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Written by Scott Tuesday, 08 December 2009 12:57
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After our earlier article about the DLC for Forza 3 I can now bring you the full list of cars available and the release trailer. As with Forza Motorsport 2 Turn10 is committed to bringing the community the best cars in the form of DLC and in my own opinion, they have out-done themselves this time - they have tried to cater for almost everyone and as a big Le Mans fan having the Audi R15 and Aston-Lola LMP1 in this game is very important, and as a Ferrari fanatic the 458 Italia is pants-tightening stuff.
The roster of cars:
Many of our readers will be very happy to see the Nissan GT-R join the Forza ranks - it was one of the most-demanded DLC cars over at Forzamotorsport.net forums too. The pack is on the marketplace for 400MS as of today. Go get it!
Written by Scott Monday, 07 December 2009 14:04
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Visceral Games announced today that the award-winning Dead Space™ franchise will continue to frighten gamers with its stunning sequel, Dead Space 2. Isaac Clarke returns for another heart-pounding adventure, taking the fight to the Necromorphs in this thrilling action-horror experience. New tools to gruesomely slice and dismember the Necromorphs complement Isaac's signature plasma cutter, empowering him as he meets new characters, explores epic zero-G environments, and fights against a relentless Necromorph onslaught. Survival isn't the only thing on Isaac's mind in Dead Space 2– this time, he calls the shots.
“Like so many gamers worldwide, we love the Dead Space franchise and are very excited to announce a new game in the series,” said Nick Earl, Senior VP and Group General Manager at EA. “Visceral Games is quickly becoming known for delivering high-quality, action-packed games. Dead Space 2 is on target to deliver a jaw-dropping experience gamers won’t soon forget.”
“We’re thrilled to jump back into the series, making the next chapter in Isaac’s journey,” added Steve Papoutsis, Executive Producer ofDead Space 2. “The infection continues to spread throughout space and our hero Isaac Clarke is the only person able to contain it. There are still loads of Necromorphs that need killing. In Dead Space 2, not everything is exactly as it seems. Expect plot twists that will surprise you and a huge cast of twisted, disgusting monsters that are sure to scare the daylights out of you.”
Originally launched in 2008, Dead Space quickly became one of EA’s top rated wholly-owned intellectual properties. With close to 100 industry awards, Dead Space became a hit with horror and videogame fans worldwide. In 2009, EA launchedDead Space Extraction for the Wii™, a prequel to the original Dead Space that expanded the fiction and brought the franchise to a new audience.
Dead Space 2 is being developed for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and on PC.
Written by wages Saturday, 05 December 2009 16:23
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Since the release of the PS3, we've heard over and over again how it's going to be it's year to take over. I'm not going to sit here and claim, like some sites, magazines, fanboys and sorted other media, that 2010 is going to be "the year PS3 takes over". What I will say is that that if 2009 is any indication then gamers should expect a rip roaring ride through the calendar year as PS3 owners. With the black beast hitting it's stride (finally) with a bevy of first party titles, actually decent multiplatform releases and the all important price drop, Sony is poised to help give gamers what they want, awesome gaming experiences. Without further delay, here is my top 10 for the PS3 this year. Keep in mind it's not in any particular order.
10. Killzone 2
9. Uncharted 2
8. Demons Souls
7. Katamari Forever
6. Flower
5. Shatter
4. Little Big Planet
3. God of War Collection
2. Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time
1. Trine
And there you have it, my top 10 for 2009 on the PS3! Make sure you keep glued to DJ for our upcoming Game Of The Year selections as well. In addition, head on over to the forums and chat it up. What games did we miss? What would you have added? What do you expect in the future? All I know is that's it's a great time to be a gamer!
Written by Paul Barbara Saturday, 05 December 2009 01:48
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This year was a great year to be an Xbox 360 gamer. The year was filled with some great multiplatform titles and exclusives for Microsoft and it surely showed. However the year is over in terms of blockbuster video game releases, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to buy. Daily Joystick has sifted through its pile of noteworthy releases and has compiled the following list of games that no Xbox 360 owner should pass up. So what are you waiting for?
10. Resident Evil 5

