As noted, it’s a huge week for PlayStation 3 gamers. Not only are you getting a not so bad slice of blatant, yet enjoyable fan service, but a of the definite candidate for game of the year 2012. Oh, there’s also Silent Hill’s last chance to redeem itself; you Xbox 360 folks get to share in that joy as well.
So what does one do when they’ve crafted four fun-filled, yet still hard boiled Japanese gangster simulators? You do a fifth, but add zombies to the mix! Truth be told, many wondered if Yakuza: Dead Souls would even be completed. In the midst of development, Japan was rocked by the huge earthquake and tsunami (yesterday was its one year anniversary, btw), and many figured that a game that depicted a major Japanese city racked by death and destruction wouldn’t be all that cool to continue on with. Thankfully, the makers stayed the course by doing what needed to be done, and that was keeping their loyal fan base entertained. The end result is the same old, same old, but with the undead deftly inserted into the mix. Don’t expect Resident Evil scares, mostly Dead Rising-like yucks. Though you can also expect a greater emphasis on shooting than before. PS3
Let’s be honest: the Silent Hill series has been in serious decline in recent years. Almost nothing has come close to touching the majesty of part 2, which was 11 years ago. Pretty much everything ever since has stunk, like to the point that Shattered Memories, the best post part 2 entry was unfairly ignored sheerly based on the assumption it must suck. The upcoming Vita version, which throws everything out the window for a multiplayer, dungeon crawler, looks to be the final nail in the franchise’s coffin. But the first proper installment in a while does hold some potential. Instead of being some love sick sack or less than wonderful single parent, you’re a convict that finds himself stranded in Silent Hill, which is at least a bit different. And word on the street is that it’s not bad! Which is a shock, given that the developer’s only previous title was that horrible Rush’n Attack revival and with a theme song by Korn. PS3, Xbox 360
So here’s a game that quite frankly, is like no other. You basically are on a journey, as the name of the game implies; everyone has the same ultimate goal, getting from point A to B. But it will be a completely unique experience, each and every time, and for every person. Aside from the genuinely jaw-dropping visuals, the gorgeous music, and the “less is more” attitude that guides the overall experience (you are given virtually nothing in the realm of context, so it’s up to you to fill in the blanks with your imagination), is its unique attitude towards the multiplayer experience. You can’t talk to each other and you won’t even know who the other is. Though funny enough, you’ll form a stronger bond than anyone in any clan you’ll come across in Modern Warfare 3. Weird, huh? Journey is a game that EVERYONE will be talking about, for the rest of the year at least, and that’s a guaranteed fact. PS3
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What’s New In Games: Yakuza, Silent Hill, Journey