So where does Ground Zeroes and The Phantom Pain fit into the Metal Gear timeline for Solid Snake?

When you create the egg, then create the chicken, what happens in between? That's a tough scenario that Hideo Kojima is having to face with his latest brainchild Ground Zeroes and The Phantom Pain. Having taken place a few years after Peace Walker, but before Guns of the Patriots, just after the Vietnam war ended one can understand how it can be hard to fill in the blanks for a game that takes place "in between Metal Gear stories". Kojima made a few statements in recent interviews about explaining how evolving the Ground Zeroes and Phantom Pain has been for him and his team.

"When you try to write something that was supposed to be in the middle there will be some inconsistencies when you go into very small details. "The most important part is writing something that is fun, something that is impressive, something that is better than it was before. So sometimes in the interest of doing this, of having a better experience, we sacrifice some consistencies in the story."

Also, in case you've been out of the loop for a while, both PS4 and Xbox One versions will be getting exclusive content for Ground Zeroes. Classic Solid Snake from the first Metal Gear Solid for PS1 will be a playable character, a low polygon style with a low polygon playing area. Kind of takes you back to a golden year doesn't it?

The Xbox One version exclusive content will be there, but it's not known right now as to what that will be. More classic content?, who is to say. As far as a release date for Phantom Pain, Kojima wants to wait until the PS4 has taken a much better foothold in the gaming community before releasing it. Not to mention the time needed to finish developing a game that is 200 times the size of Ground Zeroes. That should explain why GZ is being released so much earlier, since the prologue is necessary to get fans into the act of learning the mechanics and storyline for TPP. Fans also want a taste right now of the new Metal Gear game, so it only makes sense.

Ground Zeroes will be releasing in Spring time next year on the Xbox One, PS4, PS3, and Xbox 360 respectively. Next generation consoles will see a higher resolution than current ones, according to Kojima. Can't wait to get a taste of that Solid Snake action in a few months myself.

Gradius games have set the standard for many shooters, and are an inspiration to titles like Resogun

Going back a bit, oh about 26 years sounds about right, Gradius made its debut on not only the arcade format, but on the NES 8-bit console as well. Since then Konami has produced some similar spin off titles that took Gradius and used it as a catalyst for their own design. Even games like Twinbee and Parodius took some inspiration from a game that was deemed not only quite a challenge, but one that was fun to play, and some not without the famous Konami code for power ups.

Since then a number of game companies have used Gradius as a platform themselves for inspiration to producer their own shooters. Resogun is one that will remind you a bit of it. A launch Playstation Plus+ title that released along side the PS4, Resogun combines it with something unique called "voxel-filled" game play mechanics. After watching the video below you can see how beautiful this shooter is for those of you looking for something new to play in the shooter department. Adam Sessler accompanies Housemarque to demonstrate how the game looks and plays, while discussing some of the key elements they used to produce such unique style graphics.

 

When the Playstation 4 is adapted on a wide basis, then The Phantom Pain will make its release date

Famitsu seems to get more answers recently from Hideo Kojima than most other publications. The most anticipated answer everyone is seeking is when the heck is The Phantom Pain going to be released? Kojima did give an answer to that almighty question........well, sort of. Here is the bulk of his answer to what he told Famitsu recently. When asked why he wanted to separate Ground Zeroes and Phantom Pain into two different releases at two different times, Kojima responded that releasing Ground Zeroes before Phantom Pain will give players a chance to get used to how the new Metal Gear game plays. Since TPP is 200 times bigger than GZ, it will also give his team a chance to fine tune it. Releasing the prologue first will also hold them with something to do until TPP can get completed.

So when will The Phantom Pain be released?, here is a rather loose time frame, and no where near as specific as you might have hoped.

"It looks like we'll be able to release The Phantom Pain around the time that the PlayStation 4 becomes widely adapted."

Widely adapted. That should take quite a while, since brand new systems take a good deal of time to get integrated into the market, at least on a world wide bases. Where does that leave TPP? Likely somewhere in the vicinity of 2015 it seems. Even though both titles were made to run on Xbox 360 and PS3 hardware, their PS4 and Xbox One counterparts, which by the way will be a higher resolution version, will take the slow train to the homes of a large number of people.

