NanoGeekTech Special Report: Gears of War II Review

Developer: Epic Games
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Designer: Cliff Bleszinski
Composer: Steve Jablonsky
Engine Unreal Engine 3 with PhysX
Native resolution 720p
Platform: Xbox 360
Release date: November 7, 2008
Genre: Third-person shooter
Tactical shooter
Mode: Single player, System Link, Multiplayer, Cooperative modes
Rating(s) BBFC: 18
ESRB: M
Media DVD-9
Input methods Gamepad

From time to time NanoGeekTech will review Microsoft AAA Exclusives Games for the Xbox360. Today we are going to take a look at Xbox 360 multi-zillion dollar mega blockbuster Gear of War 2 the other "GOW"

Halo and Halo II help usher in the original Xbox and made it relevant in the console gaming world. It is my opinion that Gears of War has made the Xbox 360 a considerable foe for the almighty Sony Corporation. Gear of War debut to enormous fanfare, hype and rave reviews. GOW officially has helped put the Xbox 360 on the map with main stream media and troves on fanboies. This megaton of a game has solidify the Xbox 360 as a true and real threat to the gaming world as we know it.



Gears of War 2 begins with our heroes Marcus Fenix, Dominic "Dom" Santiago and Benjamin Carmine, and later joined by Augustus Cole planning to stage a final offensive against the Locust in their backyard.



Gears of War 2 has to be one of the best looking games on any system to date. Cliffy B has found the genie in a bottle with the marriage of the Unreal Engine 3 and the Xbox 360. It's pretty obvious that Cliffy B is the master of the Unreal Engine when tearing through hordes of Locust with a bloodied chainsaw. Most developers that attempt to utilize this engine has never reach the near perfection that Cliffy B was able to accomplish with Gears of War 2. That being said, Too Human is a tragic classic example of "when a good game engines go bad".



Gears of War 2 is a graphical powerhouse aka "Beast". Epic games was able to squeeze more juice into an already beautiful game. Many new techniques were use to beautify Gears of War 2. Epic added in-game lighting through ambient occlusion which enables more dynamic shadows to be rendered more realistically. The ability to render large crowds of Locust has now been included. Other notable enhancements would be the inclusion of destructible structures and objects along side with great improvements to rendering water. These new techniques slightly enhances Gears of War 2 gameplay.



Gears of War 2 Soundtrack was released on November 25th, 2008 under the record label Sumthing Else Music Works. The music in Gears of War 2 was composed by Steve Jablonsky. GOW2 soundtrack is not mindblowing in anyway in my opinion but it does fit the Gears of War univerise. Gears of War 2 does digital surround sound very well. Explosions can make your sub-woofer bark at times and the buzz of the chainsaw will make you feel like Paul Bunyan.



What has made Gears of War 2 such a great experience is how easy it is to pick up and play. Gears of War 2 is very much a casual shooter, anyone can pick up Gears of War 2 and begin their personal killing vendetta against the Locust. The controls feels the same as the original, nothing has been changed or removed. When using the cover system this time around you don't feel like you are sticking to everything around you. It's easier to remove yourself from a cover position. There is no real thought process involved in playing Gears of War 2 you run, use cover, shoot evil nasty bad Locust, throw a grenade or two, use some more cover and in between the mayhem switch between weapons.



All of your weapons of mass destruction has made it's way back into the game with the inclusion of a few new items. Your personal arsenal of chaos will compose of the Boomshot Grenade Launcher, Frag Grenade, Gnasher Shotgun, Gorgon Pistol, Hammerburst Assault Rifle, Hammer of Dawn, Lancer Assault Rifle, Long Shot Sniper Rifle, Ink Grenade,Snub Pistol, Torque Bow, Boltok Pistol, Troika Turret, Mortar, Mulcher and the Scorcher Flamethrower. My favorite weapon in the Gears Series is the Hammer of Dawn. The weapons used in GOW2 is nothing special, ts just slightly modified version of things we have seen before. Epic need to add an alternate fire options for all weapons to the Next Gears Of War. The weapons in GOW2 needs a little more imagination next time around espically the Locusts weapons. Gears of War can add more depth by slightly modifing all weapons and adding some new cool weapons.



Gears of War 2 has made a few new additions to online multiplayer. Gears of War 2 will allow up to ten players to play simultaneously. They are three new modes "Guardian", "Wingman" and "Submissions". Guardian is a modified version of "Assassination" from the original Gears of War. Wingman splits all ten players into five teams of two, where both members play as the same character. Submission aka" Meat Flag" is basically capture the flag with a players body being the flag. There is also a new co-op game mode called "Horde", this mode allows up to five players to fight off waves of attacking Locust together. As you destroy the attacking waves each new wave becomes more difficult as you progress.



Epic was able to re-tool the cameras in the multiplayer modes. The new Battle cam allows players to freely pan around any map as the camera focuses on the areas of intense fighting. The Ghost Cam allows a player to roam freely around a map. There is also the photo mode that allows you to take photos in multiplayer and upload it GearsofWar.com



Multiplayer is where many will get their money worth from Gears of War 2 and LIVE subscription. Epic was able to add just a pinch more content to make GOW2 online a little more interesting and appealing to die hard gear heads.



