DevlinMandrake

"You can fly?!"

"No. Jump good."

Love the original series, definitely going to look out for reviews of this. Looks like it could be excellent.

This looks fantastic and loads of fun, but the checkpoint/boss-battle issue mentioned in the review means I'll probably hold off for a sale.

@DoktorTotenKopf
According to interviews with the devs it was mostly inspired by Spanish Catholicism and several Spanish gothic religious paintings.
Hellbound Heart is a fantastic book but was deliberately not meant to be part of any religious tradition (even though Barker kind of spoiled that with Scarlet Gospels when he made the Cenobites just another type of hell-based demon).

This is a fantastic game though, can't wait to give the new stuff a go.

That strapline is worth its weight in gold. Well played sir.

@geo-shifter
Don't get me wrong, I like tactical/turn-based combat but they should have stuck to the cool isometric perspective and implemented a quick and snappy turn-based system. Not changed to a worse graphical style and changed the perspective.
The first part of the trailer reminded me of Ultima VIII but I think the devs dropped the ball.

Damn. I really love the old-school Ultima look of the game but that combat just killed all interest. The "tactical combat" looks like a cheap flash game.

So this is what happens when you let John Carpenter direct a Kirby game.

Looks pretty cool, I'll definitely keep an eye on this one.

@StevenG
Your naivety is almost touching.

Maybe it's another case of life imitating art. I believe the game's protagonist also used the "accidental release" defence.

Re: the article update.
An "accident"? They accidentally spent time porting a game to a system architecture they never intended to release it on?
Must be like the time Google "accidentally" spent a lot of time writing code to scrape everyone's wi-fi details.

Looks absolutely cracking. Love the way you can design your own weapons too.

void tRrLM(); //Void Terrarium
A serious contender for this year's Stupid Name Olympics. I don't think they'll make it past the semis though. They'll inevitably lose points for making it look as though a cat walked across the keyboard. A cat with some knowledge of Python, it would appear.

Co-op mode?
"OK but we've got to sit back to back and don't make eye contact".

@TG16_IS_BAE
It's simple, the PC version doesn't need to worry about asset size. 12GB is nothing compared to the storage on even a low-end Chromebook. The Switch version won't look as good as the PC version, that's a given. So they don't need to carry the really high-quality assets (that eat up a lot more storage). Also, the Switch version will use more efficient compression tech, because it has to. The devs don't need to worry about that for the PC version so why would they?

As I said earlier, it won't match the PC version but calling it false advertising is over the top. Even if the Switch version runs like an ugly 3-legged dog, it'll still be a "Remastered" version. Just a crap one.

@TG16_IS_BAE
I'm not sure why you think the Switch version isn't a remaster. The original Crysis required tech-specs that are much lower than the Switch is capable of. I don't doubt the Switch could run the original basic Crysis at blistering speed without any issues. The Switch version will be a significant improvement on the original. It won't match the graphical fidelity of the PS4 and Xbox versions, but it's still a remaster compared to the original.
Also, basing your opinion on filesize isn't really logical. Compression techniques have significantly improved since the original game was released, and when games are optimised for Switch they are very aggressively optimised which includes using neat tricks to keep the filesize as small as possible (because it's quicker to load smaller files on the fly). We all know it won't look the same as it does on more powerful consoles, but that doesn't mean the Switch version isn't a significant improvement over the original game.
You may argue that it isn't as well improved as on other consoles, but repeatedly calling it false advertising is a step well beyond what's warranted on the information available.

Oh, and as to how you can improve texture quality while reducing the filesize, it's just a natural evolution as tricks are developed to do just that. The Switch uses more aggressive optimisation techniques because the devs have to. On other systems they know they've got a lot more overhead to play with and so don't need work so hard and keeping filesizes down.

@nessisonett
That reply actually made me choke on my rum. Well played sir.

@Zeldafan79
Loads of people have heard of/bought these games. Lydia/Eqqo/Soul Searching were all made free a while ago for anyone who had a copy of Manaspark. Manaspark has been reviewed here and they published an article about the free games here too.
Also, Manaspark itself was part of the Christmas giveaway from Qubic Games. I think there's probably a healthy number of people able to take advantage of the offer.
What's really nice about these games are you get them for free but then there's an option in-game to donate to a charity related to the theme of the game.

Funnily enough I gave Soul Searching a go late last night after I picked it up along with Lydia and Eqqo when they were free. Seems quite fun so far, although the oar controls are a bit of a melon twister after half a bottle of rum.

I'm not sure Infini is a game I'll really enjoy but I'll definitely give it a go just because of the crazy graphics.

@RustedHero
I'd call you a cynic. But obviously you're just a pragmatic realist.
Just like me.

My first question is, are they donating any of the profits from the (thanks @PrincessAzunyan) "grotesque cash-in" edition to his family or any foundations that he was involved in?
Otherwise it looks horribly like they're using people mourning a star to generate sales.
I understand that some people will see this as a tribute to the man, and no doubt many people involved with it will feel this is their way of honouring him.
But at the end of the day, the Beancounters will have had to sign off on it, and they won't do so unless they can attach a monetary value to it. So it would be nice for the publisher to make it clear that they're going to honour Bryant's passing by handing some of the money they use his untimely death to procure for causes that he believed in.