Welcome to Silent Mushroom, a T-Shirt that blends Super Mario Bros. with Pyramid Head and Silent Hill nurses

What in the world does Super Mario Bros. have to do with Silent Hill? Well, somehow they managed to get together just long enough to pose for some cool looking art. Mike Handy is a guy who literally is handy at making game worlds collide when it comes to artistry. He took both games, blending them together in not just the form of a T-Shirt, but whatever else you can think of. IPad and iPhone cases, throw pillows, laptop cases, tote bags, and even a coffee mug! Yes, you can have your cup of wake up juice in the morning while thinking of Super Mario and Silent Hill.

Mike Handy Art is his site, and he is known for art based on both games and movies. These shirt are called "Welcome to Silent Mushroom" since it blends Mario with characters like the Nurses and Pyramid Head from Silent Hill. An interesting concept indeed. Also for you ladies, don't worry, there are tank tops for you too. Many sizes and colors for you to choose from will allow you to have one or more of these gems for yourself, while your friends will be stricken with envy.

Simply head over to the official site called Society6, where you can shop around right now on Black Friday. Now is the time because Mike his offering customers free shipping on their goods until Monday. So if you're thinking about what to get him or her or whoever this year, consider this. You won't regret it.

The roots of Suikoden, and a new video update from Chris as we draw closer to mail day

Time is winding down, and so are your chances to get in on Operation Blinking Mirror, the massive effort to get Konami of Japan to take a hard look back at the Suikoden series. Mainly the first two Suikoden games, which paved the way for how the story should stay. In recent years the series has somewhat strayed away from the original storyline and took to a different direction, such as with games like tierkreis. This not good, as the roots of the Suikoden story needs to stay the course of what it once was. Operation Blinking Mirror is not only an effort to keep the series true to its roots, but also to get Konami to port the first two games to other formats like Xbox Live, PSN, Android, iOS, and PSP. Development of a Suikoden 6 game wouldn't hurt either, it's been a while.

Chris, the head guy in this video below encourages you to send in your Suikoden related material to help the cause. This includes fan material, cosplay photos, artwork, anything. Even just a letter asking Konami to take the series to a serious level again and not abandon it like it seems they have in the past few years. We now have less than two weeks until mail day. December 10th-12th is the time frame you need to send in your Suikoden materials. Not just you, but your friends as well. Anyone you can bring on board over the next few days, do it! If our voice is loud enough, Konami of Japan will hear it. So here is the address where you will be mailing in your material. Good luck to us all.

Fumiaki Tanaka
Konami Digital Entertainment
9-7-2, Akasaka
Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-8324 Japan

 

 

And now even Microsoft is using the Konami code with the Xbox One to win some prizes

Are you ready to put an Xbox One under your tree? If you are, you might also get a chance to win some prizes. How is that? Well well, it seems that even Microsoft has taken full advantage of the old Konami code. Yes, once again, the old code used for Contra, Gradius, Lifeforce, and whatever else you can imagine for the last 26 years is now being used once again. This time it is integrated into popular sites like IGN, Eurogamer, and OXM. Here is what I understand so far from what I've been hearing lately. First you need to be within the sites listed above, and then do the Konami code, which is Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A.

Now wait just a second though, make sure to replace the B, and A, with X, and B (for X Box obviously). I don't want to send you in the wrong direction.

This is using your keyboard of course. If you are at the right place, doing this should cause the site to get a bit messed up, and then reveal a teaser for the launch title Forza Motorsport 5. After this occurs, a message appears that tells you to tweet #keycode. This should be followed by another message that states if you do this, it will give you a chance to win Xbox One prizes. Some fine advertising there Microsoft. Exploit the Konami code, and ye just might receive. Might even make a great stocking stuffer just in time for the holidays. Anyway, for you Xbox One owners, give it a try and see what happens for you.

Get ready to rock the house down with the game music soundtrack to Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate

This is the first Castlevania game in a long time for a handheld format that's its music is popular enough to warrant a soundtrack release. The last time it happened was with the Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia music soundtrack. But because the music is just so darn awesome, live and let live I say. Konam, along with Sumthing Else Music works has just published and released the game music soundtrack to the Nintendo 3DS title, Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate. There are a total of 18 track listings in all, each of which you can sample for yourself before you buy.

