February Video Game Preview Thread

RC Cola · Jan 28, 2007

Xbox 360:
Crackdown (Sci-Fi Shooter) 2/20
Bullet Witch (Sci-Fi Shooter) 2/27

Wii:
Wii Play (Edutainment) 2/12
Sonic and the Secret Rings (3D Platformer) 2/27
SSX Blur (Snowboarding) 2/27

DS:
Diddy Kong Racing (Kart Racing) 2/5
Lunar Knights (Fantasy Action Adventure) 2/6
Meteos: Disney Magic (Puzzle) 2/20

PS3:
Virtua Fighter 5 (3D Fighting) 2/20
Formula One Championship (Formula One Racing) 2/27

PSP:
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters (Sci-Fi Shooter) 2/13
Monster Kingdom: Jewel Summoner (RPG) 2/13

PS2:
Ar tonelico: Melody of Elemia (RPG) 2/6
MVP 07 NCAA Baseball (Baseball Sim) 2/6
Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI (Historic Turn-Based Strategy) 2/6

Multi:
Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 (Soccer Sim) [360, PS2, PSP, DS] 2/6
NBA Street Homecourt (Basketball) [360, PS3] 2/20 for 360, about 2 weeks later for PS3
MLB 07: The Show (Baseball Sim) [PS2, PSP] 2/26

Note that I’m trying something different with this thread. Instead of screens of the games, I'll try to post youtube videos from the games (usually trailers if I can find them). If I can't find any, I'll just post an image like I used to.

RC Cola · Jan 28, 2007

Crackdown (360)
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http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/ac...ml?sid=6164291&om_act=convert&om_clk=mostpop

As the creator of Lemmings and Grand Theft Auto, David Jones is one of the UK's most revered game developers. Crackdown is the first game to be released from Realtime Worlds, the studio he set up in Scotland in 2002. A free-roaming action game in which you play a futuristic law enforcer, Crackdown looks like it's set to take the genre in an interesting new direction. With a little over a month to go until the game hits the shelves, we took delivery of a preview copy to see how it's shaping up.
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Bullet Witch (360)
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http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/ad...ml?sid=6160603&om_act=convert&om_clk=mostpop

Bullet Witch is a third-person shooter for the Xbox 360 that combines elements of occult horror, sci-fi technology, and postapocalyptic grimness--with a bit of dark humor and sex appeal mixed in for good measure. The former comes from the geists, zombielike enemies with a penchant for wise cracks and wearing human-skin-like T-shirts. The latter comes from the titular heroine of the game, whose real name is Alicia. As we discovered in our most recent hands-on time with the game, Alicia is much more than a pretty face, thanks to her powerful magical spells and her bullet-spewing gun-rod.
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Wii Play (Wii)
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http://www.gamespot.com/wii/puzzle/wiiplay/news.html?sid=6162925&om_act=convert&om_clk=mostpop

Wii Play may seem like an apt title for Nintendo's minigame collection, but the Japanese equivalent is even more fitting. Translated as "Your First Step to Wii," the package seems to be designed as a beginner's guide to the Wii Remote. Bundled with the peripheral at launch in the UK, Wii Play offers a total of nine wildly different games which each offer a chance to practice with the motion-sensitive controller. With GameSpot's UK Wii here at last, we put all of them to the test, including two games which we hadn't seen before.
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Sonic and the Secret Rings (Wii)
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http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/sonicrevolution/story.html?sid=6150974

Based on what we played, Sonic Wild Fire is shaping up to be a shiny showcase for the Wii. The game's unique control mechanics are a good fit for the Wii and keep things simple. At the same time, the visuals offer a striking assortment of eye candy that places the game among the best-looking games we've seen for the system. If Sega can clean up the rough edges and put enough variety in the game, by the time it ships, Sonic Wild Fire should wind up being a strong game for the Wii. Sonic Wild Fire is slated to ship in 2007 for the Wii. Look for more on the game in the coming months.
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SSX Blur (Wii)
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http://www.gamespot.com/wii/sports/ssxblur/news.html?sid=6164309&om_act=convert&om_clk=mostpop

