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Lifting of hell that had plunged the angel of Darkness, Lara Croft was really having a health since Tomb Raider: Anniversary who managed to find the spirit of the series while also injecting a bit of fresh air. The challenge for Underworld, currently under development, was the confirmation, especially on Next Gen. Present at the Games Convention and accessible to the public as the press, the title has left close to the time a small session of Archaeology extreme enough promise in whole.

The Little Mermaid

With a little behind other licenses successful video game, Tomb Raider has finally decided to make his driven cross and truly step Next Gen. Unlike Tomb Raider: Anniversary, conceived for the PS2 and then adapted for the new machines, Tomb Raider Underworld was designed with the Xbox 360 and PS3 in mind. During the level presented, it discovered Lara, quietly installed on a boat, preparing to take the leap into the middle of the ocean. On the surface, it can obviously afford a few lengths of crawl, but it will probably things interesting for our archaeologist shock can be found on terra firma, a few dozen metres further. After a shark attack just missed, Lara reached without major difficulties a first platform and then tries to recover a small climbing where you will have the opportunity to see that the fine has not lost its flexibility.

The gameplay, very Indiana-Jonesque in his style, of course, had what he needed when grab branches, balconies overcoming a parapet, bridges croulants and other small wonders of the gaming architecture: always dependent on acrobatics Lara, the game offers a good share of exploration-based waterfalls and catching up unlikely. As always in the series, these phases of gameplay aïgu require a sense of observation and reflexes, the game is obviously still Radin alternative path, and ruthless on the “off-piste.” With a little experience, we learn also to recognize the walls exploitable, “good” branches, catches rock authorized by the game; animations Lara deliver even, in most cases, information on its ability to pass a jump or not, tending the arm for example. Tomb Raider Underworld is therefore the item on the gameplay, despite some worries of not properly wicked camera when the lens too close to Lara. Just can we blame the developers a certain severity on some jumps a little limits, which send systematically and without further ado, the player fifteen meters below.

Come back successful?

This shift from pure platform, soon followed by the discovery of a lost first temple, to be honest looked more like a big tutorial, to circumnavigate the potential of the game in terms of achievement and gameplay. In addition to a panel enriched animations, like when Lara dismisses gently brush it before each of his steps (a little closer detail, for example, what we found in Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune), then swim in familiar territory on the side of playability. There are all movements submitted for every day in a series of events rather well views, small reels here to resume balance, roulades side now more … by dint of motion capture sessions, Lara cheek gymnast competition to pave a path among the obstacles the game, to light years of its rigidities of the past. Most tatillons may nevertheless be objected that our adventurer custody a few scars of its residual stiffness of yesteryear, specifically the lack of fluidity sequences during breaks, which are still quite slow to emerge: you jump, you move suspended on landmark another outlet, rappelling down a suspended its Grapple, you turn on the camera and re-jumping, etc.. Despite obvious progress in recent episodes, it is still very far from the intuitiveness of a Prince of Persia.

Visually finally, Tomb Raider Underworld impressive. Whether the turmoil of the ocean, subtle reflections on the surface of water, abundant flora, calibrating environnemennts or look teenager Lara, we must admit that the game is many strengths on its side to seduce retinas. From time to time struck a few freezes on the Xbox 360 version we’ve tried, TRU is in any event a great game, and should easily rinse the eyes of many players. This bodes well for the best a few weeks before leaving the game, especially since the few puzzles and enemies entrevus during our test session had the air of perfect recital gameplay “the Tomb Raider” - can be therefore expect solid, it was probably classic for this comeback of Lara Croft. Five years after being burned in the angel wings of Darkness, it will be satisfied without chicaner.

Tomb Raider Underworld is scheduled on PC, PS3, PS2, Xbox 360, Wii and DS on November 21

Already seen in June last detour to a presentation where he was unfortunately not playable, Guitar Hero: World Tour is undoubtedly one of the highlights of games this Games Convention 2008, at least if we judge by the crowd massaged daily to the few boxes available to perform this new Guitar Hero, the seventh (!) in three years. And to give a little peps the saga, écorchée slightly since the release of Rock Band with whom she engages in a genuine fraternal war, playlist, tools and functionality, this episode it emphasizes the arrival of drums and singing in the gameplay Guitar Hero, hitherto confined to the guitar and bass. Our obviously not innocent after the success of Rock Band, and whether Guitar Hero: World Tour will come to take the lead in this duel at all times and all shots are allowed, we are therefore among the long faufilés queues to tasting the beast a few moments.