Each individual track can either be purchased separately for .99 cents per song, or you can obtain the whole soundtrack together for $9.99. Track listing information, and information on the soundtrack itself are listed below.

Track Listing titles

01. Mirror of Fate Main Theme
02. Gabriel's Farewell
03. Prologue
04. Castle Arrival
05. Night Watchman
06. Ballroom
07. Necromancer
08. Library
09. Succubus
10. Theatre
11. Reaver
12. Carousel
13 Trevor's Farewell
14. Executioner
15. Games Room
16. Lady of the Crypt
17. Daemon Lord
18. Final Fight

Soundtrack Info

Composer: Oscar Araujo
Publisher: Konami/Sumthing Else Music Works
Languages: English
Duration: 01:01:31
Release Date: November 26, 2013

All tracks, whether individually or complete album are now available for purchase at the official page for Sumthing Else Music Works. By the way, Happy Thanksgiving! Go eat some Turkey, unless your a vegetarian that is.

You're going to love the new LovePlus+ 3DS XL sets that will launch next spring from Konami

This is one of those rare "male gamers only" titles that are released once in a blue moon, but still owes its popularity by the simple fact that it's just so darn cool. LovePlus is a name usually only familiar in Japan, but after its initial launch back in 2009 on the DS, it sold at least 180,000 in only 6 months. Since then it spawned a second release with even more features and girls than before. What is this about? For those of you who are scratching your heads, LovePlus is a girlfriend simulator. Yeah, sounds like something a lonely and nerdy guy would have. But let's take a look at the latest release, one of which will also be launching with three different types of 3DS XL cases.

The top photo below is the New Love Plus+ Manaka Deluxe set, which comes complete with an A4 size 40 page "Manaka no Himitsu" (Manaka's Secrets) booklet, along with a 10 minute audio CD called "Mimimoto Love Plus 2 Manaka,", an illustrated box, and four different illustration designs of the main character, along with the Manaka Deluxe 3DS LL design itself.

The second set is called the New Love Plus+ Rinko Deluxe, which has the Rinko 3DS LL design case, another A4 sized 40 page A4-size "Rinko no Himitsu" (Rinko's Secrets) booklet, a 10 minute audio CD entitled "Mimimoto Love Plus 2 Rinko" along with four illustration designs of the character.

Third and certainly not least, is the New Love Plus+ Nene Deluxe set, containing the Nene Deluxe 3DS LL style case, "Nene no Himitsu" (Nene Secrets) booklet, yet another 10 minute audio CD entitled "Mimimoto Love Plus 2 Nene", along with four illustration designs of the character.

Eace set also comes with a specially illustrated box, while the booklets themselves contain visual arts & production designs created by Mino Tarōo. Starring roles are star Saori Hayami as Manaka Takane, Sakura Tange as Rinko Kobayakawa, and Yuko Minaguchi as Nene Anegasaki. Senior producer is Akari Uchida, while Mino Tarōo is once again handling the character designs and such. New LovePlus+ is stated to an "evolved" version of LovePlus.

As with the first in the series, LovePlus contains girls with their own individual personalities. Some being harder to win over than others, but then again, that's part of the challenge of a girlfriend simulator right? The deluxe set will be selling in Japan for 32,000 yen, which is roughly US$320, while you can also get the game by itself for a much cheaper 5,700 yen, or $57. A download version will also be available for 5,200 yen, or $52. All versions will be released next Spring. A sample of the last release video for the dating and minigame is below.

It's still quite early, but you can pre-order the Yu-Gi-Oh! Classic Season 4 DVD set right now on Amazon

For you fans of classic Yu-Gi-Oh!, Season 4 will be launched on DVD and released next March 25th, 2014. The set is still quite a ways off, but Amazon still has it listed right now, even though there is no image available right now for it. The current set price for it is listed as $31.47, and was once listed for $44.95, with a savings of $13.48. Free shipping as always with a purchase that is over $35 per their policy. 

Can't wait that long to watch your favorite Yu-Gi-Oh! classic episodes? Not a problem, as Season 3 will also be launching on Amazon too on January 14th, which is not that far off. The set they have listed there is running at $38.21. The box image is available there as well. Free shipping on that one since it also exceeds $35. Also don't forget to keep up with the latest releases, news, and events by checking out the official page for the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG. Schedules for tournaments and events are listed there as well. 

