September is almost over and thatmeans there is less than 90 days before the most expensive time of the year. That also means it’s time to start looking for gifts for your significant gamer.
The last quarter often ushers in the release of some highly anticipated games as well as some yearly franchise regulars. Renowned gaming publisher EA has announced its line up for the remainder of the year and includes a lot of titles that should probably make it to your Christmas list.
EA sports MMA
First up is EA SPORTS MMA, a game that initially drew much attention because of some issues with its roster of fighters. Issues aside, however, EA still managed to gather an impressive lineup headlined by Fedor Emelianenko, considered by many as No.1 heavyweight in the world. MMA also features legends like Randy Couture and Dan Henderson as well as international stars Shinya Aoki and Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza.
Every fighter will use their distinct style and fight like their real-life counterparts to bring the authenticity of the world’s most intense combat sport into your home like never before. Intuitive gameplay such as Total Strike and an Advance Defense System gives you absolute control of your fighter’s moves while the controller rumble acts as an alert to simulate body movement when an opponent attempts to advance position.
To deliver the definitive MMA experience, the game features the trademark EA sports presentation as the ring, hexagon or circular cage comes to life with ring girls, corner men and the best referee in the business—Big John McCarthy. Ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. provides fighter introductions, while MMA legend Frank Shamrock and Mauro Ranallo call the action.
Can’t choose which fighter to play? Then create your own and climb the ranks of the worldwide circuit with your prodigy to become the ultimate MMA champion.Visit the most established gyms across Japan, Brazil, Thailand, and the United States to learn new skills and techniques in career mode. Bring your fighter up the ranks to attempt to make one of biggest stages in mixed martial arts—STRIKEFORCE.
Are you ready? Let’s get it on!
NBA elite 11
After 16 years under the NBA Live moniker, EA Sports reboots the franchise with more than just a name change. NBA ELITE 11 reinvents the entire basketball experience by allowing you to take control and showcase your skills. With independent control of your hands and feet, feel the drama and excitement of every game unfold, as you have the ability to change every outcome of every game. For the first time in a basketball video game, dribbling, shooting, passing, and defense are based on skill, fundamentally changing the entire NBA basketball experience. With complete hands-on control, outcomes are no longer predetermined, and you become the deciding factor between game-winning shots and momentum-changing blocks.
Control the floor with all-new hesitations, spins, behind-the-back dribbles and much more. The days of predetermined outcomes based on a random push of the button are gone forever, as the result of every play relies on skill. Each player has a “sweet-spot” and the ability to hit a shot is based on their skill set, defensive pressure, and proximity to the net. Independent hand controls also allow you to be more strategic on defense as you use the right analog stick to make steal attempts and game-changing blocks. The days of locked animated sequences are over leaving you in control, and when you drive aggressively to the net and go up with authority, you can be sure that whoever is standing in your way is going to be knocked to the ground.
Will this game truly prove to be the “Elite” among this year’s basketball games?
The Sims 3 console edition
The Sims 3 has been maximized for console with more control, creativity, and connectivity.
Create Sims with unique personalities, fulfill their desires and control their lives within a living neighborhood. Unlock all-new Karma Powers and unleash them on your Sims: help your Sim “get lucky,” bless them with “instant beauty” or curse them with an “epic fail.” But use these powers wisely, because they may have unexpected results!
Design and build your Sims’ dream home and share your creations with others. As you guide your Sims through life, you can complete challenges to unlock additional items, town upgrades, and buildings upgrades. For the first time ever, upload and download content from your game, including furnishings, houses, Sims, and more!
Several expansion packs for the PC are also being released such as The Sims 3 Fast Lane. Choose from four different lifestyle options: racing, intrigue, rockabilly and classic luxury. Each option offers unique items to outfit your Sims with the latest clothing, home furnishings and vehicles to make them stand out.
The Late Night expansion on the other hand lets your Sims experience late night fun as a VIP! Get your Sims an all-access pass to the hottest spots in town. Whether they mingle with celebrities or enjoy a casual night with friends, your Sims’ social lives are getting a boost! But keep in mind that some scenes are more exclusive than others, so make sure your Sims have the right connections to get past the bouncers at the hottest clubs. Wherever your Sims go, they’ll discover new things to become—adored celebrities, all-night partiers, rowdy bandmates, or sexy vampires.
