Okami HD Review Summary Ps3

 

Okami HD is an action adventure released via Playstation Network in October 2012.  Essentially the ummph version (supporting Playstation's Move) of the critically acclaimed (IGN's Game of the Year 2006) but poorly selling Ps2 game developed by the now defunct Clover Studio  and published by Capcom.

The game draws on Japanese myths to tell the story of how the land was saved from darkness by the Sun Goddess, taking the physical form of a white wolf. The environment is an animated watercolor and ink styled, cel-shaded delight for the eyes and the gameplay a mix of action, platform, and puzzle gaming genres.

For a re-release, the HD version scored an extraordinary 90% from 39 critic reviews on Metacritic. 

Quote of the Bunch:
Okami HD is a great example of what games can accomplish outside the realm of guns and gore, and I love it for that.  Machinima

Reviews Summary.
An experience that should not be missed, ahead of its time with its initial release.
A timeless classic, full of charm, subtle ingenuity, and beauty, remade in stunning HD.
Sad to see that after six years it is still one of the best examples of its genre.
The true vision of the creators has seemingly been realized, in glorious 1080p high definition.
Just as good of a game today as it was six years ago.
An essential part of any collection, especially in this flawless, gorgeous reissue.
Shows some signs of aging, it remains an awe-inspiring experience like no other.
Even more potent today than it was in 2006, Okami is Zelda's one and only match

Official Website

Alf The Helper: So your telling me that the original developers created a timeless classic, a jewel in the crown of video games, ... and yet because of poor sales of this veritable masterpiece, they went out of business?
Elderly: Essentially .... Yes
Alf The Helper: But that... that... that just makes me sad.... :(
Elderly: And so it should...
Alf The Helper: Well...in the words of Carly Rae Jepsen.. A change is going to come..
Elderly: .....that would be Sam Cooke...
Alf The Helper: Where?
Elderly: .. no Alf... the lyrics.... that would be Sam Cooke... A change is goin to come...
Alf The Helper: Not Carly.. !? ...I was so sure, you could have called me Maybel...
Elderly: no that's ....Call me maybe .. sigh.... Alf take a lie down.... please

I Am Alive Xbox live Preview

Developed by Ubisoft Shanghai and published by Ubisoft, Due for download on XBLA on March 7th 2012 and PSN Spring 2012

What it says on the tin
One year after a worldwide cataclysmic event that wiped out most of the human race, a man struggles for survival in a desolate city as he tries to reunite with his long lost wife and daughter. In this post-apocalyptical tale, there are no supernatural threats, just an everyman who faces a decaying and hazardous world and humanity’s darkest inclinations. Will you hang on to your humanity and help strangers or are you ready to sacrifice others in order to survive?

Gameplay
Third person view for navigation, and first-person when aiming and shooting,
Gameplay has you dealing with three key elements, stamina management, gathering resources and Combat.

"I am alive" places emphasis on climbing and exploration, managing your stamina will be critical for survival and you'll be rewarded by gaining access to hidden paths, resources and other survivors.

Along the way you'll collect hidden resources and supplies which are scattered throughout the city: water, food, gas, medicine, cigarettes, tools, climbing gear, weapons, and ammo.

Survivors will adopt different behaviors and adapt to your actions. Some are friendly and need assistance, some are scared and others are hostile and will use group tactics to take you down.

Okay you've got my attention.... but then so did the ill fated Amy and I can't help but  ponder why a game that sounds this good didn't make it to disc.  Call me skeptical.

Offcial Website

Alf the Helper: Your skeptical!!! ...cynical !!! and a... a miser!!.... ahem.. 
:(    oops!, sorry I got carried away...

(Alf runs out of the room before Elderly can get a hand on him...)

Amy, The Game Review Summary

From the creator of Flashback, a survival horror, set to launch on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade on Wednesday 11th January 2012.

Amy Official Website

Plot: A comet strike has brought havoc on humanity, unleashing a deadly virus that has infected almost everyone.  Lana regains consciousness in the midst of chaos, roads have been destroyed, walls crumbling, electricity cables cut.

As Lana begins to feel the effects of the virus she meets Amy, a seemingly defenseless eight-year-old autistic girl who has curious powers. Together, they must fight or run from the infected humans, demons and the military, in the hope of not only saving each other, but also the future of humanity. 

What it says on the tin: A new approach to the survival horror genre, a unique experience at the crossroads of horror, adventure, action and
stealth. The co-operative gameplay featured in Amy is a deep and unique system that requires players to think carefully
in order to keep both characters alive.

Cool bits: Players must use Amy's size and special abilities to their advantage by keeping her close in order to ward off the virus,
and having her complete tasks that Lana can't..  Holding Amy's hand sends vibrations to the controller in sync with Amy's
heartbeat.  If danger is present or approaching, Amy's heartbeat will increase.

Cost Issue: In the US, Amy will cost 800 Microsoft Points ($10) while its PSN counterpart $3 more, $12.99.
Update! Lexis Numérique and VectorCell announced that they will drop the PlayStation Network price of AMY to $9.99, pushing the release date back to January 17th. 

Reviews Summary:
Scoring 22% Xbox 360 and 36% Ps3 on Metacritic.com, it's fate is sealed :(
Pick of the Review bunch

"Hugely disappointing download is not just a failure as a survival horror but as a video game"
Metro

Technically shoddy, poorly designed and unbearably frustrating
An imaginative concept and some strong design are undone by a game that's gruelling in all the wrong ways.
Amy rises above the zombie splatter masses
Grueling death-march through a gauntlet of poor design choices 

It is terrible and should be avoided.

Alf the helper: So are we getting it then?
Elderly: I dunno, the reviews kinda sunk my boat.
Alf the helper: There's a boat?
Elderly: No.. it was just a figure of... are you really... nevermind..
Alf the helper: I like boats, we should get it!
Elderly: 8/

Calling All Cars (Ps3) Review

Vid upped by gamingbits

David Jaffe's (of God Of War fame) premiere PlayStation Network title, in high-definition graphics, offering true 7.1 surround sound support, a split-screen option to enable two players to go online using the same PS3. Read Twisted Metal.

You take the role of a bounty hunter careening around a cartoon world on the hunt for criminals on the loose. The game scores a respectable 76% from just 5 reviews on Metacritic.com.
Scheduled for launch on May 3rd in US, May 18th in Europe.
Price in US $9.99, Europe TBA.

Reviews Summary
A limited number of maps, but it defines "action-packed" and shines as a party game,
A frantic good time that's cut short by a serious lack of content.
Shines when it's you and your buddies sitting on the same couch, playing on the same TV
One of those “tough to master” titles that packs in the fun, particularly in multiplayer sessions.

David Jaffe Interview Thanks Gnome

Clickable inkies Calling all cars PS3 Playstation Network Review