As of about 2 hours ago, it is Christmas here on the Pacific Coast, so Merry Christmas to all.

I went out and bought a VGA cable for my 360, looking to put my nearly-3-year-old secondary monitor, an Envision H170L with a native resolution of 1280×1024, to good use. After a little setup, I decided to use Mushihime-sama Futari as a guinea pig. Even in yoko mode, playing Futari in 360 mode was mindblowing–everything looks much clearer.

And, I can more easily tell the difference between the pixel hell that is Arcade mode and 360 mode (or as I like to call it, Futari HD) than I can on a horizontal CRT.

I’d like to put the LCD in a vertical position and experience true vert awesomeness, but I have no easy way of doing it at the moment, and I bought my monitor with no regard to tate. *sigh*

In the midst of playing around with my new setup, I, about an hour ago as of this writing, decided to kick off Christmas by taking a 1CC on Black Label’s Original mode, using Palm; I’ve always been more of a fan of fast movement coupled with concentrated firepower than slower movement with a wider spread.

I could’ve easily no-bombed Stage 5 (Cave, I’m really happy for you, I’ma let you finish, but Raiden had some of the best fast bullets of all time!) up to the indoor area like on a previous run, but I have trouble replicating the lines I made that made bombing unnecessary. This was also the run where I finally had the scoring system under control (A-shot with blue counter, and C shot with green counter); I was able to pick up two extends (and the Stage 5 1-up) and finish with a little under 210 million and a life left (lol, Larsa bomb spam).

Next up: Figuring out how to make playing for survival and playing for score go hand in hand in BL Maniac. And maybe more 1.5 because it’s starting to collect digital dust.

p.s. The record for Rez HD Area 5 is 9 million. I have the replay file, and it clocks at over 99′59″999 and I stopped watching about 1 boss form in, so maybe it’s not really a falsificare so much as GOOD OLD FASHIONED HOURS LONG MILKING geez fuck this game

Link to review

Drum and Bass rail shooter gets a healthy Rezurrection…

To prevent a supercomputer from collapsing within itself you, an unnamed hacker take on the system Eden to make your way through the programs to save it and take out any firewalls and virus’s on your way.

The game has received a major enhancement in graphics and really makes having a HD TV to flaunt its full potential an enjoyment to experience. The graphics really add to the feel the game creates with its visual style and connections with the music.

To those unfamiliar with Rez’s style of gameplay here’s a quick intro to it. The game style is a simple rail shooter progressing through levels of enemies with a boss at the end. Each level is split into 10 sections where you must eliminate all enemies and shoot at an item to progress to the next section. Now, here is where we take your usual expectations and jumble it up a bit.

The games main focus is around the music featured in it. These tracks are drum and bass/trance tracks which start off rather simple but as you progress to the next levels the sounds become more complex and interesting. Along with this, the sounds of shooting and eliminating enemies is also timed with the music, the destruction of an enemy results in sounds like drum beats and other trance sounds ultimately building up on the song.

Your avatar and background also pulsate to the beat of the music along with the vibration of the pad in time as well. This though in words may not sound like much of an effect but whilst in play can really give a feel of involvement in the game even in a sub conscious kind of level. The songs are all different for each level and are really well made as well as good to listen to, even on a casual level.

The game has 4 official levels with extra levels and game types to unlock. Those who really enjoy the game and play it a lot get rewarded with extra features that the game doesn’t boast about. If a lot of people knew more about these extras people would know to play it for longer.

It’s good to see the games making a comeback and ultimately a brilliant visual feast for your HD TV to lap up. Even those without a HD TV will enjoy its visual style. And even if you’re a d’n’b/trance fan you’ll probably like this game more than you’d think. However with bringing it to the Xbox Live Arcade something like a multiplayer or online would have been nice.

Rating: 7.5

Published by: Q Entertainment
Developed by: HexaDrive / Q Entertainment
Genre: Shooter
Number of Players: 1
Features: 16:9 Support, 720p Support, Dolby Digital 5.1

So A friend gave me a few MS points for my birthday not to long ago and last night I though “fuck it I am going to buy something”. Despite always getting any new Halo DLC 800 points for new game modes is just too much I am sorry. So while looking through the list of Arcade games I came across Rez HD and remembered all the talk about it at the time and how Area 5.tv is named after it. So I check out the trail and ended up getting the full version.