This highly anticipated sequel is the 7th game in the Resident Evil series. Following on from Resident Evil 4, you’ll take the role of Chris Redfield or Sheva Alomar in your quest to discover who is attempting to sell a bio-organic weapon on the black market. Things turn bad real quick as you discover a parasite is taking over all the residents and turning them into manjini. The story begins to unfold here, and without revealing any more, you’ll be in for a rollercoaster ride of infected persons (I so want to call them Zombies) chasing after you with chainsaws, and anything else they can muster up. Resident Evil 5 is also a great game that can be played as a co-operative experience which see’s each of you control either Chris or Sheva as you work together to solve puzzles and defeat the ultimate enemy. Released during March, this title is certainly well worth playing and still loads of fun.
9. Lego Indiana Jones 2

Lego Indiana Jones in short is identical to its predecessors. But that’s a good thing, solid story, great visuals and just downright funny representation of the original movies, the Lego Series have always been a personal favourite of mine. Lego Indiana Jones 2 adds a great level creator as well so you can design your own levels and play through them with your friends. Heck you can even just build Lego stuff and have a blast. Lego Indiana Jones 2 is also nicely priced at $79.95 and can even be found for less on special, so there’s no excuse if you’re a fan of the Lego universe, this is one you should also take a look at this year.
8. Halo 3: ODST

Halo 3 initially was set to be a small episode that was going to tie over the Halo fans until the release of Halo Reach in 2010. However that idea grew to so much more. Halo 3: ODST is a return to the roots of the Halo franchise. Master Chief -- with his magical healing Spartan armour, mockery of gravity, and dual wielding ways -- is sitting this one out. Instead, you'll take the role of the Orbital Drop Shock Trooper, or ODST. These highly-trained, but not quite super, soldiers don't have all of the strengths of the Chief, but they still pack a mighty hit. Halo 3 ODST also comes bundled with a second disc which includes all the multiplayer modes and map packs from Halo 3, which truly is spectacular in value. Halo 3 ODST is a great game, and well worth picking up. Halo 3 managed to sell over 3 million units in the US alone.
7. Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City

Grand Theft Auto IV: GTA4 was a massive success during 2008 and was even given a 10/10 courtesy of IGN.com. Building on the success of the original game, Rockstar promised to deliver exclusively 2 pieces of Downloadable Content. The “Lost and Damned” was released in early 2009 and “The Ballad of Gay Tony” was released just recently in late October. With both of the expansions, you’ll have an entire new city to explore with new storylines and game play elements. Both expansions are available via download from the Xbox Live Marketplace, and additionally in store. That’s right; both pieces of DLC are bundled on a disc which does not require the original Grand Theft Auto 4 in order to play. Price here in Australia at a sensible $59.95, you’d be hard pressed to find a better deal. With Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City, you can pick up The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony on one convenient disc for a budgeted price of $39.99.
6. Batman Arkham Asylum

Batman Arkham Asylum is an action-adventure stealth video game based on DC Comics' Batman. The Joker, Batman's archenemy, has instigated an elaborate plot from within Arkham Asylum where many of Batman's other villains have been incarcerated. Batman investigates and comes to learn that the Joker is trying to create an army of Bane-like creatures that threaten Gotham City, and is forced to put a stop to the Joker's plans. With Batman, you’ll have access to a fantastic arsenal of weapons, and a great stealth mode that will allow you to see through walls and structures to identify your enemies. It really adds that fourth dimension and changes the way you’ll play forever. Batman is an excellent title for the Xbox 360 and certainly a game that you don’t want to miss in 2009.
5. Left 4 Dead 2

Left 4 Dead 2 is an intense zombie survival horror game that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Left 4 Dead 2 is a bigger and better version of the 2008 original hit. You’re required to survive a zombie apocalypse and luckily you can bring three friends along to share the experience with you. In Left 4 Dead 2 you’ll be introduced to a whole host of new and diverse enemies, new weapons and a more beefed up AI. Left 4 Dead 2 is a fantastic title and well worth picking up. Note: For our Australian gamers, due to the censorship laws which are about as up to date as Black & White TV, this game is not worth picking up at all. The censorship has meant that Valve has been required to cut the gore, blood, splatter, enemies and of course the atmosphere from the game which has honestly killed the game entirely. Our view is Valve should not have even bothered with an AU release. However, as I have and many other Aussie gamers, there’s always the import scene via EBay so there’s no excuse to miss out on another must-have game for this holiday season.
4. Forza Motorsport 3

