It's been a while since we last heard anything from Activision's Soldier of Fortune: Pay Back(PC, PS3, Xbox 360). Now, it seems that the sequel to one of the more exciting FPS games of the last generation is coming together pretty well, as seen in this first ever gameplay video of Soldier of Fortune: Pay Back.

This time around, things are considerably smoother and brighter, and the FPS action definitely more solid. The explosions come out quick and fast, and there's definitely a lot of blood. Here's hoping, then, that it comes with the same Soldier of Fortune flavor that sets it apart from the other FPS games this generation - despite the fact that it's not Raven Software doing the developing.

Embed's below, you know what to do. Enjoy!

Details are still pretty sketchy, but it looks like Activision's Value division is making plans to release a new Soldier of Fortune FPS game for the PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. Different this time around will be the choice of studio - Activision has chosen Cauldron (History Channel: Civil War) to be the game's developer in place of Raven Software, the devs who were behind Pay Back's predecessor, Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix.

That much on game details we know, aside from a posting over at EBGames and GameStop which dates SoF: Pay Back's multi-platform release for November.

SoF: Double Helix, for the guys new to the franchise, is a tactical FPS originally released for Windows PCs and the Xbox console back in 2002. The game was based on other popular FPS' of the time such as Counter-Strike and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six, and ran under a Quake III engine. Stay tuned in case we receive word on updates for this new title under works.

 

From the fame of Star Wars: Jedi Knight series, Quake 4, and several other titles: Raven Software is developing a new game under the wraps based on Wolfenstein, reports WISC-TV.

Raven designers claim that they're using new motion-capture technology found in Marvel Ultimate Alliance, which they said to be an invaluable asset. While they won't name the title or give more details, Raven did reveal that actress Carrie Coon will be the star.

To create a virtual character out of the actress, Coon wears a spandex suit with 63 reflective markers while 24 infrared cameras capture her movements. "You recognize yourself in it a little bit, but then, there's this fantasy element that's so fascinating," she said while discussing about her digital counterpart that would have different skins and costumes. To make her digital avatar complete, Raven will use a state-of-the-art face scanner and transform Coon to an elite assassin in-game.

Coon had previous experience with Madison Repertory Theater and American Players Theater before she got chosen to be Raven's new babe. She testifies:

"They had me kind of bust through doors with big guns and pretend I was an assassin being that didn't have a spine and club a body of something on the ground and sniff it. You know, it was one of the most bizarre audition experiences I've ever had in my life."

That's all we could gather for now, Raven Software is really touchy about the details. Can't blame them, the video game scene is a tough competition and you wouldn't want your secrets out. We'll make sure to cover any new info that Raven will reveal, so keep your eyes peeled.

At this point in time, you've probably read or heard a thousand and seven-hundred forty three (way to go, Mr. Exaggeration) reviews on Marvel Ultimate Alliance from your friends, relatives, and maybe even from that Captain Planet summoner guy from the comments section. Most of us have a thing or two to say about our favorite superheroes.

This game has been around for quite some time now, and it's available on a whole lot of platforms. So what's going to be different this time around in this review? For one thing, I've been MIA in the Marvel scene ever since they started mixing things up with parallel dimensions, time shifts, and the whole idea of Jean Grey with her now-dead-now-alive-then-resurrected-after-getting-killed-twice (ad infinitum) plot development. Meh.

Tedious thing, trying to keep track of the story line in the comics, and so, this review is coming from the perspective of someone trying to go back to his roots. I'd want to get in touch with the Marvel universe once again and safe to say, I'm pretty much satisfied with this game (developed by Raven - the same guys responsible for X-Men Legends) as a reintroduction to the Stan Lee club.

Before anything though, let's get the usual stuff over with first: graphics, controls, the works. This being in the PS3 blog, do know that we're reviewing the PS3 version here. You can skip this part if you've played the game already... or not. This is where I talk about the stuff that you can either directly see, hear, or interact with.

Superheroes in tights - video games and eye candy:

First impression, of course, would have to be the opening cinematic of the game. By god, it's nothing but a cinematic in every sense. More cinematic than seeing Eric Bana turn green in front of a bathroom sink. Graphics aside, the video pits you right in the thick of things - in media res, as they say - and flip you with all the explosions to get your heart pumping and screaming "C'mon, man! Just let me play already!" But then, of course, exciting as it might be, you definitely wouldn't want to skip the cinematic. It's cool like that: 1080p is love.

More of the review - and the eventual conclusion of my return to my superhero fandom roots - behind the "Full Article" link. And we promise: no parallel universes and iffy time lines.

Look, the game has hit the stores. But some of us don't have it yet. So to tide us over, here's a Marvel: Ultimate Alliance video. Dubbed the "Smash Em Bash Em Gameplay HD", this vid (from October 24) has the smashing and bashing. If you want, we also posted the video after this: the October 25 Marvel: Ultimate Alliance "Behind the Scenes Featurette" (although there was nothing "ette" about that; it was big on action and news and Deadpool and Captain America and Stan Lee goodness).

As for this "Smash Em Bash Em" vid, it's one of the better gameplay videos we've seen, even though it's old.

1. The menu where you select your characters. It's a small auditorium where the heroes are standing (and/or floating) around in dramatic poses. Choose your warriors and head on to the mission.
2. Teamwork in action. Watch the team go in and beat some bad guys. Combo moves.
3. Fing Fang Foom.
4. A whole bunch of our favorite heroes. We were too busy fainting like little girls at the heroes and the amazing way their powers, poses, and coolest moves have been transformed into a good game. Don't believe us? Ask the Xbox 360 people.
   

