Bayonetta 2 Review: Is This the Best Wii U Game Ever?

PlatinumGames are the go-to video game developers for the most over-the-top, mind-bending action games of the current era. Their first major contribution to the world of gaming came in the form of Bayonetta, an amazing Devil May Cry-esque action/adventure that was filled with personality. The Umbra Witch, we’re all embarrassed to admit we’re in love with, has gotten another go against her angelic rivals. Plus, she’s got a bone to pick with the demonic forces that give her some of her power. She’s back for more action in the Wii U exclusive, Bayonetta 2.

Bayonetta and her hilarious band of allies spend a seemingly normal day together a few months after their first adventure. A quiet day filled with holiday shopping quickly erupts into an insane amount of ridiculous circumstances. We see Bayonetta fighting angles on top of super fast jets and moving trains, plus dealing with a disobedient demon on the side of a building. This mind-blowing sequence of events is merely the prologue, which should clue you in to just how much more insane this game becomes.

Each chapter of Bayonetta 2 revs up the intensity and never lets up. For fans of the first game’s mechanics, there is so much more to love here. Bayonetta’s arsenal gets amplified and her moveset potential becomes unlimited this time around. Her hand/foot handguns are back, along with the newest additions of double katanas, a massive hammer and even a set of fire/ice cannons. The intense combat sequences feature the familiar angelic enemies that game is known for, but a new batch of powerful angels offers fresher battles. The addition of demonic hordes also gives you a bunch of new faces to torture.

Speaking of torture, Bayonetta still has the power to humiliate her enemies in satisfying ways. She can still dodge attacks the very last second and enter slow motion, plus she can still summon huge monsters to finish much larger foes. The brand new Umbran Climax ability makes the combat even more of a blast, as it makes Bayonetta unstoppable thanks to this mode’s more visibly powerful attacks. Each chapter introduces old and new enemies to exact your flashy combos upon.

The plot itself is easy to grasp. Bayonetta foe-turned-friend Jeanne gets her spirit trapped in Hell, which leads to Bayonetta going on a journey to retrieve her soul. Along the way, Bayonetta joins up with old friends and runs into a magical young boy and a dangerous warrior with powers that rival her’s. The cut scenes are worth sitting through thanks to the abundance of risque body maneuvers, comedic lines of dialogue and well-crafted action sequences. The story here is just as crazy as you expected it to be.

On a single-player level, Bayonetta 2 is a tight adventure that can be completed in 10-20 hours of play depending on your playstyle. Once you’re done venturing into the Depths of Hell, you’ll definitely want to return (crazy, right?). The replay factor here is off the charts, thanks to additional difficulty modes and the need to test out more of Bayonetta’s big moves. The amazing cosplay outfits that adopt the characteristics of Nintendo characters are actually worth taking advantage of. The multiplayer Tag Climax mode offers a ton of more content value for players who want to smash angels and demons together. Plus, you have an HD version of the first Bayonetta to dab into. There’s so much to enjoy here.

Bayonetta 2 is the Wii U’s first masterpiece. The best elements of this game’s predecessor return and get that much better with a new offering of weapons, moves, modes and costumes. The hilarious yet still serious story, great mix of characters and abundance of video game easter eggs will appeal to everyone. Bayonetta 2 is a must buy.

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Image Credits: PlatinumGames, Nintendo, Sega

Call of Duty: Ghosts Unveils Multiplayer and Adds a Dash of Eminem

Just when you think that Call of Duty couldn’t get any bigger, you’re reminded that it happens to be one of the most recognizable brands in gaming. So much so that the marketing is out in full force four months before the game is actually released. You know the game is big time when we get an hour-long live stream revealing the multiplayer elements of the game. Not only that, but one of the biggest rappers in the world, Eminem, has graced your game with a never before released song for its trailer. With Call of Duty: Ghosts due out in November, we are starting to get some more details about some new aspects of the game and from the looks of things, smiles are about to materialize on many a gamer’s face.

As you can see from the trailer above for the multiplayer elements, there’s a lot of brand new stuff to dissect. First off, Eminem is providing the music with his new song “Survivor” to pump you up and take down your enemy. It reminds me of his song “Won’t Back Down” with Pink and I’m sure it will be played non-stop once people find the means to download it. One of the big things is seeing the dynamic maps, where you can destroy parts of the map or take out structures to distract someone, or even take out a whole squad. This will add a fun element to the destruction of environments and another thing to account for as you run around on all the maps. Another big part is seeing the fluid movements of your soldier as he (or she, we’ll get to that in a minute) can slide or hop over obstacles while still being able to aim and shoot. Being able to slide and jump back up to avoid a shot and take someone out then hop over a barrier to stab the next enemy in your sights will deliver a lot of multi-kills and satisfying killstreaks.