Many call Forza Motorsport the Xbox 360’s answer to Gran Turismo 5. Personally I think it’s its own solution and problem for GT5, simply because GT5 is still not even out. Therefore Forza 3 is in a league of its own and is the Definitive racer of 2009 with simply no one to even challenge it for the title as this year’s best racer. Forza Motorsport 3 is definitely among the best racing simulation games ever created. Forza Motorsport 3 features many game play improvements from its predecessors; the sequel has over 400 customizable cars in addition to plenty of single and multiplayer modes that will keep car enthusiasts busy for months. You won’t find a better racing game on the Xbox 360 this holiday season than Forza Motorsport 3, or on any other platform for that matter.
3. Assassin's Creed II

Many gamers were over critical of the original Assassins Creed and found it clunky, linear and hated the flag collecting that was considered a chore. Well personally, bollocks to them! Assassins Creed was a fresh change from the regular gaming that was on offer from everyone else. Without Assassins Creed we would not have the highly anticipated sequel which builds upon the strong foundations set by the first game. As a result, Assassin's Creed II offers an exciting experience as an assassin during ancient times. Furthermore, it also corrected several flaws from the original, including a wider variety of missions and deeper combat. Even if you didn’t like Assassin's Creed, the second game is worth a look this holiday seeing that it improves upon the original in just about every single way.
2. Borderlands

Enjoy RPG’s? Enjoy Levelling up? Enjoy playing with your friends? If you answered yes to either of these then Borderlands is for you. Borderlands aims to be a social experience that pulls you and three friends into an alien world that’s full of quests, dungeons (of sorts) and it's really designed from the ground-up to cater to multiplayer gaming. Borderlands is a rock-solid experience that confidently blends the best elements of massively-multiplayer RPGs with wholly accessible shooter mechanics. Borderlands will have you searching the wasteland looking for the vault, a place where it’s safe and peaceful (kind of like heaven on earth). Along your journey you’ll battle all sorts of enemies and uncover the truth and perhaps the location of the illusive vault. Borderlands is easily the best original IP game released this year, and it’s certainly a very strong contender indeed for Game of The Year, now that’s saying something. A definite must buy this holiday.
1. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

If you’re after the best online multiplayer shooter with a humungous community and a great single player campaign, then you don’t want to look any further than Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. If you haven’t already picked this game up, than you are missing out on one of the best games on the Xbox 360 in 2009. The direct sequel to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare offers an action-packed campaign in addition to a new two-player cooperative mode. It is the ever addicting online competitive multiplayer that shines again, however, with more customizable options and rewards than ever before. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is easily the best must-have Xbox 360 game this holiday season.
There you have it, the top 10 games every Xbox 360 owner should either own or at least play this year. It’s a great time to be an Xbox 360 gamer.
Written by Scott Thursday, 03 December 2009 12:57
As the resident automotive fanatic I've been bouncing off the ceiling after seeing the cars that have been revealed so far for the up-coming DLC car-pack for Forza Motorsport 3. The pack will be released on the 11th of December and will bring the following cars, and more that have yet to be released:
2009 Audi R15