Gears of War 2 for the Microsoft Xbox 360 has help put Xbox 360 on the map and at the same time help establish a strong install base. Yes, Gears of War 2 is one of the best looking games on any platform, Yes, Gears of War 2 has sold millions of millions of copies, and Yes if you have a 360 Gears of War 2 is a game that you have to experience.



My problem with Gears of War 2 is that it felt like a great summer blockbuster movie with no plot or substance. Gears of War 2 reminds me of StarShip Troopers, awesome action, lots of blood and guts, and the F-bomb thrown around like a three foot midget in a midget throwing contest. But what Starship Troopers lacked, was average to good acting, story and character development. And for the most part Gear of War 2 lacks from all of the above. I am a graphic whore the better it looks the more my brain can appreciate it and at the same time comprehend it. But this generation has showed me that you can have a compelling story, good character development, and great acting alongside with uber super sexy graphics a classic example being "BioShock". For Gears of War not to fall into "The Halo Trap" the next Gears of War has to up the ante, and I do not mean bigger, badder, or bloodier. I want a little more sophistication with my blood and gore.



Graphic:A+
Gears of War 2 excels in the graphic department and is the best looking game on Microsoft Xbox 360 so far and ever.
Sound:A
I am a sucker for good sound and a glass of grand mariner liquor on the rocks with a splash of red bull.
Replay Value:A-
If you ever wanted to justified to your friend that owns a PS3 and plays online for FREE and you have to pay as low as $39.99 per years just pull out a copy of GOW2
Control:A
Gear of War 2 is so easy a cave man can do it. If my wife can pick up a controller and blow some Locust knee caps off so can grandma.
Fun Factor: B+
Gears of War 2 is fun if you have never played the gears of War series you will be in for a treat. If you are a veteran of the series you may appreciate to new additions the multiplayer.
NanoGeekTech Overall Score: A
Gears of War 2 is clearly a great gaming experience with a few short comings but I can only blame that on Cliff B. This game is a reflection of Cliff B personality lots of fluff and no substance.



Should you buy Gears of War 2 or rent it: "Rent or Buy it you cannot go wrong. Gears of War 2 can be a great reason to consider purchasing a Microsoft 360 at the current prices. If you already own a PS3 and considering splurging on a cheap arcade 360 GOW2 is a great reason to consider it! "

What Bored me about Gear of War 2: "Its hard to get bored when playing GOW2 it is non-stop blood fest. If there is one thing I would change in Gears of War 2 would be the weapons, your killing apparatus could have been more imaginative. The single player campaign can be rather quick if played with a friend. Is Gears of War 2 worth trading in your Sony PS3 for a Xbox 360 and a copy of GOW2.....no. Do not let the hype fool you."

Voice Chat Returns to Sony HOME

After it's swift removal from Playstation HOME a recent update 1.05 will allow users to chat within their personal space and clubhouse. Will people, shit talking is back in HOME but it is confine to your own personal space and this makes sense. It looks like the update goes Live today December 22nd, 2008. Thank you Sony please keep up the good work.

No Voice Chat for Sony's "HOME"....STFU

With Sony recent update on HOME they have officially declare "STFU" to all HOME inhabitants. Sony has yet to give a reason behind this. Many online sources are reporting this could be because of the lurid explicate sexual comments made by immature idiots.

I would like the inclusion of voice chat, I personally hate text messaging its time consuming and annoying. Why is it that it only takes a few fools to totally help screw shit up? At the moment

Sony HOME is in its infancy and it needs every feature that can make it a better social meeting place. By removing a popular feature that is KEY to being social only make's HOME feel even more incomplete.

Metal Gear Solid Touch!

It has been reveal that the mystery being the glowing green symbols that has caused many Sony PS3 fanboys revolating across the Internet. Is actually Metal Gear Solid Touch for the iPhone. Thanks to Famitsu and the good people at IGN details has slowly emerge.

Reportedly the player would not be able to control Snake himself. Players will have the ability to change the viewpoint, and tap the screen to fire. You will be able to zoom by using the "iPhone pinch".

The game may have some connection with Metal Gear Solid 4, thought unlike its predecessor this game will focus more on shooting versus stealth. Notable figure behind MGST are Hideo Kojima himself and Yasuyo Watanabe previous chief web designer at Kojima Productions. According to Hideo Kojima, the reason for the shooter on the iPhone, he felt it would be easy for people to pick up and play on the train or plane.

Sorry Xbox fanboys it looks like MGS4 will never come to the Xbox360. Hideo showed some love to Apple in MGS4 so I guess this makes sense. It also sheds light on an unforgiving reality to Xbox 360 fanboys/girls " Metal Gear Solid 4 will never see the light of day on an Xbox" at least for now.

NanoGeekTechTV presents: Infamous IGN Video Interview

Sony PS3 upcoming exclusive Infamous will be here Spring 2009. Sony is on the verge of having one of the greatest gaming years in history come 2009. With killer AAA apps such as God of War III, Uncharted II, Infamous, Heavy Rain, Ratchet and Clank II, MAG, The Agency, maybe Team ICO new game and whatever super uber secret games Sony is currently working on to wow us.

