ThEvolution Network is the source for next generation gaming news, previews, updates and event coverage. Gaming is our passion and we are driven to provide our audience with current up to date coverage on the ever evolving gaming industry. Because we understand how passionate gamers are about their respective platform and software of choice, ThEvolution Network is the place where gamers of different preferences can find what they are looking for.
Archive for June, 2009
Actor Shia LaBeouf Would Rather Glass
Actor Shia LaBeouf has lit up the silver screen with his performance in the two action blockbusters: Transformers and Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen. It seems as LaBeouf has not mastered the act of not “putting his foot in his mouth”, with some rather appalling comments about the Nintendo Wii. When asked by big download was his love for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 the reason why he wouldn’t play LEGO Star Wars with Megan Fox on the set of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen? He was quoted as saying: “Correct. Who wants to play the Wii version of LEGO Star Wars. I’d rather eat glass”.
That’s not all LeBeouf had to say; Although he’s keen to talk up Activision’s game based on the blockbuster film, “Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen”. He saves his praise for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions but when asked about the Wii versions he had this to say:
“I haven’t been able to play the Wii game because my hand is broken…I would imagine that the Wii experience will be like…I don’t mess with the Wii, to be honest with you. It’s kind of an amateur console. I’m not into the Wii thing.”
ThEvolution Network Talk Radio Show Episode #10
Every Saturday At 2pm – Be sure to call in to the show every Saturday to speak with us LIVE!
This Weeks Show Topics
Uncharted 2: E3 Awards
Sony: “We will drop the PS3 price point when were ready”
Modern Warfare 2: Offering 2-Player Co-op
Michael Jackson: Dead At 50
Ghostbusters Midnight Launch Party
E3 ‘09 Best Of Show Awards Revealed
The North American independent video game media outlets (E3 ‘09 Game Critic Awards) have recently posted their E3 Game Critic Awards to this years elite titles. We must add that we are surprised at some of the winner results as some games clearly shined over the rest yet are not in the winning circle. Regardless, it is still great to be nominated. Check out this years nominees and winners from the big show – E3 ‘09 Game Critic Awards
TOP 5 GAMES THIS GENERATION
After experiencing the gaming utopia that was E3, ThEvolution Network has decided to reveal the best games of this generation for each major platform. Despite the strong opinions and proclamations that are generated from E3, each major manufacturer displayed some incredibly new software that is just around the corner and trust us when we say, it is not good to be a fanboy. From Dead Space: Extraction and The Conduit exclusively for the Nintendo Wii and God Of War 3, Uncharted 2, MAG and Heavy Rain exclusively for the PS3 to Splinter Cell: Conviction, Alan Wake, HALO 3: ODST and Shadow Complex exclusively for the Xbox 360, the near future of gaming is looking rather ridiculous and we didn’t even mention the multiplatform titles.
With a bright future ahead us, let’s take a look back at the top 5 games this generation from each platform that has stood head and shoulders above the competition.
The Xbox 360 which launched late 2005 has definitely offered an incredible next-gen gaming experience. With a large list of great titles, it was rather difficult to choice the top 5 games on the Xbox 360 to date. However, after much arguing and debating, we have settled on a list that while still debatable these 5 games cannot be denied as great titles.
5. FALLOUT 3
4. BIOSHOCK
3. GEARS OF WAR 2
2. GRAND THEFT AUTO IV
1. CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE
*Honorable Mention
- MASS EFFECT
- FABLE 2
- HALO 3
- LEFT 4 DEAD
- ASSASSINS CREED
Even though the Playstation 3 entered this generation of consoles to a rather shaky start, Sony has undoubtedly made the playing field even when it comes to offering amazing software that is currently available today. Again the PS3 created yet another hard-boiled debate as it was tough choosing the top 5 titles today on the black behemoth. These titles are debatable but their is no denying their triple A status.
5. inFAMOUS
4. GRAND THEFT AUTO 4
3. CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE
2. KILLZONE 2
1. METAL GEAR SOLID 4
*Honorable Mention
- UNCHARTED: DRAKES FORTUNE
- RESISTANCE 2
- LITTLE BIG PLANET
- MLB ‘09: THE SHOW
- RATCHET & CLANK: TOOL OF DESTRUCTION
We are excited about the newly introduced mature titles heading towards the Wii in the form of Dead Space: Extraction and The Conduit however, despite the absence of mature titles on the Wii we have still managed to have a blast with Nintendo’s latest home console. Check out our top 5 Wii titles so far.
5. PUNCH-OUT!!
4. METROID PRIME 3: CORRUPTION
3. SUPER SMASH BROS. BRAWL
2. LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE TWILIGHT PRINCESS
1. SUPER MARIO GALAXY
*Honorable Mention
-OKAMI
-PUNCH-OUT!!
