Metro 2033 Goes GOLD!

Metro 2033 (Xbox 360/PC)

Developer: 4A Games

Publisher: THQ

Available: 19th March 2010 Euro Release

The eagerly anticipated Metro 2033, has gone gold people.

Here is the official press release:

THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) today announced Metro 2033™, the atmospheric first person shooter set in a post-apocalyptic Moscow, has passed the gold master stage of development and entered manufacturing. Powered by brand new technology - the formidable 4A Engine - Metro 2033 will set a new graphical benchmark on both Xbox 360® and PC when it hits retail outlets on March 16th in the US and Germany, March 18th in Australia and March 19th in the rest of the world.

"We’re excited to be bringing such a truly original experience to market," said Richard Williams, Vice President of Global Brand Management, THQ. "Metro 2033 couples a deep and engaging story with incredibly atmospheric first person shooter gameplay, and the 4A Engine provides cutting edge technology behind the most impressive visuals seen on either PC or console to date."

Metro 2033 has already been acclaimed for its graphical prowess on both Xbox 360 and PC, with the latter benefiting from advanced DX11 features and NVIDIA PhysX implementation. In addition, gamers can enjoy Metro 2033 in 3D, powered by NVIDIA 3D Vision.

This is fast becoming one of my most wanted of 2010, coming in under the radar its going to be a surefire hit.

Keep your eyes on www.righteousreviews.com for the preview and review!

UFC Undisputed 2010 - THQ updates 2009's best seller

Estimated Release: 28th May 2010

Platforms: Xbox 360/PS3

Developer: Yukes

Publisher: THQ

The much anticipated update to the 2009 success is nearly here and with UFC110 just passing its a timely article. As you have read (if you've been a reader of Righteous Reviews for a while) I could not have looked forward to an update more, here's my closing thoughts from the 2009 review to remind you:

"I'll give this a 8.5/10

A tightly programmed game, fun to play, nice to look at, but not without its faults, it should impress a lot of people. 

This will hopefully sell amazingly well as I would like to see some improvements made in the career mode for the next UFC game, but will the control system prove to complex for the average gamer and put them off? I really hope not, as if you give this the time it deserves, it can be a very enjoyable game."

See UFC 2009: Undisputed Review (XBOX360/PS3) for the full article.

What have THQ got instore for us this time around?

Well, first up is the cover star. Brock Lesnar will be on the cover of UFC Undisputed 2010.

Brock Lesnar made his UFC debut at UFC:81. A former amateur and professional wrestler, as well as a mixed martial artist, he went on to win the UFC Heavyweight Championship by defeating Randy Couture at UFC:91 on 15 November 2008.

“Brock Lesnar’s intensity and relentless commitment to the sport of mixed martial arts, as well as to the UFC, make him a perfect candidate to be the cover athlete for UFC Undisputed 2010,” said Dana White, President, UFC. “You want to be a fighter? Videogamers and fight fans around the world need to step up to Brock’s level when they enter the virtual Octagon in UFC Undisputed 2010!”

Lets see what 2010 has to offer shall we??

Last year, UFC Undisputed 2009, had over 80 life-like fighters.  This year they have gone and upped the ante and decided to include over 100.  THQ state 'Fighters & Personalities'.  Does this mean realistic ring entrances and fighter interaction (more on that later)?

 My comments on UFC2009's graphical quality said it all, "They really are photo realistic: blood, sweat (and probably tears) have been recreated with such quality and precision its quite an achievement", and to be quite honest, it seems to have improved again.  The most impressive part of the character models had to be the physical presence of the fighters, every swung punch and kick meant something, whether it was blocked or hit squarely on the chin, you saw and felt that impact.  Encounter too many kicks to your legs my friend, and you were limping.

That is only the tip of the ice berg when it comes to UFC2009's fight mechanics and guess what, they've gone and added a whole new layer.  This time around the guys and dolls behind UFC2010, have added two new fight mechanics to make it all the more realistic.  The 'Sway System'.  This allows for some free flowing counter attacks, with full upper body and head movement to keep out of the way of incoming attacks and turn them against your opponent.  Also introduced, is the new 'Posture System'.  This addition allows for some fight ending strikes where ever you are on the ground.  And to add even more realism, they have decided to add the 'South Paw' stance, to make your custom fighter even more like you (if you're a south paw, that is!).