Rez is hard to describe, its part shooter, part amazing visual and audio experience. In fact it could be compared to Flower on the PS3 in a lot of ways. From what I can gather its set in side some sort of computer system and you are trying to get rid of the infections inside it. There are a few pages of story you can read but I don’t really care about that. Rez is just such a laid back shooter than you can just play and get deep into without having to worry about it too much. The gameplay is very basic and never changes and the beat of the music allows you to be drawn in very quickly.

I will report back on the finer details of the game when I have finished it and might look into the story in more detail but for now I will say beyond playing though it a few times this is going to be a great game to play when I just can’t decide what to play or want something to do when chatting with friends over live.

1. Castle Crashers
2. Rez HD
3. Braid
4. Worms
5. Carcassonne

Honourable Mention: Geometry Wars, Uno, Alien Hominid

In an increasingly regular feature, I have been choosing my Top 5 games in a different genre/category, and this week I have chosen my Top 5 XBLA games.

The XBLA service launched 3 and a half years, when the Xbox 360 first went on sale. This was the first service of its kind, in that it offered you the chance to download full, albeit smaller games, directly to your console in your living room. Many months, file-size limit increases and games later, the service is still going strong, providing some of the best entertainment that the console has to offer.

The initial of quality of these downloadable games varied considerably, for every Geometry Wars or Uno, there was Feeding Frenzy or Astro Pop, but this was to be expected with any service. It took a while, but Microsoft soon started consistently delivering quality games on a weekly basis.

The 5 games listed above are the five games that I have enjoyed playing the most. I have sunk a great deal of time into each of them, and definitely feels like I have had my monies worth. The list might seem a bit arbitrary to some, especially with the inclusion of Braid and Castle Crashers, the two Indie darlings of the service, but I don’t care.

The year that was 2008 is over: Its happenings are currently being carved into archaic stone tablets by underpaid librarians to be placed on the great Metal Shelving of the Endtime. So, anything good happen? Read our in-no-specific-order list of what we thought were some of Gamedom’s most memorable moments over the last year.

Rez HD: The first playthrough

The Rez experience

Somehow, I managed to skip the PlayStation 2 release of Rez. Color me embarrassed. But I had no excuse to ignore the game once the high-def remake came out on LIVE last January. I may have been out of the loop for seven years, but Rez HD managed to hook me right from the start. Having heard about the interactivity of the music, I figured I already knew what was coming. Instead, linking together low-poly wireframe models into aural-enhancing chains was so intuitive and still genius by today’s standards that the gameplay easily burned a hole of “Awesome” through my cranium. Thus, Rez HD takes a spot in our 2008 list, even though it would be more at home on a “Moments” compilation from 2002.

GTA IV: Drunk driving

Officer Niko on patrol

The fourth Grand Theft Auto did a lot of things right (relationships, i.e. having them), and it did a few things wrong (relationships, i.e. maintaining them). But the game truly shined in one of its more controversial moments: driving piss drunk through Liberty City. The first time you grab some rounds with your favorite friend, flame or family member and stumble to your car, stepping from the curb and tumbling over, you begin to see exactly what GTA IV is about: reality caramel-coated with hilarity. Sure, that could sum up every GTA to date, but number four chose to tone down the jetpacks and weight gain to provide players with “reserved” chaos. For instance: While driving drunk, a police car notices and speeds off in pursuit of you and your horrified passenger. Suddenly, a pedestrian flips over the hood of your car in a fantastic display of pseudo-physics. You then knock over a fire hydrant and hit the adjacent wall, causing your body to launch from the windshield while your car, still running, is lifted into the air by the extreme amount of water pressure from the tipped hydrant. Truly, Rockstar didn’t take away the over-the-top experiences of San Andreas, it redefined them through a lens of feasibility.

Fable II: A dog and his ball

I wonder what breed that is?

Fable has always been the little-franchise-that-could. Stepping back from the shadow of negative internet press over Molyneux’s boasts and the constant bellowing about undelivered gameplay promises, Fable and Fable II have ended up being extremely fun and unique titles at their respective cores. With the second game, Lionhead delivered 2008’s DogTech 2.0 (working title of my own invention); The sheer joy of playing with ol’ rendered rover was miles above shooting your billionth bullet in FPS Sequel 13. Stepping out from the gates of your adopted Gypsy home into the rays of sunshine reflecting off of Bowerstone Lake was impressive enough. But watching your dog realistically play fetch and adore you in the way pets do put the game over the top. The plot moments and combat tweaks in Fable II kept it exciting. However, the dog caused the title to rise to the developer’s promises of true choice and emotion in a videogame, making Fable II truly memorable.

