Darksiders 2 Collectors Edition arrives!

Finally it arrives! After Gamestop messed up my pre-order and more than a week long of mails trying to get my order shipped out, it's here. I only have imported CEs from them a few times but there had been no problems with my orders. Not sure what happened this time and why they took so long to settle my order. The box even came damaged so that was disappointing.

Anyway, enough about with the negatives. Let's move on to the CE itself!

Good decision to add the 'window' in the box to make it seem like Death's peeking at you. The CE comes with the limited edition version of the game, bonus Shadow of Death DLC pack, a code to download the Official Soundtrack, a hardcover art book as well as the Death Mask, easily the highlight of this Collectors Edition.

Decided to only flip through the pages of the art book. I haven't really been looking at game-play videos as I didn't want to spoil the game experience for myself. 

Incredible-looking Death mask. It's life-sized so you can actually wear it. By now, most of you would have seen tons of images of fans posing with the mask over their face. Well here's one more!

Very detailed and nicely painted. There is also a French version of the Collectors' Edition which comes with a better-quality mask. It's heavier and in comparison to this version, the French Edition is the "better" of the 2. It is also numbered. For a better comparison of the two editions, you might wanna check out a friend's blog. However, it seems a bit too white. The area below the nose doesn't have the same worn-out look as the one seen above. Anyway, I'm more than happy with this version.

So there you have it, the entire contents of the Darksiders 2 Collectors Edition. Really cool stuff if you are a fan of this series. Click here for more Darksiders news in my blog.

More pics below.

Free Max Payne DLC!

A new DLC pack is out for Max Payne 3 and he best part is that it's free!

Disorganized Crime Pack is out for all consoles this week. 

A new map - Hoboken Rooftops: For Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Payne Killer game modes. New maps are always welcome for me since I'm addicted to the multiplayer.
New Score Attack mode modifiers - Explosive rounds, Lone Wolf (More aggressive AI) and Headshots only modes. Never played this yet so not sure how it works.
Noir Mode - Allows you to play Arcade mode in black and white. This will be cool!

Look out for the Payne Thresholds mode in multiplayer coming out very soon as well. Last I heard, this mode will only be active for a week and you can unlock some titles if you complete certain achievements. I'll post more details as soon as I have the details!

So all of you out there with the game, go grab this free download and add me on PSN, Jengoboy for some multiplayer. Would really appreciate if you type in a message as I don't accept random friend requests. Let's bring the Payne!

Source: Rockstar Newswire

Darksiders 2 Special Promotions

There is a long list of DLCs and special weapons you can get from pre-ordering the game or through other means. See here for the full list.

One of this weapon promotions ends today, so if you already have the game and still havn't collected your weapon, go grab it quick!

Not sure if these weapons are available through other means so better to be safe then sorry!

Darksiders 1 Game Download Giveaway

You guys played Darksiders 2 yet? Still on the fence about this game? Thinking of trying the first Darksiders before deciding?

Well, I managed to get a free code for a copy of Darksiders 1 game download on PC. Since I already have the game on PS3, I thought about giving this code away. So why not have a mini-contest and the winner gets the code.

You will need to sign-up (Free!) for an account on Gamestop PC Downloads to download the game, if you win. As far as I know, anyone can sign-up and download the game even though Gamestop is based in U.S. So hopefully there will be no problems.

Ok How to Win?!
1. You will need a Facebook account
2. Share this post on Facebook. There is a link on the bottom of this post. (Only Facebook shares count).
3. Leave a comment in the box below to say that you have entered.

I will pick a random winner on Sep 1, Saturday, 10am (+8 GMT). 
Anyone is free to join!
Simple enough I guess? This is my first time contest holding a giveaway on my blog so hopefully everything goes well, Good Luck to all!

Edit: Contest over! Congrats to Dinesh Ganapathy!

Borderlands 2 Fan Preview Night in Singapore

Apologies for the late post. I know there are a few of you that are waiting for my post on the Borderlands night but my home laptop crashed just a few days ago. Not a good time to crash, but then again there is no such thing as a good time for a laptop to crash. Oh well.. finally got the time to write about it.

