Max Payne 3 - MultiPlayer!!

_FFC_

We've been having a good time with COD:MW3. Even with it's small quirks here and there, it runs pretty well on our hosted server. Hoping to see some new maps (DLC) for the PC released later in April, tho' these won't be free. No idea yet how this will work but stay tuned...

In other gaming news, I'm having fun with the Syndicate reboot. It's pretty good in SP, and looking forward to the price drops by year-end so we can try where it really shines...the 4-player COOP. The Payday:The Heist game has been fun but is hard to survive and kinda buggy at times....but hey, it was cheap.

What's really looking good is the third installment of Max Payne, from Rockstar games. I love the Payne series but they've never ventured into the multi-player world until now. As you can see from the first MP-mode video, I think technology has finally evolved enough for them to incorporate the trademark Payne gameplay into the online MP-mode. It looks amazing...if it works.

No details on the MP options such as server-model, number of players and so forth. I'll buy the game regardless just for the usual SP fun, but am really hoping this is a game we can all enjoy online eventually.

Mamba, out

FFC meets MW3

 

_FFC_

So here we are playing MW3, much earlier than I'd expected. Not complaining, it is a fun game and it's nice having a "real" hosted dedicated server that's always running once more. And I'm really glad that all the unlocks work in "private" unranked mode...so many toys, so little time.  ;-)

In related news, there could be a MW3 DLC package for the PC next month. "Infinity Ward’s creative strategist Robert Bowling confirmed that non-Elite subscribers for PlayStation 3 and PC users will not receive COD MW3 DLC until March 2012." If IW had an "Elite" program that included the PC, I'd consider signing up even with the $50/yr charge. But since "Elite" is only for the consolers, we'll be nickel/dimed for the maps if we want'em, and last in line on the release list. Such is life in the new model gaming world.

I haven't given up on "Crysis 2" yet either. At least it has a few free custom maps & mods released and more under development. Plus the play environment is similar to MW3. Just fewer weapons since it won't unlock in private (unranked) mode. And it's get'n down near that magic $20 price-point finally. I think it's a fun alternative to the COD games, I already have an unranked server setup for it, and most of us already own it. I sent Squeagle a purchase link today.

Lastly, the "Syndicate" reboot released yesterday and the early reviews are looking good! Sounds like the 4-player COOP is especially strong. "The Cooperative mode alone is worth the price of admission. This is a gorgeous, solid, pulse pounding shooter with a sleek cyberpunk style." Likely I'll be buying it this weekend, since I'm a big fan of the original. Maybe it'll be on the FFC menu by year-end after price drops...will have to see how it fares.

Mamba, out

FFC Welcomes 2012!

_FFC_

Gawd, I recall back in my teen years thinking how "futuristic" 2012 would be if I lived to see it. Flying cars, colonies on Mars, world peace, wonder cures, and so on. Reality ain't quite measuring up, now is it?

On the bright side, the impact of the advent of the Internet and computer-technology were unforeseen back then and those are pretty miraculous inventions when you put them into perspective. Being able to post on a site like this and share fun times online with good friends scattered across the continent IS very "futuristic". Guess that'll have to do!

Game-wise, several of us recently are enjoying "Bulletstorm" courtesy of the Steam year-end sale, and having loads o'fun with it. I think Fuzzy, Hock, Itchy (well, for 5 mins or so ;) and I made it as high as Level 14 (outta 20) yesterday...I was impressed! We do need more training/practice on how to complete the required skill-shots but for n00bs, that's doing just fine.

Looks like 2012 has many exciting titles on the horizon, as you can read/view video about here.

I'm especially excited about "Syndicate", since I played the original on my Amiga 500 back in the mid-80's. Really hope it measures up to today's standards, but will likely pre-order it anyway as long as the early reviews are good. It has 4-player COOP so could be another "down the road, filler" possibility, tho' I'm sure love'n the way the SP looks too. For grins, here is what the original game looked like...my, how times have changed. :-)

I'm very disappointed to read that "Aliens: Colonial Marines" is a console-only release....this game (ok, AND Halo 4) might be reason to finally buy myself an Xbox 360. Can't help it...I'm an "Alien(s)" addict.

Several other great games on the list, and of course there will be yet another COD version announced by year-end. By that time we might finally be playing MW3 since it seems to have pretty good dedicated server support and could be affordable by Fall.
All I'll say about the new "Counter Strike" is that I wish they'd update the game engine. Hey I realize it's a classic, but come on....it'd be sooooo sweet running on CryEngine 3, or Frostbite 2,  or any modern-day engine.
And yes (Hock) I AM completely ignoring any mention of "Sniper Ghost Warrior 2"... UGH!!...nuff said.

Mamba, out