2010 Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SV


2010 Ferrari 458 Italia

2010 Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss
2010 Audi S4

The above are all great cars and it shows that Turn10 are petrol-heads themselves - these are some of the most mouth-watering cars on earth right now. I personally cannot wait until they reveal the rest of the pack!
To read the articles on the individual cars and see the new ones when they are revealed click here
Written by Paul Barbara Thursday, 03 December 2009 02:31
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It should certainly come as no surprise that Microsoft has put on it's "ruthless" hat recently with it's round of Console banning courtesy of it's very large ban hammer. Today is of course no different with Microsoft back at it again, but this time targeting Modern Warfare 2 players whom have been glitching whilst in game.
Today, the Director of Policy and Enforcement for Xbox LIVE Stephen Toulouse has stated that anybody using the Javelin Glitch in Modern Warfare 2 will be suspended. On his twitter page, Toulouse posted;
"While IW works on getting the MW2 glitch fixed, people we catch using it will recieve suspensions from LIVE. Play fair everyone. :>"
"For those asking, it's not new that we issue suspensions for cheating/glitching, and we do it for more then just MW2. :>"
"For those asking, cheating suspensions are usually 24 hours for first offense. But egregious cheating can be 2 weeks!"
These comments certainly made it clear that Microsoft does indeed ban those who glitch in games. I remember the sheer number of crabwalkers or roadie runners back in the old Gears of War days and how much it frustrated me. I thought all the filing of complaints served no purpose, indeed I was wrong.
It's a very positive move by Microsoft to act so swiftly in regards to glitchers on the systems. However, I ask the question, has Microsoft always been this pro-active or has it merely made it's presence known since the release of Modern Warfare 2? What about Gears of War or Halo 3, were these games given similar treatments?
For those gamers that will cry and whinge, don't even bother saying your finger slipped, because that crap certainly won't fly with Microsoft. I personally applaud Microsoft's move here and I am sure it will ensure fair gaming and a more pleasurable experience online for all those who want to playing this years best games.
Glitchers, you have been warned.
Boost
Written by Paul Barbara Sunday, 29 November 2009 03:49
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For those who managed to purchase the limited collectors edition of Forza Motorsport 3, then you'll be in for a pleasant surprise. Turn 10 has gifted all collecters edition owners with this hand painted (literally) edition of the Lamborghini spouting the Halo Waypoint theme. It's all part of being a Forza Motorsport VIP!

Thanks Turn 10! All I am waiting for now, is a Fallout 3 themed ride. That will certainly impress the ladies.
Boost
Written by Paul Barbara Sunday, 29 November 2009 03:31
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A recent blog post by Turn 10 studios, makers of Forza Motorsport 3, provides some very useful details as to the latest patch that has just hit the streets. The next time you logg onto Xbox Live with Forza Motorsport 3, you'll be prompted with an update. The update features the following:
Further, the update also adds the new "Playground" category that will be used to host alternative game types such as tag and other modes such as "Keep the IT" where the winner is the person who's been "IT" after the longest 5 minutes.
I certainly don't know why people want to play chase with million dollar cars, but if you wanted it, then Turn 10 surely delivered it!
I do agree that the cockpit view animations didn't seem realistic with the driver just sitting there, and magically changing gears without using his hands. Either way, its all updated and fixed, and that's the main thing.
It certainly beats holding up a release date, that's for sure.
Boost
Written by Paul Barbara Sunday, 29 November 2009 01:09

2K Games have delivered in short a great piece of downloadable content right off the bat. Even though the game has been out for only a month, 2K Games have delivered the goods while the game is still hot. The Zombie Island of Dr Ned is a fresh undead-themed add-on for your Pandora adventure filled with swampy new environments and a host of new foes to tackle. Your new zombie foes will crawl, lunge, lurch, and run at you from every single direction making for some big surprises indeed.
Written by Larry Ragland Jr. Friday, 27 November 2009 20:12

There have been many really good games to come out this year, particularly in the last few months or so. Certain examples would be games like ODST, Uncharted 2, Forza 3, Batman: Arkham Asylum and many others. With that being said I'd have to say that Assassins Creed 2 is not only an excellent game by any standard, but it's also my game of the year. If you even slightly enjoyed the first game your going to love the sequel. In every way possible it does what a sequel should do. It takes everything that was good about the original, expands upon it, and makes it better. It's almost as if the original was more of a tech demo for what was to come down the pipe later.
AC2 is a gamers game and isn't something that should be taken lightly. It has an excellent tutorial, showing the basic ins and outs of gameplay and gets you accustomed to the world your character, Ezio, lives in. However, as the game goes on, it is going to require a level of understanding and ability that isn't something that people who are intimidated by today's games will find welcoming. To be sure, it eases you into the gameplay mechanics but your simply not going to be able to "button mash" or slide your way through. It's fair but it's demanding, and you're going to have to put the time into the game in order to not only progress through it's levels, but to also get enjoyment from your endeavors. There are many ways you can play this game and it's for the most part, left up to you to decide how to go about things. My advice would be to sit down and really allow yourself the time and effort to get familiar with how the game handles.

