One of the biggest and most anticipated titles of 2008 has just gone gold. Fallout 3, due out on October 28th, is coming to PS3, Xbox 360, and PC, and it’s Bethesda’s most ambitious undertaking in company history. On the official web site for Fallout 3, Bethesda has stated that the game is receiving early acclaim and awards, and I think it’s easy to see why.
On the PC, Fallout 3 is going to require some hefty specs. Here are the specs Bethesda released:
Minimum System Requirements:
Windows XP/Vista
1GB System RAM (XP)/ 2GB System RAM (Vista)
2.4 Ghz Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent processor
Direct X 9.0c compliant video card with 256MB RAM (NVIDIA 6800 or better/ATI X850 or better)
Recommended System Requirements:
Intel Core 2 Duo processor
2 GB System RAM
Direct X 9.0c compliant video card with 512MB RAM (NVIDIA 8800 series, ATI 3800 series
I’ll be picking the game up on the 360 simply because it allows me to play on a much larger screen, but I really don’t think you can go wrong with any platform. The game really does look impressive and it should prove to be one of the most engrossing experiences of 2008.
At TGS many new screens, trailers, and announcements have come forth. Without a doubt, the most disappointing screenshot to emerge was Activision’s Quantum of Solace on the Wii. Now, we all know that teh Wii is no graphical powerhouse, but is there any reason why it should look worse than Dreamcast level of graphics? Seriously, Activision, this is grade-A bull crap. Up until now, the biggest joke of a screenshot this generation came from Perfect Dark Zero’s unveiling when Wallguy (full name Wallace Guyford) became an instant meme, but now I think Mr. Bond has outdone our good pal. Maybe the impact is less, but the crappiness is more (now that’s an awesome sentence…stay in school kids).
For comparison sakes…
James Bond: Quantum of Solace on the Wii
Just look at that water on the right side of the pic…LOOK AT IT! The muddied textures, the low poly counts, the haze, and the idiot guy on the left looking down the wrong side of the hall all add up for one poor looking screenshot.
Wallguy’s famous intro to the world with Perfect Dark Zero
Yes, his legs are different sizes, and yes, it looks like he’s part of the wall, but I’m sorry Wallguy, you’ve been outdone.
Microsoft always seems to do a pretty good job at Tokyo Games Show, and this year is no exception. Much like they did at E3, Microsoft gave some pretty strong focus to their new dashboard for the Xbox 360, which is coming November 19th. We also saw new Halo announcements, release dates for big name games, and plenty more. See below for some of the show highlights thus far.
Halo 3: Recon, coming Fall 2009
The game will feature a new playable character, an ODST Marine. Check out the debut trailer.
Everybody’s least favorite enemy ever is going to be appearing in Halo Wars. Deal with it. Pic with info below.
The New Xbox Experience Coming November 19
In what looks like it’s a cross between Vista, the current Xbox dashboard, and Nintendo’s Wii channels, the upcoming dashboard for the Xbox 360 is going to be sweet.
Several announcements for XBLA
Here are some upcoming titles for Xbox Live Arcade. Some are due out this year, others in the first half of next year.
Super Arkanoid (2008 release)
Space Invaders Extreme (2008 release)
Metal Slug 7
R-Type
The King of Fighters ‘98: Ultimate Match
There was plenty more from Microsoft at TGS, especially from 3rd parties. We’ll keep you all updated, so keep an eye on the blog (or go to a site that updates faster, I don’t care).
Now this is just downright insane. Over at Gamevideos.com, a user has uploaded video of a working calculator that was constructed in the LittleBigPlanet beta. This is just crazy, folks. Check out the video below, and then read what it took to put it together.
1up picked up on this video and asked the creator what it took to make this all work, and here’s what they said in their writeup:
The creator, PSN user ‘Upsilandre,’ admits that there are probably easier ways to create a calculator, but he opted to create an electronic calculator capable of doing decimal and binary conversions, as well as addition and subtraction. It was built using more than 1600 parts, including 610 magnetic switches, 500 wires, and 430 pistons. I find it difficult to wrap my head around organizing that many things, let alone making them the backbone of a functioning calculator.
It’s pretty incredible to think that Upsilandre was able to work this out in his head, and it’s equally incredible that the game allows for such creativity. I really can’t wait to see what the game will offer when the final retail version is out in the public’s hands.