-HOUSE OF THE DEAD: OVERKILL
-MADWORLD
-GHOSTBUSTERS
All of the titles mentioned in this write up can be debated and of course their are many titles that were not mentioned in the honorable mention section that should definitely be mentioned however, when the list is limited, some titles will miss the cut. Also, the way in which we listed our top 5 can raise an eyebrow, nevertheless we looked at the impact of each title for that respective platform to assist with our conclusion. Dead Space, Elder Scroll: Oblivion, Heavenly Sword, Ghost Recon, Street Fighter etc..these and others are all great titles that did not make our cut, let us know what your TOP 5 titles for each platform looks like.
ThEvolution Network: Exclusive Interview With Ubisoft Associate Producer
ThEvolution Network Hanging Out With Mr. Eugene Byrd At E3 ‘09
As you all know E3 is back where it belongs on the grand stage held in Los Angeles, CA making it the largest video game interactive convention on the planet. Keeping E3 at the LA Convention Center also allows for some of hollywoods biggest stars to come out and test drive many of the upcoming titles which are scattered all over the E3 show floor and this year ThEvolution Network got chance to speak with Eugene Byrd who has starred in movies like 8 Mile, Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid, Demon Island, Confessions and many others.
Outside of being super down to earth and just a great guy, Mr. Byrd is an avid gamer who definitely showed love for the PS3, Xbox 360 and the Wii.
GHOSTBUSTERS: Coming Out Swinging In Arizona
Of course we knew Ghostbusters was a popular movie franchise but we never would have guessed that there would be Ghostbusters fans going crazy awaiting the midnight launch of the video game like we experienced in Glendale, Arizona. GameStop in Glendale, Arizona which maintained the most Ghostbuster video game pre-orders nationwide gave Ghostbuster fans a night to remember.
As hardcore Ghostbuster fans waited for hours to finally get their hands on the new title, there were a lot fun on-hands activities to speed up the wait. As fans waited they were able to watch the original Ghostbusters on a 15 ft screen, take part in raffle contests and kids and parents alike were also able to enjoy face-painting. Also for those who wanted to kill some time playing video games the Mobile Game Cave was on hand which allowed everyone to enjoy their video game of choice in a comfortable and very nicely air conditioned environment.
Nevertheless, for the ultimate enjoyment, the Arizona Ghostbusters were also on hand to make sure that those waiting for their new game would not be disturbed by any unruly ghosts. With jumpsuits fitted and proton packs ready to go, the Arizona Ghostbusters definitely went all out. The whole event was an absolute blast.
Be sure to click here for images from the event
ThEvolution Talk Radio Episode #9: E3 ‘09 Impressions
Show Topics:
Overall E3 ‘09 Impressions
Mirror’s Edge 2
Lost Planet 2 – Timed 360 Exclusive
The Conduit Goes Gold
Exclusive Interview With Lead Developer of Batman Arkham Asylum
RockSteady developer Paul Crocker takes time with ThEvolution Network to explain some of the awesome game play features that will appear in their upcoming action adventure BATMAN Arkham Asylum.
GHOSTBUSTERS: Nintendo Wii Co-op Gameplay Trailer
Madden ‘10: Game Impression
Since the release of John Madden 2001 for the PlayStation 2, EA sports though the years have made little next to no improvement on each title. As fans of the popular franchise, we expect a football game that could make our dreams of playing in the NFL a reality. Now don’t get me wrong, we have come along way from the ambulance coming onto the field and running over the already injured player. It seems like EA failed to realize with both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 being very technologically advanced, we need more than just the bare minimum. Unfortunately, we were the recipients of games suffering from a lack of fully utilized potential.
After a hands on experience with the upcoming Madden ’10, please rid your body of any pessimism or doubt that may linger. This journalist was lucky enough to give the game a test run and is proud to report that without a doubt this game was a long time coming. To take it a step further, this game should definitely be on the 2009 nominee ballot for Game of the Year. During an interview with Ian Cummings, lead designer for Madden ’10, he was able to expand on the new features and the ever so needed evolution of Madden. This is Ian’s first year on the Madden project and ironically the game has drastically been changed. From the graphics, gameplay, and very impressive new features, EA sports have definitely taken a huge step in the direction of next generation of gaming.
Never in the Madden Franchise has graphics ever been questioned. EA has always kept the look of the game on point when it came to the graphics. Xbox 360 users will be proud to know that Madden ’10 has graduated from a mere 720p to 1080p. As for the PS3, it has upgraded to 1080i. To kill all bragging rights that Xbox fanboys may think they have with a 1080p resolution, Ian also went on to say it wasn’t a true 1080p.
As far as the gameplay, they really refined it to show realistic football. For example, in the past tackling only seemed like a one man sport but in Madden ’10 they have implemented gang tackling, which allows up to about 6-8 players. This is something definitely been needed to certify Madden as true football game. Another change is the gaming control in which there is a slight delay in controlling the players, this gives the players a more realistic way of moving. In prior games, the controlls would be extra sensitive giving an advantage to the offense players like the WR and RB whenever they made cuts to elude the defense.