There is also a ton more customization when it comes to this new game, probably the most prominently marketed will be the inclusion of female soldiers. Yes, despite the last series that developer Infinity Ward did being subtitled Modern Warfare, Ghosts will mark the first time that female soldiers will be stepping into the Call of Duty multiplayer arena. You’ll also be able to modify more characteristics such as race and body type, plus the standbys like gear, clothing and of course, weapons, in order to make your multiplayer avatar your own. As many as 30 new weapons will enter this iteration of the game so expect to see a lot of new guns lying around waiting to be tried. A new class will accompanying this game called the Marksman Rifle, which is an intended hybrid of the Sniper and Assault Rifle class. This will allow those gamers with the option of using the scope or getting in closer for a semi-auto or one shot kill. There’s also another new, and potentially awesome, game mode is called Cranked. This mode borrows from the Statham movie and gives you 30 seconds to find and kill someone before you die. It’s effectively a game of tag where the clock resets when you take out an enemy. You’ll also get your typical multiplayer modes that have been featured in all the previous games but this one will be something to get excited about.

There’s a lot of stuff to get excited for an that’s just a small bit of what to expect from the new game when it comes to challenging and fighting friends online. The trailer above is from the one hour live stream that they did on Wednesday so check it out, there’s a lot of other great info about the game. Again, Call of Duty: Ghosts comes out on November 5th, 2013 on Xbox One, Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Playstation 4 and the Wii U. Also below is a fun trailer for the new collector’s edition. If anything, it’ll make you yell, “BREACH!” every time you walk through a doorway.

What is a Wii Mini and Who Would Want It?

Is anyone planning to get the new Nintendo console that just came out?  Sure, but which one are you talking about?  Only last year Nintendo released the Wii Family Edition.  Essentially what “Family” means is that you can no longer play Gamecube games, and the unit lays flat instead of up on its side.  Most recently, we have all seen, heard about, and maybe even gotten our hands on the Wii U.  This is the legit new console offered from Nintendo.  Parents beware.  If you go to the store and ask for the new Wii console, a third has been thrown into the mix.  December 7th, a day that will live in infamy, will also foster in the Canadian release of Nintendo’s latest installment, the Wii Mini.

The Wii Mini will have a stellar price tag of $99, but will severely cut back on features.  Not only has backwards compatibility with Gamecube games been eliminated, the unit will no longer support internet access.  This means the glorious Virtual Console will not be accessible.  The two things that could have suckered me into purchasing the 6 year old system will now be void.

At first I was intrigued, but now I am just disappointed.  That was until I looked over to my television set and saw a blast from the past known as the SNS-101, aka the Super Nintendo Mini.  Nintendo isn’t doing anything differently here.  Production will soon cease of all first party Wii games to make way for the new Wii U.  Respectfully so, the classic Wii game is a dying breed.  So it makes sense to come out with an affordable unit capable of playing their most recent over saturated market of games.  The holidays are the perfect time to snag even the Scroogiest of McDucks that STILL haven’t purchased a Wii console.  The SNS-101 was released in 1997 for $99 right when the Nintendo 64 was introduced.  This is a classic move straight from the Nintendo playbook, and the craziest part is that it will probably work.  Nintendo marketing has done an exceptional job over the last 30 years.  They wouldn’t still be relevant if they hadn’t.

So who is the Wii Mini for?

I recommend this as a family oriented gaming system, especially if you have young children.  Few would disagree that the Wii game library targets a younger audience.  Sometimes I find myself in this market.  Though I am tech savvy, I rarely participate in online gameplay.  I just like to put in a game and play.  It’s just me and the box.  In that regards, I actually kind of like the Wii Mini.  Regardless of features, a $99 price tag should prove somewhat appetizing to those that have resisted the Wii madness the past six years.  That being said, I say once again “Bravo” to Nintendo marketing.  The release of the Wii Mini will initially be limited to Canada.  If it succeeds, which I am projecting it will, I am sure it will find its way to all North American and European markets.  So if you bring this one home for the holidays, be safe.  Wii related incidents can be common, and are most definitely hilarious.

Warning: This is not the Wii mini

Nintendo Has a ‘Wii U’ Launch Date! Courtesy of Soon-to-be Fired Marketing Rep!