Based on what we've played so far, SSX Blur is smartly meshing the core elements that give the series its appeal with a good amount of what the Wii has to offer. The control is smart and intuitive, taking good advantage of the Wii Remote's functionality. The visuals are clean and stylized, staying well in line with the style of the previous games. Though we'd obviously like to see more elements of the Wii taken advantage of, such as support for online, WiiConnect24, the built-in speaker, and Miis, the game seems like a good direction for the game on the Wii that's left us wanting more. Look for continued coverage of the game in the weeks leading up to its release late next month.
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Diddy Kong Racing (DS)
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No previews at Gamespot.

Lunar Knights (DS)
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http://www.gamespot.com/ds/adventure/lunarknights/story.html?sid=6156433

You might think a game that somehow mixes vampires, old-school space shooting, action adventuring, a sunflower, and a cat might be completely insane. However, if you factor in a developer like Kojima Productions, all of the above actually works as a cohesive whole. Yeah, we were surprised too. But that's exactly what can be said of Lunar Knights, the upcoming DS game from Konami that lets you play as one of two futuristic vampire hunters out to thwart the undead. We were able to check out an updated version of the game at Konami's press event today.
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RC Cola · Jan 28, 2007

Meteos: Disney Magic (DS)
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http://www.gamespot.com/ds/puzzle/meteosdisneyedition/story.html?sid=6161349

Tetsuya Mizuguchi's Q Entertainment set the standard for touch-based puzzle games on the Nintendo DS last year with Meteos. Now, the developer has teamed up with Buena Vista Games to combine the quirky puzzler with nearly every Disney character you can imagine in a new version called Meteos: Disney Magic. As big fans of the original game, we had to try out Disney Magic to see if it's more than simply Meteos with Disney graphics slapped on. We'll spare you any chocolate-and-peanut-butter quips with regard to these two seemingly disparate elements and simply say that Q has certainly added more than just new skins to the old Meteos formula with this new game.
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Virtua Fighter 5 (PS3)
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http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/virtuafighter5/story.html?sid=6164378

Based on what we've played, Virtua Fighter 5 is shaping up to be a pitch-perfect re-creation of the arcade game that's been fleshed out with a fair amount of extras. The game plays great on the PlayStation 3 and is gorgeous to look at, especially running at 720p through HDMI. The only issues we have right now are the somewhat by-the-numbers array of extras and the lack of online support. While AM2's misgivings about taking the franchise online are well documented, there are a number of ways that online support could have been worked in via online leaderboards or downloadable ghost data. Still, you'll be hard pressed to find a more stunning game for the PS3 or a better fighter. If you're a fan of fighters, you should most definitely look out for Virtua Fighter 5 when it ships next month for the PlayStation 3. In the meantime, we've still got our version of the game handy, so if you have any specific questions, feel free to hit us up in the Virtua Fighter 5 forum, and we'll do our best to answer them.
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F1 Championship (PS3)
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http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/driving/f1/news.html?sid=6163167&om_act=convert&om_clk=mostpop

The developers are taking a chance by releasing Formula One Championship Edition in the United States. Considering that the game seems like an excellent example of the PlayStation 3's graphical prowess, and it's an exhilarating racing experience in its own right, we're hoping it's a gamble that pays off. Who knows? Maybe we'll get lucky and Sony will decide to release more F1 games here in the States in the future.
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Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters (PSP)
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http://www.gamespot.com/psp/action...ml?sid=6163029&om_act=convert&om_clk=mostpop

Based on what we've seen so far, Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters should be a very satisfying portable debut for the platforming stars, as well as a snazzy debut for High Impact if it keeps going in the direction we've seen. The game looks great and offers rock-solid gameplay that lives up to the standards of the PS2 titles while maintaining some unique qualities that build on the console games. Fans of the series, as well as PSP owners craving some good original content, will most definitely want to keep an eye out for Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters when it ships early next year.
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Monster Kingdom: Jewel Summoner (PSP)
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No previews at Gamespot.

