It is official, Kinect is getting its very first FPS (first person shooter) title, Heavy Fire: Afghanistan. According to Kinectaku.com, the developer has confirmed the title as a multi-platform game which will be featuring the Kinect controller-less as well.
However, much of the details are not released yet such as how the player is going to move about in the battlefield and how the shooting system is going to work.
Not too long ago, a guy demonstrated the possibility of playing FPS with a Kinect sensor coupled with a Wiimote.
Personally, I see that Kinect’s ability is undermined in that demo as there is much more Kinect can do other than using it for simple in-game action such as leaning.
We shall wait eagerly for more information on this new game before we can comment more on the feasibility of a FPS on Kinect.
Let’s just hope it is not something like what we see in the video below!
Haven’t got enough of Final Fantasy XIII? Check out this all new gameplay trailer for Final Fantasy Versus XIII! Blew my mind totally! FF Versus 13 is going to be an action RPG that could be similar to Kingdom Hearts and Crisis Core. While no release date has been announced, I doubt this game will be able to ship anytime this year.
Final Fantasy XIII-2
Just when I was getting excited over this FF versus 13 trailer, one more great news for FF fans. Square-Enix would be producing a sequel to the original FF XIII titled FF XIII-2! While I certainly hope it would not be another sequel that disappoints fans as in FF X-2, I am keeping my finger cross hoping that Square-Enix will be able to deliver a great sequel to FF XIII.
Next Generation Portable (PSP 2)
Sony has officially announced the new upcoming PSP2 codename NGP (Next-Generation Portable). According to Sony, NGP features graphics that are comparable to the PS3, GPS for location-based services, cameras, two analog sticks (real sticks unlike the old PSP), Wifi, rear touch pad, OLED multi-touch screen and many more. Sony’s probably hoping to counter the poor performance of its PSP-Go launched last October. And yes, no more cumbersome UMD. Instead game will be available on a new flash storage. I forsee yet another a tough battle with piracy for this PSP successor.
What? Sony is also making its PSP titles available on Android tablet? This is indeed a brave move. If an Android tablet can play PSP games, why get a PSP console? Yet another sign that mobile gaming is now converging. Very soon you will be playing Monster Hunter on your Ipad. Not to mention Sony is also coming out with its own version of mobile phone, the PSP Phone.
Good games definitely deserve to have their sequels release. And this year, we mark out five sequel titles that are creating hype in the gaming industry.
Why do developer make sequel?
Sales
Making a sequel for a game is similar to making a sequel for a movie. Most of the time, gamers who like the previous title will enjoy the sequel as well. Therefore, it is almost like the developers can ensure the sales of the sequel even before making it. A game with a good storyline coupled with a cliffhanger at the end of the game should be able to attract gamers to spend their money on the next title. However, in games such as Final Fantasy, each sequels aren’t really a continuation of the previous title but a new one. Only Final Fantasy X has a sequel called Final Fantasy X-2. Final Fantasy XIII on the other hand is rumoured to have a direct sequel too apart from the already announced Final Fantasy Versus XIII and Final Fantasy Agito XIII. Sequel can thus be seen as a form of insurance, of course, that is only true if the first game is good enough to have a strong fanbase.
Speed
Creating an entire new universe isn’t an easy job. It requires much work from graphic artist, 3D modeler, creative director etc. to completely generate the landscape, environment, physic engine etc. seen in the games. By creating a sequel, developers can build on the existing arsenal of 3D models they already have. While there is still a need to come out with new environment and perhaps characters, time is saved from creating everything from scratch.
Next Mario?
We all know how much revenue gaming franchise can bring in. From its humble beginning on the NES, Super Mario is now a widely known household name. Talk about Pikachu, the cute furry yellow creature from Pokemon. Producing sequel will allow the gamers to better associate with the character in games. Money from the derived product of game franchises are easier to make than creating the game itself.
LIST OF UP-COMING SEQUELS TO LOOK OUT FOR
[Prototype 2] – Release date: 2012
Trailer video
In first installment of the prototype franchise, you’ve played as the protagonist, Alex Mercer. Now, in this sequel, the roles are reversed and the player controls James Heller who is on a quest to find the one responsible for the death of his family. And he is none other than Alex Mercer. Expect more mutant-slashing fun and more military arsenal at your disposal in 2012.
[Infamous 2]– Release date: 2011
Trailer video
When Infamous 2 was announced, it didn’t come as a surprise to many of the gamers. Infamous 2 picks off nicely after the ending of Infamous where Cole MacGrath (the main protagonist) knew of a new enemy from his future counterpart, known as the Beast. So you can pretty much guess that a sequel for Infamous 2 is coming out given such ending in Infamous.
Gameplay video
From the gameplay video above, the graphic of the game has improved over its predecessor. But what is with that lightning rod Cole is carrying? Sucker Punch could be thinking of adding more combat dynamic as they have thought of almost every possible way for Cole to fight with his infused lightning powers in Infamous. The lightning tornado is pretty cool. Since when did they infuse him with Storm‘s power?
[Little Big Planet 2]– Release date: Jan 2011
Not so long ago, I have written a review on LBP2’s demo. With this sequel, LBP is now not only restricted to the platform world that we are all familiar with. Players can experience different genre of game such as racing, shooter and many more. Just wondering whether they can do first-person-shooter? This game is coming out real soon! Expect more Sackboy fun! Woohoo!
[Killzone 3]– Release date: Feb 2011
For those who like futuristic FPS, Killzone 3 is a title that you will like to look out for. If you have yet to play Killzone 2, starting looking for a copy at GameTrader.SG before this sequel comes out. Killzone 2 has set a pretty high standard for this upcoming sequel. Killzone 3 is one of the few new games that supports stereoscopic 3D viewing for PS3. Got a 3DTv? Then this game is a must!
[Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception]– Release date: November 2011
The superb graphics of Uncharted 2 is by far one of the best among all console games. Will Uncharted 3 push the PS3 further? Co-op and multi-player features will be included in this sequel and yes, it will also be available in stereoscopic 3D.