College students enjoy weekly gatherings for their Dance Dance Revolution club where they have fun on Thursday nights

DanceDanceRevolution has yet to die, and likely won't anytime soon. One college is making sure that it stays alive, by having their own DDR sessions every Thursday night from 8p.m. to midnight. Who are these students? Penn State University for one. These students are not the only ones that take to the campus to keep up their DDR skills though, as this is somewhat of a trend happening around the nation. The thing that first started it was the United Health Care Act that enlisted the aid of Dance Dance Revolution ClassRoom Edition. These college students though make it a habit to get into the act in a dedicated way.

A DDR club? Yes, they have their own club for it, and some bring their own mats, while others simply want to show up and just have a good time. Keeping up their skills on the dance mat is a must if you want to be in the club. Even if you don't like to dance, just watching these young folks is a spectacle in the least. They meet in the Waring Commons along with other friends and students to try to build up their dance skills, mainly for their own, and not quite like a contest. After all this is a club.

Penn State University Source

More Metal Gear Solid cosplay photos to rave about, and these folks know how to get into the act whether male or female

Seems like there are an ending supply of these, and that's a good thing right? Fans of Metal Gear from all walks of life gather around to show how close to the real thing they can dress up as. Some even go so far as to make their own cosplay outfits, from scratch! If they have the time to make it, we all certainly have the time to witness it. Even though some are better than others, all are welcome as we take a closer look at how some of these folks will stop at nothing to dress up as Solid Snake Raiden, Grey Fox, or whoever else you can think of.

Also, while your in the neighborhood, cosplay isn't the only thing circulating around the Internet that's worth taking your time to look at. There is a great site dedicated to artwork called DeviantArt, which showcases not only artwork from movies, comics and so on, but also from games like Metal Gear, Castlevania, Silent Hill and many others you can think of. People from around the world send in their work to be shared with others, and I for one thank them kindly for their efforts. To all of you who make these fine works of art, plus those who take the time to perform the cosplays like the ones you see below, keep up the good work! It's appreciated!

Hideo Ueda would be proud of this fine Sparkster artwork, done by KohakuKun19 who sent it in to DeviantArt for others to enjoy

The Super Nintendo / Super Famicom was known for many awesome action games, one of which I remember well. Back in 1994, Konami had released a game called Sparkster, which was also released as another version called "Rocket Knight Adventures" (and part 2) for the Mega Drive (Genesis) system, which was somewhat different from the SNES version. The famous opossum knight character that starred in it was the directed handy work of Hideo Ueda, who also had a hand in the great shooter Axelay, another personal favorite of mine.

To pay homage to the classic side scrolling platformer, a lady by the name of KohakuKun19 took the time to create a great likeness of Sparkster which was posted on DeviantArt a short while back. The images below are basically a three stage creation process, the first starting out as a pencil sketch, the second an ink fill in, and the third of course is the final product. Her name is Amber Johnson, and guess what? She wants to draw for you!. Yes, Amber currently has a job helping the Crippled and the Elderly, a noble job indeed. But since it doesn't pay all that well, Amber would enjoy making some extra money on the side, and she loves to draw. So what a better way than to ask her to do some drawings for you. Here is a draft price list she made.

Characters/Concepts: per concept (one to a page.)
Line Art: $3
Colored: $5

Concept Bundle: (5 concepts)
Line Art: $10
Colored: $15

Landscapes: (varies based on complexity)
line art: $5-$10
Colored: $10-$20

Scenes: i.e. fight scenes, romantic scenes, etc. (also based on complexity)
Line Art: $5-$10
Colored: $10-$20

Title Cards:
$25

Amber has also founded a page that is dedicated to petition Konami to bring back Rocket Knight Adventures to the present day gaming scene. She has my vote, that's for sure. Why don't you check out both of her pages in the links below, and if you like, ask her to draw something for you after taking a look at the list above to see what you fancy. Meanwhile, check out her Sparkster art below, and for those of you who have never played the game, check out a video below. Good luck with both quests Amber!