Come to think of it, even QJ's resident "Justice League Unlimited" fanboy wrote an article about this game.

The Wii fanboys here are getting it for the Wii (launch title, November 19), the PS3 fanboys are getting it for the PS3 (launch title, November 17), and the sweaty-palmed Xbox 360 fanboys are not going to let any of the others play... (if you haven't been paying attention, it already hit the stores). And spread the word to your PSP and DS buddies to expect it, too - Nov. 7 for the PSP and Dec. 4 for the DS.

Finally, since I haven't been lucky enough to get my hands on the Xbox 360 controller, if any of you out there has already tried this game, do share what you're thinking. That's what the comments system is for, hehe.

Pre-order: [Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for PS3]
Pre-order: [Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for Wii]
Buy: [Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for Xbox 360]

What happens when you go behind the scenes to find out more about a superhero's life? If said superhero was still working for the government (*ehemCaptainAmericaehem*), you'd probably die from some well-orchestrated hunting accident. It's a good thing we've got all these heroes under the employ of a giant commercial enterprise now, because you can be sure they won't have anything to hide from us.

So, what's in store for this new video of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance? You get to see a lot of fun gameplay portions, but you also get to hear from the developers about what it took to make the game and who their favorite characters are. Even more exciting is their discussion of some of the characters who aren't as well known in Marvel's universe, as well as some folks you've always wanted to see in a game, such as Deadpool, Blade, Ghost Rider, and the Black Panther. You'll also get a sneak peak at some of the alternate costumes of these guys, though Ghost Rider looked like he was wearing a pink robe in one of them.

Needless to say, if you love comics and action games, then Raven Software and Activision have made something every fanboy can be happy with, whether it be PS3, Xbox 360 or Wii. As for me, I intend to get a copy and play my dream team: Spider-Man, Iron Man, Colossus and Ghost Rider. How about you?



Pre-order: [Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for PS3]
Pre-order: [Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for Wii]
Buy: [Marvel: Ultimate Alliance for Xbox 360]

As the countdown for the release of the PS3 and the Wii closes in by the day, some of the the people over at Raven Software have put together a short trailer to show how their game, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, will be played on the PS3.

Featuring a whole array of characters from the Marvel Universe, players will be able to take command of their favorite heroes. With a selection that includes Captain America, Elektra, Luke Cage, Thor, and Warbird to name a few, one will have to go up against the forces of Dark Phoenix, Galactus, Enchantress, Ultron, Doctor Doom, and many others. So will good prevail? It's all up to you.

One interesting thing about this video is how it shows the player having to tilt, raise, and lower the SIXAXIS in order to execute his heroes' moves. Don't get me wrong. We know that the PS3 controller boasts of its tilt sensors and all, but doesn't this look a little uncomfortable? Considering that the SIXAXIS already has numerous buttons to begin with, unlike the bare-essentials design of the Wiimote, will the player have to mash those buttons AND move the controller in order to play this game?

I suppose we'll all find out once Ultimate Alliance gets released by November 17 as a release title for the PS3, so in the meantime, let's enjoy some eye candy.

Download: [Marvel: Ultimate Alliance official trailer for the PS3]

November 16, 2006 just feels like such a long wait, especially now that developers Raven Software and Vicarious Visions along with publisher Activision have released a bunch of high-definition character previews for their action-adventure role-playing game, Marvel Ultimate Alliance. The one we have available for download below is for our favourite wall-crawling, wisecracking, trash-talking, upside-down kissing, geek turned hero, Spidey!

The video features a few of his moves. Most notable is the one where he kicks an opponent into the air, suspends him from the ceiling via webbing, and then treats him the same way a boxer would a punching bag. Fun stuff, people. It also has a few snippets of cutscenes we might be seeing in the 7th gen versions of the game.

Almost makes you want to sing doesn't it?

Spider-man... Spider-man... Does whatever a spider can. Spins a web any size. Catches thieves just like flies. Look out, here comes the Spiderman. Is he strong? Listen bud, he's got radioactive blood. Can he swing from a thread ? Take a look overhead. Hey, there! There goes the Spider-man!

Watch the video, much coolness.

Download [Marvel Ultimate Alliance Spider-man HD Video]

Well, if you're a comic book fan, and love to draw, now seems to be the best chance for you to get in on the action. Activision and Raven Software's Marvel: Ultimate Alliance website recently opened up a fan art section for people to send in their artwork on their favorite characters.

Since there are 140 characters in the Ultimate Alliance game, there's bound to be someone you like seeing more often, whether it be the voluptuous Rogue (PLEASE LET HER SHOW UP!) or your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Just grab a pencil and sketch something, or send your watercolor painting of the X-Men even... chances are, they'll want to show it to the world. In any case, the section's still pretty new, so there's only one picture there at the moment (see above pic), but if you're itching to have your 15 minutes of fame and maybe give a fanboy something to drool about, there doesn't seem to be a better place for it than on the Marvel: Ultimate Alliance website.

Stay tuned, Marvel fans, as we get you the latest news for this multi-platform action RPG!

Good luck, and get drawing!

Activision announced today that Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, Raven Software's highly anticipated action/RPG, has just been scored by a trio of award-winning composers.

Chance Thomas (Peter Jackson's King Kong, Lord of the Rings series), Cris Velasco (God of War) and Mark Griskey (Best of LucasArts Original Soundtrack) produced over 50 minutes of original music for the game, including the superhero and boss battle themes, multiple game level themes, and in-game cinematics.

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance will be the first superhero game available this fall for all next-gen gaming systems. If you're interested in knowing about musical scores for other games, you might find this previous article interesting. Check it out.