Game Hunter reviews, talks, discusses and ponders video games, gaming consoles, technology and other related topics. Join me, Chad Hunter, journalist and gamer, as we take in-depth looks into a world that's more than just fun and games.
THE ONLY Video Game Shopping Guide You’ll Need - It’s not for you but for the people shopping for you
Gamers, you do not need another shopping guide about what’s hot, what’s not and where to buy what you want. It’s been done and you know what you want and where it is. HOWEVER, the people shopping for you, the moms, the dads, the uncles and aunts, those who aren’t gamers could seriously use some help.
You’ve seen them, bumping around in Gamestop or shambling through Target. They’re mumbling to themselves, reading a small piece of paper, trying - no - praying to get the purchase right. We know Gears of War 3 from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 but to the lost? It all sounds the same. So this is for them - the only video game shopping guide you’ll need - for them.
Consoles
Xbox 360 - Microsoft’s giant of the gaming industry, this console will run $200-$400 and can be found in any video game, electronic and department store. The 360 comes in several models each varying on hard drive size, included accessories and design (some are modeled after particular games.) The 360 is an all-in-one purchase meaning that what’s in the box is enough to get your gamer started.
PS3 - Sony’s console and answer to Microsoft’s domination of the gaming industry. The PS3 comes in a few models and offers the ability to play Blu-Ray movies and discs. This console can be purchased at any video game and department store and will run in pricing similar to that of the Xbox 360.
PSP - Sony’s portable gaming system. It has the ability to play UMD discs and movies on the same discs as well. It is in its last days as a new model of portable from Sony is due out in February. Best place to purchase is Gamestop as the store carries a wide variety of used games and movies as well.
Accessories
Microsoft Points - Also known as Xbox Live points, they are a form of electronic currency used for buying and downloading (sending directly to) games or other items to an XBox 360. Points can be bought in any store that sells games and they are about 80 per USD $10.
Sony Move - This is the Playstation’s motion controlled system. It features a single controller and a camera that is connected to the PS3 (USB cables included.) You can find this at any store selling video game equipment, especially Best Buy, Wal-Mart and Gamestop. Make sure to find out if they want the Sharpshooter which is a rifle-like controller that connects to the Sony Move.
XBox Kinect - Microsoft’s answer to the Sony Move. The Kinect is a controller-free device that is a lone camera that connects to the Xbox 360. The Kinect can be found at any gaming store. It can be purchased separately as just the camera system or it can be bought as part of an Xbox console system.
Games
* these games can be purchased from any video game or department store, keep in mind their rating as most are M for Mature
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 - A big seller this holiday season, CoD: MW3 is a military FPS (first person shooter) where players span the globe stopping invasions and conspiracies. Just about any gamer will want this on their shopping list but keep in mind that it is a Mature rating due to violence and language.
Gears of War 3 - Another record-crashing game released this Fall. Gears of War 3 is the end to EPIC’s sci-fi military adventure featuring a team of grizzled soldiers fighting underground forces hellbent on death. If you’re shopping for a gamer who’s played Gears 1 and 2, then the third and best is a sure stocking stuffer. Once again, be mindful of the age of your gamer as this is a Mature rating also.
Batman: Arkham City - The Dark Knight returns in a game already being considered for Game of the Year. Bruce Wayne dons the cape and cowl to enter a city full of his worst enemies. Amazing graphics, great downloads and a plot that keeps the superhero at the edge of your seat makes Batman: AC worth buying. Make sure you get it for the right system (Xbox or PS3 - they’ll know at the store when you buy and Xbox cases are green)
Battlefield 3 -Another FPS where players sign up and jump out into a military conflict with guns blazing. Where Modern Warfare 3 lacks in vehicle control, Battlefield 3 picks up the slack. Gamers literally fall into these two camps (MW3 an B3) and never the two shall meet! Expect a $50-60 drop on this game and a smile on your gamer’s face.
