Take 2 is a new weekly roundup of the biggest news in gaming. This weeks takes are from GameZombie writers Cody Toothman (Take 1) and Nick Bowersox (Take 2).
It’s been a few weeks since E3 and the gaming industry is itching for another chance to dramatically announce more information about the games they just dramatically announced. Lucky for them, ComicCon just came to a close and the blogs are all aflutter with new trailers and information about this coming year’s big titles.
In honor of the weekend of geekery that occurred in San Diego, this week’s Take 2 is dedicated to the GZ’ers that know who created adamantium and the difference between Dick Grayson and Tim Drake. This one is for you, comic book nerds:
Voice Actors for DC Universe Announced
"We meet again, Batman. And again, and again, and again."
Those familiar to the DC universe in any kind of animated form whether it be computer or cartoon are familiar with certain, memorable, voices giving life to their favorite characters. DC Universe Online has continued this trend with the confirmed participation of Mark Hamil and Kevin Conroy as the Joker and Batman. They also added in people you are used to seeing physically on the screen with the additions of James Marsters, Adam Baldwin, and Gina Torres. The only thing left to wonder is who’s next?
Take 1:
As soon as I saw that Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamil were there I was sold. What’s not to like already? A surprising, yet welcome, addition was James Marsters as Lex Luthor. I was probably going to pick up the game anyway, but based on the talent it turned into a must play.
I’ve always had a love for the DC Universe, mostly Batman, and this game sounds like it will have what DC fans are looking for. It even has some of what Joss Whedon fans are looking for with some voice talent coming from previous projects. The nerd in me is getting giddy. Congrats to Sony for yanking me in full force instead of letting me be indecisive.
Take 2:
First thing that comes into mind when I see the cast: Mark Hamil had the time to reprise his role as the Joker from Arkham Asylum and The Animated Series? Splitting his time between this, Metalocalypse, and The New Woody Woodpecker Show must have been a real struggle. Downward-spiraling career aside, Hamil’s work as the Joker has a special place in my childhood Saturday morning cartoon days so I’m happy to see this.
Besides the obvious geek-grabbing ploy that rests in the former Luke Skywalker, the Whedonverse has also been tapped for some talent with three voice actors coming from one of Joss Whedon’s cult classics. Adam Baldwin, best known for his work in Firefly as mercenary Jayne Cobb will be the voice of Superman while Firefly costar Gina Torres has taken the role of Wonder Woman. Rounding up the geekbait is James Marsters, the peroxide blonde anti-hero from Buffy: The Vampire Slayer who will be lending his talents as the voice of Lex Luthor.
Sony knows their audience for this game, and they’re making all the right moves to pull them in.
Final Dimension for Spiderman: Shattered Dimensions Revealed
The BP oil spill has affected all animals, even spiders
Activision’s drawn-out reveal of the four playable dimensions in Spiderman: Shattered Dimensions has finally ended at ComicCon. Alongside web-slinging in the Amazing, Noir, and 2099 dimensions, players will be taking a trip to the restart of the classic Spiderman franchise in the Ultimate universe. The Ultimate universe will be cel-shaded and the famous Symbiote suit will be playable, providing some additional fighting techniques.
Take 1:
This sounds like it could do for a symbiote suit what Sam Raimi could not, make it fun and interesting. Regardless about how some of us may feel about Activision this is too good to overlook. The Amazing and Noir dimensions sound like they are enough to keep my attention tethered to my TV screen while I’m playing it. I’m always wary of Spiderman games though because as we all know there have been more mediocre or bad than there have been good.
I like the idea of four different playable dimensions for the web-slinger because it’s adding a new element to the Spidey games. I applaud them for just trying something exciting instead of the same old stuff time and time again. Don’t let me down Activision.
Take 2:
Symbiote suit. Honestly, can a Spiderman game survive without a playable symbiote suit? The answer is irrelevant, because Activision knows better than to ever find out. Although the suit is a fan favorite, I think the decision to use it most likely came with variety in mind. Considering the similarity between the Amazing and Ultimate universes from a gameplay perspective, allowing the players to don the symbiote suit gives the final dimension some unique combat elements. From the trailers released so far, Ultimate Spidey gets new ranged attacks and a generally more aggressive fighting style.
Other than the new duds, I’m digging the cel-shaded art direction for the Ultimate universe. If anyone remembers the short-lived Spiderman series on MTV, it’s very similar. In comics, artists change throughout the years and in turn, so does the look of a series. Shattered Dimensions seems to be a nod to this constantly evolving art form with the drastically different stylistic decisions for each universe.
New Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Characters
Johnny? Sue? Mr. Incredible? Help...
Capcom announced four new characters at ComicCon, including two major villains from the Fantastic Four series. Super Skrull and Dr. Doom have made it into Marvel’s roster in Marvel vs. Capcom 3. Both look to have a nice move set and also seem to have their own merits and combat abilities. From the looks of things Capcom just plans on revealing a few characters at a time, but they chose two of the best on the Marvel side to debut at ComicCon. Who could possibly say that they don’t like Dr. Doom or Super Skrull?
Take 1:
This series of games is among my favorite and with their inclusion of some of the best comic book characters it makes me nerd out to the point of barely functioning. Dr. Doom was always one of my favorite villains so I’m more than happy to see his ass kicking action coming to consoles everywhere very soon. He’ll be a powerhouse to be sure, and I think playing as him will be able to yield a Doom like arrogance whenever you win just because that’s what Doom would do.
Super Skrull will also be interesting. He has a bit of versatility from the looks of him so you can probably utilize him against a lot of team combinations. Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is looking to have a very impressive roster of combatants and I can’t wait to see the carnage unleashed in all of its glory. The quick paced combat was one of the things that drew me to its predecessor afterall.
Take 2:
In the trailers that have been released at ComicCon, Dr. Doom seems to be the most impressive new character. The guy is massive — like, Zangeif-dwarfing massive. His specials are a mixture of energy blasts and sheer strength and really showcase MvC3’s seizure-inducing art direction.
In the Marvel world, the Skrulls are pretty universally hated by super heroes, so the addition of Super Skrull definitely helps tip the hero to villain ratio towards the bad guys. His attacks are a combination of something from each member of the Fantastic 4 which makes for a complex character to control and an extremely annoying opponent.
Final Take
As the final bit of news rolls out of the San Diego Convention Center, it looks like a good year for comic book video games. Though some of these games are still a long way from coming out, the new videos and announcements coming from ComicCon remind us that we’ve got some quality titles to look forward to. Take 2 will be back next week with yet another roundup of all things awesome, specifically all things awesome in gaming.
- NB