For only today, id Software's latest game RAGE is 50% off on Steam. FOR ONLY TODAY, that's why it's called a daily deal after all. So if you've been interested in this shooter, now is the time to give it a try.
How I wish this deal was around before I bought my 360 copy of the game. Oh well, money well spent. The game is around 10- 14 hours long and the gameplay of this game is one of the best you'll ever experience in a shooter.
[Source: Steam]
When you enter Datablitz and see a game you want so bad that only costs P 1,850 and actually have the money in hand, I couldn't resist anymore. I finally bought RAGE on my Xbox 360 while I was looking around for some cheap streaming equipment. Yes, our streaming will become a regular thing now since all three of us can stream. So look out for that.
Why the urge to get RAGE?
I've been hyped for the game since it was released and it's a new title coming from id Software. Since another game that I was hyped for was coming out on the same day as RAGE, I had to make a choice - Dark Souls or RAGE? When the day came, I decided on Dark Souls and frankly I don't regret it one bit. Awesome game, but it doesn't mean I didn't want RAGE. After Dark Souls, all those triple A titles that I was planning to get where also coming out so I had to skip on RAGE yet again. Now I had the chance to get it, so I did in a heartbeat.
RAGE is the latest title for the creators who started the whole First Person Shooter genre. id Software created classic titles such as Wolfenstein 3D, Doom, and Quake. With RAGE being the next title years after those classics, I had to play id Software's latest.
I'm 4 hours into the game now and it's really a great game so far. The shooting is very solid but what I really appreciate is the character models in the game. From the bandits and mutants you face to the people you meet in wellsprings, everything feels so dynamic. With enemies, they put a lot of detail on enemy reactions on how they get shot, especially specific parts like on the arm or leg. The friendly people you meet are not the regular stiff NPC that will give you a job to do or just simple has something to say. How they move when they talk to you brings out their personality which is slowly becoming a standard in games.
RAGE is the first released retail game using id Softwares new game engine id Tech 5. Of course, visually, the game looks amazing. You'd think the loading time would be pretty long with the kind of graphics RAGE has but it's actually fast. Deus Ex: Human Revolution has a way longer loading time. So far I'm hooked in RAGE. People say the game was good but too short for their taste. People tend to forget this is still a First Person Shooter, not an RPG hitting 100 hours. We'll see if what they say is true with the length of RAGE.
Cheap Streaming Equipment, Gotta Start Somewhere...
When I got home I pretty much went to work on setting up my streaming equipment. Arlie and I bought the same capture device Migoy got. We're using component cables so we could play at 720p display when recording. Playing on Standard Definition was definitely not an option.
Took awhile and had some issues here and there, but I finally got it working. Testing the stream was next, and since I had a new game to play, RAGE was the first test. My first four hours of the game was streamed lived awhile ago and so far the stream was smooth all throughout.
It was always part of the plan to include online streaming to TMG, we just needed extra research on how it can be done. Now we finally got it running and will become a regular thing now. Since Arlie Migoy and I can now stream, you'll see either one of us on the TMG channel streaming our gaming sessions. So I'm expecting the channel to be Live most of the time.
Streaming quality will improve in time as we get better equipment and stronger bandwidth. How I wish we could have crazy bandwidth and a PVR- HD capture device for streaming, but we got to start somewhere. When you see us online, come visit the stream and let's all have a good time. The small stream video on the side of the home page is set on auto play, so if you here sounds all of a sudden when visiting, don't freak out. Stream is just Live. We'll be working on a schedule so that there won't be any conflicts.
October is finally here. Actually, its been here for a while now, but it really hit me when I picked up Dark Souls on October 4 and went MIA for a week because of it. Why is October and November so important? well because these are the months that have a huge number of triple A titles coming to us gamers. In production for a long time, but announced a year ago, these are the games to look out for, or you should consider to buy if you have those extra bucks lying around your house.
August and September was pretty big too with titles such as Deus Ex, Gears of War 3, Resistance 3, Dead Island, and a couple more hitting the shelves, but I think this month and the next beats that completely.
RAGE - Playstation 3, PC, Xbox 360
Release Date: October 4, 2011 (Out now)
If you want a new game that isn't a sequel or has a number after its title, here ya go. It's a First Person Shooter(FPS) title worth giving a shot. If you like the classic FPS games such as Doom, Quake, and the really old Wolfenstein 3D, this is going to be a winner for you. Well, because the creators of those series is the makers of Rage. It's been awhile since Id Software has come out and created an entirely new title and they worked on it for years. First announcement? in Quakecon 2007 as a tech demo for id Softwares new game engine id Tech 5.
Now, compared to the tech video four years ago, the game had huge changes which looked and feels better each time they showed it up until release. id Tech 5 is a pretty amazing game engine and is fairly new. Rage is the first game to be released using this tech and if your thinking the graphics looks amazing, its thanks to this new engine.