Between critics wiped after resumption of the saga by Neversoft last year, resulting in a third episode to the more consensual approach, and exit-breaking Rock Band, Guitar Hero had to act. This is done with Guitar Hero: World Tour, which passes status copied copier adding in this episode a battery resembling more than ever the real instrument with its two cymbals in arrivals. Because unlike Rock Band which houses all the pads together, the new Guitar Hero proposes to him, no fewer than five, with three toms at the bottom and two cymbals a little earlier. To continue on the description of the equipment here now in its Xbox 360 version, it also noted the total absence of cable, or a MIDI for use in MAO for example, but also a pedal bass drum not very reassuring compared to the rest of this accessory, visibly costaud well and with excellent stability. Both aspects are in fact completely unrelated to this kick, which tends to wander at will beatings, blamed a grip on the ground obviously not very effective and the absence of strong link with all the accessory. The pedal is connected to the battery with a simple cable, a little cheap and above all a little long, traînera on the ground, or at best on our feet. It will take good care of the fix in an amount of the instrument in order to avoid embarrassment, to better focus on the gameplay itself, which incorporates the same principles that the parties guitars (a partition scrolling vertically with hints of color to play on the pads correspondents). There is the same solution used by Rock Band so pedal bass drum is clearly legible on the screen with a horizontal bar, violet in Guitar Hero: World Tour against yellow in the game for Electronic Arts (yellow is here associated with one of the two cymbals, in this case that of the left, making it the most often act as Charleston).

If the grip of the instrument should not be a problem too, even for novices, the owners of Rock Band them feel at home, but with feelings much better. Car beyond its outward appearance very close to the original instrument, the accessory of Guitar Hero: World Tour offers a touch similar to the actual e-drums, with a very good reactivity and especially excellent rebounds leaving room for accelerations and serious attacks, and on the toms like cymbals. Another good point, the instrument manages the dynamic and could therefore emphasize certain passages by hitting harder. One option also present on the battery’s basic Rock Band 2 which, despite some improvements already mentioned at E3, seems a bit below that of Guitar Hero IV, at least in the versions of the game encountered so far . With such an instrument in his possession, the game of Activision risk to tip lovers of power in its favour, while the guitar has also been reworked. Not really a point of view gameplay, but the accessory displays on the other hand, however, no reference to Gibson after a dispute between the two companies. Its shape takes rather than the traditional Stratocaster, a Jackson, while a new device comes to wedge into the centre of the race. It is a touch zone incorporating the same color scheme that the five buttons usual, with just a small groove to indicate the passage of a key to another. Again very inspired by Rock Band and his solo buttons, the system will not only impress the gallery tapping, but also trigger a few good effects felt. The various pieces offered in this version did not really perform this part of the game, it still remains to be discovered with good big solos. Also on this guitar, it also noted the presence of a new button at the easel, and to trigger the star power without having to spin the guitar skyward and endanger its combo underway. The rockers, the real, may still use the old method, most spectacular, but sometimes quite risky.

To complete our short tour of new tested during this first session of play, we must not forget the presence of singing in Guitar Hero: World Tour, an aspect showing once again that Rock Band (definitely). Specifically, the words and tone to adopt will be displayed at the top of the screen, just as in the Electronic Arts game, a few visual effects closely. They may still find other things in common between the two titles on the side of their respective playlist. Regarding the new Guitar Hero, Activision promises no less than 80 songs, all originals. Only a dozen of them, however, were available to this Games Convention, with Everlong of Foo Fighters, What I’ve Done by Linkin Park, but also of Beat It Mickaël Jackson and Are You Gonna Go My Way by Lenny Kravitz. From Van Halen, The Eagles, Def Leppard and so on are also approached in this episode which, of course, will still be required to get rich after its exit through a ton of paid downloadable content as is currently the case with Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. And for the most insatiable, a mini studio will also create your own pieces in play, or to recover those of other players via the Internet. Another facet of this new Guitar Hero that we have unfortunately not been able to discover at this too short meeting, which promises, however, a comeback of the saga of Activision on the scene playing music (notably through its excellent battery), despite concepts for most borrowed from his first rival. Guitar Hero: World Tour débarquera October 27 the USA and in the wake us, therefore Xbox 360, but PS3, PS2 and Wii.

