Holy Crackdown Batman!!!!

Hey all,

Looks like Realtime Worlds is stealing the show at GDC with it's presentation of APB. A MMO (don't yawn yet) that presents an open world city that pits good guys against thieves, robbers and such.

Check out this excerpt from an article on 1UP.com

But more important than any of this, there isn't going to be a level grind, you won't be fighting NPCs or looting a pair of pants to raise your intelligence or whatever -- so where's the hook? What other games do people willingly play for hundreds of hours with no carrot at the end?

Jones' answer: "Counter Strike is the best multiplayer online game ever." APB's gameplay, however, isn't a recreation of CS's. The running, gunning and driving looks much more like a less superpowered Crackdown, but it's incorporating the multiplayer mechanics of CS. Players work together, with match-ups made between cops and robbers whenever the bad guys commit a crime. Before that point, players are free to roam the city and horse around without being messed with, but when a gang does something wrong an APB gets sent through an automatic matching system to an enforcer squad of players of comparable size or skill -- either an even number of equally matched players, or fewer more experienced players against a larger number of newbies. It's a form of consensual violence that will hopefully solve the issue of how to have a bunch of people running around a city together without it instantly descending into total anarchy.

The most striking gameplay example featured involved a gang of four minimally armed t-shirt wearing newbs, who upon robbing a shop were faced with a Shaft-like character with six months of experience and the custom character options to go with them. It'd be an interesting match for both sides, with either winning side earning bragging rights for either overcoming superior numbers or an individual with superior firepower.

Shaft won, by the way. He had a rocket launcher. I need to find something to drink so I can stop shaking.

I don't know about you but i am very excited (yes, like a little girl).

I loved Crackdown so much so i just recently traded for it again to try and get a 100% completion.

If Realtime can even get close to the amount of fun in APB that was in Crackdown even the most skeptical have to say hmmmm.

Anybody heard of the next big announcement (sort of..well maybe) Goldeneye is a definite again. after all the hoopla that has been going on between Rare and Microsoft XBOX 360 World announced that it is definitely coming with screenshots to prove it.

Now i have played Goldeneye (I'd be whipped and beaten if i hadn't). But i never really appreciated it. I never really appreciated just how good the multiplayer was or the game for that matter. Needless to say i can't wait for my second chance at this one (if Rare doesn't blow it).

Take this however you want it but there is a rumour that the HD-DVD drive for the 360 dropped to 49.99 US price as of yesterday. I haven't found it yet...will let u know.

And here is my favorite news so far

A Fable 2 fact sheet:

Set 500 years after the original, "Fable 2" will provide gamers with an epic story and innovative real-time gameplay, including a massive amount of freedom and choice to explore a vast collection of dungeons, catacombs and caves in the world of Albion.

Features:
• Choices, consequences. The innovative gameplay pioneered in the original "Fable" provided gamers with a never-before-seen level of immersion in a truly interactive world. "Fable 2" expands upon the scope and depth of the Xbox classic by adding incredible new features and creating a wider, more complex kingdom of limitless choices and consequences. Players will have the option to play as a man or woman, get married, have children, and live a life of their own design.

• A land far, far away. Revisit the sprawling world of Albion more than 500 years after the events of the original "Fable," where you are free to explore the landscape and openly roam the countryside. For the right price every house, hut, dungeon and castle is for sale. Players can witness how the world grows and changes in response to their decisions in incredible and unique ways as they rediscover Albion as if for the first time.

• Fight with ease. "Fable 2" pioneers a new combat system designed to allow players to truly master hand weapons such as swords and maces, ranged combat weapons such as bows and guns, and an entirely new magic system. These three disciplines, while very accessible, are also amazingly deep, and allow players to mix combat styles and become everything from master swordsman to skilled ranger to evil magic welder, utilizing a single button on the Xbox 360 controller.

• A hero's best friend. This groundbreaking addition to the game is integral to the theme of unconditional love in "Fable 2." The canine companion will act as friend, compass and protector. Players must merely feed their pooch and he will love unconditionally, creating a bond that sets up emotion-filled journeys all throughout this magical world.

• Experience the world together. For the first time in the "Fable" series, gamers can experience the expansive and immersive world of "Fable 2" with friends, utilizing the new and exciting Dynamic Co-op Mode, bringing the long-awaited multiplayer function to the world of "Fable 2."

• Xbox LIVE Arcade mini-games earn major cash. Carbonated Games has partnered with Lionhead Studios Ltd. to bring an unparalleled experience to gamers through Xbox LIVE Arcade. Gamers can start earning in-game currency for the "Fable 2" world later this year, before the game's release to retail, by downloading and completing exclusive mini-games, which will be available for download on Xbox LIVE Arcade and allow gamers to purchase weapons, armor and more for their hero.

Again take it for what it's worth we all know Lionhead has failed to produce in the past.

Finally, there has been a lot of hype around Spore. Myself..i can't wait for this game. It seems like it could be huge in terms of tranforming gameplay.

On that note though i hope Fable 2 buries it. (I always like a good fight).

See Ya

jon