The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world with mutants and thugs that roam the wasteland. The game is similar to Fallout and Borderlands and people have the confusion of what the game is thanks to this. It's similar to Fallout 3 and Borderlands because of the setting and its RPG elements, but it's not like those games. It's still an FPS at heart but borrowed some RPG elements to keep things interesting. There are no leveling and skills, but there is a currency system, inventory, and the ability to create and upgrade your weapons. Those are the RPG elements of Rage. The game looks like an open world but again its an FPS at heart, so it's not 'open' compared to Fallout 3 or Borderlands
Not everything went smooth during launch though. Because of it being a new game engine, the PC version witness a huge amount of issues like crashes, graphic glitches that frustrated a lot of gamers. Graphic card companies and id Software had to release an update to the cards drivers and patch up the game. Console versions had crashes and issues but not as severe as the PC version since they had to update their drivers too.
Game's already out around the world. I'd suggest PC gamers to get this game, but I think you should check if the coast is clear before grabbing a copy for yourself.
Should we consider it? - When we hear FPS, they're talking about Halo, Call of Duty, or Battlefield. FPS is really about the multiplayer aspect nowadays. I honestly miss FPS focused solely on the first player campaign. A lot will have the first impression of passing this game since it doesn't have a competitive multiplayer, but it does have multiplayer, just not the one you're expecting. They have car combat similar to Twisted Metal which I bet will be hard to swallow. The only FPS multiplayer they have is the co-op mode which is you and a friend survive waves of enemies. The shooting mechanic is the best in the genre and fans of the post-apocalyptic setting will appreciate how amazing the world of Rage looks. Rage is one of the best looking games out now. Don't get Rage because it reminded you of Fallout or Borderlands, buy it because you want an FPS focused on the single player campaign. In the end you never know, you might come out as a fan all of a sudden.
Dark Souls - Playstation 3, Xbox 360
Release Date: October 4(Out now)
This game is for gamers that WANT a challenge, and also to all those RPG junkies looking for a game that could grab 100 hours of your life. It's marketed as the hardest game you'll ever encounter in this generation, and It's true. Dark Souls' is an indirect sequel to From Software's Demon Souls. If you've played the first game, you have a big idea on what this game is all about. I've been playing it since last week and their not kidding with how hard this game wants you dead. You might think difficulty is a complete turn off, but for this game its the complete opposite. I've died 250+ times in my first play through, with 60+ hours spent, and while I was literally frustrated all throughout, I never had this much fun in an RPG in a long time, and I'm still going at it.
It has so many secrets, interesting bosses, and it's now an open world game. It's controls feel right and the customization of your character is deep. This game will not guide you to success, you'll have to figure it out on your own. The game literally is out to kill you, and the only help it gives you is pretty much those bonfires we're you can rest and do all your leveling. Working on my full review of the game so I won't say much about it. Instead, have a look at its latest trailer for the game.
Should we consider it? - It's really for those hardcore games. It might be too much for the casual since I don't think they want to spend their free time frustrated all night, unless they can take it. It's all about the challenge it brings at the same time it's pvp and co-op aspect is amazing. If you want a good story in your RPG that spends that much in-game time, look elsewhere. The story is there for the sake of just having one. but I'll say this - It may not have a story to 'wow' gamers, but its overall one of the best action RPG's you'll find in shelves today.
Batman: Arkham City - Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC
Release Date: October 18(NA), October 19(Aus), October 21(EU), PC version will be out a month after the console release.
Played the first game? great, you know what this sequel will bring then. If you don't, I suggest you pick up the first game and then get this game because this series will definitely be the best title based on a comic book character. Rocksteady just gets how Batman operates in the shadows, how he fights, and why he's just a badass character. The concept of this Batman game during the first game was just perfect, now their going all out with Batman: Arkham City by having a whole city as your playground instead of just an Asylum.
Voice acting is going to be amazing with Kevin Conroy(Batman) and Mark Hamill(Joker) on board. Fans of Batman and its animated shows know how big of a deal this is. The story is going to be just as dark as the first game, and the famous free flow combat system is back showing Batman take down 8 thugs all by himself with ease. It's engineered to being a stealth game and all the gadgets known in the first game will be present with of course new ones for Arkham City. You will also doing some detective work by finding special clues and information to find out specific tasks. They literally make you play as The Batman and show why he's considered "The World's Greatest Detective".
Should we consider it? - I believe anybody will have a blast playing as the Caped Crusader. Batman fans and fans of the first game are definitely looking out for this title. It's said to be quite a lengthy game and there will be challenge maps to test your skills in hand to hand combat. If you're not a fan of Batman, this game might just make you one.
New trailer to celebrate its release is already out for everybody to see.