Our story begins several hundred years after the first, during the Renaissance. You play Ezio, the son of a wealthy and powerful banker who has a secret. As things unfold you not only find out what this secret is but you set out to right certain wrongs and uncover the truth. What that truth is, what these wrongs may be are all up to you to find out as this game revolves around it's story just as much as it's gameplay, that and the fact that I hate spoilers. Needless to say, you are in for one wild ride that I'm sure your going to enjoy. Desmond from the first game, makes a return as well and plays a more evolved and interesting role than he did previously. Prepare to be shocked and surprised along the way and make sure you have your conspiracy goggles on because it ups the fun factor 10 fold. It's X-files-Angels and Demons time and the team over at Ubisoft has crafted a compelling tale that is just as fun to get wrapped up in as the gameplay is.
As I stated earlier, everything that was right about AC has been brought over, added upon and ultimately made much better. There are a few minor issues here and there, no game is perfect, but much like Uncharted 2 before it, it gets pretty damn close. The only thing I can think of off the top of my head is that some of the load times can be annoying but as I said, it's a minor issue and in no way should have any sway over a decision to play this game or not.

We will start with the ability to blend in with your environment, effectively hiding your character in plain sight. It has been made much more usable and useful. Let's say you want to mingle in with a crowd to hide yourself in an effort to get away from someone (or something) or you want to use said crowd to get closer to your prey. In the previous game, only certain groups of people, namely monks, could truly be blended in with. You'd have to time it so as they walked by you pressed a button and bam, your walking with the monks, hands together in prayer as they are. Not the case here at all. Simply walk up to any group of people, be they standing still or walking about, and Ezio changes color signifying that he is blended in with the group. They all change color actually, letting you know how well hidden you are among the crowd. It's a very cool, very natural evolution of the concept, allowing you to maintain complete control over your character as you move about. You can jump in and out and in between different groups simply by moving closer to them. This is but one of many tweaks to the gameplay, some big some small, that really gives AC2 the feel of a completed idea rather than a concept.
Arguably the biggest gripe that people had with AC to begin with, has been dealt with as well. Gone is the repetitive nature of gameplay from the first game. There is a ton of variety in not only missions but mission types. I didn't feel the game was repetitive at all, to the contrary, if anything, I kinda felt like there was too much for me to do. Keep in mind that while most of the missions and side quests aren't mandatory they sure are beneficial. It wold behoove you to at least try some of them as the rewards are worth it.

Just as evolved and engaging as the story and gameplay elements are the environments themselves. Using actual people and places from the time period really goes a long way in making the world of Ezio a much more believable experience. The locations and the people within these locations, all fit the bill and that combined with superb voice acting (much of it in Italian) really is an amazing accomplishment when you consider the scale to which this has been accomplished. One thing I really enjoyed was actual information on key places and characters that are used in the game, as they are introduced. Actual historical information that has educated me on things about the Renaissance that honestly I might not otherwise have known, let alone shown must interest in to begin with.
There is much to be happy about when it comes to AC2. Like I said, this is a gamers game, any gamers game, so long as your willing to put in the effort to experience it. AC2 is a huge improvement over the original and I look forward to seeing what this franchise may hold in store for us in the future. The guys and gals over at Ubisoft have created a memorable experience to say the least, one that has set a standard in what to expect in videogames and has earned my nomination for game of the year. Not that it blows other runners up out of the water, it's just that damn good. It's a testament to the caliber of games we've been experiencing lately and I sure hope it continues for some time to come. AC2 has raised the bar. I can't wait to see what can top it.
9.7/10
Written by Paul Barbara Tuesday, 24 November 2009 12:12
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Borderland fans may I have your attention please. Its been revealed by Gearbox that the first piece of DLC for Borderlands will be released on November 24th. The DLC, otherwise known as "The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned" will run you a cool 800 Microsoft points or around $10 US.
Gearbox's upcoming DLC will require players to be Level 10 and over. The enemies will scale according to your characters power. So depsite being a level 20 or level 50 character, both will face a challenge. The DLC is accessed by fast-travelling to Jakobs Cove using a teleporter, or you can walk there, your choice. From here you'll then activate your respective missions.
There will certainly be plenty to keep you busy with whilst enjoying the DLC. Theres the usual loot collecting and of course there will be new missions, characters and enemies to meet and fight in your quest.
Expect The Zombie Island of Dr Ned to provide you with a solid 6 hours of gameplay. Then again, that could be more or less depending on your play style of course.
Also, it seems the achievements have also been posted onto Xbox.com and are as follows:
Not sure what could possibly be worth 1 Gamerscore, but I am sure we'll find out soon enough.
Boosty
Written by Paul Barbara Monday, 23 November 2009 23:29
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Fallout fans rejoice! Thats right, on November 26th you will be able to get some new Fallout 3 Avatar items on the Xbox Marketplace, starting at just 80 MS Points.
Heres the low down on what will be available;
All items can of course be purchased for male and female avatars, with the exception of the Vault Boy Suit, as of course boobs just wouldn't look right on the old Vault Boy!
I will most certainly be dressing up my electronic self come the 26th of November. Be sure to check out Dailyjoystick for a peak at how I will look in that spanky new Fallout 3 outfit.
Well done Bethesda, you've made this Fallout fan quite happy indeed.
Boosty
Written by wages Saturday, 21 November 2009 18:25