Metal Gear Solid 4: The ship-top Street Fighter battle with Solid Snake and Liquid Ocelot

Nick picked the microwave tunnel part of Metal Gear Solid 4. He has a thing with Hot Pockets. Now I agree that it was memorable, but having been a fair-weather MGS fan after number two (it wasn’t because of Raiden), I tend to look past those cinematic and “deep” elements of the series and focus on what made me the most amused and satisfied in the end. For me, the final battle between Solid and Liquid could be called epic, and it totally deserves that worn-out word. The old school fighter presentation was great. Seeing both hero and villain slow down and struggle to fight back was a nice touch as well; it illustrated the vulnerability of Solid Snake’s rapid aging syndrome better than having him cough every five seconds and saying “damn!

XBLA Rez HD Review: Games AS Art, a refreshing approach on a game-as-art review

Everything that’s old is new again!

by TWODOGSz

© 2008 Aaron Bertinetti

ED: – A fresh new look at RezHD from the artistic point of view, following it’s history and original design aspects, not just as a game per say, but using a game to make a statement about art. Please read on, and enjoy.

“`When originally released in 2001 Tetsuya Mizuguchi, inspired by modern abstract art, wanted to push the idea of technology and art through the medium of videogames. His template was an on rails shooter with simple conventional controls and an improbable story about a hacker who enters the virtual world to restore an artificial intelligence which is humanity’s last hope. But the purpose of this was merely a platform from which he could convey the unique experience of synesthesia.

Most of us have never been fortunate enough to experience synesthesia, let alone know what that actually means. So let me save you the Google search and just explain that in a nutshell it’s the stimulation of one sense by another to the point that they become one. Take the expression “loud shirt” and now imagine what you see also sounds like a 1000 watt sub woofer at the same time and you get the idea! If you’re still unconvinced just know that the music made by such diverse artists as Pharrell Williams, John Mayer and Duke Ellington are all due to synesthesia in the form of seeing music as colours.

Full review and pics after the jump:

“`What Rez achieves that no other form of entertainment, or dare I say art, is in giving the rest of us the experience of this strange but wonderful condition. Colour, music, touch and gameplay become one. Just imagine a cyberpunk Sgt Peppers at a nightclub on mind altering substances and you get a rough idea what you’re in for. It’s the cheapest trip you’ll ever afford and there aren’t any nasty side effects!

“`I’m the DJ, the painter, a vibrator and… Buddha?!

“`Rez is fuelled by an evolving electro-trance soundtrack, but what is truly unique is that the gameplay is actually part of the music. Whilst it may appear as a simple on rails shooter at first, you quickly realise that upon shooting the enemies they generate samples and beats that are laid over the backing tracks. As you build up chains of attacks and progress through levels the intensity of player created samples and beats builds.

“`In unison with these escalating beats and samples is the whole graphical environment. A mesmerising mix of psychedelic vectors, the player’s avatar, virtual worlds, enemies and explosions not only “beat” in time with the music but during each level paint a vibrant and colourful display of explosions and effects that gradually build to a kaleidoscopic crescendo of sight and sound.

The cream on top that only further heightens the sensory assault, is the game taking full advantage of not only the player’s controller but up to four in total, if you so wish, to vibrate along with every single beat and rhythmic pulse. The controllers pump and pound along with the music, but without the disturbing connotations of the originals vibrating peripherals.

Click any image for full rez view:

Perhaps Mizuguchi thought this a spiritual experience, or perhaps I’m making such a claim simply to explain that a particularly skilled player can transform their avatar from a lowly digital sphere to an all conquering Buddha! Either way it’s a lot of fun, adds another level of eccentricity to proceedings and most importantly adds some extra challenge to the gameplay just in case you aren’t fully overwhelmed by the truly unique gaming experience already.

Everything that’s old is new again!

Rez has been completely reworked for the HD era, and it is very much one of those titles to show your HDTV off. However, if you’re feeling nostalgic you can still kick it old school with low res textures, 4:3 support and jaggies to your heart’s content. But even if you love it old-school you’ll be blasting your mixes through the speakers courtesy of the newly implemented 5.1 surround sound

A major complaint about the original Rez was the lack of replayability, and whilst there are no additional story levels to the original five, Mizuguchi and his team have added a vast array of game modes and options that significantly enhance the longevity of the title and actually encourage you to replay it.