Amber Johnson Sparkster page
Amber's petition page for Rocket Knight Adventures

Cling to your PS3 as long as you can, there is still some classics like Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions heading for the Playstation Store

Old habits die hard, and so do older game systems. The Playstation 3 might be losing some face now that the PS4 is landing in more and more living rooms, but that doesn't mean the old dog doesn't have a few tricks. This week the classic PS1 hit Metal Gear Soid: VR Missions will be launched on the Playstation Store. Featuring 300 missions for you to chew on, a title that tests your stealth and gunning capabilities that you hopefully learned from the first Solid Snake game.

As Solid Snake, you venture through level after level, of what seems to be some of a cross between a holodeck generated puzzle setting, where you test your skills to see how well and long you can survive. Each level giving you a new type of challenge different from the last. Some shorter than others, some longer, and some involving the beloved sense of humor of Hideo Kojima about a stolen popsicle? Indeed. Photo op shoots with females in the game, while also having the ability to play as the famous Ninja Grey Fox. Oh yea, he's there too. The PS1 still survives, on the PS3 via the Playstation Store, which is slowly being replaced by the PS4, and this is getting confusing.

The Castlevania: Lords of Shadow fan art keeps pouring in from fans that known who to express their love

When Castlevania took a step into the world of 3D, fans of past "MetroidVania" titles were anything but optimistic about it. Castlevania had always shined the brightest star in the realm of 2D side scrolling platform action, and the very thought of turning it into a 3D world would likely kill the series they thought. I'm convinced by now that Lords of Shadow has at least proven some of them wrong. Then again you will always have your dedicated 2D crowd, and believe me there is nothing wrong with that.

But for those who are drinking the Lords of Shadow kool-aid, and loving every sip of it, there are some among them that have expressed so much love for the series, they have taken their sweet time to produced some of the finest artworks my eyes have ever laid upon. Some ore most of these can be found at places like DeviantArt, a place where artists share their handy work which includes the realm of video games. Let's take a look a few samples of my personal favorites below. I think you will like them as much as I. Each involves Lord Dracula (Grabriel Belmont).

By the way, that top one had a bit of photo editing involved, using tools like photoshop. You probably knew that already. Then again, perhaps not. 

Newtown Sandy Hook Elementary School shooter had an obsession with Dance Dance Revolution, but also played violent games

This is the saddest post I've ever written, and I've just completed 1,200 posts after over 5 years of doing this. I hate it when video games become somehow involved in crimes. But even Dance Dance Revolution can't seem to stay out of the picture, as is the case with the Newtown Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting by Adam Lanza. Someone who is extremely disturbed and obsessed with video games. Usually the ones of the violent 1st or 3rd person shooter nature. But how in the world does Dance Dance Revolution fit into this? Adam had spent nearly four to ten hours at a time playing DDR at a local theater, going there almost every Friday through Sunday.

While we are at it, let's for once take a look into the mind of Adam Lanza and find out what made this guy tick. According to the official report, Adam had "significant mental health issues" and was also diagnosed with a mental condition known as Asperger’s disorder, also lacking empathy toward other people. But Asperger's disorder is said to be an autism-like disorder that is not associated with violence, so what was it that drove this maniac to kill 27 people, 20 of which were only children? The answer might shock you from what the report states, but also says it is still not crystal clear what made him do it.

A GPS belonging to the shooter revealed that he had went repeatedly to the theater to play DDR, and also had digital media at home showing him playing it. Two days before the shooting occurred, some anonymous user posted online that he would commit suicide, thereby making national news from it. From the relatives of Adam, they stated that he showed no signs of hostility that he would ever commit such acts of violence, but that he spent long periods not going anywhere, even though they lived in the same house and only contacted them by email.

Adam did have a hard drive that officials tried to extract data from to get more information, but the drive had been smashed by Adam to the point that they may never get data from it. An acquaintance of the shooter said that they played DDR a lot, and had conversations that didn't really involved any motives of violence, including being bullied in the past, but did state that Adam talked somewhat about expressing an interest in mass murders and serial killings. Not a frequent topic, but one that was brought up on occasion. There was also a bottle with the shooters name on it that had the name "acetaminophen with codeine" stated upon it, which was in the mother's bathroom and also a part of the master bedroom.

A number of weapons were also found which included knives, swords, spears, and so on. Now let's get to the part about where video games seem to fit into all of this. Besides Dance Dance Revolution, which to me seems to be something that he just played on the side and might not have had any real significance to violence, but then again I'm not a psychiatrist. Perhaps he used DDR to let off some steam or to relax aggressions within him.