According to Kotaku via Gamespot, the Wii U launch date has been announced! Problem is, no one was supposed to know about it. Oops. During a meeting with GameStop Managers in Texas, accessory maker PDP was making their fall lineup pitch and at the end, concluded to the managers that the Wii U accessories will be out before the Wii U launch date of November 18th. It didn’t take long for that to go viral. According to a couple of anonymous people (people who don’t want to get fired naturally, like the PDP representative guy I’m sure), they have confirmed this statement that someone dropped this bomb. Naturally, as with anyone realizing that they just gave away confidential information, they quickly changed the subject once they crapped their pants (that’s my assumption). The Kotaku article has a great he said/she said deal going on but I won’t bore you with those details as we dissect the true intent of this article in the next paragraph. Does anyone really care? For a new system launching, and perhaps it’s my old and outdated self because I haven’t been hip to the buzz in the video game world as much as I used to be, but it seems that there is a lack of excitement for this console. Don’t get me wrong, I want it like how a fat kid wants cake, but it is almost just out of loyalty to Nintendo. In my mind, there is no real killer app. Yeah, I’m going to enjoy Lego Undercover, the New Super Mario Bros. U, and Rayman Legends games but none of this is revolutionary. In fact, the last revolutionary game Nintendo has had a launch was Super Mario 64. I think the problem is that there is such a clamor for new technology that Nintendo has gotten away from the real charm of it’s brand: the first party games and innovation. It has gotten way too gimmicky, and while I love the potential of the tablet screen, I have yet to find a game that tells me this is why you need to buy this system. Especially since most of the launch gamesare just ‘upgraded’ versions of PS3 or Xbox 360 games I’ve beaten a year ago.

Seriously, why the hell is this game NOT a launch title. Look how pretty…

Time will tell, I will still always have faith in Nintendo and what they do but I do believe this is a critical crossroads for them. I guess we’ll find out what they are made of on November 18th. Which also sucks because I’ll be in the Philippines during launch. You’ve no idea how disappointed I am to miss the opportunity to brag about the Wii U during the first week of launch only to never be mentioned again after the novelty wears off.

Xbox 720: Yay or nay?

What’s double the number 360?  That’s right, it’s 720.  If you couldn’t get that, you should probably review your multiplication tables.  Why is 720 so important here?  Because that’s the newest version of Xbox that the Internet is buzzing about since last week’s E3.

Many online reputable sources, including IGN and PC Magazine, have reported that Microsoft has plans to release their Xbox 720 sometime in 2013.  This discovery should not be surprising since Sony has announced a Playstation 4 and Nintendo Wii U; naturally, Microsoft would want to compete by releasing a new version of their beloved console.

Concept Design *NOT ACTUAL DESIGN

These Xbox 720 plans stemmed from a leaked document on Scribd that is no longer available, since one of the legal companies advising Microsoft recommended the company remove it.  If this document was indeed legitimate, we Xbox-ers can all rejoice and start toasting to this new platform and the slough of games that will entertain us for several more years.

Or should we?

Despite the obvious success of Xbox 360 since its release, I am cautious to immediately line up behind what I’m sure will be thousands of others to throw in a pre-order for the new console.  Why?  Here are the main reasons that are rolling around in my head:

1. As is the case with technology, sometimes the first version contains faulty hardware or software.  We all remember the Red Ring of Death with many early (and sadly, I’m sure, even recent) models of the Xbox 360, and though I know Microsoft was very good about upholding their warranty, I for one would prefer to avoid having to send in my new 720 within the first year of owning it.  I rely on my console to be the one thing that distracts me from the daily demands of life, and I’d prefer that it do that as I’m playing it rather than as I’m packing it up and shipping it off.
2. The price… ah, the price.  Rumors say that Microsoft wants to sell the Xbox 720 in a bundle with the second generation Kinect for a total of $299 (plus tax, ‘cause that’s the way life goes).  While that’s a very reasonable price considering my husband and I bought our Xbox 360 for $199 without a Kinect, that’s still a lot of money for someone like me who still has a crapload of student loans under her belt and is also working a part-time job.  Now, this isn’t a deal-breaker, but it does mean I will have to save up to purchase the 720, and should my car break down again, might mean I don’t get the new console right on release day.
3. Will the 720 be backwards-compatible?  The 360 worked with many original Xbox games, but not all of them.  I can only hope the 720 will work with these original games as well, but there’s no guarantee.  The developers would be frankly idiotic if the 720 was not backwards-compatible with the 360 games, but any games older than that console may have to consider retiring for good.

You may be thinking that I have a very cynical attitude towards the 720 when it hasn’t even been released yet.  Don’t judge just yet; I am an Xbox addict through-and-through, so much so that I worked at GameStop in high school just so I could get free promotional items I’d otherwise have to purchase on eBay.  So here is everything I’m stoked for when I read the reports about the 720’s rumored hardware and software capabilities:

Again: Concept Design *NOT ACTUAL DESIGN

1. Blu-ray:  I never quite understood the phenomenon of this digital format until I went to my friends’ house and watched Planet Earth on Blu-ray through their Playstation 3.  Then I went home and glared at my 360.  If the 720 is actually going to have a Blu-ray player, I will start buying Blu-ray discs for the first time in my life.  It will be like I have my own high-quality cinema in my home, except not really, because I don’t have surround sound or a screen bigger than 60 inches.  Those are on my list of items to purchase, after the 720, of course.
2. Virtual-reality goggles:  There’s not a lot of information out about these right now, except that they are currently being labeled as the Fortaleza project and could possibly receive cell radio and 4G and could be mini-hubs integrated with the 720.  This is fascinating because I will FINALLY be able to look like a dork but not care at all because I’ll be wearing frakkin’ virtual reality glasses.
3. Kinect improvement:  Despite loving the option of having voice and motion-activated games at my fingertips, I hesitated to buy the Kinect solely for the reason I mentioned in #1 above in “bad stuff the 720 could offer.”  What I saw my friends doing on the Kinect looked fun and promising, but there were still a few glitches here and there with its sensor range and ability to correctly communicate your commands to the Xbox.  With the release of the 720, Microsoft is looking to release a Kinect accessory called Kinect V2, which should improve voice recognition, add a four-player tracking system, a more in-depth 3D playing space, and more.  And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what I’d prefer to spend my money on.

More from the ‘leaked’ presentation

There are of course lots of other aspects to take into consideration regarding the Xbox 720, such as the rumors that claim the 720 will not be able to play used games (don’t even get me started on this one; I may need to save this topic for another post).  You also have your gamers who would for some reason prefer to purchase the upcoming Playstation 4 or Wii U, or even those really open-minded gamers who want to own all three.  At this point you’d have to bring in a comparison chart for which console might be best for what reasons.  For me, though, the thought of an Xbox 720 is enough to tide me over for quite a while.  Especially those virtual reality goggles.  ‘Cause that’s going to be awesome.

We’ll have more on the rumored PS4 for you later in the week!

Marvel vs DC: Video Game Showdown

Never to be outdone by the competition, DC and Marvel both premiered some interesting footage at E3 that showed off some of their new games.What’s interesting is they are both fighting games, though pretty different from each other. Let’s start with Marvel, who premiered The Avengers: Battle for Earth. First stop is the teaser trailer:

Resident Evil 6 Trailer, Now with Earlier Release Date?

Resident Evil has been around forever, I still remember the awkward controls and being freaked out by a dog crashing though the window in the first one on the Playstation (as well as the horrible, HORRIBLE acting in the cutscene sequences)

And while most of the spin-offs have crashed and burned (with the exception of the underrated Code: Veronica), the series manages to keep staying relevant despite almost having as many sequels as a Madden or Final Fantasy game. So with the big movie coming out (ugh, another article, another day…) in September, Capcom has moved up the release date of the game with the announcement of this new trailer so now the big day is October 2nd, 2012. It will be for the Xbox 360 and PS3 but NOT the Wii U – which is disappointing but not unexpected. But you want me to stop talking and show you the video, so here it is:

Soooo yeah. Thoughts, comments? I dug RE4 with the change in gameplay mechanics, and the co-op in RE5. I would have liked a few game play shots, but otherwise, the story will look good bringing back Chris Redfield and Leon Kennedy with a few new people like Wesker’s son, taking us to new places like China as well. So we shall see. Capcom better make up for the debacle that was Operation Raccoon City. From the look of things, they will.

Button Mashing: Xbox 720, Wii U, The Darkness II & God of War 4

This is Button Mashing, Grizzly Bomb’s video game news headquarters. Previews, interviews, rumors and all the latest stories relating to the biggest games, all in one place. Here are the most important things you need to know for the week of January 30th, 2012:

‘Xbox 720’ Chipset in Production – (IGN)

Rumors and hearsay has become cold, hard fact: “Xbox 720”, or at least its core ‘System on a Chip’, is already being developed. According to Fudzilla:

“Recent speculation that the new main System on a Chip (SoC) for the Next Xbox began production is apparently accurate; the SoC did indeed start production in late December of 2011. Sources tell us that the code name for the chip is Oban, and it is being produced by both IBM and Global Foundries for Microsoft.“

Fudzilla’s report continued with a lot of important (and partially incorrect) combinations of words and numbers which are certainly important and made no sense to someone as tech-stupid as myself:

“The power behind the next Xbox will be a PowerPC CPU that is married to an ATI Southern Islands GPU, or modified 7000 series…”

However, IGNcorrected the initial mistake with the following update:

“…mass production of the system’s GPU will indeed begin by the end of 2012 but will not, however, be based on AMD’s 7000 series Southern Islands GPU. Instead, the processor will be derived from the 6000 series, which was introduced last year. More specifically, it will be akin to the Radeon HD 6670, which offers support for DirectX11, multidisplay output, 3D and 1080p HD output.”

They went on to summarize it for the layman (Thank you IGN. Sincerely: The layman):