The variety of game modes is particularly important in attracting a broader audience. “Easy Rez” allows players to play through the entire story without the frustration of dying and yet with all the enjoyment of the spectacle, giving casual gamers a chance to appreciate what has historically been a very niche game. “Score Attack” is for those gamers who love online leaderboards and are happy to constantly replay levels in the pursuit of a higher score. The real meat, however, lies in the “Beyond Mode” and its unlockable game types. They include a never-ending story mode, a boss only mode, a bonus level known as the “Lost Area” and an infinite free play mode for those who really want to zone out for hours on end.

Sound effects range from “Cave” which sounds like a thumping nightclub to “Plate”, which I can’t explain for the life of me but is my personal favourite. Visual filters offer a wide variety of effects including the rag time “Sepia”, the Commodore 64 “Tile” and “Glare”, which I’m convinced exists purely to show off how pretty HD really can be.

The replay theatre is fantastic for playing back your best mixes, turning them up and chilling out. But the ability to download the films and mixes of other players, learn from their moves and falsely convince friends that it’s really a replay of your own gaming prowess is perhaps the best aspect. My only complaint is that the vibration of controllers is not available.

This is not a game… it’s an experience!

As much as I’ve detailed Rez HD and its gameplay features they are merely additions to what at its core is a unique experience that challenges the notion of games as a unique art form. An art that can help us interactively experience such things as synethesia that other forms could never do

My only minor criticism of Rez HD is that the downloadable demo largely misrepresents this core value, and that many gamers may simply pass it up as a result. Whilst it may appear short, this game has value that goes well beyond its asking price. Much like last year’s Portal this game is an argument for quality over quantity.

And then there’s Level 5, which is not only one of my favourite gaming levels of all time but which demands to be played by any serious gamer who’s ever had any inclination that games are art. Personally, Level 5 gave me that answer…

Buy It!

“9.5/10

© 2008 Aaron Bertinetti

Update: I was wrong! Samsoon just got me another complaint! The guy came back and said that people are still saying it’s too loud! Apparently my apartment building is occupied by highly sensitive Berserkers.

I just received my second noise complaint in as many weeks, both video game related. Last week, I was playing Rez HD for the first time, and seriously not even that loud, when security came up and asked me if I was playing music because there was a complaint from a neighbor. I wanted to get all smarmy and no, I was playing a game with music in it, but he was just doing his job. I told him yes and I would turn it down.

Today I was playing a more complaint-worthy game, Rock Band, and neck deep in some newly downloaded tracks. I was busy rocking my imaginary stadium, and halfway through Interstate Love Song, when I heard a knock at the door and knew instantly who it was. I said I was sorry and I’d turn it down. I was mad at first, but then I realized that it is 1:15am on a Monday, so I guess should call it a night. Now I’m watching “My Lovely Samsoon”, which is decidedly un-complainable.

I downloaded Rez HD on XBLA today because I heard it was a pretty amazing game, and I’m a fan of things that are amazing. It’s a redux of an earlier game, called simply Rez, which was released for the PS2 and Dreamcast in 2001. The game casts you as a rail-riding virtual shooter in a “supernetwork” world where you fire pulses of light at other pulses of light along a pre-determined path. Trust me, it’s much more awesome than it sounds. It plays almost as a rhythm game because everything you do adds to the soundtrack. For example, shooting enemies adds a certain sound that goes into the song, and by the time you are done with a level, you are shooting baddies in rhythm and making beautiful music while doing it.

It’s hard to explain, but it’s a lot of fun. It adds a very original feel to a classic type of game, and is definitely one of the hottest XBLA games out there. Raul said level 5 is the best, but I’ll be the judge of that.

Kiss songs this week…

Inappropriate funeral songs in list form.

The AV Club also joins the rest of the world in loving Rez HD.

Unlikely heroes on television from The Guardian following the premiere in the UK of Mad Men.

Can Hillary scare you into voting for her?

Hell Angels tried to kill Jagger in 1969?! Yet no one has tried after the solo albums…

Hillary Clinton has gained the ringing endorsement of Jack Nicholson.

Zefron poses with Richard Linklater as they together create Me & Orson Welles.

PopSugar UK has a preview of Forgetting Sarah Marshall which, of course, stars Jason Segel. Once, he did this, and it was good.

