Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City "Brutality" Trailer: Well, What Did You Expect?

More nicely gory (and fast-paced) madness from Capcom and Slant Six in this latest REORC trailer.As I've said before, I really think this one will surprise a lot of RE fans who just want more of the same "classic" RE gameplay with an accessible, challenging and FUN multiplayer focused action/shooter that's great as a single player experience, but spectacular with up to three other friends. Remember, folks: March 23, 2012 on PS3 and Xbox 360 in the US. PC gamers here need to wait until May 18 (eek!), but hey, you should have a console in your house anyway just to show you're an actual gamer and not just some elitist who just brags about how much loot you spend upgrading your system as if it's a custom car. Granted, there's nothing wrong with that as long as you're happy, but knocking any console just because it can't run a game too fast or as pretty as you'd like never takes into account how much fun a game is to play no matter what it's played on...

Mass Effect 3 "Take Earth Back" Trailers: Now, That's The Kind OF CGI I Can Get Behind...

BioWare is bringing their epic sci-fi RPG series to a close with Mass Effect 3 (or at least this particularly massive story arc) and over the last week, they've rolled out a few variations of the game's stunning trailer that's worth a look even if you're not into the game. Here are two of the longer versions to pore over in case you haven't yet seen them. I'd actually not mind at all of we saw a Mass Effect mini-series done this way that tells the story through all three games based on certain in game paths. Granted, the fans would fight like hell to see THEIR versions of Shepard as the hero instead of what a team of writers could come up with. On the other hand, I'd actually like to see a narrative that tells the entire saga in an episodic format (which could stretch out for a few seasons if it's accepted by the game's large user base)...

Binary Domain "Hollow Child" Trailer: Think Of The (Robotic, Out To Destroy Humanity) Children...

Here's another excellent (and lengthy) cinema from Sega's sci-fi action/shooter for the PS3 and Xbox 360, which should be in stores on February 28, not quite even as we speak, but soon enough. OK, so we're NOT actually speaking (this is more of a one way conversation where I try to get you to buy or rent something cool you may have overlooked with so many games coming out this year), but you get the point, right?

Shinobido 2 Launch Trailer: Tenchu! (Geshundheit!)

Lame sneezy title commentary above aside, Aqcuire's new Vita game made me think of two things. One: Wait, there's a Shinobido 1??? I definitely missed that game. Two: Wait, this looks like a new Tenchu game and, hey, I loved most of them, so I'll feel right at home here! Sure, it's not a visual showpiece at all if you compare it to WipEout 2048 or Uncharted Golden Abyss. On the other hand, it's got that stylish something Acquire gets when they do their feudal Japan games (hey, I liked those Way of the Samurai games as well). In any event, I'll need to get some playtime in and get back to you guys and gals with a verdict at some point. Between this one and Touch My Katamari plus a bunch of other winners, Vita owners are off to a very decent start...

Prototype 2 Intro Movie: You Won't Miss Mercer One Bit

And you get to kick a helicopter. Multiple helicopters if you want to (but not at the same time, last time I checked). Anyway, here's a look at the opening cinema plus below that, a peek at the rather cool looking Blackwatch Collector's Edition, coming to the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. You DO realize you can pre-order this one, right? Radical Entertainment has done a bang-up job with this greatly improved sequel, so make sure you're there on day one, I say...

Syndicate Update: More Trailers Means More Reasons To Get The Game...

OK, I missed out on posting these and a few others earlier, but here you go, plus a music track remix below the jump. EA and Starbreeze have quite a sleeper hit in Syndicate that I hope is allowed room to draw in a following as opposed to being driven to the bargain bin because of ill-informed message board denizens that refuse to play the game or worse, compare it to other games that it isn't. Sure, there's nothing wrong with having an opinion at all. However, making your brain a fact-free zone just so you can become Lord of the Board over on some forums and spout out stuff that just isn't true just makes you miss out on a WHOLE lot of cool stuff. Sometimes, it's best to step down from the throne, shut up and get a controller in your hands so you can LEARN something. Or, hell at least be surprised that you were completely wrong while having some fun with something you hated far too much before you tried it. Just a thought...