Nintendo is intent on celebrating its past and exposing its newfound “expanded” market to the finest titles in the Nintendo portfolio. With the Virtual Console Nintendo has been able to steadily release classic titles, but great games from the GameCube are obviously too big to make use of the Virtual Console service and many stores are no longer carrying GameCube software. In yesterday’s press conference, Nintendo announced that certain GameCube titles would see a re-release on the Wii with a budget price point. The first title to be released will be Pikmin, one of the best titles of the past generation. After Pikmin, DK Jungle Beat will see a re-release. At this point it’s not sure if they will enhance the games in any manner of if they’ll be just straight re-releases. Either way, it should be a great opportunity for Nintendo’s new audience to experience some of the classics that defined Nintendo’s underappreciated predecessor to the Wii.
Off the top of my head I can think of a few games that could definitely use a re-release in addition to Pikmin and DK: Jungle Beat. For starters, I’d like to see Pikmin 2, Metroid Prime 1 & 2, Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, Super Mario Sunshine, and Eternal Darkness.
In a conference yesterday in Japan, Nintendo unveiled some new games, services, and even a brand new DS model. The new DS is called the DSi, and will sport a few improvements over the DS Lite, while at the sime time dropping the GBA slot in favor of a slimmer design. The DSi was presented by Satoru Iwata, president of Nintendo, and here are the details that we know so far:
Smaller and lighter than the DS Lite with bigger screens
No GameBoy Advance slot
VGA resolution camera
SD card slot for media and storage
Larger speakers with improved sound quality
Music player
Downloadable software (DS Ware). Wii Points renamed to Nintendo Points. Software price brackets will be Free/200/500/800 points.
Built-in web browser.
Will release in Japan November 1 for 18900 yen (about $180), two colors: White and flat gray.
The device hasn’t been given a release date for North America yet. It’s possible that the US won’t see a release until the Spring, but we’ll definitely find out more soon. There was more announced at the conference than just the DSi, so we’ll be updating on that shortly.
After spending a few hours with LittleBigPlanet, I thought I’d chime in with a few thoughts and impressions. When you download the beta (a special download key is required), you’ll get eased into the action through a few simple tutorials and a bit of hand holding. Within 20-30 minutes, you’ll have passed enough levels that the game will allow you to either start playing user created levels or to design your own.
When you’re ready to give level design a try, it’s best to play a few user created levels before jumping in to make your own. Not only will get great ideas, but you’ll also earn more objects to use when building your levels. The flexibility given to you to create scenarios, traps, obstacles, and fun little platforming elements is truly amazing. In fact, for the first half hour of level creation, I was almost paralyzed by overwhelming choice. Just this little exercise made me appreciate all that much more what professional level designers are able to accomplish.
So far I’ve spent far more time in other player’s worlds than in the ones that come packed in with the beta download, and I figure that’s how it will be when the retail version hits stores on October 11th. One of my favorites was called Hest (Part 2) and it had me breaking into a bank, while trying to avoid arrest and imprisonment. The level was extremely clever, and it leaves me extremely excited to see what the community is going to be capable of when this game makes its way into millions of homes.
For the most part, the actual gameplay is pretty solid, but jumping is a little floaty. The physics are great, but it would be nice if you could rely on your jumping just a bit more to bail you out. Also, there was an instance when the level didn’t reset a vital piece (a moving platform) after I died and got moved back to a checkpoint. Once that happened, it made the level impossible to finish. Hopefully by the final release these sort of issues can be addressed. Aside from those two things, however, there really isn’t much to complain about.
When LittleBigPlanet rolls out onto store shelves I figure it’s going to make a huge buzz. We’ll see videos all over YouTube, GameVideos, and all sorts of video sharing sites. Below I’ve embedded a really simple creation that shows a PS3 fan taking a jab at the 360 RROD problem. While there isn’t any gameplay in the level aside from some walking, it’s still a fun use for the LBP creation tools.
Wow, how any of us could be patiently waiting for We Cheer to hit shelves is beyond me. Preorder, boys and girls…preorder. I imagine that Silent Hill is going to be the biggest release of the week, as reports of Sonic Chronicles: Dark Brotherhood say that the game is less than great.
The video below is Jeff Gerstmann of Giant Bomb just having a blast with Mega Man 9. The game is brutally tough, and Jeff is making sure that you can understand his frustrations in this video. Note: The video contains a bit of strong language, so send the kiddies out of the room.
And I don’t know why a white rectangle is showing up above the video. Just ignore it and don’t complain, ok?
Fallout 3 goes gold, PC specs revealed
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