Ar tonelico (PS2)
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http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/artonelico/news.html?sid=6163880&om_act=convert&om_clk=mostpop

Currently scheduled for release in North America early next month, Ar tonelico: Melody of Elemia is a role-playing game set in the fantasy world of Sol Ciel. Ravaged by two apocalyptic wars that rendered the planet's surface uninhabitable long before the events of the game, Sol Ciel comprises a series of floating continents that are suspended in the air using the mysterious power of Ar tonelico. The world is peaceful for the most part, but increasingly it's coming under attack from strange beings known as viruses, which is exactly what's happening when you start a new game and step into the shoes of a young knight named Lyner Barsett.
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MVP 07 NCAA Baseball (PS2)
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http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/sports...tml?sid=6164353&om_act=convert&om_clk=mostpop

In a market full of big-league baseball games, it's nice that EA Sports isn't afraid to try new things with its MVP series--as evidenced by the unique control scheme in MVP 07. The game is due to arrive in early February, and we'll be bringing you more updates on the game in the weeks leading up to its release, so stay tuned. In the meantime, if you have specific questions about MVP 07, hit us up in this thread in the MVP 07 forum, and we'll do our best to answer your questions as quickly as possible.
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Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI (PS2)
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No previews at Gamespot. I doubt anyone will really need them though…you probably know already whether you’ll like this game or not.

RC Cola · Jan 28, 2007

Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 (Multi)
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http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/sports/winningeleven10/news.html?sid=6158904&mode=previews

The one last mode to see on Pro Evolution Soccer 6 is the online play, which is still shrouded in mystery at the moment. However, we won't be able to test out this mode until people have the finished game in their hands. There's no doubt that the game is facing stiff competition from FIFA 07, but thankfully we only have a month to wait to find out who will come out on top this season.
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NBA Street Homecourt (Multi)
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http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/sports/nbastreet4/news.html?sid=6164289&mode=previews

Jumping into the PS3 and Xbox 360 era of video games at full speed, the producers of NBA Street Homecourt are quick to point out that the game has been built from the ground up, as evidenced by the combination of new-jack technology and old-school design, the time-tested, trick-based gameplay that aims to be approachable for beginners while skimping on none of the depth series vets have come to expect, as well as the over-the-top stunt animations that are sure to garner more than a few "oohs" and "ahhs." In all, it's NBA Street for the next generation, and it will be coming to a game store near you soon. Stay tuned for more updates on this game in the coming weeks. In the meantime, if you have specific questions about the game, hit us up in the NBA Street Homecourt forums and we'll do our best to answer them as quickly as possible.
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MLB 07: The Show (Multi)
Can’t find any youtube vids, so here’s an image:

http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/sports/mlb07theshow/news.html?sid=6163077&mode=previews

One of the most pleasant sports gaming surprises of 2006 was Sony's MLB 06: The Show for the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable. Though the series had been on the rise through several previous iterations, it was MLB 06 that finally perfected the formula of excellent control, gameplay depth, and enough features to keep a baseball fan busy for months. Of course, that kind of success comes with a downside--namely, increased expectations from fans. At a recent Sony press event in Los Angeles, all eyes were on the next MLB game from the San Diego development studio, and after seeing what the crew has in store for baseball fans in 2007, it's clear that they aren't just resting on MLB 06's laurels.
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Coach AI · Jan 28, 2007

After playing the demo, I'm REALLY looking forward to Crackdown. GTA-style game with superhero/action cop characters and ONLINE CO-OP? Sold.

WiiPlay, as well, because I need a controller and a collection of more Wii Sports/type games is a good idea.

Poloshirtbandit · Jan 28, 2007

Didn't realize MLB The Show was about to come out. That was one of my favorite games last year.