Max Payne 3 Trailer #2: Rockstar Keeps The Suspense Coming...

Sure, the game's been slightly delayed until May 15 (and May 29 in Europe), which is making some out there a wee bit antsy.  However, all that means is it gives me a bit more time to complete some other game I'd have normally rushed through just to get my hands on Max's latest adventure. In case you're wearing sunglasses and are having a hard time seeing that trailer, the official word on what's in it is below:

The second official trailer for Max Payne 3 reveals the web of intrigue that builds around Max, beginning with the kidnapping of Rodrigo Branco's beautiful young wife, Fabiana, while under Max's protection. As Max fights to uncover the truth behind the kidnapping, he is pulled deeper into a web of violence and deception with little hope of escape as street gangs, paramilitary forces and elite police units fight for power and influence over the streets of São Paulo, Brazil.

Yakuza: Dead Souls Mini-Games: Bringing Sexy Back... In That Weird Japanese Way...

Ah, memories... no, not of any secret trip to Japan I've made, silly (hell, not on my budget!) - just of Playing Yakuza 4 last year and getting a chuckle over the assorted geisha-themed mini-games. You really can't take them too seriously (like a few game critics and prudish did) because at the end of the day, you're playing a GAME that pokes great fun at what actually goes on inside these leisure lairs. That and hell, this time out, there are packs of zombies standing in your way, so even getting to the club will have you wading through a few dozen or so undead out to chew your face off. After all that hell, a little relaxation will be very much needed, I say.

Syndicate Launch Trailer: Corporations Are People... That Hire Other People To Kill More People...

It's just around the corner and yes, it's going to make some folks really happy. From what I got to play last week, The single player is tight and four player co-op is old-school challenging (in a good way - TEAMWORK will win the day, folks). Add in a killer soundtrack and some fine voice acting (Brian Cox and Rosario Dawson for starters) and this one's a sleeper and a keeper in my book. EA is also doing the smart thing by letting players jump into multiplayer with no online passes or DLC scheme locking out content, so this makes the game an automatic BUY in my book. SYNDICATE hits stores on February 21 for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC - make sure to give it a look if you're still on the fence and you'll be truly surprised at how it's turned out...

Dragon's Dogma Livestream Gameplay: It's NOT Monster Hunter, Folks!

Capcom answers a lot of questions about its upcoming action/RPG in the only (and best) manner possible: a super-long gameplay demo that shows off a nice chunk of what's coming your way this May. I'm impressed so far and happy that the game goes for a "western" look ad feel in spots while still remaining quite the Capcom game. I did get a chuckle because DD looks like it'll be Maximo hard if you get too careless and think you're playing God of War or something similar. Anyway, mark your calendars and set aside some quality time for this gem, I say...

Twisted Metal University: Weapons Training (Part 1)

Eat Sleep Play's car combat masterwork is hitting stores on Valentine's Day, so here's some very helpful hints to keep you on the road a bit longer.PS3 owners will be eating this one up for sure with or without the Twisted Metal Black bonus available in first-run copies. More videos to come as the drop into my inbox...

Lollipop Chainsaw Valentine's Day Trailer: There's A Joke In There Somewhere...

Courtesy of GameSpot, here you go, a look at a very special lovey-dovey message from Lollipop Chainsaw that's deeply inspirational and... oh, who am I kidding. It's a really awesome new trailer for the upcoming PS3 and Xbox 360 game from  Suda 51 & grasshopper manufacture - enjoy!

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning Is Out Now (And You Should Be Playing It)

Well, after spending a chunk of time with the game at EA's press event yesterday, I can very safely say that it's definitely much better than I thought it would be, particularly the fast-paced combat and level of challenge from some enemies. Yes, the demo was solid, but I never judge a full game by a demo - and neither should you. I'm not going to say something silly like "Skyrim-killer!" here, as both are completely different games in terms of visual style, gameplay and (of course) story. Nevertheless, if you find combat in Western RPG's too intentionally "realistic" and combat in most JRPGs too slow (or dislike turn-based combat in general), the mighty meaty world of Amalur is for you.

Update: Dragon's Dogma Mage/Ranger Class Skills Videos: Get That Stick Shaking Again...