Michael Chabon contributes an essay to The New Yorker.

Obama’s less seasoned campaigners are holding their own in Texas.

I say, where the flip is Vicki Iseman?

I love Marion Cotillard, but this is not good.

Here’s two tracks from Wilco on SNL.

McCain’s run has taken a little stumble at the first.

Tim Allen is directing a film.

I had always heard of Rez, but never really understood what it was. Screenshots could never quite get the idea across. It just looked like weird graphics and a simple gameplay mechanic. All I knew was that everyone loved the game like it was their own child. People talked about it with the unanimous admiration few games receive, especially years after their release. Finally, this game is getting another chance to shine, this time on XBLA. I went in with high anticipations, but not quite knowing what to expect. And honestly, I don’t think anything could prepare you for the experience that is Rez HD.

At it’s core, it is an on rails shooter, a genre that hasn’t seen much action recently. It seems like it would be pretty boring to not be able to control the movement of your character, but you don’t miss it at all. Fairly skeptical of whether or not I’d enjoy the game, I tried the demo first. Even at the beginning, when I had no idea what I was really supposed to do, I was totally engaged. I wasn’t sure why, but I had to keep playing. Upon completing the demo, I immediately slapped down my 800 MS points to get the full version and continued my journey into the world of Rez.

The game ramps up the difficulty perfectly. Considering there isn’t really anything else like it, the first level starts out nice and easy. You get accustomed to what you’re supposed to do and look for. By the second level, you’re looking for more action and it is delivered to you. This pattern continues right up to the fifth and final level which ends in an epic, mind altering, borderline pretentious boss battle. I’m not really sure what all the text means during this level, but it feels enlightening.

This post has taken me forever to finish. Just talking about the game or watching a video makes me want to play it. I don’t really know what is drawing me back to it constantly. There are only 5 levels but I can’t seem to get enough of them. Usually games that base replay value on beating your high score don’t grab me. Rez, however, has kept me trying to grab the high score on every level. This may or may not have something to do with getting the achievements for the game, but either way, I’m still playing. I can’t recommend this game enough. It’s like no other game around. With music games finally coming into their own, Rez HD fits in perfectly.

Rez HD gets:

54 beats per minute

(I don’t like giving number scores. Enjoy the nonsense scores.)

Well most was spent sleeping but I managed to scramble onto the 360 and try out a couple of things.
I downloaded the Devil May Cry 4 demo yesterday. This morning I learned that it is….awesome.
I haven’t played a Devil May Cry since the pre-release demo for PS2 of the first one.
The graphics look amazing. The sound is awesome. I seriously have to buy this.

The other thing I tried was the big XBLA release for this week (or last week if you prefer). Rez HD.
Now, I only tried the demo in HD. I swear that it could contain the catchiest music ever.
But, for an on-rails shooter its pretty much what you would expect in terms of gameplay. Yet it is somehow really cool.
I think I may buy this.

In other things to do;
Hire Eternal Sonata
Buy Ace Combat 6
Hire Mass Effect
Wait for Lost Odyssey

Oh Lost Odyssey looks so good. It uses the Unreal Engine 3. So….*drools*

I’ve been afraid to post anything above the Jack Thompson story for the last few days. Mostly because that story deserves one hundred times the publicity it’s gotten, and secondarily because I think that attracts more viewers than a post about my upcoming posts titled “Things Bubbling.” This is a post of defiance. This is a post that will more than likely lead to 20 or so fewer clicks per day. Tough nuggets.

So I’ve been putting off any mention of Assassin’s Creed since my preview post. I didn’t prepare adequately for a review of that game. When I was about half way through the game, I started noting pros and cons. When I finished ahead of schedule, I thought that I might be able to put up a review a day or so earlier than I had expected. I began writing, thinking, and erasing (make that backspacing…make that highlighting entire pages and pressing backspace.)

I will not be writing a review of Assassin’s Creed. I didn’t begin playing that game with the mindset of criticism, and don’t think I can afford to purchase games that I plan to absorb with the critique filter on. If I’m going to pay $50 or $60 for a video game, I am going to try to enjoy the experience as much as I possibly can.

This isn’t me being defeated by the idea of reviewing video games for fun. This is me realizing I need to join GameFly again. I unsubscribed around October, thinking that I wouldn’t have the time to play all the games I wanted to coming out in the fall, with or without GameFly. I’m glad I unsubscribed! I sure as hell didn’t need GameFly for that stretch of time. But times have changed, and I can see GameFly being a great way to spend the $10 or $15 a month to get games that I plan to review…or to get achievement points.