For those who want to bring their Sims into the Middle Ages, there’s Sims Medieval. For the first time, players can create heroes, venture on quests, and build up a kingdom. In an ancient land of adventure, drama and romance, your Sims will be able to get medieval like never before.
Rockband3
The Most Music. Period. The RB3 disc soundtrack contains 83 of the best bands from around the world, including bands that have never appeared in a music game, and support for existing Rock Band tracks (previous Rock Band discs, downloaded songs and track/artist packs). Plus, RB3 will give you immediate access to a library of over 2000 songs by launch, with new content added weekly.
In addition to guitar, bass, drums, and solo voice, RB3 introduces three-part vocal harmonies, and—for the first time ever—keyboard! Up to seven players can play together for the ultimate social gaming experience.
A whole new universe of challenges awaits. The revamped Career Mode sets your band on a path to conquer the world, chasing 700 plus goals and rewards. Pro Modes take instrumental gameplay to the next level of sophistication. And seamless leaderboard integration keeps you always aware of how you’re stacking up against your friends.
If you ever dreamt of being in a band, RB3 is the safest way to fulfill it.
More games from EA in the following weeks .
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MMOFPS champs and contenders
After successfully pioneering the first Cyber Gaming Championship inside the cinema last month and introducing gamers to an innovative style of watching FPS matches, Special Force caps its annual round of tournaments with the Special Force World Championships 2010.
The best eight teams from all over the Philippines will gather at Villman, SM North EDSA to determine who will represent the country at the SFWC. The top four teams from last week’s Special Force Gauntlet 3 Tournament will battle it out with the champions from other SF events such as the Women’s League, SFWC 2009, Netopia Battle Royal and SF Clash of the Regions.
The grand champions of SFWC-Philippines will represent the country in Daegu, Korea on October 30 and 31 where they will face off with the world’s best virtual soldiers and battle it out for pride, glory, and a $10,000 bounty.
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FPS Mat-ters
Since it launched a few years ago, Special Forces has continued to dominate the local MMOFPS scene despite the entry of a number of similar games. And while the competitions between SF clans are about to conclude, the battle for local MMOFPS supremacy has just gotten even fiercer.
Another MMOFPS tries to stake its claim in the local FPS market by throwing in some quirky weapons and new gameplay mechanics. Developed by Kingsoft China and distributed by Gamepad Interactive, Mission Against Terror or MAT Online has began OBT and hopes to attract more female gamers who seek the thrill of a good shootout.
“The number of female gamers has increased and thus we felt the need to accommodate them with a game that offers a flavour they cannot find elsewhere,” explains Mark Ng, deputy general manager of Gamepad. “Unlike other MMOFPS, MAT online appeals to both hardcore and casual gamers,” he adds.
One of the innovations Ng mentions is the use of polymorph grenades that can turn your enemies or allies into pigs or turtles. “Polymorph grenades are unique to MAT online and they provide a totally new dimension in strategy. Turtles, while slow possess hard armor, and are perfect for situations wherein you need to protect a certain location. Pigs on the other hand run fast and can help you reach your destination quicker.”
Another notable feature is in the way you can recover lost HP during battles. Aside from using potions or first aid kits, you can also dance your way to recovery. All you have to do is find a safe spot and your character will start grooving to regain lost HP.
The costumes in MAT also have more variation than other FPS offering gangster, pirate and other anime-inspired outfits so you can shoot your way “in style.”
As for the game modes, Ng says MAT has a Mummy mode that might sound scary but is actually something that even kids will enjoy. “Mummy mode resembles a game of tag wherein players need to “mummify” the other team in order to win,” Ng said.
So far, the game is off to a good start with already around 20,000 OBT registrants.
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Datablitz pick of the week
NBA elite 11
Grab a limited edition EA Sports Warm-Up Jersey! All you have to do is drop by any Datablitz outlet and preorder NBA Elite 11 for the PS3. Pay the required down payment of P1,000 (deductible but non-refundable/non exchangeable). Present your payment receipt at the branch where you preordered the game from October 5 to November 7 to claim your free Jersey. Preorder period ends on October 4.
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For all your PC gaming needs drop by Datablitz’ branches at SM, Robinsons, and Ayala Malls. You could also call (632) 734-5058; (632) 733-8477; (632) 7348 or check out their website at www.datablitz.com.ph. Send your questions and comments on anything gaming to [email protected] or [email protected] . Check out my eduysblog.blogspot.com for the latest gaming, pop, tech, and music news, and follow me on twitter.com/ed_uy.