After a Need for Speed ProStreet at least mitigated in 2007, the saga of auto racing Need For Speed will try to redeem themselves this year with a new episode subtitled Undercover. Announced recently and planned from November 18 to the USA on PC, Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, DS, PSP and Wii, and three days later at home, the beast can be currently approaching the Games Convention in Leipzig an Xbox 360 playable by all at the booth of Electronic Arts. Here are our first impressions after a few rounds of wheels.

Just for once, Electronic Arts and Black Box, the studio of record in the series, we promise with Need for Speed Undercover return to the sources of the saga, which blows this year by its fourteenth candle. Except that we had already made the coup, and there was otherwise remain skeptical after such an announcement. Nevertheless, we must still acknowledge that, at the outset, this episode seems they really have made efforts in this direction. Exit, already, the atmosphere tuning too recent episodes (and exacerbated in ProStreet, even if we dégoûter), even if it is of course always find a catalogue of items provided in this NFS to customize its cars improving its performance but also his look. No, it is rather the pursuit race aspect facing the police who returned here in force, supported by a scenario worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster. Judge for: Undercover, embody a young wolf who will engage in various risky jobs in order to win the confidence of a dangerous criminal organization, and so infiltrate them to better dismantle it with the help of the Maréchaussée Local. Any resemblance to an existing plot would of course be accidental, as in previous parts, it will be introduced into the environment via a lovely lady who will take us under his wing, played in the game by actress Maggie Q (Mission Impossible III, Die Hard 4 - Back in Hell). Because we also find in this episode the famous sequences live, a little re-stylized, and so dear to Electronic Arts. The regulars of the saga may not therefore not truly be at home, especially since Undercover also retains the principle of open environment.

Our space game will be in this new NFS of a new town named Tri-City Bay Area, comprising … four distinct areas linked by highways. Sunset Hills, Palm Harbor, Port Crescent, Gold Coast Mountain, these neighbourhoods we reserve each one different ambience, typée downtown, industrial or downright mountainous. It will be dégotter our missions in the same way as in Carbon, choosing a test among those released by the previous and so on (no need to go there, races can still be triggered remotely.) Three types of courses are also offered on the version made available at the Games Convention with Highway Battles first, either on motorways prosecution against a single opponent he will, in less than a minute, doubling then keep a distance, while being faufilant in traffic, not dense frankly it must admit. Another test can compete against a handful of other cars on a track closed this time, while the last we invited him to abscond a concession driving a brand new Porsche. The difficulty of the latter comes from many police patrols in the area, which we pourchasseront for some time. In this connection, it should be noted that the local Maréchaussée will not really shake the players in this version as it leaves little to easily outpace that we use and abuse of changing direction. In case of arrest, will also pay the amount of damage caused during our pursuit. During the race, it also noted the presence of a small gauge on the right of the screen, which climbed to the liking of slippages and other figures in style, winning the final by bonus points.

Since we are talking about flying, we will find again its brands quickly, the various cars available to us in this demo (a Porsche GT2, a muscle car and an Audi RS4) showing a finger and handling to the eye. Just a few seconds of game will be necessary to get used to a very strong direction which, coupled with a hand brake particularly docile, can move changes course with breathtaking ease. Despite the gameplay quite nervous police presence but also the possibility of using nitrous and a speedbreaker - a sort of bullet time to slow down time and therefore better negotiate some corners - the tests lack a little bite. The fault probably a city almost deserted in this version of the Games Convention, which also accuses major concerns techniques. These include a frame rate in agony, but also a fairly pronounced aliasing and a few pop-up textures or buildings intact. However, if we obscures this traffic almost non-existent, the city is showing a certain credibility in its construction, and pointed out a few points that Burnout Paradise. The damage ahead also very successful, sheet metal folding is a natural rather disconcerting on modelling also quite remarkable, but we regret increvables tire rims or indestructible. The nice effect of smoke ProStreet should also rebuild its appearance in this episode, while we note the absence inexcusable views cockpit. Black Box had hinted q’il this was one of yards strongly considered for the post ProStreet, but it is obviously nothing. What a pity. In short, with Need for Speed Undercover, NFS returns well in a certain way to its roots, but not as much as might be hoped, not to mention that the proposed innovations do not seem frankly staggering. It will in any case the heart net next November 21 to be precise, when leaving the game in our lands.