There were also a large number of various video games in the basement or game room, some of which were listed in a report below.

-“Left for Dead”
-“Metal Gear Solid”
-“Dead Rising”
-“Half Life”
-“Battlefield”
-“Call of Duty”
-“Grand Theft Auto”
-“Shin Megami Tensei”
-“Dynasty Warriors”
-“Vice City”
-“Team Fortress”
-“Doom”

That's quite a list isn't it? This is also only a partial list, but one that shows what kind of games he played, including ones that involved content of a violent and mature nature. The report goes on to reveal something even more shocking. Among the topics and items seized were the following.

- Bookmarks pertaining to firearms, military, politics, mass murder, video games, music,
books, Army Ranger, computers and programs, ammunition, candy, economic books
- Two videos showing suicide by gunshot
- Commercial movies depicting mass shootings
- The computer game titled “School Shooting” where the player controls a character who
enters a school and shoots at students
- Screen shots (172) of the online game “Combat Arms”
- “Dance Dance Revolution” (DDR) game screen shots
- Videos of shooter playing DDR
- Images of the shooter holding a handgun to his head
- Images of the shooter holding a rifle to his head
- Five-second video (dramatization) depicting children being shot
- Images of shooter with a rifle, shotgun and numerous magazines in his pockets
-A document written showing the prerequisites for a mass murder spreadsheet
- A spreadsheet listing mass murders by name and information about the incident
- Materials regarding the topic of pedophilia and advocating for rights for pedophiles (not child pornography)42
- Large amount of materials relating to Columbine shootings and documents on mass murders
- Large amount of materials on firearms
- Comedy videos
- Images of hamsters
-Images of Lego creations

Yes, you saw right, "A computer game called "School Shooting", where a player controls the character to carry out a shooting in a school. Beats me what maniac would create such a thing, but there it is. There is more where this came from, but I wanted to share this with you in hopes you would share it with others. Also feel free to leave your thoughts and comments in the section below. Your feedback and feelings are always welcome. Perhaps you could add some of your own wisdom to such as senseless act. In the meantime, my heart goes out to the victims of the shooter. You can see their photos below. May their souls rest in peace.

There is a one minute video for you to watch from the Boston report link below. I suggest you take a look at it if you can stomach it. Each link also has more information than I've posted here.

Source for Dance Dance Revolution Report (Boston)
Source for Boston Report (extended)
Full Sandy Hook PDF Report

You can still have a chance to get a copy of the Castlevania Collection, as KonamiUK still has them up for grabs

Even though it's been out a while, some are still fiddling with the idea of getting the Castlevania Collection. Why? Perhaps they might already have Mirror of Fate for the Nintendo 3DS, or might already have Lords of Shadow and don't exactly want to pay to get a demo of Lords of Shadow 2. Whatever the case, you can still have a chance right now to get a copy of the Castlevania Colletion, as Konami is still giving away both a copy of the Xbox 360 version and PS3 version of CVLOS collection.

So what does one have to do to win your desired version of it? Simple. Just do what Konami asks, and follow them on Twitter, while retweeting this tweet of theirs.

Konami UK ‏@KonamiUK 3h

For a chance to bag yourself a copy of the #CVLOS Collection, just follow us and retweet this tweet --> https://twitter.com/konamiuk/status/403863523971072000 …

Konami UKVerified account ‏@KonamiUK

Good morning! Don't forget, we still have a copy of the #CVLOS Collection up for grabs TODAY! pic.twitter.com/jUc0Q9OsZ7

The Dracula's Tomb Premium Edition for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 is also something I just posted about a while ago. But keep in mind the above Tweet, and follow KonamiUK, while sending your friends the tweet about it in the process. The more the merrier. You just might get lucky and win that sucker. Good luck and keep at it!

Be one of the first to hang this cool Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 laminated poster on your game room wall

Now that the demo for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 is circling among the fans out there, the extra content and collectible items just keep popping up left and right for it. Well throw another collectible item on the Belmont grill, because Amazon is selling a cool laminated poster for Lords of Shadow 2, and from what I can see, they still have them in stock as I post this. It was $35, but has now been reduced to less than half of that for $16.39. It features a double sided laminated sheet, thereby securing the poster from any harm to it. That should make it last a good while. 