Infamous will be here in Spring 2009 along side with Street Fighter IV, Resident Evil 5 and Killzone 2. What a way to start the new year! IGN had a chance to get their hands on Infamous(Lucky bastards). And damn Infamous looks really good even if the video is not in HD. Tell me what you think.

Video after the jump

NanoGeekTech Hoilday Money Saving tips

Amazon.com has begun on Thursday to offering a one-day game sale for Sony Playstation 3 as part of its daily Gold Box promotion. Discounted titles includes: FIFA 09, Singstar ABBA, Resistance 2, and selected Blu-ray titles.

Current Sony PS3 Deals:

- Free Blu-ray remote with the purchase of a 160GB PS3 SKU

-Circuit City Stores Inc. will be offering a $44.99 sale on selected Sony PS3 games this week

-Amazon is offering $50.00 off the purchase of an 80GB PS3 game, Blu-ray disc, and remote.

-LittleBigPlanet Sony PS3 $32 shipped

-If you are looking to purchase a PSN game consider opening a EU account or Japanese Account. Some games may be cheaper considering the currency rates.

-Sony PS3 $150 off is being offered by Sony Style

-Sony PS3 160GB $499 Uncharted: Drake's Fortune Pack

-Sony PS3 80GB $339 with 15% coupon expires 12/22/08

3D Gaming a reality soon on a Sony PS3 near you

Andrew Oliver Chief Technology Officer and Neil Schneider President & CEO of Blitz game Studios has confirm that Sony "Fully intends" to support stereoscopic 3d gaming and Blu-ray for the Sony PS3.

From the looks of this new 3D technology this can be implemented through Sony's infamous firmware updates. According to MTBS3D "The best part is console support will only need a bios to work, and we are told that the ability to add this capability via bios may be unique to Sony PS3 versus other console solutions."

I hope we can see true 3D gaming fall 2009. Can you imagine your Sony AAA exclusives in 3D, how about God Of War III in 3D or the next Ratchet and Clank in 3D. Sony needs to distant itself form the competition and they need to do new and innovative things to build more value. And if 3D gaming can be a reality the value that the Sony PS3 has to offer will be super exceeded.

NanoGeekTechTV presents: One More Reason to Buy LBP

Little Big Planet sales are a little sluggish considering it was label a "system seller" its has been a little disappointed. Little Big Planet is a must have game for your Sony PS3 library for the simply reason of hearting Sony and Media Molecule for doing something very special.

At the moment Little Big Planet is a tough sell, this means that Media Molecule and Sony has to do some spectacular stuff to get more people interested. At the moment their ad campaign is total shit so they have to explore other avenues to get more people to buy LBP. The video after the jump should help with sales.

Video after the jump:

Is Little Big Planet heading toward's Flop Land?

Xbox fanboys rejoice, Little Big Planet Sales does not look too good. I'll have to admit, I am a part of the problem. I have not picked up my copy of LBP yet. I went to my local blockbuster to pick my copy on reserve but they said "too late sucker we have no more copies". So tonight on my way home I will stop at EB games and pick up a copy of Little Big Planet.

Media Molecule's charming, quirky new platformer is struggling more than a one legged prostitute doing the running man(This happens more real life than in Sony's HOME). By the looks of things LBP slow sales show that many of you fanboys/girls prefer blowing shit up and rock music.

Little Big Planet sold a mere 205,000 units in October and that's a little sad people come on its a great game. November was a bigger disappointment LBP was able to sell only 141,000 units and at the same time slip out of NPD top 20.

Only if Sony can try to fucking market LBP it may sell more than the mere 346,000 units. I have seen one LBP commercial and it barley shows the game. Shit if I did not play the Little Big Planet beta I would have not known what the commercial was for.

Now selling 346,00 copies is not a bad feat considering LBP is a new IP, its a little niche and it has a totally new concept for console owners. Now I have a theory why sales of LBP have suffered. I was able to be part of LBP beta and it was a blast. Since I played LBP for one zillion hours when the full retail game came out I felt there was no need to go out and buy right away.

So people please do Sony PS3 owners a favor and show Media Molecule some love so LBP can stay an exclusive and developer can continue to introduce new and original IP. There will only be new IP if the developers know they would sell. So lets prove to the fanboys/girls that LBP is a worthy game to add to your game library. Heck I wonder how many copies would LBP sell if it was on Microsoft Xbox360 also.

When will we see Sony's PSP 2?

According to published reports, Eurogamer is currently reporting that Sony will soon be revamping the Sony PSP. Considering the original PSP launched in 2004 it may seems like its time for a change.

Sony has hinted at a possible release of a refresh PSP for the Fall of 2009. We will have to wait and see.

NanoGeekTechTV presents: Every Fanboy's Wet Dream

I missed Spike's VGA award show with Jack Black. It looks like he was out of fucking control from a few video footage's I have seen online. This video especially looks like it takes the cake. Can this be what multiple console owners dream about? Depending on what I eat before I go to bed I tend to have dreams like this, its a little scary and distrubing.