It’s been several days that the first video Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 is circulating, and as often detect differences with the naked eye was a prodigy. No wonder the face of a layer of the previous edition, slowed to less jerky, thank you god. And yet, beyond the content to which we shall return, the nuances joystick in hand feel almost instantly. Made of madness, one might even go so far as to say that Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 is the episode that dares the past several years, with bias sometimes amazing. For better?

Cumbersome, it is undoubtedly the term that characterizes the best gameplay of this preview. Nothing derogatory, attention. If the speed game has been slowed, in accordance with the wishes of players after PES 2008, the inertia of courses and passes has been significantly increased as well. Too much or as it should: be expected to move matches to blisters on the version def ‘for better able to judge. This is not always a defect, particularly as regards the physical strikes. Their triggering calls for a preparation time affolant without doubt one of the longest PES all confused. In return, any strike framed full power represents an immediate danger that even the biggest custodians of the game will be difficult not to push their own nets in the number of balloons boxés has never seemed so high.

Come to Daddy

Well aware that the combo knitting closer to the surface / pass back eventually interfere with realism, Konami has apparently tried to complicate the task of Denilson on grass. Perhaps that the final version will correct the shooting, but the game on the surface is currently quite ineffective. The passes are less remote, defenders are better placed to intercept, and strikes a pivotal no longer as precisely as before. The centres, less risky, are a better alternative this time. By the way, with the proper dosage and good player, it seemed possible even putting on the corners like pearls (up to four in the same match). Konami mark a few points in the race for realism, rebalancing anything that could give rise to any goals facts and scores of tennis. But the most glaring defects of the 2008 edition have not all been corrected at this stage of development, so much so that one can hardly return to grace. The animations races always give the impression of seeing clones of Michael Johnson in the final of the Atlanta Games. And like last year, the proportions of players and their placement sometimes strange open real boulevards on the sides. So much the better for the show, but frankly, if the wings were also deserted in the true foot, the Netherlands have already aligned the World Cups. And as the speed and physics are once again the determining factors to eliminate and destabilise the opponent was not finished see 4-3-3 abused with Brazil / Inter or racing straight ahead of Kaka, Pato & Cie.

Without manual or anything, it’s hard to say whether new gestures techniques have emerged in this new PES believed. In any case, their execution has changed to make more natural movements dixit Konami. Gone are the wheel on the right stick for example. Henceforth, a simple turn of stick or cross enough to launch the movement, provided they in the hands a player a bit technical. Ditto for certain techniques with R2. Again, knitting fans will have to take their brands to avoid launching dribbles in the wind. As a result, the manual passes are back on the stick right in the default configuration, without needing to touch anything. A former.

In addition to the usual adjustments gameplay and the interface fortunately reviewed and modernized (including the selection of teams), the other major novelty of the 2009 edition takes the form of a new game mode, called “Towards a Legend”. At the time inspired mode Fantasista recent versions Japanese PS2, and now unavoidable Be A Pro FIFA, “Towards a Legend” can manage the career of a rough diamond ball detection (17 years) to retire In the embodying him and him alone on the ground. In short, a career mode “Fixed” for those who speak only PES. We recognize without barely repompe FIFA for the camera angle elevated, which is supposed to better highlight your actions, it is possible to opt for a more traditional nothing to lose effectiveness.

Message to Internet

After a first team match in a second zone, your player (offensive-oriented) will be offered the opportunity to evolve in a different European clubs. But before claiming that the detonator become the biggest European clubs fought, it will go through a few workouts as a reservist in empty stadiums, and waxing the bench long months, hoping one day integrate the first team. By the way, despite a decisive goal against Lyon, a shot at winning goal against Marseille and an average above certain holders, promising No. 10 “Puyo” was not bandana to convince coaches of Toulouse and St Etienne, nor that recruiters clubs a bit more prestigious than Sochaux. In short, the path to glory and meufs promises to be long, even though an option “Fast Forward” (R2) is available when your player is not on the ground. This is not a problem, because it must be said that this mode is really nice to play. Sensing the anguish of the replacement does not shiver at the idea that the foregoing loading finally coming into your game, then mark the decisive goal, that’s the kind of sensations grisantes changing a bit of interminable Master Leagues.