Six more of these short gameplay videos to pore over from Capcom's upcoming action/RPG set for a May release. I'm all aboard this train, as I really want to see where the dev team has taken their baby and if it's going to be a keeper or a weeper at retail. My money is on the former, but I'm hoping RPG fans give this one a fair shake even if it's not a flawless victory.

The Darkness II: Now With Even More Executions!

So many ways to kill (and about as many ways to be killed), but you know the drill by now. One hand over the eyes and peeking through the fingers if you're squeamish. Otherwise, enjoy the gory comic genius provided by Digital Extremes. Good thing these clips are so short, right? The game is out on Tuesday for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. Pick a platform and have a blast, I say...

Game of Thrones 'Riverspring" Trailer: Coming Into Focus

Atlus and Focus Home Interactive's tidy little partnership seems to be paying off nicely so far, as this new trailer from Cyanide Studios' upcoming Game of Thrones shows. Click on that link to see even more nice images from the upcoming Action/RPG set to hit the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC on May 15, 2012. The nice thing is the game arrives a month or so after Season Two kicks off on HBO, so I'd bet it does well among console and PC owning fans of the books and TV series. I know I'm interested, now that I'm hooked on the show...

Max Payne 3 Weapons Trailer: That 608 Bull Is No Bull...

Ouch. Good thing this is a game, right? Anyway, Rockstar has launched the official Max Payne 3 website with a bang and a bunch of all-new art and screens plus a lot of other goodies to groove on. Just click above, sit back and enjoy all the media you can shake a stick at... Oh yeah, don't forget to pre-order the game, or Max will come get you (and you don't want that to happen)...

Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City Character Trailer: Who's Who (And How)...

Slant Six Games and Capcom just keep making me happier with every new trailer they roll out for their upcoming tactical horror action game, set for a March 20, 2012 launch on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 (with a PC version date TBA). I'm pretty confident that once the final ships out, all that hard work will pay off big time as even the most stubborn fan of the traditional RE games will be on board this ship and not coming up for air until they've seen everything it has to offer. The great thing is (especially for those "core" fans) is that REORC in no way, shape or form breaks any established "canon" at all. In fact, the game shows events from the perspective of a totally new group of peiople who tackle things in a completely different style. Of course, this makes me imagine what sort of game the original Resident Evil would have been had the team stuck together in that old, creaky trap (and dog and zombie and et cetera) infested mansion...

Hmmm. uh-oh... there's money in that idea, I bet... ;^P

Dragon's Dogma Class Skills Gameplay Featurettes Galore!

Overkill, but in the nicest way, courtesy Capcom and its upcoming Action/RPG, Dragon's Dogma. Here are six short looks at the game and gameplay elements in progress, now scheduled for a May 22, 2012 release (with a Resident Evil 6 demo, to boot!). I'll shut up and let you get the popcorn ready. Capcom's got a nice little sleeper here that I hope comes together into a solid game that garners some decent praise.

Prototype 2 RADNET Edition Sparks Interest In Some, Annoyance In Others

Is the anti-DLC backlash a growing movement, a push-back against the now standard business practice the industry has been headed toward since the introduction of console download content or just the usual gang of fact-free "My opinion is the most important because on teh internets I am king!" whiners griping about games they're not that interested in buying in the first place? Perhaps a bit of all of the above and more. Sure, you can criticize Activision and Radical for making sure Prototype 2 has legs that keep the game's lifespan going long past the release and review hype. On the other hand, if you don't want to buy into the bonus content when the game ships, then you've not been paying attention to where the industry has been headed for a while now.

That said, you can also choose to not buy the game when it ships and perhaps wait for whatever repackaging the game will get should it sell well enough to reach Greatest Hits/Platinum hits status. Just keep your fingers crossed that Activision does what Rockstar did with the wonderful Red Dead Redemption Undead Nightmare (release that content first as DLC then as a standalone game followed by a complete version with every bit of content in a disc). Complain if you must, but at least do it in an informed manner rather than just shaking a digital fist at someone and thinking your insults will get you what you want. Then again, one could also say this business model shuts out those gamers who don't want to deal with download content at all, so there's that...