2K Games had some new screenshots waiting in my inbox for their upcoming game, Mafia II. I never got around to playing the first one but I heard a lot of good things about it so I have my eye on the sequel. It’s being developed by 2K’s new studio in Europe, 2K Czech. Expanding upon the original hit that captivated more than two million gamers, 2K Czech takes players deeper into the Mafia with a mature and compelling narrative that will immerse players like never before.
Screenshots: Mafia II
Mafia II provides a beautifully crafted look into the dark and unforgiving world of the Mob. Drawing on the experience they garnered from working on the critically acclaimed Mafia and Hidden & Dangerous series, 2K Czech’s look at Mob life in the 1950s will immerse gamers in the seedy criminal underworld that makes up Mafia II.
You ready to get really gangsta with Mafia II? If it keeps impressing me like this, then I’ll be there on release day to pick it up.
Welcome to Sequel Town. In Sequel Town you’ll find a list of games that I’d like to see sequels to. Sequel Town has an open door policy for any publisher and developer so feel free to walk right in and make your sequel of choice happen! This list surely doesn’t cover all of the titles I’d like to see sequels to but I sat down thinking of the games I’d like to revisit for various reasons and these are what I came up with.
Crackdown 2 - Realtime Worlds had an awesome showing with Crackdown. Screw the Halo 3 Beta hype that surrounded it because it was a damn good game. And I want a sequel dammit! Crackdown 2: City Arrested. Visually it was incredible and it really brought something new to the sandbox genre and it deserves another round.
Who doesn’t want to hunt down more of those whacky orbs? And if my 9.2 overall review score isn’t enough to convince you, then I don’t know what is. Bring in more gangs this time…make it five to handle. The Shyne. The Boik. The Gai Republic. The Ladyz (a collection of hard core women gangsters). And last but not least, The Agenzy. It would be the toughest of the gangs made up of agents who defected from the real Agency.
Bullet Witch 2 - Okay, I’m probably reaching on this one but the original had so much potential that I feel like Cavia and Atari owe me a do-over. If you’ve read my review, you’ll understand what I mean by potential. It had a sexy central character (Alicia Claus), it had a new, very interesting weapon and a story. And let’s face it, who doesn’t like a woman in skimpy clothing with a big gun kicking plenty of ass?
It felt short in a few ways but for its potential alone, I think Cavia and Atari should offer a sequel to truly represent what Bullet Witch should’ve been. Give me my Bullet Witch 2: Pandora Seize.
Projects - A
How can anyone forget BioShock, The Darkness or even Prey? 2K Games did magic with the few titles that it had on its plate last year. You have one game in BioShock that made its way to many awards and on many game of the year lists. And you have another in The Darkness that I believe deserves consideration for the sleeper of the year. I reviewed The Darkness so it shouldn’t be a surprise knowing that I really enjoyed it.
2K Sports tried to wage a good war as well with a lineup that included NBA 2K8 and College Hoops 2K8. However, there was this game called All-Pro 2K8 that also released. I’ve made my case on the fruity uniforms and judging from sales, I’d say that plenty of people shared that sentiment. It was 2K5 minus real names to be quite honest. I’m not sure why this was done and I imagine those reasons will never be shared with me.
Sure 2K Sports had some shortcomings with their projects, but 2K Games was a bright light with the amazing experience of BioShock and the gritty ride of The Darkness.
There was some good that came out of the VGA’s on Spike last night. 2K Games released a trailer for an upcoming game called Borderlands. Borderlands is the new franchise from award-winning developer Gearbox Software. Blending the frenetic action found in popular console FPS games with the character customization and procedurally generated items and enemies found in successful action RPGs, Borderlands offers a never-before-seen gaming experience.
Borderlands allows four players to share the same game experience simultaneously online. Players can freely join or leave each other’s game at anytime, or choose to play in the full single-player mode. Borderlands features life-like character animations, impressive real-time physics and customizable vehicles. You can check out the trailer for Borderlands by clicking here.
It’s such a long, long way from releasing (holiday 2008) but I was impressed with the trailer.
Who wants to be the Big Daddy? There’s been a steady stream of incredible prizes and giveaways here at U360 recently. Thanks to my friends at Microsoft and 2K Games, the giveaway madness continues. They’ve given me one extra copy of BioShock to give to some lucky U360 listener and reader. Are you afraid of the Big Daddy? Do you want to experience Rapture?
Take me to Rapture!
Ok. Here’s what you do. Make up another name to call the Big Daddy. Big Punk, Big Drill, Motor Head…it’s up to you. I’ll pick the best name and the winner will get a copy of BioShock. Send your new Big Daddy names to me via message on Xbox Live (yes I can still check via Xbox.com) or email me.
Winner will be contacted via email or message on or around September 29.
On top of the game itself receiving the all-time highest ranking (96 out of 100 overall) on review site Metacritic, 2K Games revealed that the BioShock demo set a new record on Xbox Live. It’s the fastest downloaded demo to ever reach the one million mark. In only nine days since its release on Xbox Live, BioShock had outperformed every other demo release on the service, demonstrating both the incredible anticipation for the game and the growth of Xbox Live’s community.
“We are really pleased that Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE Marketplace has managed to attract a record number of gamers to its site to download and check out BioShock,” said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. “The overwhelmingly positive response is not only reflected in the traffic to Xbox LIVE, but the record breaking score reported by Metacritic. We’re excited about the reception the fans have given BioShock and are honored that the game has been recognized as ‘Game of the Year’ material.”
On the heels of the BioShock launch trailer’s premiere on Spike TV, the BioShock demo arrives for Xbox 360 owners. It’s a hefty demo at a little more than a gig so it should be some quality fun. I’m ready for this demo and this game! I’ve written enough…download this now and let me know what you think.
There are some games you anticipate and then there are games that you crave. BioShock has long been a game that I’ve craved. BioShock, afterall, has received a string of mentions here on Unscripted 360.
- One of the Summer’s titles to play before Halo 3
- Xbox Academy Award
- Hottest titles 2007
So it should be of no surprise that I’m excited about the announcement from 2K that BioShock™ has gone to gold master exclusively for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system and Games For Windows.
Developed by 2K Boston and 2K Australia, the renowned 2K Games development studios, BioShock is a highly anticipated video game that will be available at stores in North America on August 21, 2007 and in Europe beginning August 24, 2007.
BioShock is a first-person shooter that lets players do things never before possible in the genre. Nearly everything in the game can be turned into a weapon; players can biologically modify their bodies with plasmids, hack devices and systems, upgrade weapons and craft new ammo variants, and experiment with different battle techniques.
Are you ready to get caught up in its Rapture?
2K Games released its second developer interview trailer for BioShock a few days ago featuring Creative Director Ken Levine. Ken addresses how some of the various power-ups in the game known as plasmids and gene tonics can be used to provide players with multiple approaches to dealing with adversaries.
BioShock arrives this month on Xbox 360 and Games for Windows. I’m ready to dig in with some Big Daddy in this game! The story appears to be amazing and I can’t wait to try it out.
I know quite a few of you have been anticipating this demo and now that anticipation can cease. The Darkness has a demo available in the Xbox Live Marketplace for you to enjoy. I loved the game. I think it’s one of the best games on the Xbox 360 currently. I reviewed it here at Unscripted 360 and gave it a 9.0 making it an Untouchable of the Year candidate!
Download it now or Jackie might send his Darklings after you.