Lastly, the new features implemented on Madden ’10 without a doubt catapults it to the top of the list of nominees for Game of the Year. EA has implemented the whole fan experience in the game. For example, as the game was beginning there was scene where it showed tailgaters in the parking lot playing games to past the time before the game started. Putting the fan interaction in the game gives it the overall football experience. Another great new feature is the Online Co-op mode which consists of 2 vs. 2 online play. Unfortunately, players are limited on which positions they can chose to control. Regardless, this is truly another plus added to an already A+ game. Lastly they have given the players yet another treat, Online Franchise Mode. This consists of 32 teams, a real NFL schedule, full stat tracking, players transactions and live drafts. To help monitor your franchise, the good people at EA made it possible where you can do everything from offering trades to changing your depth charts via a PC browser or a downloadable iphone application. If you happen to be a Lion’s or Bengal’s fan, the online franchise mode will probably be the only time you see them win a game.
Overall, EA has responded to all negative criticisms received for putting out identical titles year after year. It is safe to say that if the license that EA owns from the NFL expired today, 2k sports would be unable to compete regardless of what it may cost.
Click Here to see ThEvolution network take this game for a spin
MADDEN 10: ThEvolution Network Goes Hands-On Part 1
Shadowolf and R2Deuce of ThEvolution Network battle it out in EA’s new MADDEN 10
What Constitutes A Great Game?
As we all know there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of video games being made for all systems combined in any given year. Companies are always trying to capture the attention, and wallets, of consumers from around the world by introducing something new in their product with hopes of people like you and me spending a portion of our hard earned money on said game. An immediate example is this year’s E3 event. The showroom was literally blanketed by a sea of developers showing off their wares hoping to create positive buzz leading up to the upcoming holiday shopping season. With so many games on the way, how does one determine a great game from a not so great game. If you strip away all of the commercials, pre-rendered cinematics, and pre-order swag, is the game really ‘all that’ in the end?
This is a question that all video game publishers must answer before any development team begins work on a new project. It’s a question that must be answered carefully because making video games is not a cheap endeavor, a typical modern video game can cost from USD$1,000,000 to over $20,000,000 to develop. As you can see, making a great game is a must if one is to be profitable in the video game industry.
The answer to this million dollar question (literally) can only be answered by you the gamer. There have been many top level executives fired because they poured millions of dollars into the development of a game that turned out to be a dud. Some games even have gamers questioning why the game was ever made in the first place, can we say Atari Pac-Man?
Again we ask, what constitutes a great game? Is it guns? Over the last several years first person shooters have ruled the sales charts. Are gamers more entertained by having the ability to operate guns they would never get to use in real life? (hopefully) Is the act of shooting someone a hidden pleasure amongst gamers that developers will milk until the end of time? Is it mutilation? Are gamers thrilled being able to rip heads from bodies and seeing tendons, organs, and blood gushing in high def detail? Or is it the ‘bad boy complex’? Do gamers all have a deep seeded wish to run around town and do whatever they want? Stealing, shooting, and beating innocent people all in the name of having fun?
All of the above can be considered guilty pleasures that we all enjoy (virtually, i hope!) and would never do in real life even though video games are always to blame for the collapse of society as we know it. But are these the only worlds that developers can create for us gamers to ‘play’ in? Is this all we can think of or is this what we give into for the sake of profitability?
Some would say developers are giving up on creative innovation and depending solely on ’shock value’ to attract gamers. Worst yet, on numerous occasions, we see developers rely on what is called the Safe Rout or Cookie Cutter Process where instead of being innovative, which amounts to a large investment of money, developers will copy a proven game hoping to cash in on its similarity. I ask these questions because in all honesty, a lot of games at this year’s E3 were continuations of previous games amped up with higher levels of violent, graphical detail all in glorious high definition. Who do we blame for the lack of new fresh ideas that are not seen in video games. Is it the gamers fault for accepting anything that is shoved down their throats? Or is it the developers fault for taking advantage of the violent nature that lives in us all which requires no real creativity to provoke?
What do you think?
Emanuel Stone aka E_Stone
Power to the Gamers!!
E3 ‘09: ThEvolution Network E3 Closing Remarks
E3 ‘09: ThEvolution Network Hanging Out At E3
From speaking with some of the most influential developers in the industry to hanging out with E3’s beautiful booth babes, this years E3 was an absolute blast. In the mist of our hands on experiences with new and upcoming titles like BATMAN: Arkham Asylum, Shadow Complex, Quantum, God of War III, Uncharted 2, AFRIKA, HALO 3: ODST, we were also able to take some fun pics from the show. As you can tell from these screenshot, Shadowolf couldn’t stay away from the booth babes. We had a great time.
[nggallery id=3]
EA: TIGER WOODS PGA Tours For iPhone & iTouch
EA writes;
Play the only iPhone/iPod touch game that lets you golf as or against Tiger Woods! Beat Tiger at his own game and step onto legendary courses around the world! Watch each fairway come to life with 3D graphics, dynamic camera angles and realistic sounds. Take on other PGA pros and hear play-by-play commentary by Sam Torrance and Kelly Tilghman. Use the Swing Meter and get visual feedback to help you achieve the perfect swing! Tee it up with Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® by EA Sports – anytime, anywhere!
