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Another 20 Games That Make You Think About Life.
Jan 8th
First we gave you five. Then we gave you ten. Now we are giving you 20 games that make you think about life. If you have developed a taste for games of a philosophical nature, then you should be in for a treat – we have some seriously innovative games here, everything from Elude, a game that explores the nature of depression, to Ulitsa Dimitrova, a tale about a street-urchin in Russia.
1. Elude
Developed by Singapore-MIT Gambit Game Lab, Elude is a dark, atmospheric game that aims to shed light on the nature of depression. You play a little guy exploring a beautiful yet forbidding world. The world has three distinct levels, each a metaphor for a different mental state.
The forest that you start the game in represents a normal mood. You can ascend to a higher plane – happiness – by climbing the trees in the forest. From, here you can leap joyously up into the sky by jumping on floating flowers and leaves.
The leaves and flowers disappear after you have touched them and eventually none are left to keep you aloft and y
ou plunge down into the third game area: depression.
This is a gloomy underground cavern, with a sticky muddy base that sucks you down. The first time you end up in this dark place, it is quite simple to escape, but as you progress through the game, you will end up here again and again, and each time you will find it more difficult to drag yourself out of. Elude is a mesmerising gaming experience with a serious message. You can play it here.
2. Air Pressure
You will have to play through Air Pressure – a Flash port of an interactive novel by Bentosmile – more than once to truly understand the characters and themes in this game. And even then you may need some time to think on it. You might, for example, simply see the game as a study of a relationship breaking down. Or, alternatively, you could argue that the girl in the game is a metaphor for some kind of addiction. Or you might… That’s the beauty of the game – there is so much you can read into its multiple stories, and each person will probably draw their own unique conclusions. You can give it a try here. More >
Rockstar hunting down Red Dead Redemption cheaters.
Jul 22nd
The noose is falling on cheaters.
Next title update for open-world Western aimed at eradicating “rotten apples” plaguing multiplayer; title update coming to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 next month.
Rockstar Games‘ Red Dead Redemption has won both critical success and commercial triumph, but the developer recognizes there are lingering issues with the game. Namely, these concerns are in the game’s robust multiplayer component, where Rockstar says a few “rotten apples” are attempting to soil the experience for others.
In order to eradicate cheaters from the world of Red Dead Redemption, next month, Rockstar will implement measures to counter hacking and cheating. More >
Deus Ex: Human Revolution novel inbound
Jul 13th
Del Rey publishing Deus Ex: The Icarus Effect novel set for 2011 in Europe and North America; will be set in the universe of the upcoming action RPG.
Read the book, or play the video game? Now you have a choice.
Del Rey books today announced it will publish a novel set in the universe of the upcoming video game Deus Ex: Human Revolution. The Icarus Effect is currently pegged for a 2011 release, which is the same time window the Square Enix-published title is slated to arrive on Xbox 360, PC, and PS3 at retail.
The book, which delves deep into the cyberpunk dystopia of the game, will be penned by James Swallow, whose previous science-fiction literary efforts include work in the Warhammer, 40K, Star Trek and Stargate franchises.
As for the novel, it is set in the not-too-distant future, a time when great innovation and technology mesh with chaos and conspiracy. More >
Alan Wake
Jul 3rd
Alan Wake is a psychological thriller, action-adventure video game developed by the Finnish Remedy Entertainment and published by Microsoft Game Studios that was released in Europe on May 14, 2010 and in North America on May 18, 2010 exclusively for XBox 360.
Alan Wake
The plot follows suspense-thriller writer Alan Wake in uncovering the mystery behind the disappearance of his wife while on vacation in idyllic small-town Bright Falls, and having to deal with blackouts and visions of characters and ideas from his latest novel, which he can’t remember writing, coming to life.
Alan Wake overall received positive reviews for unique style of story telling and dark atmosphere. Yet some mixed responses was directed at the “simplistic” game-play, and the overall long development time. Sales were also slow, with the game only managing to ship 88,177 units in it’s first week. On June 30th 2010, the game has managed to ship half a million copies. More >
Sims 3 – New ways to customize your game!
Jul 3rd
Attention Simmers! You can start customizing your game with these NEW EXCLUSIVE Sets from the Sims 3 Store!
With the Romanza Ceremony, Reception and Attire Set your Sims can unite in matrimony and celebrate in style. Your fiancé will always remember how you looked on your wedding day, so make it count with this gorgeous bride and groom set.
Also, new this month is the Zen Again Set and the FREE Adrenaline Rush!
Zen Again: When traveling to the Far East to seek the tranquility of famous hot springs isn’t an option, your Sims can bring that tranquility home. 20 items are included in this set.
Adrenaline Rush: Get your blood pumping and celebrate the World Cup and Running of the Bulls with this free set. Olé!
New Civilization V. Trailer
Jun 25th
Sid Meier’s Civilization V (also known as Civilization 5) is an upcoming turn-based strategy video game by Firaxis. In the game the player leads a civilization from prehistoric times into the future on a randomly-generated map, achieving one of a number of different victory conditions through research, diplomacy, expansion, economic development, government and military conquest. It is the latest game in the Civilization series, due for release on September 21, 2010 in North America, and September 24 internationally. The game will contain community, modding and multiplayer elements.
Check out the new trailer for the upcoming Civilization V. (see below), which showcases a lot of the new elements and features that will be included in the new game, such as a brand new game engine and a combat system, while also keeping a lot of elements from previous Civilization installments.
Civilization V. will be a treat to the fans, and will be released on September 24 on PC.
Here’s the video commentary:
The Sims 3: World Adventures
Jun 19th
The Sims 3: World Adventures or World Adventures is the first expansion pack for the strategic life simulation computer game The Sims 3.
The expansion pack focuses on travelling to various areas in a manner similar to previous expansions The Sims: Vacation and The Sims 2: Bon Voyage. Sims are able to travel to simplified versions of France, China and Egypt. At these locations, sims are able to participate in adventures to earn rewards and benefits. At these locations, sims are able to participate in adventures to earn rewards and benefits. Sims are also able to level up in new skills: Photography, Martial Arts, and Nectar Making. In addition the game provides new objects, socials, wishes and opportunities. More >