So expect full retail reviews sometime down the line, and maybe a Rez HD review sooner than later.

I’ve also been thinking a lot about making a post regarding a pickle I’ve found myself in a lot lately. Here’s an example of said pickle:

The setting: Class. Two classmates are conversing about video games…

Human Being A: “Haha! I’m even old enough to remember the Dreamcast!”

Human Being B: ” Ohohhh-YES! Dreamcast. Best system of all time. Period.”

Me: (Radio silence is achieved, but an emotion of “What the crap” and a cringe are detected.)

Most people that have at the very least followed video games for 10 years would immediately invite themselves into the conversation and say “Seriously? You’re seriously going to say the greatest video game platform of all time is the SEGA DREAMCAST. You’re going to say that the SEGA DREAMCAST is the SUPER NINTENO’s or the PLAYSTATION’s superior? Hell. The Dreamcast isn’t even the greatest Sega platform. Are you old enough to remember the SEGA GENESIS?” Maybe those that would say all this are better than I. Why wouldn’t I say that? That’s to come in what will likely be my next post.

Such a cliffhanger. Damnit I’m good.

Non ha perso nulla del suo fascino il capolavoro di Tetsuya Mizuguchi. Anzi, in questi sette anni dal lancio giapponese, ha pure guadagnato l’alta definizione, e un suffisso HD sul titolo che ne sancisce la definitiva affermazione.
Disponibile da qualche giorno su Xbox Live Arcade, al canonico costo di 800 Microsoft Points (8 euro), RezHD dimostra quanto fosse lungimirante il suo creatore, quanto brillante e rivoluzionario il suo concept a metà strada tra un videogioco, un bemani e un’installazione caleidoscopica di visual art.

Non a caso Mizuguchi si muove su più settori, quello videoludico con la sua etichetta Q!Entertainment (che ha sfornato altri capolavori acidissimi come Every Extend Extra e Lumines) e musicale con i Genki Rockets, di cui è producer e regista di svariati video e scenografie digitali di scena (ammirate ad esempio nella recente tappa giapponese dell’ecologista Live Earth organizzato da Al Gore).

Il suo è un percorso artistico e personale che da tempo testimonia il suo eclettico anticonformismo, sospeso tra passioni sonore e sperimentazioni visive, capace di reinventare generi (e sottogeneri) assolutamente straordinari e rivoluzionari. Talmente distanti dalle concezioni attuali (anche e sopratutto della maggior parte dei videogiocatori) che (troppo) spesso passano (purtroppo) inosservate.

Rez non fa eccezione. Uscito in origine sull’ultima console Sega e traghettato poi su PlayStation2 con i medesimi (scarsi) risultati commerciali, Rez è un viaggio allucinogeno e straniante tra forme geometriche in continua, e pulsante, evoluzione, tra orde di oggetti in wireframe e superfici translucide. Sospeso in un volo perenne, attraverso acidi corridoi cangianti e panoramiche futuristiche dai colori esacerbati, il protagonista (anch’esso formato da un agglomerato di poligoni vagamente antropomorfo) può distruggere tutto. A tempo di musica. Ogni esplosione, ogni concatenazione, ogni brillìo produce una sequenza sonora che si integra alla perfezione con la base principale. E qui nasce il quid del gioco, il suo primigenio e intimo senso. La contaminazione audio(visiva) di cui all’inizio.

Niente storia. Niente principesse da salvare o guerre da vincere. Solo una cuffia (consigliata), lo schermo strabuzzante di cromie e la propria voglia di immergersi in un’esperienza dalle conseguenze imprevedibili e mai scontate. Un viaggio in qualcosa che non è nè videogioco nè non videogioco, ma creazione pura di una mente che irride al realismo e non teme la sperimentazione di concept magari impopolari, ma assolutamente e rigorosamente originali.

RezHD deve essere vostro. A 8 euro poi, la questione proprio non si pone. Anche se, pad alla mano, per voi resta una incomprensibile e misteriosa tech-demo multicolore.

