Def Jam Vendetta II
Nizzles who enjoy hip-hop and fighting games will be all over Electronic Arts? Def Jam Vendetta II (working title). This sequel allows players to assume the identity of one of 70 characters, half of whom are rap and R&B artists. So, if you've ever wanted to watch Busta Rhymes beat Carmen Electra to death in a garbage-strewn pit (and really, who hasn't?) this is your chance.
Featuring personalities as diverse as Sean John, Snoop Dogg, Lil' Kim, and Method Man, Def Jam Vendetta II also boasts a vastly improved fighting system and a story mode.
The plot, in which you play a NYC streetfighter battling for control of the underground hip-hop scene, is stolen from my life story, so it's pretty nostalgic to me. I'll finally be able to relive my shining moment: That time in '86 when I kicked the shit out of Slick Rick.
Console Gamers Soon to Join In Battle
There's no one on earth more frustrated than a fan of multiplayer shooters saddled with a Playstation 2 - all the good action is only available on PC - but that sad state is about to be blown to bits with the PS2 release of Battlefield: Modern Combat. Currently in development at Electronic Arts and Digital Illusions, this team-combat-simulator allows players to assume the identity of a Chinese soldier, a Middle Easterner, or an American and lock in combat with your mortal enemies, enacting endless, harrowing pixilated bloodbaths. Fun, right?
With over 30 vehicles to choose from and 70 weapons to create havoc on the city streets, in the forest, and other battle locales, modern warfare looks destined to be a massive hit. Obviously, you'll need a broadband connection to take advantage of Battlefield: Modern Combat?s complexity: the game allows for 24 combatants at a time.
There is no release date for this title as of yet, but keep checking Electronic Arts for updates.
N-Gage Strips Down
Nokia is doggedly pursuing their world-domination-through-cell-phones scheme with the release of a new handheld device, an improvement on the sorta-sucky N-Gage that came out a few years ago. The new product (the QD) features fewer functions, but less design-stupidity too. The gaming-phone-thinger will perform three basic functions: Play games, connect to the Net, and allow cell phone conversations. Axed from the unit: the N-Gage's MP3 player, USB port, and radio.
Design improvements include a larger screen with more colors and hugely increased battery time (10 hours). It's also smaller by like 20 percent, and features a Web browser and Bluetooth compatibility. The price is stripped down as well: $199 as opposed to the $350 N-Gage.
The QD will be available in May in Asia, Europe, and Africa. Hopefully, you'll be able to get it in the states in June.
Strictly for Pointy Heads
While the fiery cauldron of debate over videogame violenceboils over in our nation?s courts and assembly houses, writer Matthew Sakey takes a more philosophical approach to the conundrum in his most recent column on the International Game Developers Association Website. Sakey discusses the link between The Bible and violence and how that applies to videogames, asking whether zealots who hate Postal 2 but love Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ "oppose game violence because they oppose violence, or because they oppose games?" It's a timely, interesting read if you get bored with choking a bitch in Vice City.
On a related note, check out the Christian Game Developer's Conference Website. It's always good to see what the loyal opposition is up to.