@mesome713
EULAs and all that sort of thing are legally unenforceable in Europe. Also, in the US there are stats with a "First Sale" doctrine which means once you've bought something it's yours to do with as you wish.
Ripping games in itself isn't illegal. Selling copyrighted content that you're not licensed to sell is illegal.
Also, from a moral (not legal) standpoint all the GC games have been sold already. No rights-holders are losing out on money at this point because of people sharing Gamecube ROMs.

@nessisonett
Fair enough. I could have made it clearer but my flippant comment was mean to show that I don't think it's a particularly bad/daft name. A bit odd, yeah, but there's definitely a place for that sort of thing. Within reason.

@nessisonett
I'm well aware of the origins of the phrase (although it's not used to refer to royals any longer). And where did I say it was a silly name?

@TheWingedAvenger
To be fair, this wouldn't even make it to the quarter finals of this year's Stupid Name Olympics.

@aznable
Don't get me wrong, personally I dislike either playing or handing out pre-gens, but it's been there from the get-go. RPG's don't translate well to video games. Most people think they're about fantasy tropes or level progression and while they both have their places, the whole point of RPGs is player agency and you can't really do that unless you've got a person opposite you who can react to anything you throw at them. So computer RPGs are a pick and mix of various elements of the old-school pen and paper games, but they by necessity force players down certain paths because you can only code so many behaviours and outcomes. With this game, the fact you can choose to build the main character as you want and, largely, choose how to approach any given situation, is enough for it to count as a (light-weight) computer RPG. In my eyes at least.

@aznable
They handed their early playtesters characters they'd built themselves instead of letting the players create their own characters. Even the D&D Red Box came with pre-generated characters. I've got a copy of it somewhere in the attic. As well as pretty much every RPG on my bookshelves having a section of pre-gens towards the back which can be used straight out of the book.
That's been standard since the hobby was invented.

Looks like it could be quite good, and I'm a massive fan of decent cyberpunk stuff.

@aznable
Gygax and Arneson used pre-built characters back when they invented Role-Playing Games. They're not called Character-Generation Games.

@Mrnotultra
Teen Titans Go is brilliant. I took my son to see the film and was almost crying with laughter. I think my favourite bits were saving Krypton with dubstep and killing Aquaman as a baby by dropping the plastic bit from a 6-pack into the water. And Stan Lee's subtle cameos, of course.

I always felt they missed a trick with this series. Ben 10, Kevin Levin. Fine. But what about Melvin Twelvin?

@FrowningCoach
Agreed, rugby does have huge levels of tactical depth. Armoured Rugby For Girls may also have, but who would know? (probably the Netball Coach).
But I do agree with @clvr's point that because football is low-scoring, each and every goal feels more solid and important.

This game looks fun, and I'll probably pick it up just for the ridiculous sense of humour. At this price I can put up with some slightly sketchy gameplay for some arcade action with a great sense of humour. 2-player mode (even just single-event kick-abouts are really missing a trick for a fun/stupid party-game though).

@mr_benn
Thanks for that. It's still brilliant after all this time.

@OorWullie
Wall ball or 3-and-in were always favourites, down my way.

@Shinobi1Kenoby @SoManyHaveDied
I'm guessing neither of you have seen Ron Manager on The Fast Show then?

This takes me back to a simpler time. Small boys in the park, jumpers for goalposts...

@SPL64
Sam Fisher is a great character, but I think the temptation would be to see him as just a minor variation on Solid Snake. Also, most of Fisher's moves are useful outside of combat.

Personally I think there's a good chance we'll get Travis Touchdown as one of the new fighters. And either Master Chief or a Doom marine as another.

I'd personally love to see Francis York Morgan out of Deadly Premonition join the lineup. And Peyj the pig out of Beyond Good & Evil. Not much chance of either happening unfortunately.

@Cosats
Modding isn't illegal, regardless of what the EULA may say. They aren't legally enforceable in Europe anyway and the First Sale Doctrine in the US knocks it on the head there too. What is illegal is selling mods for money (because you're deriving profits from somebody else's creation). If you host your mod on a platform that takes money from advertising then you're legally liable to takedown requests but other than that it's not illegal.
It's also not immoral. It's an additive action, increasing people's chance to enjoy the game if different ways. If the person in question in the article was selling his mod to people I'd agree with you that it shouldn't be allowed, and legally it wouldn't be. But altering the software and putting those alterations online for free isn't illegal in most of the world.

@RadioHedgeFund
I love that idea and think it would work brilliantly. I like the idea of being able to switch between actually piloting your ship around or just using it for fast travel (with maybe the occasional interruption if you're attacked en-route).

@LUIGITORNADO
Nothing wrong with big thighs.

He looks taller than he did in that Adam Sandler movie.

@Robo-Knight
You can remap controls via the Switch itself, not the game. Go into the settings menu and you can set up a custom control scheme as well as saving and loading them as presets. Nicely it even warns you if you turn on the console with a non-standard preset loaded and prompts you to warn other users when you set up your own preset.

