Tag: video games

Crash Bandicoot HD is even harder?!

Crash Bandicoot was a difficult platformer. Unique camera angles, fast action, and small spaces to run made the game difficult. The Crash games definitely had his own charm. His design, levels, cute animal friends, difficulty, and was a PlayStation 1 exclusive which made it quite popular in the late 90’s. Fans clamoured for a return to the original Playstation 1 trilogy and they delivered. However, the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is harder for different reasons.

As a note, the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is not an up-rez version of the original Playstation 1 classic. Unlike Shadow of the Colossus, ICO, the Metal Gear Series, and Silent Hill HD which were the Playstation 2 games with improved graphics but still the same game, Crash had to be remade from scratch. Everything from the model, environment, and textures were redone by Vicarious Visions in Unity. However, they did not copy everything. Crash’s hitbox is shaped differently than the original. A hitbox is an invisible space around the object that dictates how large it is in the game environment and how it’ll interact. This will dictate if something touches the object. Crash and his sister’s hitbox is more “pill-shaped” which means it needs more space for him to land than before. He also jumps faster which makes jumps feel different from before. Platforms required stricter jumps to land precisely. Overall, the classic hard platforming of Crash Bandicoot is even harder than before. For a visual look, you can check the tweet below.

A hitbox is an invisible space around the object that dictates how large it is in the game environment and how it’ll interact. This will dictate if something touches the object. Crash and his sister’s hitbox is more “pill-shaped” which means it needs more space for him to land than before. He also jumps faster which makes jumps feel different from before. Platforms required stricter jumps to land precisely due to the hitbox of the characters. You’re more often miss the jumps and die than before. Overall, the classic hard platforming of Crash Bandicoot is even harder than before.

Despite the difficulties, it has received positive reviews overall. If you really did enjoy Crash as a kid, you need to purchase this game. Naughty Dog won’t support a new release unless this sells well. I know this because I spoke with the developers at PlayStation Expo 2016 in Anaheim. Remakes’ sales are an indication to game developers to continue making the series. If you want more Crash, then buy Crash and tell your friends.

Sources: Polygon

Gamesradar

Halo PC Fan Game lives!

Most fangames don’t make it. Fan projects involving IP’s like the Metroid 2 remake, Chrono Trigger, Pokemon Uranium, Bid for Power, Shadow Moses, and more are never released. Often, Video Game companies will send a Cease and Desist to the creators to inform them to stop the release of the fan game or face legal actions. They’ll usually send it after the fangame is nearly finished. Fan games are usually created based on communities’ desires for a remake or a new entry in a series that has changed. Despite fan outcry, most fangame developers have their project stopped before they can release them to long awaiting fans due to Video Game companies lawyers. Mostly because they didn’t listen to the wise words of Woolie Madden. (Sarcastic, video game companies have every right to send a cease and desist).

However, a fan project named Installation 01, a fan made Halo game, will aim to bring Halo Multiplayer to PC gamers. I personally love the Halo Trilogy and Reach. The developers have spoken closely with Microsoft and have operated under their rules. Every asset is created from scratch and not taken from any of the Halo series. Thanks to close conversations as well as agreeing to not earn a single dollar, donation, or profit from Installation 01 has kept the fan project alive.

The project leader, Church, stated “Through these interactions, we have been ensured that Installation 01 is not under imminent legal threat, provided we remain non-commercial in nature and scope and continue to follow Microsoft’s Game Content Usage Rules to the letter.

We are now able to say with certainty that Installation 01 will never be accepting donations. We also will not be selling i01 or Halo related merchandise. This is to keep a respectful distance between us and Microsoft’s intellectual property. It is also important to note that these rules and assurances from 343 are specific to Installation 01 as a project, and should not be interpreted to apply elsewhere. Through ongoing communication with 343 Industries we hope that we, as a fan project, can continue to be a positive driving force within the Halo community.”

I’ve spent countless hours with my cousins and friends playing the multiplayer and story mode. However, we stopped playing after Reach and we weren’t interested in buying a Xbox One just to play Halo 4. But having an old school Halo game on the PC is giving me the itch to play some more! You can watch the cinematic trailer down below.

Source: Eurogamer

installation01.org/

Everything you need to know about Super Nintendo Classic

If you’re looking forward to the SNES Classic (Super Nintendo), this version will be different from the NES Classic released last year. The SNES Classic will release for $79.99 on September 29 with 21 games. It will come with an two controller. If you’re worried that they will run out of consoles again similar to the NES Classic, Nintendo has stated they will release SIGNIFICANTLY more units than the NES classic.

It’ll come with HDMI, two SNES controllers, and a USB charging cable. A unique feature of the console will be the game, Star Fox 2, which was never released. It won’t be available to play unless you beat the original Star Fox on the console. Only the first level is needed to beat to unlock the game.

Below is the list of games that will be on the console.

SNES Classic games library

They will discontinue manufacturing after 2017 so if you’re really eager to get one, you should pre-order it. As of right now, the pre-order is not available in the United States.

Source: Polygon 

Arm’s Sales and Giving IP’s a Chance

Nintendo took a big risk with launching a new IP so close to the launch of the Switch. ARMS, a new 3D fighter, by Nintendo sold 100,652 units in Japan on its first week. It nearly outperformed Tekken 7 (Namco Bandai) and Street Fighter V (Capcom) combined for their opening week. Their total was 100,762 units. For new fighting games, these sales numbers are fantastic and its thanks to Nintendo’s unique marketing that many companies don’t replicate.

What Ninten-does

While Nintendo is one of the biggest gaming companies in the world, the company’s first party games are relatively quite small in comparison to Playstation and Microsoft. However, they’ve been in the market for so long and their franchises have become so well-known that they can try different marketing styles than them. The best marketing Nintendo did for ARMS was the Nintendo Direct. They are conference shows completely Nintendo focused and two of them this year were about ARMS, the game’s mechanics, characters and story. The Directs bring unique insight and unique focus on one title. Rarely will companies market their new IP with such dedication.

Selling Points

Of course, other selling points of ARMS is the variety of combinations with the arms, the ease of understanding the controls, the different game modes, and ARMS being a Nintendo title. I personally believe if more companies had more dedicated trailers or small direct conferences for a new IP, they’ll see greater success.

What do you think helps make new IP’s popular enough to be successful? ARMS is currently out for the Nintendo Switch.

Sources:

Siliconera

PVPlive