After that, during this preview, we feel it will still take a few touches of here and there before being entitled to a game worthy of the name. For the moment, there are two main shortcomings: gameplay side first, with IA which is still a lot of time responding to your calls. Pressing R2 can in theory to claim the pass - the player raises her hand - but partners generally lack of accuracy, when they do not forget altogether, even anticipating their reaction. Jokes on the Ligue 1 aside, perhaps the experience and reputation helping a hidden factor of “trust” sees the IA run immediately, but also suggests that the Help menu interface. The dressing for its lack of clarity. Took passion for his small avatar in short, we would like to collect a maximum of data on more areas, the choice of coach evaluations of the service, via the contingencies of transfers, etc.. But the translation between random menus and menus using a hair lourdingues (even after installing the game on PS3), often sailing in the dark, at least in this preview. Konami promises that it will be possible to use his players in the games online, via an option “Legends” which has not yet yielded all its secrets, like the rest of the online mode of the rest. Oh yes, an option messaging integrated in the game will be threaten by console intermediary prior to the time of challenge.
To conclude this first glimpse of the 2009 version, still mention the disappearance of official licences for the Liga, which we hope will be back for the final version. It was like a doubt, after the disappearance of the Bundesliga this year. Konami seems nevertheless have provided an enormous amount of work on the audio issue dressing. Oh, not on the comments of the duo Jeanpierre - Paganelli, always as often irrelevant, but rather on chanting supporters. From near Lyon, Paris, Milan and all the big clubs, even Marseilles, we can finally rely on credible songs for the stage ablaze. It feels good. However, question or transfers stats, the syndrome of the preview version is true once again, with Thuram in Paris, no Makelele, Koné always Nice and so forth. In short, there is still a lot of points to correct by the exit, especially when the competition promises to be identified. And after several years of previews PES, one can believe that all will not.

World’s Best-selling soccer franchise video game coming this fall for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC-DVD, PlayStation 2 and PSP

Forward Lionel Messi of Argentina face to be the last edition of The World’s best-selling series of football video games

GOOOOOALLLL! Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. has announced today that it will publish Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 in North America for the PLAYSTATION ® 3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation 2 entertainment system Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PSP and PC DVD - ROM. Scheduled for fall 2008 release Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 combines attention to detail that has been the series’ mark with a novelty that are certain to cement the franchise’s reputation World Cup final title for any format.

Known by millions of fans with his play and incredible realism, PES 2009 will also bridge the gap between the PES and the real thing. The game has been updated to ensure stunning graphics its players look more like their real life counterparts. Similarly, all the new options allow users to tailor the game to their own tastes, while new-style movements, innovative and control mechanisms in line also key elements of realism.

Adding authenticity, before Argentine Lionel Messi will be the face of the latest multi-million selling Pro Evolution Soccer series. Regarded as one of the greatest talents of modern Thursday, 21 years, is always present fixture on both the Argentine national team and his club, FC Barcelona. Having played for Argentine and Spanish youth teams reserve because he was five, ultimately Messi became the youngest player to compete in the top Spanish league during October 2004. Since then, he led FC Barcelona in the 2005-06 UEFA Champions League title, was named SI Latino’s World Player of the Year in 2007 and was a finalist at the prestigious prize, including France Football Player of the Year, and the Soccer World footballer of the year. Under the transaction, Messi appears on the packaging and point of sale materials Pro Evolution Soccer 2009.

“Most players are aware of the reality and skills of Pro Evolution Soccer series,” said Messi. “This is a game that truly reflects the pace and control real football, and as a die-hard fan the series, I look forward to working with Konami on the final version. ”

“Pro Evolution Soccer has always been the game of choice for football fans because of his ultra-realism and higher Thursday and there is no player in the world more apt to be on the box that talented before Barcelona , Lionel Messi, “said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing at Konami Digital Entertainment.” Lionel is one of the greatest players and accomplished in the world and we look forward to working very closely with him to promote the most advanced ever PSE title. ”

PES 2009 will be published for PlayStation ® 3, PlayStation ® 2, Xbox ® 360, PC-DVD, and PSP in autumn 2008.