PosterRevolution is the maker of the LOS2 poster, and they also sell others from a select list of hit video games for you to choose from. The Castlevania poster itself has the following features.

• Premium double-side lamination with GLARE-REDUCING satin finish.
• Sturdy film protects artwork against scratches, dust and moisture.
• Perfect for classrooms. Works with most dry erase markers.
• Professionally laminated to ensure years of quality enjoyment.

I just might buy one of those gems before they sell out. It would look quite nice on my game room wall.

 

Valdis Story Abyssal City plays similar to the classic style Castlevania games we grew up with

Every now and then I'll see a newcomer to the gaming scene, one that tends to borrow a few concepts here and there from games of the old 8-bit and 16-bit days. Castlevania has almost always been a platform for future titles, and not just because of its style, but also how it plays. Valdis Story Abyssal City is certainly one such case, and has recently landed on the Steam format for you Steam subscribers. Thanks to the Greenlight community, Valdis has been given the go ahead and is ready to add to your collection for just under $15.

Valdis plays similar to Castlevania in the respects of how you fight enemies, as that classic whipping action the Belmont clan has brought us over the years has spilled over into cool new titles like this one. Just looking at a couple of pictures below shows how even the look of the game is somewhat retrospective of  the "Vania" games. Here are the story line and features for Valdis, and the video trailer below if you care to check it out.

"Assume the role of Wyatt in this Action/Exploration Platformer as you explore the ruins of a holy city that was lost many years ago. Battle various types of demons, angels, and a new threat known only as the “Ferals”, using swordsmanship, martial arts, and sorcery. There are many customizable skills and equipment that will aid Wyatt on his journey."

• Intense combat weaving sword and sorcery together seamlessly.
• Find magic souls that aid in combat and traversing the ruins of the city.
• Level up stats and a variety skills to customize your play style.
• Upgrade Weapons and Armor.
• Unique accessories that can give you the edge in combat, or get you killed!
• Interconnected zones allow you to explore new areas or backtrack.
• 2 playable characters on release and more to come!
• Compelling original soundtrack spanning over 2 hours of music!

Check out the official purchase and download page for Valdis Story Abyssal City here.

Those of you looking forward to Lords of Shadow 2, don't forget you can pre-order the Dracula's Tomb Premium Edition now

As the anticipation builds up for February 25th 2014, which is not very far off from now, keep in mind for those who want to pre-order your copy, you also have the option for the Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 Dracula's Tomb Premium Edition. That's a pretty long title isn't it? The release date for it in the UK is listed for February 28th, three days after the initial launch of LOS2, and here are the sweet treats you're going to get should you decide to make this your own set next year.

• A Limited Edition Art Book (100 page hardback)

• Four Exclusive 10cm Figurines designed by Neil Googe (includes Dracula, Zokek, Victor Belmont and The Lieutenant)

• A red plated Steelbook

• A copy of the Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 game itself

• A huge collectors edition Dracula's Tomb Box

These are not an unlimited supply, and only for a limited time offer. So the time to pre-order if you want this set is now. As a pre-order bonus for LOS2, you can also get an armoured Dracula in game costume for your character. "Includes a full length, leather textured coat with new filigree designs throughout and completely redesigned central belt armour. New battle greaves and pants with adorning paraphernalia add a powerful finish. Dracula himself has a new beard to complete the look."

Orders can be made here.

These guys show off their massive Metal Gear collections, which are more than you and I will ever have

As a former collector, I can honestly say that even though I have personally had a number of mint condition Metal Gear games in my collection, it would never come close to a fraction of what these two pictures show. In the top, you can see this one has practically ever MG game ever made! He even has the MSX version of the original Metal Gear, which by the way was superior to the NES version in more ways than one. Various versions of Solid Snake, a Revolver Ocelot figure, and even a Raiden figure or two to boot are in there. I think this guy is running out of shelf space, and might want to build another one. Great job in your collection CrackerMc, as yours is the biggest I've seen so far.

The second one below isn't too far behind either. Die hard fans of Metal Gear like these have likely been around since the beginning. Last year the franchise just celebrated its 25th anniversary, and what a better way than to bring out a Metal Gear Collection set on both accounts. In terms of collectibles, and the collection set of games unleashed by Konami last summer.