The customisation was, to say the least, exceptional in 2009.  In 2010 even more fight styles have been added to your répertoire; Sambo, Karate and Greco-Roman Wrestling.  Alas, no word on putting your face into the game via XboxLive Vision Cam or the PS3 EYE cam.  In my opinion this would have been an awesome feature as with the already amazing character models, seeing my face and my mates on screen getting the living hell battered out of us, would have been hugely entertaining.

In regards to the online component, I cannot wait until this is released as a certain UFC rival of mine, Nicky Sensei, is in dire need of a rematch.  UFC2009 started off well, hardly any lag and quite a well rounded ranking system as well as player matches that were enjoyable.  Unfortunately that didn't last long for me, but that may be due to my overpriced internet provider not coming through on their promise of a stable connection.  This year, the online side of things have been given a complete overhaul.  You now have the ability to form fight camps and leagues so that you and your friends can compete against and train with each other.  WOW.  I never expected this, at all.  I'm surprised, horrified, pleased and jumping for joy all at the same time.  If this can be pulled off, it will be the ULTIMATE online fighting game.  That's not all!  The career mode in UFC2009 was ..... lacking really.  It had a very surgical feel to it and never had much interaction other than the fights.  Its all changed now.  With the new feature 'Game Is watching You',  tracks every action and uses this information influence ingame commentary, you opponents intelligence and your overall career progression.  There has been no talk of ring entrances, but with the inclusion of interactive weigh-ins and interviews, that affect your popularity and cred, I'm hopeful they are also incorporated.  The new career mode also has online co-op sparring.  Again, WOW.  The guys at Yukes and THQ, have brought to life some amazing ideas.  Now lets just hope that it all works smoothly.


Its definitely looking to be the most immersive fighting experience you will come across.  If UFC2009 blew EA's FNR4 out of the water, I have no idea what EA's MMA is going to look like after UFC2010 has had a go at it.

Here are some screen shots:

Keep an eye on www.righteousreviews.com for the inbound review.

Just Cause 2 Demo - Available Now for PS3/Xbox360

Just Cause 2, the sequel to a surprisingly good open world shooter, now has a demo available for you to peruse and enjoy.

Here is the full press release:





Available for PlayStation® 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PC, the Just Cause 2 demo will feature a massive 35 square miles of the Lautan Lama Desert, a vast expanse of stunning, sun-scorched scenery taking up just one of the many islands in the 400 square miles of the Panau archipelago. Packed with towns, villages, military installations, mountain ranges, missions and more, the demo will feature an astonishing amount of activities for the player... and opportunities for adrenaline-fuelled chaos are limitless.

Hunt down and assassinate one of the game’s 50 military colonels; devastate military bases, bio fuel chambers, government infrastructure and more; hijack tuk tuks, military 4x4s, armoured vehicles, mopeds, helicopter gunships, light aircraft, mini vans and numerous other military and civilian vehicles; freefall from desert outcrops or from burning planes at 20,000 feet; and unlock one full, multi-stage mission, traversing the mountains to a heavily fortified government radar station and ending in an unforgettable desert car chase.

“The Just Cause 2 demo is simply massive and with so much to do, the replay value is enormous,” said Lee Singleton, General Manager of Square Enix London Studios. “It’s easily one of the biggest freeroaming demos of all time and for fans of openworld games, it’s unmissable.”

The Just Cause 2 demo will be available March 4th, 2010, on PlayStation®Network, Xbox LIVE® Marketplace and Steam.

As Rico Rodriguez, the Agency's most powerful weapon, players must take on the island of Panau and its military regime in order to track down Rico's former boss and mentor, Tom Sheldon, who has gone rogue with millions in Agency cash and intel. Using a unique grapple and parachute combination, there is no vertical limit as the air becomes your playground: grapple a passing plane in flight, hijack helicopters, BASE jump from the tallest buildings or mountains and leave a trail of chaos and destruction in your wake. Just Cause 2 offers players the freedom to tackle missions any way they choose and, with over 100 vehicles and countless upgrades and collectibles, the choices for relentless adrenaline-fuelled action are limitless.

