Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII Screens

Here’s a fresh batch of screens and artwork from the upcoming Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. Set for a Fall 2013 release, this RPG brings the FFXIII heroine back in an all-new adventure. Director Motomu Toriyama claims that the game will be, “the most complete and polished in the Final Fantasy series.” While I can’t comment on that lofty claim (yet), what I do know is that Lightning is back in black…and several other costumes. While she’s the star of the show and the only playable character, FFXIII fans will be pleased to know that Hope Estheim and Snow Villiers will apear in supporting roles.

As a mark for the series and someone that enjoyed XIII/XIII-2 more than most, of course I’m going to play this game. How about you guys and gals? Are you interested in jumping back into the world of Final Fantasy XIII? Or are you done with the series?

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The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing Screens

I’m not really into vampires (blame Twilight…and Twilight fans), so I was surprised by how jazzed I was after seeing screens for The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing. This upcoming action-RPG for Windows PC and Xbox Live Arcade has Dracula’s nemesis hunting baddies with a sword, a pistol, and magic. Fans of games like Baldur’s Gate Dark AllianceMarvel Ultimate Alliance, and Bastion will definitely want to give this one a look. As a mark for action-RPGs of this style, I’m excited to get my hands sink my teeth into this one. It looks like a fun romp of slaughtering minions, collecting treasure, powering up, and fighting bosses — the classic action-RPG formula.

Check out the screens and video below. When you have a moment, please let me know if you’re interested in The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing.

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New Tomb Raider Screens

Here are a bunch of new screenshots from the upcoming Tomb Raider. See Lara Croft get mangled by a wolf, repel down a zip line, get new weapons, pose in front of nifty fire effects, and more. As many of you know, I’ve been high on this game since E3 2011 and I can’t wait for its March 2013 release. When you get a chance, check out the new screens below and let me know what you think (please!). Continue reading “New Tomb Raider Screens”

My Favorite Screenshot of 2012

This image from Final Fantasy Dimensions is my favorite screenshot of 2012 (so far). I don’t remember many Japanese RPGs that use the word bunghole. That’s funny. Pirates are also funny (blame Captain Jack Sparrow for that one). Imagining that the pirates in Final Fantasy Dimensions are constantly using the word bunghole the way that Beavis does when he’s Cornholio mode? That’s frickin’ hilarious! This little bit of dialogue made a great game that much more entertaining. (And yes, part of the reason I found it so funny was that it was like 4:00AM or something when I read it.)

Dead or Alive 5 Swimsuit Spectacular Poll!

You’ve seen the video of the Dead or Alive 5 gals fighting it out in bikinis. Now here are big screens of Ayane, Christie, Hitomi, Kasumi, Kokoro, Lei Fang, and Tina in their swimsuits! You’ll be able to battle with these bikini-clad ladies pictured below if you buy the GameStop exclusive collector’s edition of the game. Of course this is the perfect time for a poll. Kindly check out the DoA5 swimsuit gallery below and vote for the warrior princess you think looks best in swimwear.

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South Park: The Stick of Truth Screens

Here are a bunch of screenshots from South Park: The Stick of Truth, an upcoming RPG being developed by Obsidian Entertainment and set to be published by THQ on March 5, 2012. It plays like an old-school RPG, features the distinct South Park art style, and is being written by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. On paper, this game should be awesome. I can’t wait for it! How about you?

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Epic Reveals Fortnite Screens and Details at Comic-Con

As San Diego Comic-Con 2012, Epic Games revealed new screens and details for its upcoming PC game Fortnite. The company stated that this will be the first game to utilize Unreal Engine 4. Similar to the hugely popular MinecraftFortnite’s activities change depending on the time of day. In the daytime, players gather resources, explore, and work together to build elaborate forts. At nighttime, players have to defend their prized domiciles against baddies.

Obviously, the game will differ on a visual level. Where Minecraft charmed with its pixel art, Fortnite will aim to dazzle with cutting-edge tech. The art style is also playful and I think Epic is onto something here. There’s just something nostalgic about building a fort. I fondly remember building all sorts of (crappy looking) constructs with my friends when I was a kid. There’s something magical about transforming a refrigerator box into an impregnable fortress. If experiences like that were part of your childhood then there’s a great chance that Fortnite will resonate with you.

Check out the screens below and share your thoughts on Epic’s Fortnite.

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Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Screens Show Character Team-Ups

The newest batch of Theatrhythm Final Fantasy screenshots show off the music selection and characters. As a longtime Final Fantasy nerd, I was particularly geeked out by the latter. I totally marked out seeing “chibi” versions of the Warrior of Lights, Bartz, Terra, Cloud, Squall, Tidus, Zidane, Firion, and more sharing the same screen. I want this game now!!!

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Latest Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Screens Show Game System

Square Enix has released a bunch of screens for its upcoming rhythm-music game Theatrhythm Final Fantasy. Previous screens showed the game’s colorful environments, cute characters, and general gameplay. The new screens show the mechanics behind the gameplay. Check out how stats, abilities, and spells are used in the gallery below. Judging from the images, it appears that Theatrhythm Final Fantasy will have a lot more going on in the background that most music-rhythm games.

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Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance Screens

Here are some screenshots and artwork for the upcoming Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance for Nintendo 3DS. The game is part of the seemingly never-ending march to Kingdom Hearts 3. It’s out in Japan now and will be available this summer in other territories. Sora and Riku are the playable characters in Dream Drop Distance, with the pair visiting the worlds of Tron: Legacy, Pinocchio, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Fantasia (the movie, not the American Idol songstress), and more. Kindly check out the screens and let me know what you think!

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