2k Games Asia organized a Borderlands 2 Fan Preview Night in Singapore on 16th August from 7pm - 9pm and a select few Facebook fans were given a chance to attend. Of course, yours truly was there as well.

Held at the newly opened Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, this was the first ever time I'm attending a gaming event and my first visit to the Gardens, a fantastic attraction. Rushing down to the event from work with a friend, who is also part of my Borderlands Gang of 4, I had no time to soak in the atmosphere.  So straight down to the venue. 

After some light refreshments to fill our hungry stomachs, we were ready to go.  Chris, one of the developers, who worked on the game was at the event to give us a lowdown on the new features in the game as well as give us a preview on the game-play.

First up, one of the bosses we will be up against, Terramorphous. Remember Crawmerax? The huge boss that a lot of us kept going up against over and over again, just for the loot that he drops. The reasoning behind Terramorphous was probably due to how popular Crawmerax runs were. Terramorphous is huge, really huge and his life-bar seems to be a whole load more than his predecessor. 

The Gunzerker was the class used to show off this part of the demo. After throwing everything he had, Chris urged us to take a look at the Terramorphous' health bar. A second huge roar of laughter filled the room. (The first was when the Gunzerker flashed his 2 fingers mid-air, between firing shots away. I think it's safe to say, we all know which 2 fingers were used.)  The health bar barely moved. Vault hunters are going to need all the assistance we can get. But this where the best of the best loots drop, if you can beat him, that is.

Who did the audience want to see next? Being the most different of the new classes, Zero, the assassin was called out. After a quick implementation of codes, which we won't be able to do as the developer pointed out after someone asked if we will able to use cheats, Zero was ready. His clone move and quick-attack move was shown. Somehow, I can't seem to remember much about Zero. I must still have been fascinated by Gunzerker's finger-flash, in between eyeing the Claptrap and Psycho Bandit action figures that were up for prizes.

Customization in Borderlands 2 was another feature we got a look at. While the first game had basic customization like change of colours, the sequel has improved. Apart from colours, there will be skins. One of the skins shown for Zero looked like an alien, somehow it reminded me of the Alien Workshop brand that I loved when I was a kid. Some of these customization options will only be available after defeating certain bosses or specific challenges and quests.

Attendees also got a glimpse of the Mechromancer class which will only be available for pre-order copies. The Mechromancer is still a work in-progress but we got to see her special ability which calls out a robot called a Deathtrap that does huge damage. One of it's attacks seems to be some sort of blast that sends it's enemies flying. Pretty cool! I might consider the Mechromancer as my 2nd character once she's ready.

There was a quiz where the Claptrap and Bandit figures that I was eyeing were up for prizes. No luck for me though.  After that, the demo stations were open for all to try out 4 player co-op and we were free to throw more questions at the developer.

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How long will be the game? While Chris didn't actually give a specific length, he did say the script for the sequel was a way lot more than the 1st game.

Will there be vehicles? Yes there will. One of the buggies from the prequel will be making a return. I'm assuming it's the first one. There will also be a 4-man vehicle with 1 driver, 1 manning the turret and 2 players at the back who will be able to shoot freely. Needless to say, you will need a good driver. 

My dear friend, you know who you are! If you are reading this, you are banned from driving when we co-op. I don't want to go tumbling down a cliff again!

Will there be pearlescent weapons? This was a popular question. Yes there will be, but it's going to be legendary weapons this time. The best of the best. According to Chris, not only are they going to have bad-ass stats but they are going to look bad-ass. Looking at them on the floor, you will know they are legendary weapons, apart from the distinctive colour. 

What's the max level? Still seems to be 50 at the moment, but it may rise with future DLC.

How will the difficulty be scaled with multi-player? One of the questions I asked ;) Difficulty will be scaled according to the host's level as well as the no. of allies. The more the allies, the tougher it gets. But wouldn't it be tough for a level 1 player if he were to join a level 20 player's game? The developer's reply was yes. Gearbox software has allowed flexibility for players who want to power-level by joining a higher-level game. Though this isn't the most optimal experience, they decided to allow it should the player decides to do so.

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After fishing out most of the info that I wanted to know, I thanked Chris and decided to check out the co-op sessions. On first look, the UI and gameplay seems similar to the first game. You still get loot drops from enemies, buy weapons, ammo and other accessories from vending machines.