NanoGeekTech milestone: Over 500 total Blog Post

Hello everyone, NanoGeekTech has topped the 500 post mark. 512 posts and counting. I am currently working on upgrading the look of NanoGeekTech 1.0. Our sister site NanoGeekTech & Science 2.0 will be updated more on a regular basis.

NanoGeekTech Media LLC will be currently working on a new crop of blogs. I hope to have these blogs up and running by spring 2009. Please feel free to leave your input or tips. If you would like to join the NanoGeekTech team please e-mail me NanoGeekTech@gmail.com.

"Remember the Gaming media is tainted and I am not the gaming media"

NanoGeekTechTV presents: Uncharted 2 VGA Trailer

For those of you in the PS3 world who have not yet experience the instant classic Uncharted first should be shoot and then placed into solitary confinement at Guantanamo Bay. Please do yourselves a favor and please pick up the first Uncharted before part two comes out. At least go to your local Blockbuster or Gamefly its worth the nine bucks.



I rented Uncharted played it then beat it. Right after that, I went out and made the purchase. Is 2009 going to be the year of the PS3?

NanoGeekTechTV presents: God Of War III VGA Trailer

Will its hear the biggest tease for God of War III has been release during Spike TV VGA award show. Its only about 42 second long and it looks like it shows in game footage which looks insane.



Video after jump



What do you think is God of War III going to put Sony PS3 back on the map? I say yes! Beside God Of War III, you have Killzone2, Heavy Rain and Uncharted 2. 2009 looks like the year of the PS3.

NanoGeekTech Upcoming original articles:

-Gear of War 2 review- "I have to give 360 biggest title some luv"
-Call of Duty 5 (PS3) review
-Little Big Planet review-"I am sorry it has taken me so long too many damn games"
-NanoGeekTech response to G4TV Fable II GOTY-"what a joke I am telling you people the gaming media is very tainted they are as bad as professional boxing."
-Will Sony PS3 survive this generation?
-Microsoft what happen to your games in 2009?

Resistance 2 Review

Developer: Insomniac Games
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Designer: Ted Price
Engine Insomniac Engine v.2.0
Native resolution 720p
Platform: PlayStation 3
Release date: NA November 4, 2008
JP November 13, 2008
AUS November 27, 2008
EU November 28, 2008
Genre: First-person shooter
Mode: Single-player, co-op, online co-op, multiplayer, online multiplayer
Rating: BBFC: 18
ESRB: M
OFLC: MA15+
PEGI: 18+
Media Blu-ray Disc
Input methods Dualshock 3

Its May 15, 1953 and the United States and the world, as we know it has come under a full scale invasion by an evil and heartless entity call the Chimera. Resistance 2 starts off with our lead hero Nathen Hale crash landing into a mean fire fight against the ruthless Chimera. Resistance 2 picks up form the first game this time the fight continues state side. Your alien killing spree will unfold during ten gruelling chapters. You will fight your way out of deep shit from Iceland to San Fransisco, along the way you will visit,Twin Falls Idaho, Bryce Canyon, Utah, Chicago, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the Gulf of Mexico and around the Yucatan Peninsula.



Before we go any further, I'll have to admit I am a sucker for an engaging story filled with great sound design, compelling game play with pretty graphics thrown in for good measures. Many people have tried to link Resistance with Microsoft over hyped killer app Halo. Resistance and Halo are two different games altogether. The two games may share the same mythology with aliens trying to destroy the human race but Resistance 1 and 2 feels superior in scale, scope, and production value. I just had to get that off my chest, Resistance is Sony's answer to Halo and its a damn good answer.



Insomniac Games has a passion and genius for creating some very interesting weaponry in their previous games, such as: Ratchet and Clank and the first Resistance. Most of your favorite weapons have made it back into R2. You have the M5A2 Carbine, Rossmore 238, L23 Fareye, HVAP wraith, HE.44 Magnum, LAARK, V7 Splicer, Bellock Semi-Automatic, Bullseye MK II, Auger MK II, Hedgehog Grenades, Frag Grenade and Air-Fuel Grenade . My favorite piece of destruction for inducing some serious pain was the HE. 44 Magnum and the Bullseye MKII. This time around Insomniac Games decided to drop the weapon wheel in R2. You are only allowed to carried two weapons(guns) and multiple grenades at the same time. Many people has balked at this new method of carrying weapons(sarcasm)this is standard for most FPS. I prefer having only two weapons, because it adds a level of tension during combat espically big battles you know are right around the corner. You will have to decide which two weapons you would like to carry into your personal living nightmare sometimes its a hard choice. There are times when you have exhausted all your ammo and now you are running frantically around looking for anything to shoot everyone. Sometimes you may have to part with a favorite weapon to ensure that you are well prepared for the next instant hell.



