Friday, June 1, 2012

  So I once again tuned in to watch the Konami Pre-E3 Show, I have to say this year I was pretty impressed with what I saw. The beginning felt a little forced with the Mobile/Social Gaming bit, true the most modern platforms of gaming is social as well as mobile. However whenever they do these kind of event the give me the impression of saying "hey look at this we also have mobile games" To me it was actually good to know they opened a new studio in San Francisco; one of my favorite cities, where I hope to move one day.
  The second part is one that always makes me go "now this looks very interesting" which is PES now usually they release a new title every year and there are lots of fan of the Football(Soccer) title; I particularly favor the FIFA series  for the particular reason that they release the official World Cup game. Anyway they focused in the new mechanics for the game like having total control of the ball at all times and the ways they achieved this. like I always say it makes me go "very interesting!" but then it goes away.
  The third section featured a very familiar and adored face in the gaming industry, Hideo Kojima talking about ZOE HD. In fact ZOE is a series that I always wanted to play, since is Hideo's work; however for several factors I never could. The Genius Director talked a bit about the origins of the game, the reasons why he brought it back to life and what is in store for people who want to play it. I myself can't wait for it the new effects look amazing and the Mechs look so cool I wish they were real. My only observation why is the cockpit... well in the crotch area?(Pun well intended)
  Right after one of the most awaited parts took place the Metal Gear Solid 25th anniversary announcements. To tell the truth I didn't feel too exited about what Kojima had in store. Mainly he spoke in brief about the evolution of the series and what is being done but there was no real surprises he mentioned the games in the already released HD collections for Xbo360 and PS3 as well as the MGS3DS. The only upcoming games he talked about were the already announced PS Vita MGS HD collection. He did mentioned that they are working on the FOX Engine but what exactly is still a mystery.
  What came after I could have not foreseen; They released a brand new trailer for Metal Gear Rising something that from the first scenes had a coolness I hadn't experience yet on a Metal Gear game. Since its release this game has been a roller coaster off feelings for hard-core fans of the franchise. Most people have been down and low on the game since it was rebooted and re-announced as a game that not only will take place after the events; but also after it was announced that Platinum Games was making the game and not directly Kojima Productions.
  When I saw this new trailer and heard the Depeche Mode song "Wrong" it all just clicked so...right? I mean the whole thing was so good Jack's back walking down the street on different periods of his life, as a child soldier, as Raiden from MGS2, as the brooding Cyborg Ninja from MGS4,and finally as his new and improved self. The cut scenes they showed which were very short gave me that self assurance you always get with Kojima games, cinematic rather than in game dialog and action. The most important part for me was the game play; because it answered so many questions I had. I saw what I wanted to see for so long, they showed before the footage of the new mechanics they wanted to implement all those watermelons and soldiers chopped to bits. They even teased game play before by Platinum which made the most hardcore fans rip their proverbial tunics in response to the "Lightning Bolt Action" developed by them. Today I can say with confidence that Kojima has done it again; he heard the cries of fan boys from his tower on the Tokyo Roppongi district and said: "Stealth? You guys want stealth hu??? Well here it is Motha Fockas!!! Let there be Stealth!" and there was stealth and he saw it was good. That's how I imagine it anyway. Yes there was stealth on the actual game play footage I rejoiced watching Raiden jumping from the ledge of a building to drive his high frequency blade through the body of an unsuspecting guard. Then some more footage of the Hero running at ridiculous speeds to grab an enemy from behind driving that famous blade across his chest. Stalking his pray from the rooftop watching through skylights calculating when to attack. Attacking another from behind a pillar cutting not only stone and rebar but the enemy across like a piece of butter with a hot knife. The other thing that does not stop amazing me is the fast action we witnessed, feats of impossible agility. Raiden jumping through the screen climbing buildings crates and cars like gravity was non existing. Running up a falling road just to jump in the air skip on a couple of missiles shot from a chopper and cut said aircraft to smithereens. His abilities surpass any seen before; yes even after seeing him stop Outer Heaven(the tanker/submarine fortress from MGS4) with nothing but his shoulder.
 I cant stop feeling anything but hope and good things for this game, some of the new enemies were also shown. Huge hulking figures that sometimes can pound him like a rag doll.Thanks to Cyborg Ninja technology out in a world no longer controlled by The Patriots where information flows like wine in a Roman tale. The finish showed the newest tag line "Make it right" and finally a release date of early 2013.  If people keep feeling the need to question the decisions made towards the production and development of this game, no one and nothing will convince them otherwise. No cooler trailer has ever been made for a video game, period!
  After that trailer an interview/mini documentary took place with the team from Platinum games. The guys talked about their experience and their desire to make this game one of the best games out there, if anything I think their goal was surpassed by far.
After these developments a little humor could not be left out, a funny performance by Mega64 whom have been a persistent collaboration in recent years with the Kojima team. The skid features Raiden trying to get a job after MGS4 only to fail at every attempt. Finally answering his true calling. Of course he seems to have referred a "friend" to said agency.
  Lastly a teaser for the new upcoming Castlevania title Lords of Shadow 2 which caught my attention when I saw the profile of this blond character facing Lord Dracula. The mysterious blond man had a very familiar posture and attire; I speculate he is Alucard the Vampire's half human son. Followed an upcoming announcement for June 5th during the second day of the E3 conference.
  I've waited for this day and for hours I was expecting when 10:30 PST US hit the clock. When the time came to watch I was not disappointed; the Pre-E3 show Konami has made us accustomed to has proven that people will tune in and speculate and celebrate what they like. I am one of those in celebration so much so that it has taken me hours in front of the monitor. Pouring through the footage to make sure I have captured what I saw and released it back in written form. if you do read this thank you for your time and I hope to hear from you.
JBB