A YEAR OF GAMING (2014)
Kacper Chlebowicz of Warsaw, Poland has designed a gaming-themed calendar for 2014 that covers decades of gaming. For each month he highlights a particular franchise or gaming device and accompanies it with a quick fact for you to enjoy (if you can read Polish).
Maybe it’s because of the cherished memories I have of using/playing all these devices and franchises, but I think this is way cooler than the 2013 Club Nintendo Calendar.
A WILD BATCH OF FINAL FANTASY X-2: HD REMASTER SCREENS APPEAR
When it originally released in 2003, Square-Enix’s response to Charlie’s Angels, aka Final Fantasy X-2, released to mixed fanfare. Most either liked or loathed the game with very few falling in between.
As someone who has fond memories of the game, and its predecessor, these screens ignite my anticipation for the upcoming HD remastering of both games. The game is looking gorgeous!
Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster will release for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita sometime later this year. The PlayStation 3 version includes both games for $39.99 while the Vita version requires you to buy both games separately.
Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster is available for pre-order on Amazon right now.
MEET THE INFECTED FROM THE LAST OF US
This developer’s video show behind the scenes at Naughty Dog on the making of upcoming action adventure survival horror game The Last of Us. In this brief video we get a glimpse at some gameplay as well as the origins behind the game’s enemies The Infected.
The Last of Us is scheduled for release on June 14 exclusively on PlayStation 3. Here’s a story trailer if you’re looking for more information on the game.
You can still pre-order the game from Amazon to secure the Sights and Sounds pack (the soundtrack to the game, dynamic theme and two avatars) as well as a $10 instant credit to Amazon Instant Video.
TURTLE BEACH HEADSET SALE
If you’re in need of a new headset, and don’t need the latest/greatest, now may be the time to pick one up. Amazon is having a sale on most of their Turtle Beach headsets. While most all of them are on sale, these headsets offer the best savings right now:
- Ear Force PX5 Programmable Wireless Headset $80 OFF ($169.99)
- Ear Force X11 Rerfurb. Stereo Headset $70 OFF ($29.99)
- Ear Force XP500 Wireless Headset $100 OFF ($169.99)
- Ear Force Foxtrot LE Universal Stereo Headset $45 OFF ($54.49)
DID YOU KNOW GAMING … PLAYSTATION
GREAT GAMES FOR UNDER $40
Being a gamer can be an expensive hobby, thankfully we have Amazon to help us out with some incredible deals.
All these games are $39.99 or less and are available for multiple systems:
- Tomb Raider ($37.99)
- Crysis 3 ($39.99)
- Dead Space 3 ($39.99)
- Assassin’s Creed III ($29.99)
- SimCity - Limited Edition ($39.99)
- Army of TWO The Devil’s Cartel ($39.99)
- Need for Speed: Most Wanted ($39.99)
RATCHET & CLANK ARE COMING TO THEATERS IN 2015
Announced this morning by Sony was this surprising bit of cinematic news: Ratchet & Clank have a movie coming to theaters! Courtesy of Blockade Entertainment and Rainmaker Entertainment, fans will finally get to enjoy a full length animated cinematic adventure of Ratchet & Clank.
Frankly I’m excited because this franchise has always had a great blend of strong narrative, humor and action. Check out the teaser trailer above and let us know what you think about the film or what other video game series you’d love to see get turned into a movie (animated or live-action).
The film is scheduled to release sometime in 2015 but I can already envision a PS4 bundle featuring the collection of Ratchet & Clank games as well as a blu-ray copy of the film coming down the pipeline.
(Source: blog.eu.playstation.com)
WELCOME TO GUT CHECK, OTL GAMING’S PODCAST
It’s been a frequent request from our readers so we’re proud to finally kick off OTL Gaming’s podcast, Gut Check—a show where we have candid conversations about gaming culture. We will be posting a new podcast every Wednesday, so stay tuned!
In our first episode we tackle the recent Sony announcement of the PS4, some of the games they showed and reveal Sony’s patented testing method for their new console equipment (hint, it involves a manly bearded wonder).
If you prefer, you can play the podcast via the Stitcher Radio App.
THE PS4—MY INITIAL THOUGHTS
Last week, Sony pulled a trick over our eyes by announcing their next-gen console….without actually showing it!
I think this was the absolute right thing to do. What would be the point in giving us a visual reference today if it isn’t going to be available for another 8 or 9 months?
By that time, you would know what it looks like and not really have anything to look forward to. While we will see every tech demo a thousand times and as well as the controller doing what every other controller does, having the console kept hidden and locked away makes it feel more enjoyable when that day comes and you open the box to see it yourself.
Besides, we know what hardware will be running our next-gen games. Yes, PC enthusiasts will look at the specs and chuckle that the hardware is already out of date, but lets not forget what the ‘outdated’ PS3 and Xbox 360 are still able to do today.
It all boils down to ‘optimization’ and I feel that these next-gen beasts will be able to get every last drop out of the hardware and still look as good as any PC game running medium to high specs.
I personally cannot wait for the real news (release dates, prices and initial release titles) but all this comes later on down the road. In the meantime, lets all gather hands and praise the gaming Gods so that we see more at the upcoming GDC and E3.
QOTD: Are you excited for the next Playstation, Xbox or are you a PC gamer who is just enjoying the ride?