When it was my turn to try, I was a bit lost at first. A bit? No, I was totally lost. Looking at the game it seemed easy to pick up but having not played Borderlands 1 for some time, I was lost. Add that to the fact that it was a XBox 360 controller in my hand. Being a PS3 owner, this felt alien to me. The other guys were already in position waiting and I was still fumbling around. But after what seemed like ages, I managed to get used to the controls and I was taking down the enemies twice as fast as the rest. (Why twice? Gunzerker's dual ability of course!)

The level we got to try seems to be somewhat like a mini-arena. All 4 players get into position and the arena starts. Waves of enemies come out at you. Kill them all and you complete the wave. Go stock up and come back for the next. I believe you get to collect a reward after each wave. 

The enemies' AI definitely seems to have been improved. Not that the first game was easy, but you can notice some differences. Some of the robots seem to protect others with a shield. This is one aspect the developers have been talking about. Enemies in Borderlands are more intelligent and can work together to take you down.

The session finally came to an end, but not before another round of quiz where Borderlands bags were up for grabs. Managed to grab myself one!

My very own loot bag!

After posing for a group photo, the night was over. I have been anticipating Borderlands 2 ever since it's announcement but after this session, I'm excited. It reminded me of all the fun I had in the first game and this was going to be bigger and better! I will be playing Gunzerker, his dual-wield(as well as his dual-finger) ability is going to be lots of fun. After playing Brick mainly in the first game, I will be sticking with his successor.

There isn't much changed in the sequel, but that's not a bad thing. UI and gameplay are similar. Quest progress still shows up in the top right hand corner. However, there is a mini-map radar above that which I don't remember seeing in the first game, which helps. Players don't have to press a button to bring up the map anymore. As mentioned before, enemy AI has improved. There's going to be a lot more weapons. A bigger game, more characters. Borderlands 2 definitely looks great. Of course, this game is best played with friends.

Those who loved the first, will definitely love this one. For those who hated the game, I don't believe this is going to convince you otherwise. 

Kudos to 2k Games Asia for organizing this event right here in Singapore. They have been actively promoting their games and the 2 main people, Chris and Diana, have been very friendly and approachable. They will also be working on NBA 2k13 and XCom so do keep a lookout for more events and contests on their Facebook page.  Hoping to see more events like these from them as well as other publishers.

In fact, they are having a contest on Facebook right now with a chance to win the 2 action figures that I was talking about. Don't forget to vote for me too as well, all votes are greatly appeciated!
Link to contest
Do vote for me as well!

Photos from the event

Free Darksiders 2 DLC Weapon Giveaway!

THQ is giving away (DLC codes I presume) the Rusanov's Axe weapon for Darksiders II to everyone who "likes" their Facebook Page" in their bid to reach 750k fans before August 21st.

So click on the link, like their page, collect your code and spread the word! 

Keeping on the same note, BigBadToyStore is hosting a contest and the winners stand a chance to win up to $250 store credit. Just click here!

Who doesn't love free stuff?

Invitation to Borderlands 2 Preview Night

Woohoo! 2K Games Asia recently called out for interested parties to submit their details to be invited for a  Borderlands 2 Preview Night for in Singapore. Luckily I was fortunate enough to be chosen! Of course, I wasn't going to let up on a chance to check out the game way before it's release. Unlike in countries like the U.S and U.K, Singapore barely has any gaming events like these. So an event like this, adding to the fact that Borderlands was one of my most enjoyable game of all time, was too good to be true. 

Not sure if I should post the venue here in case the psycho bandits turn up but I'm really looking forward to this event on the 16th August. In fact I can't wait. Will be sure to write about the event as well as my opinion of Borderlands 2 after I get back from Pandora, if I make it back alive, that is.

New Prince of Persia Game?

So, I woke up on Tuesday morning and checked my Facebook newsfeed before getting ready for work only to see this, with the caption: "New Prince of Persia game?" from Ign.com

On first look, this looks nothing like a Prince of Persia game. What the heck, it still does not look like a PoP game even after seeing it so many times. But coming from a trustable source, they should have evidence that this certainly was the new PoP game and not just a wild guess. True enough, this image was popping all over the internet confirming that this was the new Prince of Persia game.

