Max Payne 3: The Promo Stuff

So Rockstar must really want us to remember the Max Payne series. Apparently they think gamers forgot about the awesome use of slo-mo bullet-time, the gritty and intense storyline, and the unique graphic novel style presentation. With the third and latest entry releasing next week, Rockstar has been ramping up awareness of Max Payne 3 like there's no tomorrow. Thankfully they're not asking us to remember this mess, but instead offering more reasons to support the original pill-popping hero in all his glory. With free stuff.

Ooh, you tease.

Review: The Walking Dead Episode One

There's a moment in the first episode of Telltale Games' The Walking Dead that sums up the unique experience. While our hero, the enigmatic newcomer Lee, is chatting with a series regular (both comic and TV), tension mounts as friendly conversation turns to inquisition. As I stumble to respond without hesitation I let slip a crucial bit of information about Lee's past. In that temporary lapse in judgement I forever changed two characters' relationship as well as the course of the game. That's what this short bit of adventure does so well; create engaging characters through brief but emotional dialogue. I've only logged a few hours with The Walking Dad's first (real) foray into video games and the second episode can't come soon enough. And I haven't even mentioned the zombies yet.

 They're walking, and they're dead. Are you following this?

The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition Unboxing (I swear that's the title)

I have never been much of a PC gamer, as I've made clear in the past. More recently my experience with PCs, specifically laptop-based gaming, has been limited to demoing console releases via the OnLive streaming service. By no means a perfect replacement for either consoles or PCs, the service still offers a novel approach to this generation's gaming options. During one of my several timed demos with OnLive, I sampled a good 25-30 minutes of The Witcher. A surprise hit during its original release, The Witcher gathered a substantial following thanks to the craftsmanship of Polish developer CDProjekt; a unique blend of mature story and sophisticated combat mechanics.

A few years down the road a sequel was released, which enhanced the Witcher's tight combat/magic controls and added to the deep lore of the original. The resulting game was another very polished (Polish'ed?) release from a still relatively unknown Eastern European developer. With my total experience limited to a taste of what the series had to offer I knew I had two choices: buy a better laptop, or pray for a console release.

How many Polish developers does it take to ship a smash-hit RPG?

Prototype 2: Blackwatch Collector's Edition Unboxing

I haven't made this clear enough but Prototype on Xbox 360 is quite possibly one of my favorite games. Ignoring the plot that takes itself a little too seriously, the adventures of Alex Mercer running, gliding, and kicking helicopters make for a good time. I wouldn't call Prototype perfect, it's just fun. Imagine living the life of a superhero in a decaying New York City, without the responsibility or moral dilemma of helping citizens. Instead, you consume their life force to fuel your rampaging bloodbath. All to save the day.

Look at our hero in action.

Clearly deserving of a sequel, Prototype 2 finally released this week after three long years. Feeling compelled to purchase collector's editions I naturally scooped up the fancy pants Blackwatch Edition from Best Buy. Check out the pics after the jump.

PAX East 2012: Contest Winners!

Well, the weekend passed and I picked the two winners for the PAX East 2012 swag giveaway. Congratulations to you both, you lucky gamers will be receiving your prize packages shortly.

Thanks to everyone for commenting; it was great seeing all the excitement and support! This was an even better turnout than my last contest so you can definitely expect more giveaways in the future.

And just a reminder to the winners: I sent out the official notice on Saturday morning via email/PM. If you have not responded with your information please contact me asap.

My best regards to all who participated and keep on checking out the blog!

Game Plus+: Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction – Xbox

I remember playing a demo of the original Mercenaries for Xbox years ago in college. It came with another game or movie or something like that. I didn’t know anything about it at the time but I was aware of Pandemic’s work on Star Wars: Battlefront, one of the best games in the franchise. After completing the first mission I was hooked on the formula, and jumped right into the full game the day it was released. Eventually a sequel followed three years later, which was a mixed blessing depending on what one’s expectations were. Regardless, the series deliver unapologetic mayhem without taking its plot too seriously. While any future games are highly unlikely given the demise of Pandemic, I found myself replaying the first entry these past few weeks. And I gotta say this game was way more awesome than I remember.

CLOSED - PAX East 2012: Contest!

UPDATE: CONTEST CLOSED!

I'll be picking two winners shortly, stay tuned for a follow-up post.
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Alright folks, time for the good stuff. After countless hours walking the convention floor and seeing all the sights I've collected a hefty haul of swag. Naturally, since I have barely enough room for my games as it is the only fair thing to do is give away a bunch of free stuff.

Free stuff after the jump!