I’m fresh off a quick play of Rez HD and all that can be said is wow. The game is amazing from what I have played. I only made it to the second boss fight before I died and decided to throw up some quick impressions. The graphics are trippy for lack of better words. If you have played anything from Tetsuya Mizuguchi, you already know what to expect. The gameplay still holds up surprisingly well. It has a similar concept to Panzer Dragoon when it comes to combat. You fly around without control of where you fly, but only where you look. All shots are fired by locking on to up to 8 enemies and then letting the missiles fly. In similar Mizuguchi fashion, every action has a sound byte to it, which makes it an interactive song you are playing. While I really enjoy this game, I can see how it wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea. One reason being the length. Apparently, this game can be knocked out in a matter of an hour or so. Also, the visuals are really abstract and bright which might become a strain on your eyes. If you are into unique experiences though, you’ll be in for an awesome ride.

I just played the demo of this game on Xbox Live. Even though I never experienced the first game, I really like this one! It’s got sharp, old-school graphics and it sounds great. There’s rave-style tecno playing during the game, and when you kill your enemies, the music is affected.

This game goes for 800 Microsoft Points on the Xbox Live Marketplace. I would definitely recommend downloading the demo before you decide to buy. This won’t be the game for everyone; but some of you will love it! I haven’t played through the whole game, but I heard it’s pretty short.

Not that I watch American Idol, but the introduction to the show looks just like this game.

-BigDaddyBooth

Don King Wins A Prize

A few sketchy details of a new boxing game have began to filter into the G4A office this week. Loudmouth, comet-haired loony and boxing promoter Don King has his very own game coming this spring. Don King Presents: Prize Fighter is a new game from Rocky developers Venom games. So far it is only down for release on 360, Wii and DS, whether or not it will also be coming to PS3 remains to be seen. This is shaping up to be a real gem and as Rocky was a firm favourite of ours we are excited about the prospect of this game. Will it be able to take Fight Night Round 3’s world title? Only time will tell but looking at this screen shot you wouldn’t bet against it. More on this as we get it.

Xbox Live

A couple of little Xbox live tit-bits. To say sorry for Live being totally crap over the Christmas period Microsoft are giving away the quite decent Undertow for free from today till Sunday. The online multiplayer underwater shooter is one of the better original titles for Live Arcade.

Also on Live today is a playable demo of Turning Point: Fall Of Liberty. The FPS based in an America invaded by Nazi Germany in 1953 looks impressive and we will have a full review shortly.

Slightly more annoying Live news is that Rez HD has been pulled from today’s released schedule and moved to next week! Grr.

Get Your Hands Off Our Lara!

In very welcome news, Edios owners SCi have beaten off all perspective suitors who have been circling around the last major British based games publisher. Rumours had been that Warner Bros. Interactive, who had already owned a stake in the company, were pushing for a take over. This had prompted other companies to also sniff around in-case SCi had decided to sell. The company now have thankfully now decided to go alone and should be set for another big Christmas this year with news that Tomb Raider: Underworld is now done for a quarter 4 release.

Closer To The Condemned

Sega have set the hype-drive into top gear as they countdown to the release of Condemned 2: Bloodshot. With the game currently scheduled for a release on March 14th this latest appetiser, (Not sure that is the best phrase.) Comes in the form of a shiny new trailer and shows just how far the 360 has comes since its launch. The visuals look truly as lovely as they do terrifying and some of the enemies look even more demented than they did before. These include, rather dubiously what appear to be exploding babies! Thankfully the use of FBI tools seems to have been kept in something both Moonhead and myself thought was far too underused in the first game. And a neat touch as far as I am concerned is that our hero seems to have been adversely effected by his experiences, he now looks like a man who is far too used to seeing babies explode! You can see the trailer for yourselves here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=3-5FJl1UjTs

Lets All Get Down The Arcade

Xbox Live Arcade has had some good news in terms of future releases coming on the back of CES (Consumer Electronics Show.) Already due for release this week is Boogie Bunnies, a cute little puzzler where players have to heard coloured bunnies together in a familiar fashion. The 3D style is new and refreshing and certainly gives the game a unique perspective. Kinda like Pikmin meets Bust-a-Move!

Other releases that have been confirmed in the near future include, the puzzle-come-card game Poker Smash; Nintendo-alike Brain Challenge; arcade classic Lode Runner is pencilled in for a rather vague later in the year. However, my personal favourite from the line up is Q Entertainments Rez HD. This Live exclusive update of the classic music based shooter is down as “soon to be released” so let’s hope that is not the same “soon to be released” as Sensible Soccer was.

Boogie Bunnies is available for 800 MS Points from this Wednesday, we will keep you posted on the rest.