Battlefield 3 - Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC
Release Date: October 25
Oh I can't wait. Pre-order is all set and I'm just waiting for October 25 to hit. Battlefield 3 needs no introduction. As much as games like this make their single player campaign interesting, this game is all about its multiplayer. Players will be able to assume any role in the battlefield. Be a medic, a pilot of a jet, a gunner in a tank, it's up to you and your squad on how you want to help your team earn that win. DICE is working on Battlefield 3 and it's now famous game engine with destructible enviroment fits absolutely well with Battlefield 3.
Played the open beta on my Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 and they made a grave mistake in releasing an old version of the game, not to mention there's no vehicles to try out. Gamers who tried the open beta is forced to compare Battlefield 3 with old Call of Duty games because it was all infantry battles. Battlefield is all about the whole package: Vehicle combat, air combat, infantry combat, all mixed up into one game. The open beta made people forget that and it's bugs and broken issues is unforgiving for a game to be released in a month.
Should we consider it? - If you want a multiplayer game that you can hope in with some friends, do a couple of games, have fun and call it a night then do it again the next day, this is perfect. This game has the full package: single player campaign, of course multiplayer, and a co-op mode campaign with a friend. FPS fans are going to have a kick out of this game and this game will be around for months to come until the next Battlefield comes around. It won't be a game you'll shelve after a month. With its many roles you can master and the number of unlocks to earn in this game, it will be in your console/pc for months. Multiplayer is said to have 9 maps on launch.
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception - Playstation 3
Release date: November 1, 2011
Nathan Drake is back and is looking better than ever. I consider The Uncharted series a good reason to get a Playstation 3. It's not anymore about Gran Turismo, God of War, or even Final Fantasy. Uncharted is one of the best games to come out for the Playstation 3. Who would have thought a Tomb Raider-ish game with amazing story telling could be this successful. Action sequences from Uncharted feels like it comes straight out of a movie and the characters are instantly likable right from the start.
This is the third title in the series. All your famous characters are back and everybody(including me) is wondering if this third game can top Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. Naughty Dog set the bar pretty damn high. If they managed to make Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception an even better game than the second, that will be an amazing feat. If you haven't played the first and second game, its fine. It's a sequel but has a completely different story in each game. Think of it as another episode of Uncharted. If you play Uncharted 3 and like it, you'll definitely get the other two games to get more Uncharted.
Should we consider it? - Definitely. If it will be at the same caliber as Uncharted 2: Among Thieves - Your going to love it, and even the people watch you play will love it. It's going to be like watching an action movie. Also a complete package; Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception will have Single Player, multiplayer, and co-op play. I was in the closed beta of Uncharted 3's beta and currently trying Uncharted 3's Subway multiplayer access and overall the multiplayer is pretty fun. Just like most multiplayer's nowadays, you can customize your character, pick your loadouts, perks, and even level up and unlock more stuff to use. If you have a Playstation 3, I suggest you ready some money for this game.
You know who created Rage right? they are the makers of the classic Doom series, Quake series, and the first ever First Person Shooter - Wolfenstein 3D. So to pay tribute to their classic games, they placed easter eggs for Rage players to find and enjoy. Wanna see?
Wolfenstein 3D Easter Egg
Doom Easter Egg
Quake Easter Egg
It's pretty awesome and made me want to get a copy of those classic games to play again, or even buy Rage. Too busy dying in Dark Souls though.
Anybody going through Rage right now? it's said to be a great shooter in its own right and to be confused with games like Fallout or Borderlands. It's not Fallout, it's not Borderlands. They just have certain elements that bring out the confusion. It being in a post-apocalyptic setting, open world, and having an inventory system. I say, if you like the old FPS kind of games, then this might just work for you.
More pre-orders for us! If you live in the Philippines, and want RAGE badly, well you can pre-order now and earn some extra goodies for doing so.
It's good to see more pre-orders happening in Datablitz(our version of gamestop, sadly) aside from EA games. Why? well because if they have a pre-order option, then that means they will actually get the game on the said date. We mostly don't really get a game on the same date as the rest of the world. For example, Deus Ex: Human Revolution came out here days behind the actual date. The dlc is really a bonus, I'm more thrilled with the fact we have a date to look at here in the Philippines.
So hopefully more pre-orders. The Anarchy dlc said above will include:
People interested in the pre-order here in the Philippines - Just simply head over to any Datablitz store and cough up P1,000 for PS3 or Xbox 360 version of the game. You have until Oct 2 to pre-order the game and earn the DLC. Save the receipt given and wait for October 4 to hit. The pre-order only lasts until October 23 so don't wait too long to claim your copy, but I'm sure that will never be the case though.
Other countries will upgrade pre-order customers to the Anarchy Edition instantly to earn this DLC. Still not certain if it will be the same here. Will we get an instant upgrade and get an Anarchy Edition copy or simply earn the codes from the desk. They tend to do that sometimes.
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