@Northwind
Wouldn't even make the top 3 stupidest things my crew did playing the pnp RPG back in the day. And anyway, they've got an Elven meatshield combat mage to soak up some high velocity rounds.

@abe_hikura
That impression could be because Shadowrun is a mixture of high fantasy and cyberpunk. For me I love the NA cover, but I played Shadowrun before it came out on consoles so that logo alone is fairly iconic for me. I can understand how it would say much less to someone unfamiliar with the original game though.

The Genesis one is the best. It's the original Larry Elmore cover art from the 2nd Edition of the pen and paper RPG (got it on my bookshelf next to me).
I loved Shadowrun back in the day, even if the system a complete mess.
My first tattoo was the Aztec-style serpent 'S' from the logo.
I had some cool characters in that game. An orc hacker/gunfighter with a custom cyberlinked Bond & Carrington handgun (from the London sourcebook) was one of my favourites. And my Haitian troll shark-shaman assassin.
Out of the 3 choices, I think the NA cover is best. Nice and simple. The others are too busy and messy. What's odd is that the various gamesbooks had loads of great pieces of art they could have used. I could see one of Tim Bradstreet's pieces making an excellent moody black and white cover with the logo in colour.

Funnily enough I recently re-read the original comics. Fantastic series. I loved the original on Gamecube, the comic book style was excellent with the sound effect graphics and the little panels that popped up when you offed someone. Multiplayer was fun too, felt more down to earth than a lot of other titles at the time.
The new trailer makes it seem as though the new graphics look less comic book-like in some sections which is odd.

Also, what's the deal with golden guns? They had them in Max Payne 3 as well and I just think they look stupid in-game.

@Darlinfan
Thanks for saying so man. It's not even really a choice though, you know? The kids rely on me so I've to make sure they're taken care of. And my missus does to a certain extent at the moment too. I'm burning the candle at both ends a bit to get us through and that'll naturally take a toll. But it's what my Dad used to say about how you've just got to keep going, no matter what life throws at you, for as long as you can you keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Easier said than done sometimes, but the world won't stop spinning because I'm having a bad day. So one foot in front of the other it is, even if sometimes they're small steps or you've got to get a mate to help carry you a distance, or you're carrying a mate yourself.
Anyway, I hope the sun's shining wherever you are, on you and yours at least.

@Darlinfan
That's good advice, it's just difficult to find it. My other half is on the vulnerable list so we're shielding as a household. She can't go out so it's coming down to me to do all of that stuff. Plus we're both working from home with 2 kids to look after. One needs schooling and the other is just coming up to 2 so basically needs constant attention.
I'm holding it down and just plodding along (partly because that's what my Dad always taught me to do) but at some point I'll need to take the time to crash and burn. I'm hoping for a controlled descent rather than a fiery impact.

@Darlinfan
Yeah, it was pretty harsh for a few different reasons. I didn't really let myself feel it too much though. It's weird but it seems selfish at the moment when the whole world's going through it.
I sincerely hope your people make it through. Take care dude.

@BenAV
Same here, which gives me time to work through Golf Story and put some time in on Minecraft Dungeons with my son.
I saw a trailer on the eShop earlier for a game coming out next week. It's called Ruiner and it's a cyberpunk twinstick shooter published by Devolver. The trailer is awesome. Hopefully it'll get reviewed here.

@Darlinfan
That's rough. Hope they pull through dude. My brother and his wife have both got it, and it killed my Dad back in April.
Bigger issues than arguing over games. I got no problem with you either, even if we do bump gums in future. We both seem to be outspoken tossers so it's fairly likely.

Stay safe, sir.

@NESlover85 @sikvthash
Might Max was brilliant. The cartoon was great too, with Norman the dragonslayer.

The funny thing is those EULAs are completely unenforceable in Europe (and the UK for now). Once you've bought a product you can do what you like with it.
However, selling a modified version of proprietry software puts you jeopardy, legally speaking.

There are 2 things annoying me about this group. Firstly it's the fact they claim to be hackers supporting right-to-repair ideals but then they charge money for their modification. If they were really hackers in the true sense of the word they'd open-source their work and let others benefit from it.
The 2nd point that annoys me is their claiming this is a free speech issue. Freedom of speech protects you from the government stopping you from expressing yourself (with several notable exceptions). It has absolutely nothing to do with a private company trying to stop others modifying their proprietary software.
Invoking freedom of speech just makes them sound like a bunch of numpties throwing around words they've heard without any understanding of what underpins them.

@Darlinfan
That's Richard Garriot? Never seen him looking like that before. Still, anyone responsible for Ultimata Underwolrd 1 & 2 can get away with having a really bad mullet.

@JayJ
I was defending you against someone calling you retarded. Apoligies if I ruffled your feathers.

@RiderKicker
Dude. This isn't a soccer game. It's a football game. And there's no such thing as a soccerball. And while I like your suggestion of a super violent football game, I'm fairly sure that concept has been copywrited by Millwall fans. Good luck taking it off them.