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Since its original debut back in 2007, “BioShock’s” following has continued to swell. And between its unparalleled storyline and spot on gameplay functionality and graphics, this franchise just keeps getting better.
Only its second trailer to be released, this VGA world premiere is nothing like its predecessor. It exhibits strong pathos via a soulful rendition of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” alongside human strife, death, and destruction which is a powerful and effective way in capturing our full attention and interest. But as strategic as it may be, there are moments of action and song that do not add up which disrupt our emotional connection for periods at a time.
Tagged: 2012, 2K Games, BioShock, Bioshock Infinite, First-person, First-person shooter, Irrational Games, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, shooter, Xbox 360
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Of all the expected trailer premieres at this year’s Spike Video Game Awards, this one was thought to be the most anticipated. Sony Computer Entertainment has done well to keep its development a secret, only releasing tid bits of information and images to provoke our interest. But last Saturday, the VGA’s dropped this first substantial trailer for “The Last of Us” right out of the gates before the first commercial break even hit. Showing a post-zombie-apocalyptic world similar to that in “I Am Legend”, we become immersed in a father-daughter struggle for survival. And while the storyline still remains vague, it’s not farfetched to believe in a “Left 4 Dead”, “survive by any means necessary” main premise. WIth character and setting introductions, stunning visuals, and an extremely relatable sense of human struggle, it’s everything we expect from a debut trailer. “The Last of Us” now has us hooked as we all (everyone with a Playstation) can’t wait for more details, images, and gameplay action to be released in the future.
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It hasn’t even been a week since “GCI” released their last animated short, and they’ve already got us hooked on another. Debuting the game’s numerous weapon options this short ultimately gives the Jokerz the upper hand in this viscous game of cat and mouse. And while it’s only the third animation in the series, this marketing strategy is still fresh and unique. Let’s just hope “CGI” knows when to stop, before they release too many of these things and lose our interest altogether.
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Unless you’ve read up on the “The Darkness II”, you probably won’t fully understand as to how or why these four new playable characters are introduced within game. Darkness junkie, Johnny Powell, does a suitable job explaining the backstory of each of these characters, but still, doesn’t go into their relationship to “TD2′s” gameplay. After a little bit of digging it turns out the game will have a whole different co-op mode complete with its own storyline and individual playable missions. Similar to, “Left for Dead“, we’ll be able to band together picking our our favorite, psychotic ally and fight our way through the enemy. What that so hard to explain, Johnny?
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The Spike TV Video Game Awards are in five days. This means that we’re only five days away from a whole new batch of exciting information for upcoming games. But while the hottest titles of 2012/13 plan their unveiling, “The Last of Us”, a game we know absolutely nothing about, decided to change things up and release this teaser last weekend. Showing only a montage of real life events depicting human struggle and confrontation, this PS3 exclusive doesn’t give away much. Actually, it doesn’t give away anything, which is its fault. We all know teasers are only meant to spur up some chatter, but it’s got to be good chatter. We’ll see more information concerning this game at Spike’s VGA, but until then, “The Last of Us” might as well be non-existant.
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“GCI” is far from ordinary. Loosely based off its big brother, “Batman: Arkham City”, it centers around wannabe heros and villans who at night, square off for battle in the most amateurish of ways. Even though it’ll only be available via DLC starting January 10th, the game’s popularity has already begun to take off due to a unique marketing strategy mainly comprised of animated sketches and colorful, dynamic artwork. This is the second animated short to hit the web and is quite similar to the first, which also exhibits ordinary citizens transforming into their battle-ready self. Humorously original, this latest short is sure to spike a little more interest, and many more downloads.
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Remember how awesome “MW3′s” original “Vet & n00b” trailer was, which showed Jonah Hill and Sam Worthington kicking ass and takin names? Well, here’s a second dose of action and humor in this NSFW “Trash Talk” trailer, which expands the RPG scene into a minute-and-a-half long unscripted monolog lead by an overconfident, fresh-of-the-kill Hill. With a recent push in blockbuster comedies (“Pineapple Express”, “The Hangover”, “Bridesmaids”), improv influenced comedies have become the norm. And as you will see, this “Trash Talk” trailer uses this same strategy, but to lesser ends. The provocative language starts it off with a bang but then quickly leads into scene too long for its own good. If it weren’t for a hilarious final line, this trailer would be unbearable to watch.
Tagged: 2011, Activision, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, First-person, First-person shooter, Infinity Ward, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Raven Software, shooter, Sledgehammer Games, Wii, Xbox 360
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2011 is believed to be the most eventful year in video game history with release after release of hit games compiling record setting figures in sales, downloads, and online gameplay. But along with its extraordinary numbers and impressive titles, 2011 also gave us plenty of games that never deserved to see the light of day. Instead of throwing together a list of these most despicable games (which is pretty big), the clever folks at IGN instead weeded out this year’s most despicable and ultimately embarrassing box arts. Almost hard to look at, these cover designs exhibit ridiculous photoshopping, poorly chosen colors, and awkward images that may even make you a little uncomfortable (a la “Jerry Rice & Nitus’ Dog Football”). So check out the full list here, and afterwards ask yourself, how the hell did these ever get approved?
Source: IGN
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It’s been almost three weeks since “Modern Warfare 3′s” release and all the records have been broken, highest sales in 24-hours, highest sales in a 5-day period, most profitable entertainment launch ever, the list goes on. Most of its success is attributed to a groundbreaking game engine, unsurpassable multiplayer features, and captivating storyline. But its marketing campaign cannot go overlooked.
 Generating hype through strategically released trailers and a self-held “beta convention” complete with Kanye West concert, “MW3″ knows no bounds. And just when we thought Activision put enough money into promoting its cash cow, they drop this completely unique “The Vet & The n00b” marketing campaign. Based off the live-action trailer featuring Jonah Hill and Sam Worthington, these posters propel the idea of amateur to veteran transformation via battlefield experience. But the capability of this brilliant concept never reaches its full potential. For a game emphasizing the realities of human struggle amidst WWIII, these human subjects stray from its core idea and portray a less than realistic, humored approach. And while the “Modern Warfare” franchise is known for its attention to detail and fluid, top notch graphics, these images fall well short of our expectations.
  Mixing tactics this late in the game would be detrimental to other, less successful first-person shooters, but “Call of Duty’s” overpowering market share forcefully pushes this campaign into the upper echelons marketing success. Blinded by its title-holding track record, the video game industry and its gamers see only a trendy, popular, exciting brand name, and not a lackluster image with a simple “n00b” or “Vet” stamp. So, the next time your see these posters pop up on billboards or in the pages of your favorite magazine, set aside your admiration for the game so that you can see, if only for an instant, these images for what they really are, a disappointment.
 
Tagged: 2011, Activision, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, First-person, First-person shooter, Infinity Ward, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Raven Software, shooter, Sledgehammer Games, Wii, Xbox 360
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When a certain graphic designer was asked to give his thoughts on this trailer he preceded to pull his pants down so that he could pretended to defecate in his chair, grimace and all. Some may think that reaction is a little harsh, but before jumping to your own conclusion, take a moment to watch “The Line’s” previous two trailers (2009′s Debut Trailer and the E3 2010 Man in the Box Trailer). As you will see, 2K Games foiled their first two attempts at releasing a suitable trailer for the public. Now, after a third try, we’re beginning to think “Spec Ops” is reverting back to its old, late ’90s self, full of failed shock values and poorly executed, over-used concepts.
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