Dave2000 · Jan 28, 2007

Street Home Court looks SSSSIIIICCKKKKKKK, im expecting alot of out of this game, i was disappointed with vol. 3 and I was a HUGE fan of vol. 2 and thats pretty funny you can play as WNBA players

OldManBernie · Jan 28, 2007

I'm very much looking forward to the new romance of the three kingdoms. I've been playing that series since the very 1st one. Actually, I skipped the last 2 because I didn't like where they were taking the game play. After hearing about the new features and how this game will revert back to a pure strategy game (less of the role-playing elements), I'm totally sold. This could be the game I've been waiting for years.

wizkid83 · Jan 28, 2007

OldManBernie said:

I'm very much looking forward to the new romance of the three kingdoms. I've been playing that series since the very 1st one. Actually, I skipped the last 2 because I didn't like where they were taking the game play. After hearing about the new features and how this game will revert back to a pure strategy game (less of the role-playing elements), I'm totally sold. This could be the game I've been waiting for years.
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I think the biggest problem with Romance of the three kingdoms is that they can only re-invent the wheel in only so many ways. Change too much, and die-hard fans will say it strays from the true nature of the game, change too little, and people starts to wonder why they even bother.

Yonkers · Jan 28, 2007

Bullet Witch looked interesting until I heard the voice acting. How horrible. I hope that was supposed to be some funny X-Play voice over instead of the real thing.
Also, isn't Virtua Fighter 5 already announced for the Xbox 360 too? I can't wait for that.

RC Cola · Jan 28, 2007

I think Bullet Witch came out somewhat recently in Japan, and I thought the impressions were pretty negative. The voice acting might be the least of your concerns. Maybe they fixed those things for the US release though (doubt it, but still).

Yeah, VF5 is headed for the 360 sometime in "late summer." Like a 6-month exclusive for the PS3 I guess.

JunkyardDwg · Jan 28, 2007

Still pissed that MVP NCAA is coming out only for the PS2.... really smart move EA. ('06 was the best baseball game on the market last year)

RunninRaven · Jan 28, 2007

I've got Wii Play on preorder, if for no other reason than to get the free Wiimote that will come with the game. Hopefully the game will be good too.

BenignDMD · Jan 28, 2007

That wii snowboarding game and sonic look pretty cool.

BenignDMD · Jan 28, 2007

So does wii play! This may be an expensive video game month!

Coach AI · Jan 28, 2007

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Some of you 360 owners on the board better get in on this. I want some people to co-op with.

airbulllard · Jan 28, 2007

I cannot wait till WE: Pro Evo Soccer 2007. Anyone else planning on getting that on XBOX 360? let's LIVE it up.

mogrod · Jan 29, 2007

Anyone know if the new NBA Street will be co-op on the 360?

I played the Crackdown demo, will there be some sort of mission ans stuff to do like GTA, or is just running driving around killing a million enemies scattered throughout the city?

The demo made it seem like the latter.

Coach AI · Jan 29, 2007

mogrod said:

Anyone know if the new NBA Street will be co-op on the 360?

I played the Crackdown demo, will there be some sort of mission ans stuff to do like GTA, or is just running driving around killing a million enemies scattered throughout the city?

The demo made it seem like the latter.
Click to expand...

From what I understand, the various bosses/subbosses are kinda the missions. You'll get various information as you travel/level up, etc. Don't know if there's a seperate mission structure.

What I like is that the bosses in each particular gang/area of the city relate to each other. For example, the main gang bosses are pretty hard to get to. However, a lot of the sub-bosses are in charge of various things.

IOW, you kill the lower level boss in charge of recruiting, the random thugs in the streets drop and the size of the army guarding the big boss drops.

dskillz · Jan 29, 2007

It's Crackdown and NBA Street for me in February. I had very little interest in Crackdown until I played the demo. I am loving that game right now though I do wonder about the longevity of the game as it seems that after you become an uber cop the challenge level might be decreased greatly.

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