condemned2 posts (Subscribe to this feed)

As one of the earlier Xbox 360 first-person titles, reviewers probably judged the first Condemned with slightly rose-tinted glasses. As such, we were a littler unsure what the response would be to Monolith's follow-up, Condemned 2: Bloodshot. So far, the game seems to be faring really well with improved crime-scene investigating and combat, as well as plenty of scares.

• 1UP (91/100): "This first-person action-shooter-cum-supernatural thriller follows the events of the first game. But while the spooks are similar -- think ambient sounds, disrupted vision, and yes, monster closets -- developer Monolith has fine-tuned the gameplay."
• GameTrailers (80/100): "The original Condemned was really the first of its kind. The first-person pugilism, investigative challenges, and somber tone have been expanded for Bloodshot. Still, the experience remains relatively the same-just more supernatural and less plausible this time around."
• Game Informer (88/100): "Condemned 2: Bloodshot is probably the best survival horror title we've seen this generation. The online multiplayer modes aren't going to blow your mind, but they are a thoughtful addition. It's got a higher level of action than its predecessor, and some gorgeous horror backdrops."

What, are you surprised? The featured game this week is none other than Super Smash Bros. Brawl. We'd almost like to give it to George of the Jungle for going toe-to-toe on the Wii with Smash. Keep on chasing that rainbow, George.

If you're in the mood for something a bit less brawly, this week also marks the release of Condemned 2: Revenge of the Zombos Bloodshot. We've got a full list for you right after the break.

Previously scheduled for release on the 11th of March, PlayFrance is now reporting that Sega has delayed the game further, pushing back the release to April 4th. With the demo for the game having also having been pushed back and now with no final release date of its own, it isn't difficult to see how the final game is not ready for release. Plus, the demo's delay is not the only sign of minor hang-ups, as the latest dev diary discusses the fact that the game has not gone to final certification due to a host of factors including, but not limited to, feature-creep. With the dev diary still listing the game as hitting the 11th, having been posted on the 7th, and discussing the fact the game hits "next month" there is still some question as to the official release date. But with both PlayFrance and Amazon listing the game as hitting on April 4th, it's possible that this title is condemned to hit late.

[Read, PlayFrance]
[Read, Condemned 2: Dev Diary]

Information leaked earlier this week highlighting achievements in the upcoming survival horror romp Condemned 2: Bloodshot left us scratching our heads as we pondered precisely what "5 scoops of everything" or "You never forget your first time" really meant. Now, Sega has clarified things a bit, sending over a detailed synopsis of what we can expect to have to do in order to feed our Gamerscore with an additional 1000 zesty points.

In total, the game will offer 565 points in the single player campaign, with the remaining 435 requiring players to take on the game's new multiplayer modes. In the interest of soiling virgin eyes, we've moved the complete breakdown of Condemned 2's 40 achievements after the break.

[Via press release]

360Sync had an exclusive first-look at the achievements for the upcoming survival-horror game, Condemned 2: Bloodshot. The sequel to the 2005 Xbox 360 launch title has achievement tasks that will sound mighty familiar to gamers, including finding various television sets and completing the game without the use of a firearm.

While the achievements, as they often do, have vague descriptions to them we're a little scared to ask what the "A La Mode: 5 scoops of everything," achievement could possibly stand for. Also, we're not even going to talk about the "Survivor King: Bum Rush Survivor multiple times" cheevo. We'd hate to throw out spoilers!

Not through pummeling your pixelated pals with PAIN? Well, this week the PSN update will allow you to procure for a pittance a pirate to persistently pound into pavement. Skurv Dogg is a new downloadable character for PSN's PAIN at a mere $.99. Beyond that there's your normal serving of Rock Band DLC with a side order of No Doubt for Guitar Hero III. Want more? Um, there's the Star Trek teaser trailer in glorious HD to fill your television screen for a little over a minute.

Check out the complete list of content after the break and go say hi to the gentlemen at PS3 Fanboy for European update details.

Update: Major Nelson told us he doesn't know details on an upcoming Condemned 2: Bloodshot demo. The demo detail page has been edited to say, "Coming soon is the free Marketplace demo giving a glimpse into the incredibly brutal world of Condemned 2: Bloodshot™."

Rest assured Condemned 2: Bloodshot is most certainly a Mature rated game and those interested in finding out why may be able to very soon. Currently the bottom of the Xbox.com product page for Condemned 2: Bloodshot reads, "Experience it now with the free demo."

Clicking ahead brings you to a description page, which has a published date of February 27, that outlines the demo experience: "This free Marketplace demo gives you a glimpse into the incredibly brutal world of Condemned 2: Bloodshot™. You begin outside the lowest, seediest dive in town and your situation goes downhill from there, starting with a rapidly escalating fight with some back alley-thugs that show you the ropes of the combat system."

After a few sweeps of the Xbox Live Marketplace we can safely say the demo isn't up yet but considering the March 11, 2008 release date is quickly approaching it may only be a matter of time before we're breaking a chair over someones head. You know, someone who isn't an X3F intern - but don't worry it's cool because they don't get paid, so they don't have any rights.

[Thanks, MightyHealthy]

Sink your hooks into Condemned 2 come March 11, Sega says. If that's not enough to whet your appetite for macabre delights, the publisher has also revealed several multiplayer modes that look standard on paper, but are decidedly vicious in practice (see videos after the break). Aside from the usual Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch modes, there's "Bum Rush" (one team has 3 minutes to survive a ... bum rush) and "Crime Scene," which attempts to incorporate Condemned's analytical investigations into the otherwise chaotic blood sport as one team tracks evidence while the other 'protects' it – Quick! Lose that 2x4 and grab a mop for that bloodstain! Multiplayer matches support up to eight players on both Xbox Live and PSN.

Although there are some obvious differences in Condemned 2 from its predecessor (Greg Grunberg we hardly knew ye!) it seems from this new trailer that those who liked the first title are going to be pleasantly satisfied with what the sequel has to offer. Grisly crime scenes? Check. Bizarre weapons including but not limited to prosthetic limbs? Check. Zombos, that dark marriage of zombie and hobo? Sadly for those especially attached to their brains or Wild Turkey, check.

If we have one reservation it's Grunberg's stand-in and the pseudo tough guy dialog he's given to say (we're looking at you "the rest of these jerks are too scared of getting killed". Blech.) We'll withhold judgment for now, but if anyone starts talk of brick parking in zombo toilets, we'll be very put out.

There's not a whole lot to see in this new trailer for Condemned 2, but it seems to be hitting on all the "scary game trailer" cylinders. Threatening, disembodied voice? Check. Annoying but creepy alarm-like sound effect? Check. Getting your head smashed in by a brick-wielding zombo? ... Check.

The one thing we're still questioning is the point in the clip where the hero appears to be wielding a prosthetic arm. Either that's a weapon (sort of cool) or the damage in the game is so realistically modeled that injuries can result in infection, amputation, filing an insurance claim for a new limb and months of rehab (not as cool). We're pulling for the first one.

Eurogamer has posted a new preview of Condemned 2: Bloodshot from Monolith. The preview details the game's new combat engine and the Fight Club mode as well as some new information about non-player characters and forensics. We've heard about Fight Club (even though we don't talk about it) and the new combat engine before, but the NPC and forensics stuff hasn't been discussed before.

Condemned was a launch title for the 360 -- it was mostly overshadowed by other 360 launch titles, but those who played it derived more enjoyment from it than they honestly expected to. It was creepy, violent, and overall a good experience to introduce them to the new off-white console. Condemned 2 is coming and it's not just on the 360 -- it's coming to the PS3 as well. Here's what PSU learned about the upcoming game in an interview with senior producer Dave Hasle:

• There's more open-endedness when it comes to forensic parts of the game -- your power of observation and tools to use are entirely up to you. If you feel like it, you can skip right past those bits and continue fighting baddies. Whatever you prefer.
  
• While that sounds open-ended, the overall experience will be quite linear. We expect one, maybe two endings depending on how involved you get in the story.
• Weapon count right now is at 60, might hit 90 by the time the game finishes up. Throwing weapons are making a pretty big impact on the dev team: bowling pins, booze bottles, etc.
• No cross-platform play, but online modes to be announced later. Monolith has already murmured of an online co-op feature, but until super-duper official announcements are made, we'll take that with a grain of salt.
• No Sixaxis features implemented. Take that as good or bad, whatever your taste.

We didn't go into the storyline or other, more particular, features of the game to save the surprises for our readers who like to stay in the dark on some things. If you are curious, though, check out the full interview and become a knowledgeable person ... about Condemned 2. It's slated for a Spring '08 release, so until then, we'll keep looking for more info.

The nerds over at Sega ... Nerds unearthed some details on the upcoming tie-in movie to Condemned 2: Bloodshot, The Forgotten. According to scriptwriter Kurt Sutter, a director is now attached to the project, though we have to wait until Warner makes the official announcement. Sutter also mentioned that he is doing another big rewrite of the script.

As for the storyline, Kurt couldn't give any new info, but said that their technique for not falling into the "crappy game movie" trap was pretty cool, as they screenwriter and devs were each given a 15 page outline of the character and world, and told to make a great script and game, respectively, on their own. So rather than one being based on the other, they're both inspired by the same core concept. We'll be sure to keep you informed on any new developments for the game or film.

In an interview with CVG, Condemned 2: Bloodshot senior producer Constantine Hantzopoulos talks specifics about Bloodshot including the new (and improved) combat system. Hantzopoulos says that Criminal Origins' fighting stayed true to the visceral feel they were going for, but was too bland and repetitive. But now with Condemned 2 they've added four layers to their combat system that'll make killing so much more bloody fun. First, you can fight with your fists, something the original didn't let you do. Second, you can use all the same objects you did in the original to knock around your enemies. Third, you can chain attacks together God of War style to create some crazy intense sequences. And fourth, you can use the environment as a weapon by slamming their head into a TV or tossing them into a wood chipper. Gory .. we know.

The interview also reveals details about multiplayer combat, how forensics will work, cut scenes and something called Hobo Fight Club. And let's just say Hobo Fight Club sounds crazy fun where a player can get in a ring with a bunch of hobos to unleash their built up anger. But the game in a nutshell is summarized best by Mr. Hantzopoulos when he simply says that Condemned 2 "will f**k with you". You know, in a good way.

We haven't really covered it here on Xbox 360 Fanboy (for obvious reasons) but most of our readers are probably aware of the Manhunt 2 AO rating debacle -- the game received the AO rating from the ESRB for both PS2 and Wii. As a result, the game will have to be altered if Rockstar ever wants it to see retail shelves. It looks like this occurrence is already affecting the rest of the industry, as Condemned 2 producer, Constantine Hantzopoulos, reveals to CVG. According to Hantzopoulos, the Condemned 2 team is cutting certain content from the game in order to avoid an AO rating. As examples, he states that the ability to put an enemies head in a vice has been cut, as have several decapitations. Judging from Hantzopoulos' comments, other environmental attacks, like putting someone's head through a TV, may be cut as well. Condemned 2: Bloodshot, whatever its final state may be, is expected to arrive early next year.