Looks like it will be a reboot rather than a sequel to the 2008 reboot. Pity though, I liked that game a lot. But considering. it was not very well-received, a reboot was a better option. That explains a lack of sequel all this while with Ubisoft focused on the Assassin's Creed series.

So, this is the new Prince of Persia.. Is the guy in the centre the new Prince? Everything remains to be seen. New Prince? No sequel? It doesn't matter to me.. It's been so long since a Prince of Persia game that this will do. 

Source: Ign.com, Ubisoft forums

Vote for Me!

2K Games Asia is having a contest for all Singaporeans. A chance to win a set of Claptrap and Psycho Bandit Action figures. 

All you have to do is to have a facebook account and submit your entry stating how big of a Borderlands fan you are. The top 4 entries with the highest votes will win a set of figures each. Simple enough. Go give it a try!

Link to contest here

It will be great if you can submit a vote for my entry as well! I submitted my entry as Juan Veron. Appreciate and thank you all for your votes! Do let me know if you have submitted and I'll vote for you as well! Good luck!

Vote for me!

Announcement of new Army of Two game

Have you heard? There is a new Army of Two game! Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel to be exact, coming out in 2013.

Have you heard? We won't be playing as Tyson Rios and Elliot Salem. Instead there will be 2 new characters named Alpha & Bravo. Usually I'm not in favour of changing the main characters that we all know and love. Fair enough, they aren't the most recognizable of faces out there but if you have played the last 2 games(especially the 2nd installment), you would be familiar with their fist-bumping and bro-hugs. However, I understand the need for a major overhaul. The new game is gonna be bigger and better according to the publishers.

So they decide to change the main guys?! I'm not really in favour of that and I would usually go ballistic. But it seems to be the "in" thing at the moment. Darksiders changed their protagonist. Assassins Creed did the same and so did Prototype. GTA have always been doing it and more games are following suit. And it has worked! If the new characters are likeable enough, then no one will be complaining. So no complains from me this time. I'll be mature about it and see what the developers throw at us. (Wow, I'm impressed with myself!)

Tyson and Salem, we will miss you!

Or will we? There has been rumours that the new game will feature 4 player co-op. So let's see. Tyson & Salem to accompany Alpha and Bravo? Seems possible to me.. Remember where you heard it first!

It's August and Death is coming!

It's August! Oh how time flies.. It seemed like it was the start of the year a few months back. 2012 came around and one of my most anticipated games of the year was Darksiders 2.

After playing the first game, I was all ready for the next game in this franchise. The protagonist was bound to be another of the horseman and true enough, this time we were gonna play as Death, brother of War.

 As much as I'm excited to play the game, there was also some else I was looking out for. A Death statue. More precisely, a Death and Despair Statue.

War and Ruin Darksiders statue

Just like the first Darksiders game, after getting this War and Ruin statue, I started wishing for similar ones of all the other horsemen. Month after month kept passing and no sign of my wish coming true, until SDCC 2012. There had to be some kind of news about a Death statue. I went to website after website, forum after forum until I came aross this.

Prototype of Death and Despair Darksiders statue

This photo was taken by dr_teng from whatsyourobsession.com at SDCC 2012. (Lot's more photos from the event in the link.)

It's the only photo I have seen of the Death statue from SOTA toys and I'm ecstatic. The sculpt looks great and it's going to be a wonderful companion piece to War. Hopefully it will be out soon.

Of course, there is the other Death statue from Project Triforce.

One of the major complaints about the War and Ruin statue was that War itself was too small and that many would have preferred a statue of War on his own. That's a fair argument I must say. Yes to be honest, War does look a little small but would I have swapped that choice for a War statue without Ruin? Definitely not, these are the Horsemen of the Apocalypse, not the Men of the Apocalypse. They had to have at least their trusty steeds. But of course, I'm not saying there shouldn't be a statue of Death or War on their own. More choices is always great! War needs his own piece too. So I'm definitely eager to see what's in store from both companies for Darksiders. 

Speaking of companion pieces.. Is he going to get one?

Source: Darksiders Dungeon, dr_teng's photostream