Resistance 2 has made a significantly graphical leap from its predecessor. One of the things I love about the Resistance series is the amount of things that happens on screen all at once. Resistance 2 uses the Ratchet and Clank engine and according to Insomniac Games Engine Director Mike Acton R2 is currently a third-generation PS3 title. Resistance 2 does scale and scope like no other game before it. The invasion of San Francisco is an amazing sight be behold. This is the most common game play footage played on the Internet. Many games fail to recreate size and this goes for all type of games, PC, Arcade and Consoles. Resistance 2 at time makes you feel like a small piece of insignificance that can be negated in a blink off an eye and that's scale baby. There are segments in R2 where the textures are pixel perfect and some parts where the textures feel flat and unfinished. There is absolutely no slowdown in frame rate no matter how intense things gets on screen( A pretty damn good feat) and to top it off there is no such thing as pop-ups.



Sony PS3 excels in the sound department especially on Sony exclusives. Resistance 2 has some of the best atmospheric sound this generation. If you have the fortunate chance to own a digital surround system you will be in for a treat. Everything in the game that has a sound attached would be heard all at once.



Multiplayer is where Resistance 2 has super excel it's expectation. There is cooperative and competitive. Each mode will track each players performance as you play through the ranks you will benefit from experience points that will eventually lead to rewards and benefits. One thing that may disappoint a few would be the lack of Single player co-op campaign but you will live. Co-op can support up to two to eight players. Depending on the total of players that is currently in the game the difficulty would be set accordingly. So if they are only three people playing you would not be overcome by the hordes of Chimera. Now if there is the maximum amount of player(eight) currently in the game the difficulty level will be greatly increased to ensure a competitive experience. During online co-op you play as a member of the special forces grouped called the "Specter Team". Your goal in co-op is to collect intel by tackling random objectives around the map. There will be three classes available to choose from: Special Ops-long distance specialist and provider of ammo to all, Soldiers aka "tanks"-provide the heaviest firepower and a shield that can be used to protect those around and the Medic-drains life from the enemies to weaken them, can revive faster than anyone, and able to dish out magical beams of health to teammates.



Online competitive mode in Resistance 2 can support up to 60 players through custom rooms. 60 players all at once on one map may sound like total disorder. To ensure shit does not get too insidious in the four online modes available Deatmatch, Team Death match, Capture the Flag(Core Control) and Skirmish players are split up into squads of six and take part in objective base combat. Player have the choice of Humans or the Chimeran and a slight taste of customization( very limited) and have the ability to preload there weapons of choice and their special ability.



Resistance 2 has lived up to the hype and at the same time has raised the bar for the calibre of content offered in a game. R2 is cemented with a riveting story, digital Hollywood sound production, competitive on-line and some of the best online co-op experiences on any game system has to offer. Resistance 2 is a game every Sony PS3 owner should go out and buy for a few reasons: one to support Insomniac Games for their love for PS3 owners, and to be part of an experience that will in no doubt blow you away( play on words).


Graphic:A-
Sound:A
Replay Value:A
Control:A
Fun Factor: A
NanoGeekTech Overall Score: A


Should you buy Resistance 2 or rent it: You should go out and purchase Resistance 2 now or at least put it on your Christmas list so someone else can get it for you. I currently own Resistance 2 and so should you. What are you waiting for head to NanoGeekTech Shops or your local video game dealer and make it happen people...

P.S. I love the ended, it was something I was not expecting.

Sony HOME Beta Impressions

Crappy Video of me busting the move in HOME


Sony PS3 HOME for PSN will be here finally Tomorrow. For every fanboy and girl it's time to start the hatein(Please add to NanoGeekTech Dictionary), loving, or start a new round of flame wars. I have been in Sony HOME Beta since November 21th 2008. The past month I have had the chance to see want it feels like to be a professional beta tester. I've had the fortunate chance to be part of the SOCOM: Confrontation beta, LBP aka Little Big Planet beta and now HOME Sony's super uber Microsoft LIVE killer.


(video is in Japanese)Home
TGS 08: Japanese SF4 Partner Demo


If HOME and LIVE was in the ring at this moment fighting to the death. I Hate to say that Microsoft LIVE would severally kick the truffles out of Sony's HOME. I have the opportunity to own a launch day 360 and Sony PS3 and have truly enjoyed LIVE for the past few year. Ever since my PS3 fell into my lap Sony has been diligently working to upgrade their PSN to compete with Microsoft LIVE.

HOME has been in the making for what may seem like fucking forever but it was only introduced in early 2005 and December 11th 2008 millions of legions of fanboys and girls would be running around, doing the cabbage patch in a happy Kongo line. And that's about what everyone would be doing IF Sony does not add a little more features for the masses. As of right now HOME is a little boring. A few shops has just been open giving beta testers the chance to grab some freebies before we officially start to be nickel and dime to death, my friends welcome to the new age of MICRO-TRANSACTION heaven.


(Video is in Japanese)Home
TGS 08: Japanese RE5 Partner Demo


Before you enter HOME you will have to create your own Avatar. Sony HOME allows a more realistic representation of yourself. You can choose everything from hair color, to how far you want your eyes apart. You can dress your up your virtual dude/dudette goth, casual, or GQ. I can tell you this much there is a reason PSN is free if you want your virtual "you" to look good it's gone to cost you real money. When you are finished pimping yourself up, its time to check out your love pad. You begin in a nice ass apartment, with a nice ass view of the ocean and sailboats. If you want to live like Donald Trump or Jay-Z and gotta to have the phat crib it's gone to cost you.

