Archive for June, 2010
Trine 2 Coming in 2011
Frozenbyte’s side-scrolling action platform/puzzle game , Trine, ( for PSN & PC) was well received by many when it was released in 2009. It should come as no surprise that a sequel is in the works for the PC, PSN and XBLA this time. Trine 2 will also receive an online co-op option which wasn’t available in the first game.
Trine 2 is set for a Spring 2011 release.
New Video Shows Crashes and Flips in GT5
Posted by Jay in Gran Turismo 5, Media on June 17th, 2010
Thanks to GTPlanet for posting this. The video above shows some of the crashes and interior views of the game, giving you an even better look at the astounding visuals the game has. Really, visually, this game is probably going to be about the most realistic looking game this generation, in any genre.
Valve and Cross-Platform Play
Remember during Sony’s E3 keynote, when Gabe Newell and Valve showed up on stage? Remember when he said that the PS3 will be the best console version of the title you could get? Well, The Kartel got in touch with the developers, one being Erik Johnson, who stated that Valve is planning on cross-platform support between the PS3 and PC/Mac users, but that there were no current plans to have such support on the 360.
Being able to play co-op between a PC user and a PS3 user, for instance, is something that “the team is gunning for.” So with Steamworks and the like heading to the PS3, and include cross-platform support like this, does this mean if we were to get the L4D series, we could theoretically play that cross-platform as well? What about an inevitable Half Life 3?
And who would have thought we would start having positive articles about Valve posted on here?
E3 2010 Vote!
I’ll collect votes until 6/23. Then I will tally and report.
View votes here
Will Stereo 3D Reduce Graphic Fidelity?
Posted by Darrin in Killzone 3 on June 17th, 2010
The obvious assumption is that stereo 3D requires exactly double the processing power of equivalent 2D. So you have to accept reduced resolution, frame rate, and/or graphical fidelity to compensate.
Killzone 3 developer Hulst completely disagrees with this:
Asked if 3D technology compromises processing power in any way, Hulst replied: “It’s a different way of rendering. But I don’t think it does. Not when we’re done and dusted. You can have all the fidelity, all the performance that you require, but it’s obviously a different way of going about things, it’s not apples for apples necessarily.”
Speaking of the footage shown during Sony’s E3 media briefing, he added: “This is months out from alpha, and already it’s running very smoothly, running at an impressive fidelity – you’re not going to have any issues in that respect.”
Unfortunately, he doesn’t clarify this. My interpretation of his comments, Kaz’s E3 comments, and analysis of the 3D patched games released already is this:
Developers patching stereo 3D support into an existing game choose the safe route. They don’t want to make risky and invasive into the core of the 3D engine, so they use the less invasive, high overhead double rendering route.
3D engines designed or updated for new games, can afford to make more invasive engine optimizations, and can accommodate stereo 3D effects with reduced performance overhead.
PixelJunk Shooter 2 Producers Talk About Game
Posted by Jay in PixelJunk Shooter 2 on June 17th, 2010
Here, Deb Mars and Matt Morton talk about the upcoming PixelJunk Shooter 2, and some of its new features and gameplay. They also mention that, because of a more involved storyline, this is the first PixelJunk title to have an actual sequel as opposed to an “encore.” Given the quality of the first game, I cannot wait to play this one!
Prediction: VR Athlete Training on PS3/360
Posted by Darrin in Predictions on June 17th, 2010
Bio-mechanical engineers have extensively studied and developed CAD models surrounding the physical motions and techniques in major sports.
Professional sports teams pay top dollar for bio-mechanical engineering firms to develop 3D models of their athletes motions and techniques and show them how to improve. This isn’t sci-fi, this is regularly done today.
With precision motion tech like Move and Kinect coming to consumer consoles, that high end service will become a mainstream commodity. If your son or daughter is in a little league team (or other sport), you will be able to buy a PS3/360 program that will actually help his real world baseball swing and pitching techniques.
There are already lower-end services that cater to regular families. Some involve emailing video clips of swing/pitching technique and receiving analysis. However, mainstream products like Move and Kinect will dramatically improve this type of service.
For full body motion study, I’d imagine that Microsoft’s Kinect will be the more appropriate technology than Sony’s Move.
Regardless, this is a really amazing technology development.
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