It's Saturday again and that can only mean one thing for Halo fans. No, not staying up all night Friday and Saturday to play more H3 and Firefight. Although both of those are great companions for what I'm really getting to. The next installment in the Halo: Legends anime series, "The Duel" is now available for your viewing pleasure via Halo Waypoint.
Ghost in the Shell creative director Mamoru Oshii teams up Production I.G. director Hiroshi Yamazaki to bring you the second venturing into the collaborative works of 343 studios and Japans best anime studios. "The Duel" is a a emotionally moving story of love and vengeance of one Fal 'Chavamee, a Sangheili on a mission.
Boot up your 360 and head on over to the Waypoint to check it out.
Written by Larry Ragland Jr. Saturday, 21 November 2009 17:52

N4G.com is reporting that PGR 5 has been confirmed via a blog post by one Tom Burt over on teslamotors.com. However, when you read the article he never definatively says that PGR 5 is being made, rather it's more of an implication stating that quote:
"A team of sound engineers from Microsoft Game Studios (some working on Forza, some on Project Gotham Racing) asked if I was willing to take my Roadster to a track so they could record a variety of sounds. Some time ago they had the opportunity to record Tesla motor noises when a prototype was being run on a dyno at Tesla. But the teams were excited about the prospect of recording other sounds, particularly tire skid and squeal noises, without the interference of loud engine and exhaust noise. Of course I said “yes.”
Further reading of the article points out that the vehicle in question is a hybrid sports car and if that's the case, they could want the sounds for possible DLC for Forza3. Don't get me wrong, I'd welcome a new PGR with open arms seeing as how that's my preferred racer. Either way, somethings cooking over at MS.
We'll keep you posted as more details become available.
Written by wages Saturday, 21 November 2009 17:35

Being a member of the SEGA club definately has it's advantages as I was able to obtain a playbable demo of the upcoming 3rd person Devil May Cry esque (created by the same guy at that) Bayonetta for my 360. To put it simply this game rocks. It rocks hard.
The demo is short but it does give you an idea of how the over top action and visuals will work together to create something bold and fresh. Earlier in the games development, creator Hideki Kamiya commented that in his opinion, since the creation of Devil May Cry, nothing of note has come along in the action adventure genre that really advanced it any further. He further went on to say that he basically (and I'm paraphrasing here) feels it is up to him and Bayonetta to do again what had once been done before with the creation of the very popular DMC series. Going by what I've played thus far in the short demo, I must concur. The game definitely has a unique feel and I mean that in a good way. It's not just different than it's competition for the sake of being different, I really think that he may be on to something here. I'll go into further detail when I have a more complete grasp of the gameplay but I will say this. If you were on the fence about this game as I was, you might want to start rethinking your position. Bayonetta is on to something and I think we're in for a real treat when this game is released early next year.
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