HOME is a separate part of your PSN XLB it will be located right above the PSN store icon. During the beta your are given the chance to enter the Theater which plays a long extended demo of SOCOM: Confrontation including interviews with real Navy SEALS. There is the mall with a few shops. For the most part all stores where closed and opened on December 4th 2008. The stores that are currently open are Estates, a Clothing store and Furniture store.


(video is in Japanese)Home
TGS 08: Japanese Gran Turismo Partner Demo


What bored me about HOME was the lack of things to do. There are a few arcade games to play in the bowling alley. Besides the arcade games you and a few friends or random strangers can get together and bowl or shoot some pool. Bowling and pool are pretty simple, if you've played the flash games at work you will be a master guarantee. The Arcades games that you can master are Ice Breaker, Echochorme, and Carriage Return. More to be added, it only make sense.

After you run around, play the arcade games, bowl, shoot some pool, talk to girl who was probably a guy, there is nothing else to do. I would presume once the open beta is launched later today you will be able to access more features. While in HOME you will have ability to launch any game directly from your PS3. You will also be able to Download new game content in the background while running round or just acting like a plain jackass in HOME. As the service grows so would the functionality.

There is one thing I would love to see implemented in Sony's HOME, the ability to "RUN" . Your virtual MinnieMe feels like he/she is running on tar. Everyone looks like they are running but you feel like your are barley moving. I hope they fix this. The amount of loading when you go in and out of a building can be a little annoying. Before I did the most recent HOME update, right before you entered a new building the new location would load in the background while you go and do something else. Now it seems like this does not happen anymore. The loading times takes only a few seconds and I will presume this can change but only time will tell.


Home
Red Bull Trailer


Sony PS3 HOME for the PSN is a great step for Sony, and some people may be very disappointed later today because of the enormous expectation riding on this Trojan horse Sony calls HOME. Please do not be disappointed because this is a service that will eventually change the way we interact with everyone in the gaming world. This is a chance to meet your favorite game creator and play pool or go bowling. This may be a chance to go to E3 2009 LIVE from your PS3 and play all of Sony's exclusive demos right on your PS3 in comfort of your own HOME. Sony's PS3 HOME is a new space where advertisers can really get rich, where game developers can build a endless lifetime into their current and future games and where the average Joe can make new friends, network and where new future business ventures will be created. With the officially introduction of Sony PS3 HOME the possibilities of a new and exciting way to be part of your favorite game and to know these endless possibilities exist may drive some mad.......

HOME Open Beta Tomorrow!

According to Playstation Blog HOME Open Beta will Officially launch Tomorrow. For everyone that tried to download the CODE I provided for the HOME Beta, I am sorry it could be only used once, I was under the impression it could be used up to four times. I never used the Beta CODE so whoever was the first to try the code, that person that had the opportunity to get into HOME a little early.

Its time to rejoice my people Sony PS3 HOME is finally upon us. I will be in HOME tonight and tomorrow 7am-8pmEST if you happen to see me hit me up as a friend request. NanoGeekTech will be opening a Club in HOME soon and feel free to stop by I will post once the NanoGeekTech HOME club has started.

You are not a Kid anymore 53% of American Adult Play Video Games

According to Pew/Internet more than half of all American play some sort of video games. This means those of you that has a spouse that can get on your ass about your sometimes ultra-violent hobby can finally STFU(stay totally fun and undertanding).

I guess since the introduction to the Nintendo Wii adults over 65, a stunning third plays video games every day compare to younger adults whom plays only 20% everyday. The number one reason for the fanboy internet explosion is the fact that 75% of the video gaming populous own a video game console.

It is officially a mute point in any one's home, playing video games is as American as apple pie/hotdogs and baseball.

Did Anyone try the HOME BETA Code?

Just wanted to know if anyone out there had a chance to try out the HOME BETA code I provided to my loyal readers. If you have not ried it please do and let me know if you got into HOME and what your thoughts are. If you are having issues please let me know and I can try to help.

HOME BETA CODE: RHC9-PCBA-PF2C

NanoGeekTech Dead Space Review (360)

Developer: EA Redwood Shores
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Designer: Glen Schofield (Exec Producer/Creator)
Bret Robbins
Composer: Jason Graves
Engine Godfather game engine
Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows

Release date: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
NA October 14, 2008
EU October 14, 2008
Microsoft Windows
NA October 20, 2008
EU October 24, 2008

Genre:Survival horror
Third-person shooter
Mode: Single-player
Rating: ESRB: M
MDA: Mature 18
PEGI: 18+
OFLC: MA 15+
BBFC: 18
USK: 18

Media Blu-ray Disc, DVD
System requirements Windows XP SP2 or Vista
Intel Pentium 4 2.8GHz or equivalent
1GB RAM for XP, 2GB for Vista
7GB hard drive space
256MB video card w/ SM 3.0 (nVidia GeForce 6800/ ATI Radeon X1600 Pro)
DirectX 9.0c sound card
Keyboard
Mouse

Survival Horror is back.... hell yes, its been a long time coming. The last time I played a great survival horror game has been Resident Evil 4 for Gamecube. So its been a long damn time people and plus the next Resident Evil would not arrive states side till March 13th 2009( Friday the 13th baby). So like a crackhead who has been denied his favorite party favors, I was extremely filled with joy and the jitters when I finally got my hands on Dead Space(360). And like a crackhead I do not think I can wait till next year for my next fix of flight and fright, damn you Capcom at least release the damn demo states side please.