Here is the xbox marketplace link:

http://marketplace.xbox.com/games/offers/0ddf0001-0000-4000-8000-00005343880d?cid=majornelson&partner=majornelson

Moto GP 2010 - Demo info

We have just received this press release from Capcom informing us of a playable demo for Moto GP 2010.

We’re pleased to confirm that the MotoGP 09/10 demo will be arriving on XBLA and PSN on Thursday 4th March. The demo will offer players a chance to compete in one of three great game modes – Championship mode, Time Trial and the all new Arcade mode where you win time extensions for executing skilful manoeuvres. Put in a bad performance and your dreams of racing to victory will be over.

MotoGP 09/10 will be available at retail across Europe and Australia on March 19th. Fans will be able to compete in the most up-to-date racing experience earlier than ever before with the 2010 season content available to download free of charge shortly after launch.

After enjoying previous versions, we can't wait to have a crack of this update and the new features.
Check out our previous article for more info:
Moto GP 2010 latest info

Activision fire top talent???

Reports are coming in that Jason West co-founder of Infinity Ward and studio head Vince Zampella have been fired.

Not much is known regarding the reasons for Jason/Vince leaving IW, but it does not bode well for IW and the community.  (UPDATE: It seems to be related to some kind of 'insubordination' incident with Activision filling a lawsuit, more to follow).

Many in the industry are assuming that the pair were fired because of suggested opposition against Activisions rumoured plans to charge a monthly subscription to future Call Of Duty online multiplayer.

 If this is true, it is a terrible move by Activision who are already receiving bad feedback from the community as 'sell outs'.

All of this is conjecture and internet rumour that is so far without a press release direct from IW or Activision.


IW's creative strategist Robert Bowling has issued the following on his twitter:

I should also say, while I appreciate all the calls, tweets, messages and hearing my ringtone a lot. They're in vain - as I have no info.

We will post when we have more.

This infact seems awfully familiar to the Dreamworks (original Medal Of Honor developers) exodus that created IW in the first place....

What are your views?

EA's MEDAL OF HONOR "Re-imagining"

Franchise Re-booted with New Development Teams, New Soldier, New Setting

Medal of Honor™ returns to the front lines, this time in today’s war. For the first time in the franchise’s 10-year history, Medal of Honor is leaving the WWII theatre and putting players in war-torn Afghanistan. Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today revealed that in 2010, Medal of Honor, an all-new first-person shooter game, will introduce the Tier 1 Operator: a relatively unknown entity directly under the National Command Authority who takes on missions no one else can handle. The development team has been working closely with Tier 1 Operators from the U.S. Special Operations Community since the earliest stages of development to create the most authentic modern war experience. Inspired by real events, Medal of Honor reveals the mission of today’s most elite American soldier – his will, his mindset and his uncompromising professionalism.

Medal of Honor is being built with a best-in-class single-player campaign. The Medal of Honor development team at EALA has been hand-selected by the studio leadership of General Manager Sean Decker, Executive Producer Greg Goodrich and Senior Creative Director Rich Farrelly. To compliment the single-player experience, EALA has enlisted the multiplayer expertise at EA DICE. This team will develop the multiplayer experience of Medal of Honor. These two studios are coming together to deliver a world-class Medal of Honor that is poised to re-set the franchise for a new generation.

“When we first set out to reinvent Medal of Honor, we wanted to stay true to its roots of authenticity and respect for the soldier but bring it into today’s war. The Tier 1 Operator is the most disciplined, deliberate and prepared warrior on the battlefield.  He is a living, breathing, precision instrument of war.” said Greg Goodrich, Executive Producer, Medal of Honor. “We are honored to have the rare opportunity to work closely with these men to create a game that shares their experience.”

“EA has always been an advocate for telling the soldiers’ story. The new Medal of Honor follows that tradition. We felt it was important to tell the story of today’s war and today’s elite soldiers via today’s most relevant medium – videogames,” said Sean Decker, VP and General Manager of EALA. “We are so proud to bring together two powerhouse development teams to make this game a reality; EA Los Angeles and EA DICE. Medal of Honor promises to be an unforgettable entry in the modern shooter genre.”

Follow them on twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/medalofhonor. Become a fan on Facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/medalofhonor. For additional information and news, visitwww.medalofhonor.com.