E3 Microsoft Press Conference Coverage

Out of the big 3 of press conferences Microsoft did not choose to step up to the plate. However, Microsoft had a very strong start and quickly gained momentum by revealing Halo 4 gameplay. Master Chief is in search of a ship that crash landed as it flew over his head. When the gameplay starts we were greeted with the trusted Battle Riffle (my favorite gun) and shortly after a familiar enemy, The Covenant. At this point I had yet to be impressed as Halo 4 seemed like it was just a graphically better Halo game, but quickly I was proved wrong as I saw new and interesting things. A strange red beam takes out the last Covenant as he disintegrates directly in front of you. As Chief pushes forward he as ambushed by a group of mechanical AI dogs. Once those are cleared another new enemy appears as well as a new gun. The new gun as equipped reminded me of something out of transformers and looked bad ass, Cortana recognizes that the tech is Forerunner. This new gun looks sick as does all the new Forerunner enemies. I was not sold on Halo 4 given that Bungie was no longer part of the project, but after seeing this at E3 I am sold on buying it. But don’t take my word for it, watch it for yourself and see.

Quantic Dream’s KARA is beautiful, but familiar

There has been a huge buzz surrounding Quantic Dream’s latest tech demo entitled KARA.  The video which is posted in this article is a true sight to behold.  Quantic Dream once again proves what can be done with graphics in a video game and more importantly shows that the Playstation 3 still has some serious potential in that department.  Graphics aside Quantic Dream also manages to pull some emotional heart strings in the 7 something minute video (like the original Heavy Rain demo).  I applaud Quantic Dream for their achievement with KARA and also congratulate them on the immense reception it is receiving, but the minute I saw this video I immediately thought of a super obscure Japanese Xbox game called N.U.D.E. @ (Natural Ultimate Digital Experiment).  I have never played N.U.D.E.@ because it was a japan-only Xbox title, but it looks like KARA and this share some similar attributes from the outside looking in.

Meet KARA

Meet whatever her name is

I am unsure if Quantic Dream drew inspiration from N.U.D.E.@, but the similarities in the character design are far too coincidental to be ignored.  This similarity does not discount what KARA is or could be, but I do think this comparison is worth noting and is why I am doing it.  Watch the KARA tech demo and I am going to keep my eyes peeled for this comparison to surface somewhere else.  Let us know what you think about the video by sounding off in the comments section and as always you can follow us on Twitter @GamersAbstract and like us on Facebook for more content.

Assassin’s Creed 3 box art is revealed

Soon after Assassin’s Creed 3 was announced earlier this week, details about the narrative, release date and the game’s box art were also revealed.  The game looks to take place during the American Revolution and our character may or may not be of Native American descent (leaning towards is).  This is a welcomed departure from the previous settings of past titles and it will be interesting to see how this new assassin is integrated into the overall narrative of the AC franchise (and his connection to Desmond).  Also depending on what locales are featured in the game could potentially alter the verticality gameplay the series is so well known for, but I have faith in Ubisoft to dazzle us with something amazing.

The game has a release date of October 30^th for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.  Also Ubisoft has a major announcement regarding the game coming up in a few days and will more than likely offer more information in addition to what everyone knows and has speculated about (AC3 site).  If you want more information regarding the historical implications of AC3 ride this link to an awesome video done by Colin Moriarty and Andrew Goldfarb over at IGN.  They break down the box art and Game Informer’s latest cover featuring art from AC3 (lots of interesting info).  As always you can follow us on Twitter @GamersAbstract and like us on Facebook for more content.  Happy Friday everyone and have an awesome weekend.

VGCDM Battle 4 results and Battle 5 announced

Cold Blooded killer

Battle 4 is over and the Nintendo 64 is our victor.  The N64 is ruthless, killed his own brother the Gamecube.  Well one of them had to die, but anyways Battle 5 is between the 128-bit juggernauts the Playstation 2 and the Xbox.  You can factor in the controller variants for this one if you would like.  So I should say PS2 vs. Xbox (fat boy and controller s).  The voting is live and will run up until tonight at Midnight (so don’t wait too long).  Happy Thanksgiving to all that celebrate it and check back tomorrow for Battle 5 results and a Battle 6 announcement.  As always you can follow us on Twitter @GamersAbstract and like us on Facebook for more content.

Xbox turns 10

A beast of a system

Microsoft’s not so little black box that could has completed its 10th year of life today, hooray!  Microsoft was instrumental in re-inventing console gaming and the Xbox led the charge.  This is a huge milestone for the Xbox and to celebrate it we here at TGA are going to give you 10 reasons why the original Xbox is and will always remain a classic piece of hardware.

1. The original Xbox had a built in hard drive, built in value, memory cards existed but were not required for saving files
2. The console had DLC, last generation this was huge because other systems would have to completely re-release a game to add additional features
3. Xbox Live changed the way we communicate and play games together, it started on the original Xbox, fond memories of Unreal Championship when it first launched, did online proper
4. System link capabilities brought LAN parties to the masses
5. Was the spiritual successor to the Dreamcast, had sequels for Jet Set Radio, Shenmue and Sega GT
6. Custom soundtracks gave players the ability to listen to their own music while playing games
7. Four controller ports out the box, not the first to do it, still an awesome feature
8. The first system to dabble in HD, NFL 2K5 looked sweet in HD
9. The controller had a built in breakaway cable, small feature to some, kept my Xbox from being ripped off the shelf
10. Xbox was home to the original Halo, probably one of the biggest game changers of the decade

Too much for some, but perfect for others

Happy Birthday old friend and I look forward to another 10 years of gaming with you.  Viva la Xbox.  What did you like about the original Xbox?  Add to our list and sound off in the comments section.  Let us know what you think and help us celebrate this occasion.  As always you can follow us on Twitter @GamersAbstract and like us on Facebook for more content.