. I'm betting you'll dig it.


Also, for no particular reason…. JEM and the Holograms!

TRULY OUTRAGEOUS!

Today, Capcom confirmed that Capcom Digital Collection will be available in North America on March 27, 2012, exclusively for Xbox 360.The collection will be available on a disc at retail for the first time for the value MSRP of $39.99.

The full list of games in the collection includes: 1942: Joint Strike, Bionic Commando® Rearmed 2, Final Fight™ Double Impact, Flock!, Rocketmen™: Axis of Evil including Rocketmen™: It Came From Uranus expansion, Super Puzzle Fighter® II Turbo HD Remix, Super Street Fighter® II Turbo HD Remix, Wolf of the Battlefield™: Commando 3. Each game preserves all the features, online functionality and Achievements from their download versions.

The ESRB ratings of the games in Capcom Digital Collection range from “E for Everyone” to “T for Teen.” For more information onCapcom® Digital Collection, please visit: http://www.capcom-unity.com


CD Projekt RED will reveal all of the important facts regarding Xbox 360 version of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings during the upcoming conference held in Copernicus Science Centre in Warsaw on the 26th of January.

The live stream from the conference will begin at 7 p.m. (GMT +1) on the 26th of January and will be available on the Witcher facebook fan page (facebook.com/thewitcher).

CD Projekt RED will be unveiling many exciting details about the game such as its release date, brand, new trailer, additional features coming to the console adaptation and many more.

"Witcher 2 on Xbox 360 is not just a simple port of a PC game, it’s an adaptation. Our newest game has been enhanced with many new features, and according to many specialists it’s one of the best looking games on Xbox 360 ever" – said Michał Nowakowski, Member of the board, CD Projekt RED S.A..


Dreamfab and Tactile Entertainment today released the Lite version of their hit fish-flinging puzzle game, Saving Yello. Even after one million tactful players successfully saved Yello, Mathilda just won’t stop denying him the chance to breathe! Download the Lite version for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/saving-yello-lite/id492632414?mt=8

Saving Yello Lite gives potential Yello saviors who might not want to stay out of the water too long a taste of their rescue mission. It will include a selection of 10 levels from the Play Room, the first area, free of charge!

Haven’t saved Yello yet? Want to see how explosions, pins, and dynamite can save a fish? View the official trailer here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7-mW0XQNrg


Tripwire Interactive and the Rising Storm team are proud to present you with a little something to whet your appetites for the forthcoming Rising Storm expansion to Red Orchestra 2: a teaser video showcasing the Iwo Jima level. This map features the beaches and tunnels of the heavily defended 'home island' with its iconic landmark, Mt Suribachi. This is the first map-specific material to be seen and hints at some of the goodies and new features coming in Rising Storm.

You can see the video on the Rising Storm Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/risingstormgame/videos

As you can see, with TWI’s support, this is a mod that is able to punch above its weight in terms of the quality of its crew. This is particularly so as RS has long been recruiting from the fertile gounds of the modding communities which grew up around TWI’s previous hits, Red Orchestra: Ostfront 1941-45 and Killing Floor. We do, however, still have openings for a couple more talented modellers to round off the ranks and applications can be made through the RS website.

And, as a little extra, we are now inviting applications for beta testers, so we have a team ready for when the beta testing starts: http://www.risingstormgame.com/beta-tester-application - so head on over!


WHAT:

QuakeCon® is the ultimate video game festival and party. QuakeCon is open to the public and attendance is FREE thanks to the support of id® Software and Bethesda Softworks®, the QuakeCon volunteer staff, and the 2012 event sponsors and exhibitors.

WHEN:

QuakeCon will take place August 2 – 5, 2012.

WHERE:

The Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas.

You can make reservations at the hotel by calling: 1-800- Hiltons or 1-800-445-8667 . Special room rate of $154 per night when you reference QuakeCon 2012!