Dead Space is a great departure from EA, who has finally decide to populate the console world with new solid IPs(Mirrors Edge). I would like to thank EA for introducing a new IP that from the looks of it would be around for a very long time.



Dead Space revolves around our hero Isaac Clarke a normal guy who happens to be a space engineer that works for the Conordance Extraction Corporation(C.E.C). The game starts with Isaac Clarke in route to answer a distress called form the USG Ishimura. The USG Ishmiura is a Planet Cracker ship that is deployed to guess what? Crack open planets and deplete their resources. When Isaac and his crew crash lands on the Ishmiura all hell breaks loose and really it does.



Your main foes in Dead Space would be the relentless Necromorphs. These nasty disfigured fast moving genetic abomination will try to kill you by travelling through the many vents littered around the Ishimura. The only way to mow down the ultra violent "Necromorphs" is to literally cut them down at their limbs to slow them down. Dead Space game play mechanic is very good because it creates a lot of tension during extreme encounter with the Necromorphs. For example you may have to cut off their legs to slow them down, but even with no legs they will still crawl after you with a vengeance. At that point you have to go for the head. They are moments when you are attacked form all sides and this is where things gets a little insane. Luckily you are given the ability to slow down your enemies as they rush towards you. At this point you can pick and choose which body parts you would love to hack off one by one. Dismembering your foes is a total blast and for me it never gets old. You will be able to dismember your foes with an array of custom space tools, there are no AK47, no shotgun, or any photon particle beams. Your tools consist of the 211-V Plasma Cutter, SWS Motorized Pulse Rifle(uses electric coils to accelerate rounds) , RC-DS Remote Control Disc Ripper, PFM-100 Hydrogen Torch Flamethrower, IM-822 Handheld Ore Cutter Line Gun and C99 Supercollider Contact Beam



Dead Space does tension very well, sometimes too well. Its been a very long time since I played a game in the dark that made me tense and at the same time give me quick jolts of anxiety. EA Redwood Shores did a fantastic job in creating a dark, lonely, eerie atmosphere. The Godfather engine is a very capable graphic engine. I was very surprised by the amazing amount of lighting the engine was able to generate. The lighting was stunning which helped with the overall immersion factor. The graphics for Dead Space was dead on(pun intended) it is a georgous game, it can be consider one of the best looking games this year. When you enter a room that is void of gravity and you see the palates of blood floating around you know you have officially entered next generation gaming.



Dead Space audio was also top-notch and believe it or not the Sound track was release on iTunes on November 11th 2008. What makes a survival horror game better is the use of ambient sound, and Dead Space does an excellent job delivering a great 5.1 Dolby digital euphoria for your ears.



My only complaints about Dead Space are the boss fights, they are really a little too easy. The biggest challenge when facing a boss is trying to figure out what to do, once that is solved they become a cake walk. My second displeasure would be the ending. I am sorry I do not know what happen to good endings anymore what the fuck! You play a game that's overall a damn good experience to be treated to mediocrity at the end.

Graphic:A
Sound:A
Replay Value:B
Control:A
Fun Factor: A
NanoGeekTech Overall Score: A

Should you buy Dead Space or rent it: I had a helluva good time with Dead Space. Once I beat the game, I was ready to play again with all my weapons upgraded and my Level 5 suit. You can get your monies worth from a rental that's what I did. EA has premium DLC for Dead Space I do not believe its worth it or adds to replay value, its a great way to nickel and dime you to death. Dead Space would be a worthy game to add your Microsoft Xbox360 or Sony PS3 game library.

Things that Bored me with Dead Space: Nothing really I was not bored in anyway when playing Dead Space. Dead Space was a game I wanted to come home and play especially in the dark with my 6.1 Dolby Digital blasting. I would go through Dead Space again if I had a chance but for PS3 the second time around.

Where is the Next Metal Gear going to land!

Will I have to say either Hideo Kojima has one hellva sense of humor or every Sony fanboy biggest fear is about to be a reality. Does the above graphic mean that Metal gear Solid 4 will arriving on Microsoft Xbox360? I would have to say I have no fucking clue, it has the 360 power button but it is not blinking red(LOL)? It also have the symbols for the Nintendo Wii? The URL has MST attached to it could it be "touch" "teaser" "tits"? I have no clue! But damn way to market your game Hideo

And if this has nothing to do with Microsoft 360 how will the legions of 360 fanboys react? I have a strong feeling we not will be seeing MGS4 on the 360. The way Hideo Kojima proclaim that MGS4 could only be done on Sony PS3 and being a self proclaim perfectionist it does not make sense. Now money wise it make sense for MGS4 to come to the Xbox360 to recoup some of the cost involved in developing MGS? But who knows, only the man himself.

