Tech 5
This week, TEENage hopes to get the attention of our game fanatics yet again.
1. Halo Reach – May 3, 2010
Developed by Bungie, published by Microsoft Game Studios, composed by Martin O’Donnell and designed by Marcus Lehto, Halo Reach was recently introduced to the Halo series. Made for the Xbox 360 console, Halo Reach is a shooter game with players experiencing game play from a first-person perspective. The game play includes an equipment system; players can pick up and deploy items that offer temporary offensive or defensive advantages. This system of single-use equipment is replaced by reusable and persistent armour abilities; these attributes remain with a player until they are replaced. It takes place in a futuristic science fiction setting during the year 2552, before the events of the 2001 video game Halo Combat Evolved. Reach itself is an earthlike colony that serves as the UNSC’s main military hub. In addition to the military presence, the colony is home to 500 million civilians.
2. Pokemon Ranger – Path of Light
Once more, developers Creatures Incorporated, along with Nintendo, decided to introduce Pokemon to game fanatics. This game, created for Nintendo DS, involves game play aimed at capturing Pokémon with the Capture Styler, which allows you to call out your Pokémon for support and use “Ranger Signs” to call Pokémon to help with captures. Features include four-player cooperative playswith unique missions and wi-fi mission downloads, which gives you access to Deoxys, that can be moved to the DS’s other Pokémon games. Game takes place on the fictional island region of Oblivia and starts off with a Pikachu with a ukulele.
3. Super Mario Galaxy 2- May 23, 2010
Super Mario Galaxy 2 is an upcoming platforming video game in development for the Nintendo Wii. It is the sequel to Super Mario Galaxy. The game’s levels are galaxies filled with minor planets and worlds, while its game play is based on that of its predecessor, updated with gravity effects and new power-ups. Old mechanics will be returning from Super Mario Galaxy, such as blue Pull Stars, sections restricted to a 2D axis, balance ball levels, Lumas, and gravity-reversing background arrows. Also, new items and game play mechanics have been showcased. These include a drill that allows Mario to dig through dirt into new areas and in some cases explore the interior of planets. Players can also collect Comet Metals hidden in the stages to unlock harder levels with tougher challenges.
4. Lost Planet 2 – May 18, 2010
Lost Planet 2 is an upcoming third-person shooter video game developed and published by Capcom. The game is the sequel to Lost Planet: Extreme Condition, which is also made by Capcom, taking place 10 years after the events of the first game, on the same fictional planet. The game is being developed for the Play Station 3, Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows. The story takes place back on EDN III 10 years after the events of the first game. The snow has melted to reveal jungles and more tropical areas that have taken the place of more frozen regions. The game will centre on an ongoing war to gain T-ENG. Interestingly enough, as stated by the creators of Lost Planet 2; the ‘2’ included in the title isn’t actually a reference to the sequel, but actually means ‘squared’. This is shown to emphasise just how much bigger the game has become. Many game play features from the original planet game will return. Recurring elements include major boss battles, extreme terrain, and the ability to pilot mechanised armour suits, known as Vital Suits (VSs).
5. Skate 3 – May 11, 2010
This EA skateboarding franchise takes the action outside of San Vanelona, bringing players to the new town of Port Carverton. The release promises players will be able to team up and form skate crews to complete challenges together while advancing each other’s careers. It includes new challenges in the Hall of Meat and an all-new Skate for players of all skill levels. EA is also promoting the Skate feature suite, and calls it an “innovative toolset that empowers gamers to truly express their skate style by creating their own graphics, videos, and skate parks”, which should be available both online and offline. And if you find yourself feeling extremely anxious to fork over money for the game well before its release, a pre-order bonus in an in-game area called Black Box Distribution Skate Park should tickle your fancy. This area is none other than the “home turf of Zero, Mystery, and Fallen skate teams”. Xbox 360 and PS3 game lovers are predicted to be thrilled by this edition, more so than the last.