Skyrim -Role Playing Games at their finest. This RPG weaves a giant world of warriors, mages, skeletons and the desperate demand to master magic against dragons dominating the world. Skyrim will consume a gamer’s life so make sure that school is on break!
Uncharted 3 - Nathan Drake’s possible final adventure on the PS3 sets him in an adventure across the world following treasure hunting, high-flying danger and the relationships of his friends and lovers. Uncharted 3 plays like a movie and a great pulp magazine.
So there you have it. Give this to those shopping for you. Save them the stress and worry. If they have any questions, send them to us!
Holy Sequels - Batman: Arkham City images promise an amazing follow up
If these images are anywhere near indicative of the quality of Batman: Arkham City (B:AC), fans of the Rocksteady series have nothing to fear.
Stay tuned for additional B:AC coverage here at Gamehunter, same Bat-time, same Bat-channel.
One of the better award shows - Spike’s 9th Annual Video Game Awards
While normally a channel for ultimate fighting, “manswers” about breasts and marathons of SCI, on December 12th, gamers ruled Spike TV with the 9th annual Video Game Awards 2009.
The show opened up with a scene-stealing premiere of what looks to be the sequel to the critically-acclaimed Batman: Arkham Asylum. The audience and room were bathed in green light and gas while the screen took everyone in a digitized tour of a decaying, under-sieged Gotham City while a healing Joker watched on.
Big winners through the night included Jack Black for Best Voice Actor in a Game (surprisingly beating out Mark Hamill), Assassin’s Creed 2 for Best Action/Adventure, Rocksteady Studios picked up the award for Studio of the Year and NHL 10 iced heavy-hitting Madden for Team Sports Game. Shadow Complex won for Best Dowloadable Game, the unusual Flower took the prize for Best Independent Game and actors Hugh Jackman and Megan Fox won for Best Performance by Human Male and Female in a Game respectively.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 won Best Shooter and Best Multiplayer beating out Halo 3: ODST, Killzone2 and Left For Dead 2. The shooter should also have been the recepient of Presented by The Oddest Celebrity Pairings - Mike Tyson and the cast of Jersey Shores (?)
Best Xbox 360 Game was claimed by Valve’s Left 4 Dead 2.
Premieres are always big news at the awards show. The audience was treated to first time views of True Crime, TRON: Evolution - the game, Deadliest Warrior - the game, Prince of Persia: Forgotten Sands, Spec Ops: the Line and of course, the much hyped HALO: Reach. The sequel to last year’s Star Wars: The Force Unleashed was debut by VGA former host and fan favorite Samuel L. Jackson (who described himself as a Bad A** Motherf*****r.) And who would disagree?
RPG of the Year was taken by BioWare’s DragonAge: Origin and the Best Racing Game award went to Microsoft’s Forzr Motorsport Racing 3.
Musicians Greenday unveiled their next year’s presence in the world of Rockband. Speaking of music, the Best Music Game Award was presented to Beatles Rock Band by majestic royalty Stevie Wonder.
A preview of the live action Prince of Persia movie was introduced by film star Jake Gyllenhaal. While the file looks exciting, many, both game fan and not, are still holding their breaths given Hollywood’s rocky past with game-to-movie translations.
Gyllenhaal also announced the big winner of the evening, Game of the Year. The highest honor went to Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. The game also won PS3 Game of the Year and Best Graphics.
Spike’s VGA is good at giving everyone what they want: games, premieres all wrapped up in a tight format. There are really no long-winded speeches, unwanted musical acts (this year, the audience was entertained by the Dogfather himself, Snoop) and plenty of pop & subculture celebrities. Although the sex appeal has been toned down somewhat, who can forget the year Vida Guerra strutted across stage?
The VGA was narrated by the always sensual, uncredited sci-fi actress Claudia Black, also of Uncharted 2.
We Hunted - Batman: Arkham Asylum
Check out this review:
