Sugar Gamers

We got our first glimpse of the eye popping 3D technology for the DS at E3 2010, and now it’s hitting the market with a ton of added features.  As part of the launch, Nintendo has set up demos across the across the country including right here in Chicago.  Check out my little adventure to the Citigroup center in downtown Chiacgo for some 3DS action. 

Gameboy put handhelds on the map and now Nintendo makes a triumphant rebirth of what handheld gaming is all about with the 3DS.  To start, there are two screens, the top screen being the glasses free 3D display while the bottom screen allows for stylus touch screen capability and further game control.  The 3D effect has a dial allowing you to adjust the effect to your comfort level or turn the 3D effect completely off.  The system also features gyro and motion sensors allowing for some games to detect movement.

The system also doubles as a 3D camera, has a 2GB SD memory card, a stylus pen with adjustable length and is backwards compatible with DS and DSi games.  Talk about fully loaded, and I’m not finished, wait ‘til you put this little baby to sleep.

In it’s sleep mode, the 3DS has revolutionary functions socializing handheld gamers.  The Street Pass lets the devices exchange data with one another when they come into proximity with one another, like passing on the street.  A great way to make some new friends face to face.  You can control what data you share which can be high scores to what games you play.  Also while in sleep mode the 3DS can detect hot spots to allow players to download content on the go.

The 3DS retails for  249.99$ and in comes in Cosmo Black and Aqua Blue.  My prediction is there are more colors and skins on the way.  Also keep an eye out for more internet interactiveness, the possibilities are limitless.  So far so good on supply and demand, the price has quelled back the hordes allowing you to snap yours up as soon as you scrape your pennies together.  

Your eyes are valuable gaming assets, Gunnar Optiks ensures you take good care of them with a fresh line of digital performance eye wear.  Their signature lenses create a clear contrast while keeping eyes from straining.  Myself being a FPS night owl my hours are often dictated by how long I can hold out before my eyes are burning.  I got wind of Gunnar while researching eye strain prevention and instantaneously fell in love with the entire line.

 So now, head over heels, I had to have a pair.  I put in the order and within six business days I had a sweet pair of Gunnars in my lap.  To be specific, I had the limited COD edition, which was the natural choice since COD is a part of my nightly gaming regiment.  They’re incredibly lightweight with a nice broad aviator lens.

Aesthetically these things are blue ribbon winners, but do they work?  I slipped them on and fired up the Xbox.  First thing I notice is how easily my headset slips right over them.  As I got into game play I  immediately sensed my eyes felt calmer, no strain whatsoever.  Don’t let the amber tint fool you, it only make the colors and contrasts more vivid.  They were so comfortable I honestly forgot I was wearing them.  Without warning I was gaming into the wee hours of the morning laughing with my xbl pals across the globe, it was in a word, delightful.  Gunnar Optiks glasses range from 80 to 200 dollars and are well worth the investment as they are multi purpose. They’re great for when I’m looking at my computer screen for long periods of time, including right now.  Even if you already have glasses you can get a pair with your prescription.  

As a female gamer, I know a hot gaming accessory when I see one, and I declare Gunnars to be geek couture for your eyes. 

Good News!  Gunnars are making a debut at 55 exclusive Best Buy store locations, check out  http://www.gunnars.com/ to find out if one of those stores is near you.  

MK vs. DC was a blast, but as we know, the DC universe dictated the tame makeover of our beloved fatalities and over all blood and guts level.  Ed Boon and NetherRealm Studios are bringing the Mortal Kombat series back to the blood-soaked violence gamers fell in love with in the 90’s.

So, which characters are invited to the party?  I’ll give you a hint, no zombie Liu Kang to be found.  All characters in this game will have had to make an appearance in MK games 1- 3.  This includes, Mileena, Cyrax, Sektor, Jade, Kung Lao, Nightwolf and everybody’s four armed favorite, Goro. Dark versus light returns with Raiden and Shao Khan.  Deadly duo Sonya Blade and Jax Briggs are present along with a certain actor not nominated for an Oscar, Johnny Cage.  Of course the bad boys are back in town with Sub-Zero, Scorpion and Reptile.  Don’t worry Sugar Gamers, our favorite fan whipping diva Kitanna is back.

And of course the bicycle kicking man himself, Liu Kang.  A PS3 exclusive, a certain Spartan going by the name of Kratos will be hacking and slashing with the blades of Chaos.  Xbox exclusive?  The flaming hot rumor is a cameo by a beloved Gears character, but nothing confirmed. 

There’s a reason for the 1-3 game focus.  The storyline starts with Shao Khan on the verge of delivering a fatal blow to Raiden.  Just to be safe, Raiden sends a message to himself in the past.  So now we go through the timeline and events of the first three games while Raiden has this new information.  This set up allows us to fight in all the familiar places with a gorgeous makeover.  And I gotta say, Goro’s pit has never looked better, you can really see all the work his decorator put into making it positively morbid.

Gameplay has a new twist on it.  No pre-programmed upper-cut/kick/set on fire combos.  Make your own you with a new rapid fire combo system that really lets you put your own signature on the beat down.  You’ll notice a little power bar filling up as you continue to beat the snot out of your opponent.  Power gages have become rather commonplace in fighters but this one has multiple functions.  Use your power juice to deliver a crushing offensive blow, or use it defensively dealing out a game changing breaker.  But if you can sit tight and fill up the tank, you get a fabulous X-ray maneuver taking you inside your opponents body so you get a front row seat for all the bone cracking damage.

Now, over the years the “-alities” have become a little ridiculous, it went from fatalities to babalities to just blowing up the Earth.  Time to get back to basics, Fatalities and Stage Fatalities are all we’re dealing with.  There is no confirmation on what stage fatalities will entail but considering the gruesome stages I’d say there’s gonna be a few death traps for us to play with.  To put the blood spatter icing on the cake, there’s a “Finish Him!” arena that let’s you practice fatalities, so it’s not a small panic attack trying to pull them off.  I will say, knowing Ed Boon, the Easter egg rascal he is, he may very well slip in a friendship or two in there.  Also, prepare for another krypt of unlockable goodies and whole new currency system.

The new Mortal Kombat installment is said to Release April 19th.

From gamers to otakus, geeks everywhere are showing their support for Japan who recently suffered a crippling earthquake on March 11th.  The situation has only gotten worse as the quake ruptured the stability of a nuclear reactor and the weather continues to not cooperate as strong winds continue to push a plume of radiation over land and ocean sparking health concerns.    

Perhaps us geeks feel a kinship to Japan as Japan produces anime, manga, amazing video games and state of the art technology.  Geek communities everywhere are reaching out for support.  Our lady friends at Geek Girls network is hosting Geeks With Heart: Japan Response (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=142676035798800&index=1).  And for Halo players, you can find donation information on Bungie’s homepage.  As Con season moves forward one of the hottest accessories to sport this year is the Japan relief bracelets.

  Sugar Gamers wants to wish Japan health, hope and a fast recovery.

The Wii set the standard for motion gaming with titles like Mario Party featuring mini games even the novice gamer can enjoy.  Microsoft and Sony swiftly followed with the Move and Kinect and now motion and music gaming is a staple at any party.  Nowadays we’re playing in bands, dancing, boxing, racing with steering wheels, dueling with swords and reloading our gun shaped controllers but what comes next?

The rumors that the Rockband/Guitar Hero franchise isn’t doing so hot have been spreading like wild fire as due to legal troubles MTV games was shut down.  Even prior to the shut down there was talk that music games were on their way out.  Meanwhile the dance games are all the rage.  

I have a couple of predictions for what’s to come and one of them is The Sims.  A PC monster in it’s own right The Sims attracts a broad audience of males, females, young and old.  Already on console I feel the Sims will be released with more focus on motion capture. I see an easy transition into motion gaming allowing one to interact with friends and objects and of course all the madness that The Sims has acquired over the years.  

Fitness has also become a huge part of the motion game industry, one can even master high level yoga poses with dedication.  With titles like All star Karate and Capoeira for Wii already out I can see more challenging forms on the horizon, which could have amazing affects on fighting games.  Imagine a motion game challenging players to fight one another while executing proper martial art technique.  

The possibilities are limitless, I’m curious to hear what your predictions are.

In the 90’s our pals Top Cow Comics produced a gorgeous comic book series appropriately named “The Darkness.”  The Darkness being a volatile, demonic like entity requiring a human host in order to manifest itself.  The host is Jackie Estacado, a wise guy who’s made some enemies in the mob and all the while is trying to control these powers.  The book created by Marc Silvestri, Garth Ennis, and David Wohl has been successfully adapted into an FPS monster of a video game.

2K games (Mafia 2), has a great track record with sequels and Darkness II will likely follow suit.  FPS has somewhat of a set formula and 2K is bored.  The magic word is quad-wielding.  Of course you’ll get some sweet bang, bang bullet action, but that’s not all.  Nowadays Jackie has a few more accessories, like these horrifying demon arms to give him a hand.  Throw some enemies around, take their freakin’ heads off, get creative.

The game is one tall drink of good lookin’.  Using a noir like filter to create a dichotomy of dark versus light, you become completely engulfed in a twisted story riddled with bullet holes and drenched in blood.  Darkness II is said to release Fall 2011.      

RSVP Here: http://www.urchicago.com/sugargamers

Kicking off our Con season in style is Chicago’s own homegrown C2E2 (Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo), who is taking their show to the next level with daring new panels, hot celebs, and fabulous events.

Typically only seen at Sand Diego, C2E2 will be sporting a handsome “True Blood” panel that will include Kristen Bauer and Sam Trammel. TV is mega hot this Con season, prepare to see cast members from geek favorites such as “Walking Dead” and “Chuck.” Guest of honor and star of the new film “Thor”, Chris Hemsworth should thaw this nasty Chicago winter and drive the lady geeks wild. Also making an appearance is funny man Patton Oswalt.

In true comic con fashion, organizer Reed Pop (Pax East, UFC Expo…) has arranged for a slew of talented comic book artists and writers. Heavy hitting fan favorites to be present will include Fred Van Lente and Brian Michael Bendis. They also found some local flavor with the lovely and talented Jenny Frison and Tim Seeley, both Chicago locals.

There is no con without cos play. Will you be sporting the hottest costume for spring? Prove it! There will be daily costume contests with excellent guest judges. I warn you now, the competition will be fierce.

So it’s Friday, March 18th, the opening day of C2E2 is over and the show floor is closed, and yet, you’re just not ready to go home and call it day. Keep the party going! Sugar Gamers is throwing a one of a kind event at Sakura Karaoke Lounge in Chinatown we refer to as “Power Play.” “Power Play” features free entry, Karaoke, food,video gaming and a free drink for those arriving in high cos play style. There will be a cos play contest with an Xbox + Kinect package prize for first place.

C2E2 is March 18th-20th at McCormick Place.  For a full roster of guests and details go to www.c2e2.com.  More details for Power Play to follow.

EA teamed up with Visceral to have the beloved Necromorphs skulking  around a populated space station this round.  The battle is no longer confined to the hallways of a mining vessel.  The space station is wide open with a full on community including churches and shops.  Dead Space truly distinguished itself as a horror sci-fi thriller with the creation of the Necromorphs who can drive humans mad just by the sight of them.  A truly hideous creature built to kill senselessly and brutally.

The Necromorphs have some tricks to say the least.  Think of the Stalkers in this game as raptors.  They hunt in packs, swipe at you from all directions and then slip away, negating any chance of a counter attack.  If you’re not careful they’ll tear you apart, you’ll have to devise a real strategy to keep them off Isaac’s back.

Speaking of Isaac, he’s not doing so hot.  Turns the marker he destroyed in the last game had a serious effect on his mind.  Out of nowhere he has hallucinations usually pertaining to his girlfriend.  He’s perception of reality is weakening, will he find a cure?  Well at least he has some good weapons to rely on.  Guns are always your friend in Dead Space but Stasis and Kinesis have been given some worthy upgrades.  Stasis is used to slow down enemies but now you get a slow recharge to give it more uses in a battle assuming you are carrying Stasis packs.  Kinesis will become a combst must have as now you can pick up objects and fling them where brute force is needed.

EA and Visceral stuck to the formula keeping the suspense cranked way up while promising more surprises and terror.  Controls should be very familiar however beware, you’ll never guess where your enemy will pop up next, they have way more wriggle room this time.  Dead Space will be terrorizing your homes January 25th, good luck trying to sleep

Crystal Dynamic has been sensing that Lara Croft has become a bit less relevant these days.  She used to stand out among the male protagonists, but not so much with all the hot new leading ladies in games these days.

CD’s solution?  A full on reboot putting Lara at the very beginning of her career.  The new Tomb Raider offers a slew of changes designed to evoke emotion from players.  CD felt that Lara was a bit too invincible and that her exterior was too thick.  In the new game, Lara should come off as more human and fragile.  The genre name given although the game is still an action adventure is “action survivor.”  The main emotion conveyed in the game is desperation and a need to survive.  Lara has taken to the sea with her mentor and a crew of explorers.  Unfortunately the vessel is shipwrecked.  We catch up with Lara awakening from the disaster.  We follow her grunting and groaning through the painful and dangerous task of traversing her surroundings.  Her signature smirk is said to be gone and is instead replaced with a look of insecurity.

As a matter of fact, Lara has a whole new look.  It’s a little bit more on the sweet side.  She’s not outfitted with guns or her signature shorts and sunglasses.  She looks more demure and certainly less experienced.  Crystal treaded very carefully while giving Lara her upgrade knowing fans would be skeptical.  Looking more like a student traveling through Europe in a sensible tank top and khaki pants.

Back to the matter at hand, Lara has awoken all alone and after a shipwreck only to discover hundreds of plane and ship carcases scattered across this mysterious island.  The environment is bleak, grey and very dangerous.  One of Crystal’s goals was to eliminate the illusion of free movement and give players the real deal, complete with a free aim system when it comes to weapons and actions.  The leash is off, can you handle it?  There are some functions that will be familiar to Tomb Raider veterans, for example burning away webs or fabric from your path.  Along the way Lara will encounter tragedy and she will respond with more emotion than the Lara we’ve come to know.  The game is said to end on a cliffhanger scene.

Will Tomb Raider fans understand and accept this young fresh Lara?  A few things to keep in mind, she is inexperienced which does account for a less confident strut amongst the ruins.  She has not yet tasted all the losses that we’ve scene her go through.  I will tell you, from the looks of her, I can’t say I would recognize her at all if someone hadn’t told me who it was.  The shots I see of her, there’s no mischief or quip in her eyes, not even a hint.  However, Crystal Dynamic stands behind this reboot hoping to make our beloved Lara Croft the “it” girl once again.