WHY:

QuakeCon will once again host North America's largest BYOC (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) LAN party, with thousands of gamers hooking their systems up to play on a world-class network.

QuakeCon offers nonstop fun and entertainment for those that don't bring their own computers. Bethesda Softworks will offer the first chance anywhere for gamers to get their hands on upcoming titles, and the world's leading technology companies will be on hand to demonstrate their latest hardware and software. Every day of QuakeCon is packed with contests, entertainment, announcements, panel discussions, and parties!

Every year QuakeCon hosts a diverse line-up of companies showcasing the industry's most influential games, hardware and services. Last year's exhibitors and sponsors included Alienware, Ventrilo, at&t, Intel, nVIDIA, PNY, Fatal1ty Gaming Gear, Air Force Reserve, Cooler Master, Diamond Multimedia, inWin, Plantronics, Bethesda Softworks and many others.  For more information visit http://www.quakecon.org/.


Today, Ubisoft® unveiled the Mediterranean Traveler Map Pack, all-new downloadable content for Assassin’s Creed® Revelations for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC.

The Mediterranean Traveler Map Pack enriches the Assassin’s Creed Revelations multiplayer experience with features that include:

• All-new multiplayer maps to maneuver through: Jerusalem, Constantinople and Dyers

• Fan-favorite Italian Renaissance maps from Assassin’s Creed® Brotherhood to revisit: Firenze (Florence), San Donato and Siena

• All-new Trophies and Achievements to earn

The addition of six multiplayer maps introduces new gameplay opportunities through each map’s varied terrain, perches and hideouts. The new collection of Trophies and Achievements will allow players to try their hand at kills and escapes that are as impressive as they are effective.

The Mediterranean Traveler Map Pack is available for download at a price of 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for Xbox 360 and $9.99 on PlayStation®Network and Windows PC. For more information on Assassin’s Creed Revelations, please visit: assassinscreed.com and facebook.com/assassinscreed


Beloved Pinkalicious™ Story Comes to Life in GameMill Entertainment’s Silverlicious™ Game for Nintendo DS™ March 2012

GameMill Entertainment, an independent publisher of entertaining mass-market video games, announced today its plans to release Silverlicious™ for the Nintendo DS™ hand-held system, a fun-filled exploration video game based on the Silverlicious™ story from the best-selling Pinkalicious™ children’s book series. Silverlicious the game is set to hit store shelves this March.

Following the enchanting storyline of Silverlicious™ written and illustrated by Victoria Kann, Silverlicious the game lets players set out on an adventure as Pinkalicious who has lost her ability to taste anything sweet. Help Pinkalicious regain her sweet tooth as you practice kindness, good manners and helping others in need. Unlock magical rewards including butterflies, sparkle rides and fireworks, as you explore the beautiful lands and meet new friends. Along the way you’ll learn that true sweetness comes from much more than cupcakes and cookies. Whether playing alone or with others, Silverlicious the game creates an imaginative and fun way to drive home the importance of kindness and manners.

Additional Silverlicious In-Game Features:

Collectables: Dress up Pinkalicious in three different costumes from a beautiful dress to fairy catching gear; accessorize her outfits with over 20 collectible accessories!

Meet Fun Friends: Explore across holiday-themed neighborhoods and meet new friends like Carlos Cupid, Edgar the Easter bunny, Easter chicks and more!

Holiday-Themed Neighborhoods: Twirl, glide and dance in three holiday favorite lands including Very Valentine’s, Easter Excitement and Christmas Caroling.

Positive Messages: All modes and gameplay focus on the importance of practicing kindness and good manners, like using “please” and “thank you” to increase the sweetness meter.

Rewards: Gain special rewards and bonus items for performing acts of kindness!

Developed by First Playable, Silverlicious for Nintendo DS is rated “E” for Everyone by the ESRB. For additional information about GameMill’s line of products, please visit: http://www.game-mill.com/.