I will tell you this much if by some strange reason MGS4 does come to Microsoft Xbox360 this will definitely open the gates to no exclusives anymore and I believe consoles needs exclusives to survive. So we will have to wait and see what happens on December 12th 2009!

NanoGeekTech Fable II Review

Developer: Lionhead Studios
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Designer: Peter Molyneux
Composer: Russell Shaw
Graphics Engine Proprietary
Havok (physics)
Kynapse (pathfinding)
Alienbrain 8 (asset tracking)
Platform(s) Xbox 360
Release date(s) NA October 21, 2008
EU October 24, 2008
AU October 23, 2008
Genre: Action RPG, Sandbox
Mode: Single player, Cooperative gameplay, Xbox Live
Rating: BBFC: 15
ESRB: Mature (M)
OFLC: M
PEGI: 16+
Media DVD-DL
Input methods Gamepad

Fable II is Xbox360 highly anticipated western style RPG from famed Lionhead founder Peter Molyneux. Fable II follows the same path as the original with a more in-depth morality system. Fable II gives you moral choices to be good, evil or somewhere in-between. For the most part I played Fable II choosing the route of Good versus Evil.



Fable II introduces the player to a new fury four legged companion that's tags along for the ride through most of your quest. Your new four legged friend becomes an asset more than a one trick pony. Your dog will have it's own AI and can be upgraded with books you will find throughout Albion. As you collect different books in and around Albion your dog will gain better abilities to search for new treasures, new quest and fight along side of you. Peter Molyneux decide to add our four legged friend to add a sense of attachment to our virtual hero. Did it work? well no, not for me. The dog did its job for the most part, but I felt if the dog was not there the pace of the game or feel of the game would of stayed the same. One thing bothered me about the "dog" it cannot die no matter what, kinda reminds me of Cujo with out the killer instincts. Speaking of killer instinct my dog did not do a great job fighting for me even though he was at a level five.



Combat in Fable II is in real time and at times can be great fun but still felt like it was missing something. As a hero of Albion you will be able to use a variety of weapons, magic and brute force to make Albion heaven on earth. You will be able to carry a gun(long range), swords/axe/etc(melee) and magic(will). Each attack is assign to a face button so in theory you can string combos together. When you string a combo together in certain circumstances the game will slow down and the camera will switch to show off a style kill. This slow down is at time annoying because, one its not really cool and when the game's frame rate slows down in heavy combat the slow motion makes things a little chaotic. You will be able to upgrade each weapon through augments(which enhances your current weapon)or by trading/selling them for new and more powerful weapons. Your magic will be upgraded by experience orbs that you will gain when you kill the many foes in and around Albion. When you kill someone you are treated to a rainbow of orbs that you can collect which would allow you to upgrade your magic, accuracy, dexterity, and physique.



There is not too much in terms of variety in enemies they are the Bandits, some Undead guys, Banshee, Trolls(probable the best but you only fight about 4 or so?)and the Hobbes if I am correct. There is no challenge in the combat in Fable II if you can press buttons you can beat anyone anytime. There is also no way you can get lost, Fable II has a ancient form of GPS it is also known as the breadcrumb trail. No matter where you go, there is a gold sparkling trail that guides you to your next mission. The bread crumb trail makes diverting from your main quest easy so it gives you the ability to finish or look for new quests without getting lost. One thing about breadcrumb trail is at times it would just disappear and I would be wondering around for a good 1/2 hour trying to figure out what to do. This only happen a few times and should not be a deal killer.



Graphic in Fable II could be very good at times and very average also at the same time. At certain points in the game you can experience frame rate issues when things get too crowded. There is also pop up, I could be running along with Fido and you can see the grass and ground literally generating in front of you as you run. I notices this more when I run around versus when walking. When you run its feels alittle awkward to control your virtual hero. When running at times, you can easily run into a tree, rock or off to the wrong path. None of these issues really hurts Fable II overall appeal but these are things that should have been fixed. The Xbox 360 has been out long enough for developers to be very proficient in programming for Microsoft Xbox 360.



Fable II could have been a lot more, it is very short you can breeze through Fable II in a few days. It took me almost 20 days to beat Fable II with 20 gargoyles collected, 25+ silver keys collected and 10 side quest left to be finished. There is a lot of replay value built into Fable II because after you finished the very disappointed ending there is still a whole virtual counrty to rule/buy and many more wives/prostitutes to marry. Microsoft is in the process of releasing DLC for Fable II. This is where I think people may get slighted. I believe that all the content is locked in the game already and you are paying to unlock additional content that should have been unlocked in the first place to added more depth to the game.

Graphic:B-
Sound:B
Replay Value:A+
Control:B-
Fun Factor: C+
NanoGeekTech Overall Score: B

Should you buy Fable II or rent it: This is a tough one I got everything I wanted out of Fable II with a rental. I will have to say for some people Fable II may be worth the purchase because of the DLC, Co-op and shear amount of things that you can do that is not related to any of the main quest.

Things that Bored me with Fable II: Combat, story, parlor games, jobs and the ending was very disappointed( I still hope that was not the end of the game).